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ChristopherPaul · #48 (**permalink**) 01-25-2008, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by larryjf

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChristopherPaul

This is inline with my thoughts as I look at the site.

I am encouraged that such a resource is available; however, I do not agree that a person is qualified to be an ordained Teaching Elder after completing such a curriculum. There is much more required to be prepared for such a calling than reading certain books, listening to lectures and writing essays.

I think such a program is outstanding for the layman who aspires to be in a non-pastoral office such as Deacon or Ruling elder or even just to better equip him in general.

Perhaps you could be more specific as to what else should be required from a school. It's hard to improve the program with general remarks...with more specifics we can work to improve the program.

I am not a seminarian, but other than the time management and self-discipline that is required (which is necessary for any educational pursuit) I find the curriculum to be generally simple. If I were to become a full-time student, then such requirements for an MDiv would not be so taxing. I say this to reiterate the point others have made that this seems to be a scaled down program compared to the costly accredited institutions. 1,000 word essays and 5,000 word essays are not too much to ask at all. I remember Dr. McMahon mentioning that while he was in seminary he was required to write three sentences for every paragraph of Berkof's Systematic. That is quite the requirement but can only be effective.

My suggestion is that if you really intend for this to be equivalent (as far as degree obtained) to the accredited institutions, require what they require. It is a lot of work, but in many cases the student can not help but know the material if they complete the assignment.

The other reasons I feel this can not replace traditional seminary education are the same reasons that have been belabored in past threads regarding distance education versus on campus education. Pastoral candidates require human interaction. Some of the greatest minds have the worst people skills. How will this seminary prepare students in rhetoric and social interaction?

Again, I am very encouraged by this and would recommend it for the layman and church officer. It is the issuing of equivalent seminary degrees that concerns me.