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South African Theological Seminary

Discussion in 'Baptist Colleges & Seminaries' started by Phillip, Oct 31, 2002.

  1. Phillip

    Phillip <b>Moderator</b>

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    For those of you who are considering education to further your skills and knowledge, but have limited money, try the South African Theological Seminary (I will try to find the link for you.) It is a conservative Bible believing seminary that is small, but its courses are difficult and not designed for those who do not have motivation to study without supervision. Because of the exchange rate differences, the cost is extremely cost effective...approximately $7 or $8 dollars per credit hour. I took an entire overview of the Old Testament (23 credit hours) for less than $200 not including the books that I found used on ebay and amazon (four books required).

    The college teaches KJV only, but does not dwell on the subject, so it is really not an issue, except that you are required to do your studies with the KJV, which I don't find to be a problem. Their beliefs all seem to be very close to Baptist and you will enjoy their assignments. For instance, one assignment was to write a letter as if you are David writing to Bathsheba about your life. By giving different perspectives on subjects you tend to do a lot of thinking. I have learned more about the Old Testament in the last year than I ever would without the course.

    Does anybody else have any experience with this school? It appears to be affiliated with the University of South Africa. Most of the assignments are in essay form and you will have to find a mentor (another preacher--if you are one) your regular preacher will do if you are not. He will be sent the final class tests and supervise your testing and mail it for you, certifying that you did the work on your own. Besides that, most of the grading is based on essays and if you are good at writing you can do well.

    I don't know how highly rated the degrees are, but I do know that I am learning a LOT based on the good books used as course materials which require a lot of research. That's why I am taking it anyway, besides, it is all I can afford.
     
  2. Dr. Bob

    Dr. Bob Administrator
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    Appreciate the input and look forward to a link to examine it further. [​IMG]
     
  3. Phillip

    Phillip <b>Moderator</b>

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    http://www.sats.edu.za

    They also own www.christianlounge.com where you get a free membership for enrolling in the university. I believe they are connected with the University of Zululand (I believe is the correct name.) At least that is where the diplomas are issued from.

    I noticed a quote from a Bible on the front website and it appeared to be from a modern version, So, their KJVO direction may have changed somewhat. I had dropped out completely due to losses in my family this year and they let me continue by giving me the new course package and didn't charge me any re-enrollment fees what-so-ever. I have had the impression from every contact I have had with them that I am talking (or e-mailing) a real Christian who believes very much like we Baptists believe. The courses are not a breeze, you will have to work and you will have to spend a lot of real time studying and working. Homework is 80% while tests are 20% of your total score. Most work is essay work or writing outlines for Chapters and timelines, etc.

    My course, as I said before is, A Survey of the Old-Testament which is 24 credit hours and expected to take at least 240 real hours of study. Based on my work, it is taking longer since the homework is based on four thick books besides the Bible. Regardless of the rating of the college, which I would like to know more about, I am very happy with the amount knowledge I am gaining. It is worth the time, and especially worth the money. I hope the theologians on the baptist-board give it a good review and if they do, I highly recommend it for all, not just people with limited funds.

    By the way, there are courses and 'tracks' for Christian life and other areas besides church leadership, so it is not limited to church officials, but all Christians.
     
  4. TomVols

    TomVols New Member

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    Didn't appear to be KJVO since they have a verse out of the NIV on their mainpage :D

    I have heard of a lot of folks looking at South African schools because they are solid on distance education and relatively cheap. I'm not ruling it out for a doctorate.
     
  5. Phillip

    Phillip <b>Moderator</b>

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    Yes, I caught the NIV verse on the front page. Maybe they are modernizing to attract more students...... :rolleyes:

    Anyway, I highly recommend their courses, they do require a LOT of study, reading and writing. If nothing more than just learning Biblical Theology they seem pretty sound.

    I would like to hear from anybody else who has had any experience. They may be an EXCELLENT opportunity for preachers or staff who cannot afford private universities. $7.00 per hour plus books is NOT BAD. [​IMG]
     
  6. All about Grace

    All about Grace New Member

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    I have some friends who have obtained a PhD from USA (that is University of South Africa and not the good ole US of A [​IMG] ). The program is not as demanding as acquiring one in an American institution. I believe if you are accepted, the fundamental requirement is the dissertation. It is worth investigating. But you must be extremely self-motivated. I still maintain a good American school PhD is the best option.

    BTW, Dr. Patterson has a doctorate from USA ......Dorothy Patterson that is :D
     
  7. TomVols

    TomVols New Member

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    Would this school's accreditation meet the test necessary for cross-accreditation acceptance here in the US?
     
  8. Jim1999

    Jim1999 <img src =/Jim1999.jpg>

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    Tom,

    The degrees are actually awarded by the University of South Africa which would enjoy the same accreditation as many other foreign schools.

    The other thing that troubled me was the word "charismatic" on their website.

    Cheers,

    Jim
     
  9. Phillip

    Phillip <b>Moderator</b>

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    I caught that too, but the class I have been taking: Old Testament Studies--which obviously would not have as much "charisma" haha, is very good and the books for the course are mostly written by Southern Baptist Seminary professors. I must say there is nothing easy about the courses--many, many hours of study and writing essay form homework.
     
  10. Speedpass

    Speedpass Active Member
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    Didn't Paige and Dorothy Patterson do doctoral work there?
     
  11. Jim1999

    Jim1999 <img src =/Jim1999.jpg>

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    I must say there is nothing easy about the courses--many, many hours of study and writing essay form homework.

    _____________________________________________

    Phillip:

    In my opinion, a course of study is worth what you gain from it, rather than whether or not a school is accredited by some body.

    I know some men who are well degreed from respected schools, and I wouldn't give tuppence for their worth. Yet others, who scarcely made it to grammar school, and did marvellous things for God.

    The church that wants me by degree, is not the church I want to serve. Let it be known, however, I am for as much education as one can obtain, but let education be a means rather than an end, that we may best serve Him.

    Cheers, and good study to you,

    Jim

    [ November 11, 2002, 01:14 PM: Message edited by: Jim1999 ]
     
  12. Dr. Bob

    Dr. Bob Administrator
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    Statement on "rigorous" academic work - 24 credit class would demand 240 hours.

    That, my friend, is laughable. I have taught undergraduate work in accredited USA colleges in recent years. Example: 3 credit class = 45 hours of face-to-face instruction + 90 hours of outside work.

    This is standard and should be typical for such classes. That would translate into 1000 hours (approx) for your 24-credit program, not a mere 240.

    This is part of the problem with distance education. It lacks credibility by its own "shortcut" mentality. If you want an educaiton, you have to put in the time, and there are very few UWW (university without walls) programs that are so demanding.

    And, of course, those are more expensive, too. :rolleyes:
     
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