Me Died Blue
Puritan Board Post-Graduate
As I say in my bio, and as many of you know, I'm planning to attend seminary after college, with a plan for ministry if my session observes and confirms that call, as well as plans to write and perhaps teach as well. Since I have two years left of undergraduate education, I was planning not to ask for much input from the board on this topic until I was closer to the time I will actually be applying to seminary. Upon further recent reflection, however, I hardly think it is possible to get too much input too early, so as to have as much time as possible to think and act with the greatest amount of factors and advice to consider.
I am basically considering two options: Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, and Westminster Seminary California. As such, I´ve been attempting to organize and compare the different pros and cons for each relative to my situation and plans. One thing of which I am certain is that I will never be certain as to which way to go until I actually visit both campuses. Even so, as I said above, I want to start early and hopefully minimize any future occurrences of "I wish someone had mentioned that factor earlier." In other words: Fire away. I'm interested in hearing about different experiences people have had with both, the different churches near both, the differences in theological emphasis and roots people have observed, the financial aid programs, and literally anything else that might be part of anyone's two cents.
One of the initial different factors I have noted thus far in my surface observation of each is that it seems to me (correct me if I´m wrong) that among faculty in particular, there is a higher concentration of Presbyterians at Jackson, and a broader variety of traditions represented at California (such as Continental Reformed). For my own situation, I see advantages to both, as I most likely plan to minister in a Presbyterian denomination if my call is confirmed. Thus, the seemingly predominant exposure at Jackson would be good preparation for that. On the other hand, it is for the exact same reason that I see the exposure to both Presbyterian and Continental tradition and theology at California as being quite valuable for learning and ministering. Also, one theological difference that would be hard to miss is WSC's emphasis on the Law-Gospel hermeneutic, of which I have heard comparatively little from RTS-Jackson. It is an issue I'm still studying. Another difference, and one that would be in favor of Jackson, is the slightly lower tuition as well as cost of living. On the other hand, a difference that gives WSC more weight is that I have already been at least somewhat exposed to southern culture and people in Memphis, whereas I have not had such exposure to southern Californian culture and people, which is always valuable in ministering to people. Two other advantage I would have at either of the schools is that I would be learning under certain widely influential and well-known pastors as well as professors, and I already have a couple of connections at each (through the schools and just through the city as well).
But those are just my rough observations from my largely non-existent exposure. So again, fire away - please. If there are certain things anyone would just rather not say on a public forum, shoot me an e-mail (I would prefer that over u2u). I value any and all input on different general or specific factors relating to the comparison of the two seminaries, or just about either one of them.
I am basically considering two options: Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, and Westminster Seminary California. As such, I´ve been attempting to organize and compare the different pros and cons for each relative to my situation and plans. One thing of which I am certain is that I will never be certain as to which way to go until I actually visit both campuses. Even so, as I said above, I want to start early and hopefully minimize any future occurrences of "I wish someone had mentioned that factor earlier." In other words: Fire away. I'm interested in hearing about different experiences people have had with both, the different churches near both, the differences in theological emphasis and roots people have observed, the financial aid programs, and literally anything else that might be part of anyone's two cents.
One of the initial different factors I have noted thus far in my surface observation of each is that it seems to me (correct me if I´m wrong) that among faculty in particular, there is a higher concentration of Presbyterians at Jackson, and a broader variety of traditions represented at California (such as Continental Reformed). For my own situation, I see advantages to both, as I most likely plan to minister in a Presbyterian denomination if my call is confirmed. Thus, the seemingly predominant exposure at Jackson would be good preparation for that. On the other hand, it is for the exact same reason that I see the exposure to both Presbyterian and Continental tradition and theology at California as being quite valuable for learning and ministering. Also, one theological difference that would be hard to miss is WSC's emphasis on the Law-Gospel hermeneutic, of which I have heard comparatively little from RTS-Jackson. It is an issue I'm still studying. Another difference, and one that would be in favor of Jackson, is the slightly lower tuition as well as cost of living. On the other hand, a difference that gives WSC more weight is that I have already been at least somewhat exposed to southern culture and people in Memphis, whereas I have not had such exposure to southern Californian culture and people, which is always valuable in ministering to people. Two other advantage I would have at either of the schools is that I would be learning under certain widely influential and well-known pastors as well as professors, and I already have a couple of connections at each (through the schools and just through the city as well).
But those are just my rough observations from my largely non-existent exposure. So again, fire away - please. If there are certain things anyone would just rather not say on a public forum, shoot me an e-mail (I would prefer that over u2u). I value any and all input on different general or specific factors relating to the comparison of the two seminaries, or just about either one of them.