<![CDATA[The PuritanBoard - Seminaries, Colleges & Education]]> http://www.puritanboard.com/ Questions and discussions about various schools and learning en Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:12:41 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.puritanboard.com/images/retro/misc/rss.jpg <![CDATA[The PuritanBoard - Seminaries, Colleges & Education]]> http://www.puritanboard.com/ Any current RTS Jackson students out there? http://www.puritanboard.com/f55/any-current-rts-jackson-students-out-there-55570/ Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:28:29 GMT I am starting the MDIV program at RTS jackson this summer, 2010. Any current or new RTS Jackson students out there? Tom Von Stroh I am starting the MDIV program at RTS jackson this summer, 2010. Any current or new RTS Jackson students out there?

Tom Von Stroh ]]> Von Stroh http://www.puritanboard.com/f55/any-current-rts-jackson-students-out-there-55570/ Attending a fellowship but desiring to go under care http://www.puritanboard.com/f55/attending-fellowship-but-desiring-go-under-care-55500/ Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:44:17 GMT Howdy PB'ers ,

I would like to get some hear some of the sanctified horse sense that tends to float around on the pages of the Puritanboard. I am currently attending a small fellowship that is not under any denomination. My pastor is a honorably retired PCA pastor, but the location we are at just does not seem to be very hospitable for Presbyterian church growth. God willing, in the future, this will change, but as with the time that is left between me and seminary (roughly 2 years), I am not sure if my church will be big enough to be organized as a mission under the PCA,OPC, etc.. .

Now, I am planning on attending, God willing, Westminster Philadelphia and I know that traditionally it is desirable in the discernment process that one go under care of a presbytery, which I would happily do, but seeing as how we are not under a denomination as of now, that is not possible. Have any of you, especially pastors, gone through a similar situation. I am planning on having an in depth conversation with my pastor about it, but I was just wanting to seek some wisdom from the men who have been there and done that as well. Thanks guys!

Grace and Peace,

Sam ]]> s.morris http://www.puritanboard.com/f55/attending-fellowship-but-desiring-go-under-care-55500/ High School Bible Resources http://www.puritanboard.com/f55/high-school-bible-resources-55490/ Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:04:16 GMT I am applying for a job as a high school Bible teacher in Chicago at a Christian school. In the application, they ask what types of curriculum I prefer. I am not a fan of Bob Jones or ABeka book. ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International)... I am applying for a job as a high school Bible teacher in Chicago at a Christian school. In the application, they ask what types of curriculum I prefer. I am not a fan of Bob Jones or ABeka book. ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) curriculum isn't bad, but I was wondering if there is better material out there. I would prefer to use my own curriculum, but I thought I would ask you. What do you homeschoolers use for high school Bible? ]]> CubsIn07 http://www.puritanboard.com/f55/high-school-bible-resources-55490/ Discernment Regarding Liberal Seminary http://www.puritanboard.com/f55/discernment-regarding-liberal-seminary-55471/ Sun, 15 Nov 2009 02:14:07 GMT Hello to all on the PurtianBoard! (This is actually my first post, so I'm sorry if I approach it "wrong"- I've never been a big poster in forums!) I am a recent member who has quietly been reading through posts and asking questions of various members here on the forum about a large concern of mine. Recently I started seminary at Pittsburgh Seminary and have been quite bothered with what I've experienced so far. There are several faithful faculty here at the seminary to Reformed Theology, but by and large I have witnessed a high degree of liberalism. I knew this would be the case to some degree in coming here, but as far as financial concerns every door seemed to fly open for me to come here (Full tuition, housing, books) and several mentors in my life felt that even with the mix of bad theology that I would hear, by God's grace I would be able to withstand and remain faithful, strong, and true to the gospel and come out equipped as a minister for Christ's church and kingdom.

As of now, I've become quite bothered with what I continually hear in classes and do not agree with most of the time. My chief concern is that I have come to be prepared tas a minister of God's word and that I will not be adequately equipped to do so in 3 years time. With such thoughts as the scriptures being fallible, late date archeological dating, low Christology and spirituality based on extra-Biblical ideas, you can see why I'm concerned seeing as I've been here only one term! In addition, there seems to be a low emphasis on pastoral theology, Biblical exegesis, and preaching... which all 3 of those are important aspects to a future pastor of a congregation.

Mainly I am wondering if there are people out there who have gone to seminary and experienced some of what I previously mentioned. Did you end up transferring schools (as I am seriously considering), and if not, how has it impacted your ministry in the years after seminary? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated for I feel like I'm mildly "locked in" at PTS seeing that I am under care of a PC(USA) presbytery, have free schooling, and as of now do feel called to be a light in the darkness of this denomination. Right now I am prayerfully seeking His discernment as to how He is leading me to proceed and would love to hear other's experiences in how God called them in regards to similar experiences with seminary education

_____________________
Billy
Inquirer in Presbyterian Church (USA)
Colonial Presbyterian Church
Pittsburgh, PA ]]> ReformingFlatlander http://www.puritanboard.com/f55/discernment-regarding-liberal-seminary-55471/ <![CDATA[Constructivism & Language Learning]]> http://www.puritanboard.com/f55/constructivism-language-learning-55463/ Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:37:27 GMT I'm a first-year composition instructor and I'm looking at
various philosophies of learning --for my own understanding
and for a paper that I'm going to write.

Can anyone tell me what's "right" and/or what's "wrong"
with Constructivism?

The "Whole Language" approach to learning seems to be
Constructivist in nature, and I'd like to know if there is
some truth behind their presuppositions.

Below is an article (from Wikipedia) on what W.L. is.

Thanks,
Matthew

"Whole language is an educational philosophy that is complex to describe, particularly because it is informed by multiple research fields including but not limited to education, linguistics, psychology, sociology, and anthropology. Several strands run through most descriptions of whole language:

focus on making meaning in reading and expressing meaning in writing;
constructivist approaches to knowledge creation, emphasizing students' interpretations of text and free expression of ideas in writing (often through daily journal entries).
emphasis on high-quality and culturally-diverse literature;
integrating literacy into other areas of the curriculum, especially math, science, and social studies;
frequent reading, (a) with students in small "guided reading" groups, (b) to students with "read alouds," and (c) by students independently;
"reading and writing for real purposes;

focus on motivational aspects of literacy, emphasizing the love of books and engaging reading materials;
meaning-centered whole to part to whole instruction where phonics are taught contextually in "embedded" phonics (different from decontextualized phonics); and
emphasis on using and understanding the meaning making role of phonics, grammar, spelling, capitalization and punctuation in diverse social contexts." ]]> amishrockstar http://www.puritanboard.com/f55/constructivism-language-learning-55463/ <![CDATA[Liberty University's Ph.D. Program]]> http://www.puritanboard.com/f55/liberty-universitys-ph-d-program-55319/ Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:15:08 GMT Just as a curiosity/info-gathering question: If someone is familiar enough with Liberty University's Ph.D. program, I would like to see opinions, recommendations, etc. on this thread. (Note: I am not stating this as a question in order to avoid the wrath of Josh ;) ).

It appears to be an accredited program. I cannot see if there is a language requirement. It is "blended" (distance plus one-week intensive on-campus courses). I would have problems with the statement of faith (disagree over things like the church and eschatology), so I am wondering if others here have had to jump this hurdle and if there were problems. Of course, it is not Reformed, and I have my doubts about the nature of the apologetics program. If anyone could offer up some knowledge, it would be greatly appreciated. ]]> Marrow Man http://www.puritanboard.com/f55/liberty-universitys-ph-d-program-55319/ <![CDATA[Is it OK to Attend Seminary While Discerning One's Call?]]> http://www.puritanboard.com/f55/ok-attend-seminary-while-discerning-ones-call-54959/ Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:22:22 GMT I am nearly certain (about 99.9%) that I want to pursue a seminary education. However, I am not certain whether or not I am called to go into vocational ministry. I am currently looking at Mid-America Reformed Seminary because it's really the only Reformed seminary close to me, and I have no desire to relocate at this time. They have the traditional MDiv degree and a MTS (Master of Theological Studies) degree. The MTS degree follows either a theological track or a Biblical studies track; both of which are essentially subsets of the MDiv program. Like most seminaries, their primary goal is to train men for the pastorate.

However, I am just not 100% certain that is where I need (or want) to go. There are times that I desire it very strongly, but there are also times where I dread it because of the awesome responsibility it entails. I do know this for certain (100.0%); I do NOT want to be doing what I am currently doing (working in IT). It is just not my heart's desire to do this. I am grateful for my job and I don't despise it, but more often than not, it's a means to an end.

Is it odd or unheard of to attend seminary while determining one's call? Say, for instance, I pursue the MTS degree and later on decide (or determine) that I am called into full-time ministry; it would be no big deal to complete the requirements for the MDiv. However, if I don't feel called (or that call isn't confirmed externally), I will still have the MTS degree; if nothing else comes of it, I will (at the very least) be a well informed layman (maybe even elder material).

My main reason for wanting to attend seminary is to receive a formal and guided training in the Bible and theology. I have done a lot of self-teaching, but I crave the intellectual interchange and fellowship of the academic setting. I don't particularly like online or distance learning; I've tried it, but in my mind, nothing beats the live interchange of ideas and interacting with professors and fellow students.

Anyway, your thoughts would be appreciated!
Thanks!!! ]]> carlgobelman http://www.puritanboard.com/f55/ok-attend-seminary-while-discerning-ones-call-54959/ New Office Hours: Steve Baugh on Confessing the Reformed Faith and NT Scholarship http://www.puritanboard.com/f55/new-office-hours-steve-baugh-confessing-reformed-faith-nt-scholarship-54948/ Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:50:10 GMT Steve Baugh is professor of NT at Westminster Seminary California
(Westminster Seminary California faculty).

Here's the podcast: http://netfilehost.com/wscal/OfficeH...02.09Baugh.mp3

You can subscribe to Office Hours via iTunes or via RSS.

More info here:

Westminster Audio: Office Hours - a monthly audio with faculty members of Westminster Seminary California

More info about Steve's work, including links to some of his popular and academic writing here:

New Office Hours: Steve Baugh on Confessing the Reformed Faith and Doing NT Scholarship Heidelblog ]]> R. Scott Clark http://www.puritanboard.com/f55/new-office-hours-steve-baugh-confessing-reformed-faith-nt-scholarship-54948/ Western Reformed Seminary Unveils New Website http://www.puritanboard.com/f55/western-reformed-seminary-unveils-new-website-54908/ Sat, 31 Oct 2009 20:04:46 GMT This announcement was sent out today by Dr. John Battle, President of WRS: On this Reformation Day of 2009, Western Reformed Seminary is happy to announce the unveiling of our new, totally redesigned website (Western Reformed Seminary : Personal... This announcement was sent out today by Dr. John Battle, President of WRS:

On this Reformation Day of 2009, Western Reformed Seminary is happy to announce the unveiling of our new, totally redesigned website (Western Reformed Seminary : Personal Touch... Pastoral Vision). WRS, located in Tacoma, Washington, is the approved seminary for the Bible Presbyterian Church for the training of its ministers and other workers. The seminary also serves other Bible-believing Reformed and Presbyterian churches.

In addition to a new design, the website now includes new content and many new features. All past issues of the WRS Journal are available, indexed by author and totally searchable. The seminary also has posted all its course syllabi for public use, including class notes for the entire Bible, theology, and church history curriculum. The seminary’s Catalog, handbooks, and student enrollment forms are available online. The audio section includes all of the Ronald W. Taber Lecture Series in addition to various other conference lectures. A popular feature is a Bible Reading Plan, which divides the Bible into daily readings of similar length, arranged chronologically.

Because of the total redesign, the web addresses of most pages have changed. The best way to reach all the pages is through the home page, Western Reformed Seminary : Personal Touch... Pastoral Vision. For more information, please contact the WRS office, information@wrs.edu, or call #253-272-0417.

- John A. Battle, Th.D. 

Western Reformed Seminary 

5 South G Street 
Tacoma,
WA 98405 
Western Reformed Seminary : Personal Touch... Pastoral Vision
Attached Images
File Type: jpg wrs_logo2.jpg (33.6 KB)
]]> JTDyck http://www.puritanboard.com/f55/western-reformed-seminary-unveils-new-website-54908/ Seminaries and Student Loan Debt http://www.puritanboard.com/f55/seminaries-student-loan-debt-54880/ Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:31:46 GMT
Quote:
"The borrower is the slave of the lender." - Proverbs 22:7
:chained:

Should sound Evangelical seminaries be allowing their students to go deep into debt in order to pay for their educations?

Isn't there some immorality or impropriety in letting their students barrow to the hilt?

Should these institutions reform their practices in this regard?

And if they do, what alternatives can they offer to students lacking the funds to attend? ]]> C. M. Sheffield http://www.puritanboard.com/f55/seminaries-student-loan-debt-54880/ Health Insurance While in Seminary http://www.puritanboard.com/f55/health-insurance-while-seminary-54865/ Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:17:00 GMT Having 2 children and an asthmatic wife (hard to get insurance for), could someone share any experiences about the cheapest way to get health insurance for your family while attending seminary? Thanks Having 2 children and an asthmatic wife (hard to get insurance for), could someone share any experiences about the cheapest way to get health insurance for your family while attending seminary?

Thanks ]]> Redbeard http://www.puritanboard.com/f55/health-insurance-while-seminary-54865/ Seminary After Marriage and Children http://www.puritanboard.com/f55/seminary-after-marriage-children-54854/ Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:02:53 GMT After marriage and children, how does one afford to attend seminary while supporting their family? After marriage and children, how does one afford to attend seminary while supporting their family? ]]> TaylorOtwell http://www.puritanboard.com/f55/seminary-after-marriage-children-54854/ Dr. David Murray, speaking here on Nov. 13 http://www.puritanboard.com/f55/dr-david-murray-speaking-here-nov-13-a-54709/ Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:16:21 GMT Our preaching station is holding a colloquium here on Nov. 12-13, and Dr. David Murray will be speaking at it on Friday evening, Nov. 13. His topic will be "John Calvin on Preaching from the Old Testament." All are welcome to come to this speech and the time of fellowship afterwards. The venue is Trinity EPC (where we hold services now), 10101 W. Ann Arbor Rd., Plymouth, MI 48170. A number of other ministers and other saints will be there. :) The specific time of Dr. Murray's presentation is TBD.

If you think you'd like to come, please PM me so we can know approximately how many will be there...

Blessings,

Margaret ]]> Galatians220 http://www.puritanboard.com/f55/dr-david-murray-speaking-here-nov-13-a-54709/ Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary http://www.puritanboard.com/f55/puritan-reformed-theological-seminary-54641/ Fri, 23 Oct 2009 21:35:19 GMT Hello Everyone!!

I've been intrigued by the PRTS and it's emphasis on the Puritans. Anyone have any comments on this seminary, good or bad? ]]> Particular Baptist http://www.puritanboard.com/f55/puritan-reformed-theological-seminary-54641/ Reformed Seminaries that take Federal aid/loans? http://www.puritanboard.com/f55/reformed-seminaries-take-federal-aid-loans-54638/ Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:40:47 GMT I was curious if there were any Reformed Seminaries that participate in title IV aid/loans? Seems they are all happy to point you to an independent lender (with exorbitant interest rates) but not to the much cheaper federal programs. Are there... I was curious if there were any Reformed Seminaries that participate in title IV aid/loans? Seems they are all happy to point you to an independent lender (with exorbitant interest rates) but not to the much cheaper federal programs.

Are there any? ]]> Damon Rambo http://www.puritanboard.com/f55/reformed-seminaries-take-federal-aid-loans-54638/