What Is a Scholar?

[John of Japan]

As Sheldon Cooper would say “fun fact, Einstein never held a PHD”

When he turned his dissertation in, they ultimately gave it back to him with the words “fanciful and irrelevant written in large red letters”

Only about 7-8 people all over the world understood what he was saying at that time.

And as they say, “and now you know, the rest, of the story”

Nowadays maybe ten understand (being facetious).

 

[John of Japan]

Lol

Quick witted.

I’m reminded off a story in a Spurgeon biography I read. Late in life (he died in his early 50’s?) he fell head over heals down some steps, knocked out a couple of teeth and coins in his pocket ended up in his boot.

He commented, “ painless dentistry and change to boot”, or words to that effect.

I never been quick witted like that and sort of every those that have that talent.

Peace to you

Legend says a Presbyterian fell down the stairs, picked himself up, brushed himself off and said, "Glad that's over with!"

 

[JonC]

Built up your arm muscles rather than your mental muscles?

My son says there is very little practical difference nowadays. You can do a PhD with an emphasis on theology.

The muscles have been replaced with fat since I retired

That is unfortunate (that there is little difference). I liked the idea of a PhD in theology having a broader academic focus and the ThD having more of a practical application.

I don't know why. I guess I'm one of those category guys. I considered a PhD focusing in theology at one time (but it was mostly for my self interest and I decided to hold the money for my son's education). That was a more practical decision as I would not have used the degree.

 

[Jerome]

Used to be seminaries offered the ThD and universities the PhD, but nowadays both offer both.

Seminaries and university schools of divinity would offer ThD, university departments of religion would offer PhD.
Almost all seminaries and divinity schools have abandoned ThD and hopped on the PhD bandwagon now.

Association of Theological Schools, only 5 of nearly 300 members currently offer a ThD.

The SBC's Golden Gate and Southern seminaries in the mid-1900s offered a STD (Doctor of Sacred Theology), which a few Roman Catholic schools in the U.S. still do.

At SBTS, ThD and STD were replaced by PhD circa 1974.
[pp. 58-59 http://media2.sbhla.org.s3.amazonaws.com/annuals/SBC_Annual_1974.pdf ]