Are Christian seminaries necessary?

[IgnatiusOfAntioch]

I have answered his questions, but you didn’t either read it or understand it which was it?

You sure haven’t answered my questions to you.

Would rephrasing the answer for those of use who don't really get your reply? Thanks for the help.

 

[dcyates]

Does the one someone attends to be a mininister/preacher go according to the denomination they are in?

All but one of the colleges or seminaries I attended were either non-denominational or interdenominational. But nonetheless, it is still entirely legitimate for someone to study at a college or seminary affiliated with their particular denomination; obviously that denomination adheres to their doctrine because they believe it to accurately reflect the teaching of Scripture.

 

[Giver]

The Holy Spirit doesn't do the work for you. As I've already established in a previous post, the Scriptural pattern is that God has us do all that we are capable of doing and only when we have reached the point where we are incapable does he step in and perform a mighty act.

We are capable of studying and learning Hebrew and Koine Greek. We are capable of studying and learning of the socio-cultural and historical context of the various writings of the Bible. We are capable of learning proper exegetical techniques. It is only when we have exhausted our capabilities that we can expect God to step in and accomplish what we cannot.
What you just stated came from someone’s teaching, and you are sharing that teaching like it is a fact. Jesus taught Paul and I am sure he could have had Paul follow the apostles around to learn, and Paul was sure able to learn.

God has given us our brains and is happy to allow us to use them. If you obstinately refuse to use yours, don't blame the Holy Spirit.

Once again, if the Spirit--and only the Spirit, without any outside help--gives you anything resembling an accurate interpretation of these texts, I'll concede to your side of this issue.

I am not looking for your approval, and who is to judge what is the accurate, interpretation of the scriptures you want interpreted. YOU?


What's the underlying purpose of Matthew's genealogy of Jesus? Why does Matthew enumerate the 14 generations between Abraham and King David, David and the Babylonian exile, and the exile to Jesus himself (Matt 1.1-17)?

Why does Jesus get baptized? What does he mean when he says that it needs to be done in order "to fulfill all righteousness" (Matt 3.15)?

Why did the Spirit "drive" Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by satan (Matt 4.1)? Why did the satan choose the particular temptations he did? What is the significance behind them?

How are we to understand Jesus' use of the terms "bind" and "loose" in Matthew 16.19 and 18.18?

What does Jesus intend to communicate with his "render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's" teaching in Matt 22.21//Mark 12.17)?

What does Jesus intend by his statement in Luke 23.31: "For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?"

The last time I posted these you refused to answer, saying, "Who decided what the correct answers to your questions are any way?" Well, apparently you do.

Or else, if you refuse again, just face it, you won't provide any answers because you don't have any answers. And if it's true as you claimed that, "If Jesus wanted me to know why he said what he did he would tell me, and I would or will never need to rely on man’s guess, educated or not," then I'm afraid to say that Jesus must not want you to know very much.

Please understand, giver, it gives me no pleasure to correspond with you in this way. But at the same time, such pride in ignorance as you portray does neither Christ nor his gospel any favours.

Second time I have answered this post, now why if you want people to accept your interpretation, don’t you tell us what you think they mean?

 

[Giver]

What is the deal with this guy?

Giver, what are you trying to accomplish here?

That is a good question, and I will try to answer. When I accepted Jesus call into his ministry I asked him what seminary to attend he told me: “NO! Don’t read about me. I’ll teach you about me.” The Holy Spirit told me I would talk to people about a personal relationship with Jesus, and that the Eucharist was truly the Body and Blood of Jesus.

This thread is really about getting people to think about, and believing Jesus is right here with all of us. He is here to teach, comfort, protect, and do all the things a friend would do. Jesus told us his people would hear his voice; I am trying to show that is true.

What I found after some time of being taught by God is that none of the Christians denominational churches are teaching the whole Word of God. Now that is why I don’t accept seminaries, because they tend, in my experience, to follow some man’s theology.

 

[Samuel_Rigby]

That is a good question, and I will try to answer. When I accepted Jesus call into his ministry I asked him what seminary to attend he told me: “NO! Don’t read about me. I’ll teach you about me.” The Holy Spirit told me I would talk to people about a personal relationship with Jesus, and that the Eucharist was truly the Body and Blood of Jesus.

This thread is really about getting people to think about, and believing Jesus is right here with all of us. He is here to teach, comfort, protect, and do all the things a friend would do. Jesus told us his people would hear his voice; I am trying to show that is true.

What I found after some time of being taught by God is that none of the Christians denominational churches are teaching the whole Word of God. Now that is why I don’t accept seminaries, because they tend, in my experience, to follow some man’s theology.

So are you saying that people should not teach others because that is the job of the Holy Spirit? Are you saying that all teaching/preaching between humans is wrong?

 

[Giver]

So are you saying that people should not teach others because that is the job of the Holy Spirit? Are you saying that all teaching/preaching between humans is wrong?

Of course I am not saying that. When a person comes to accept Jesus as their Lord and savior, and receives the Holy Spirit, then the Holy Spirit/Jesus is there to teach and guide them. A spiritual person can listen to or read anything, but is always to ask Jesus if what they hear or reads is right or wrong.

 

[Samuel_Rigby]

Of course I am not saying that. When a person comes to accept Jesus as their Lord and savior, and receives the Holy Spirit, then the Holy Spirit/Jesus is there to teach and guide them. A spiritual person can listen to or read anything, but is always to ask Jesus if what they hear or reads is right or wrong.

So you are saying that teaching others is ok as long as it is done under the guidance of the Holy Spirit? It seemed to me that you were advocating that the only teaching should be evangelism and from the point of conversion forward any education should be left completely up to private instruction between the convert and the Holy Spirit. The convert should not listen to any other human teach or preach because it would be "man's" teaching. That is the point it sounded like to me that you were advocating.

 

[ParsonJefferson]

That is a good question, and I will try to answer. When I accepted Jesus call into his ministry I asked him what seminary to attend he told me: “NO! Don’t read about me. I’ll teach you about me.” The Holy Spirit told me I would talk to people about a personal relationship with Jesus, and that the Eucharist was truly the Body and Blood of Jesus.

This thread is really about getting people to think about, and believing Jesus is right here with all of us. He is here to teach, comfort, protect, and do all the things a friend would do. Jesus told us his people would hear his voice; I am trying to show that is true.

What I found after some time of being taught by God is that none of the Christians denominational churches are teaching the whole Word of God. Now that is why I don’t accept seminaries, because they tend, in my experience, to follow some man’s theology.

So what you're REALLY saying here is that YOU have it right, and everybody else has it wrong.

I think it's likely that you believe you have all the right answers simply because you haven't been asking any of the right questions.

 

[Giver]

So what you're REALLY saying here is that YOU have it right, and everybody else has it wrong.
Now I don’t believe that is what was said by me at all. I did say the Jesus/Holy Spirit should be everyone’s teacher.

I think it's likely that you believe you have all the right answers simply because you haven't been asking any of the right questions.

How would you know what questions I have asked?

Jesus told me he is God.

Jesus told me the Bible is his Word.

Jesus told me we were not to hurt anyone for any reason.

Jesus told me that Christians are dead to sin.

Jesus told me to stop trying to figure him out, and just follow him.

Jesus told me that all honor and glory belongs to him, not me. I cried for three days after he told me this.

I didn’t ask him any of those questions, but he chose to inform me anyway.


Jesus told me that calling another man father is dangerous for both parties. I did ask him that question.

Jesus told me he would teach me. I didn’t even know that he did such a thing.

 

[GregoryTurner]

Does the one someone attends to be a mininister/preacher go according to the denomination they are in?

huh?

 

[GregoryTurner]

That is a good question, and I will try to answer. When I accepted Jesus call into his ministry I asked him what seminary to attend he told me: “NO! Don’t read about me. I’ll teach you about me.” The Holy Spirit told me I would talk to people about a personal relationship with Jesus, and that the Eucharist was truly the Body and Blood of Jesus.

This thread is really about getting people to think about, and believing Jesus is right here with all of us. He is here to teach, comfort, protect, and do all the things a friend would do. Jesus told us his people would hear his voice; I am trying to show that is true.

What I found after some time of being taught by God is that none of the Christians denominational churches are teaching the whole Word of God. Now that is why I don’t accept seminaries, because they tend, in my experience, to follow some man’s theology.

If you have never attended a seminary, how do you know? I just finished my first two classes and their beliefs were taught yes, but they also left the door open on some things for us to read, listen, and earn on our own... How can you be so down and negative towards something you have never done?
It is also strange for you to think that just because Jesus told you not to attend, that everyone else should not either. I felt the exact same way you did not long ago until I had a dream about attending Liberty University and then three days later I got a flyer in the mail. Just like the church He has me attending, I'm there not to learn anything but to see something, though the Holy Spirit has not revealed it to me yet. Maybe He sends some of us to seminaries for His own reason. I do not think it is a follower of Jesus' place to down someone for doing what HIS will is for their life. Can you play 11 different instruments? Can you minister to drug addicts because of your life experience? God may use a person in any way He sees fit. He does not live in a box.

 

[GregoryTurner]

I would also like to add that I am not being mean or hateful. I just think you should respect what Jesus has for people as they may differ from the life He has for you.

To expound on the 11 different instruments... I minister to people through music also. I listen to many different styles of music as well. Are all of Jesus' followers to be ministers through music?

 

[Giver]

If you have never attended a seminary, how do you know? I just finished my first two classes and their beliefs were taught yes, but they also left the door open on some things for us to read, listen, and earn on our own... How can you be so down and negative towards something you have never done?
It is also strange for you to think that just because Jesus told you not to attend, that everyone else should not either. I felt the exact same way you did not long ago until I had a dream about attending Liberty University and then three days later I got a flyer in the mail. Just like the church He has me attending, I'm there not to learn anything but to see something, though the Holy Spirit has not revealed it to me yet. Maybe He sends some of us to seminaries for His own reason. I do not think it is a follower of Jesus' place to down someone for doing what HIS will is for their life. Can you play 11 different instruments? Can you minister to drug addicts because of your life experience? God may use a person in any way He sees fit. He does not live in a box.

I believe all things can be used for the good of those who know, and love Jesus. I just happen to believe that Christian’s seminaries can be dangerous. Now there may be some who try not to teach a particular set of doctrines, but lets face it, most are trying to get people ready to minister to some denomination or another.

As far as everyone called to different ministries and different ways to do each, I totally agree. I sure could never be a pastor, or an evangelist. Jesus would have to change my whole personality, now I believe he could, but so far from my experience, he uses us the way we are.

Jesus once told my wife and me that he didn’t make perfect people, but he chose to use us anyway.

 

[GregoryTurner]

I am learning through distance learning program but when I read what they are teaching Jesus lets me know what to take with me and what to leave behind. While most places try to force their doctrine on those who attend, it is up to us to stay in prayer, meditation and daily crucify our own flesh to give it our all to stay with Jesus and He directs our steps. I am called to pastor, evangelize(all of us are), and music ministry. My wife plays and sings and so do my kids. That is paramount to a Christ follower, that while we are still sinners, He died for us. In John 17 He even prayed for us.

 

[dcyates]

God has given us our brains and is happy to allow us to use them. If you obstinately refuse to use yours, don't blame the Holy Spirit.

Once again, if the Spirit--and only the Spirit, without any outside help--gives you anything resembling an accurate interpretation of these texts, I'll concede to your side of this issue.

I am not looking for your approval, and who is to judge what is the accurate, interpretation of the scriptures you want interpreted. YOU?

Again, giver, apparently you! You're the one who claims to be given the meaning of each text directly from the mouth of God. If that is indeed the case, giver, you owe it to God's people to answer these questions.

What's the underlying purpose of Matthew's genealogy of Jesus? Why does Matthew enumerate the 14 generations between Abraham and King David, David and the Babylonian exile, and the exile to Jesus himself (Matt 1.1-17)?

Why does Jesus get baptized? What does he mean when he says that it needs to be done in order "to fulfill all righteousness" (Matt 3.15)?

Why did the Spirit "drive" Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by satan (Matt 4.1)? Why did the satan choose the particular temptations he did? What is the significance behind them?

How are we to understand Jesus' use of the terms "bind" and "loose" in Matthew 16.19 and 18.18?

What does Jesus intend to communicate with his "render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's" teaching in Matt 22.21//Mark 12.17)?

What does Jesus intend by his statement in Luke 23.31: "For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?"

Second time I have answered this post...

NO IT ISN'T! Because you refused to answer this post the first time! And now you've refused to answer it a second time. (And I can virtually guarantee that you won't answer it again, because you can't.)

...now why if you want people to accept your interpretation, don’t you tell us what you think they mean?

No, giver, if you want us to accept your claim that you get the meaning of Scripture from the mouth of God himself then it's incumbent upon you to provide us with the meanings.

It's not incumbent on me; I make no such claim. I spend hours of study in the exegesis of any given text I'm looking at, and every single minute of it is also spent in prayer that God, by his Spirit, will give me spiritual insight and aid me in my search. But I still have to do my homework.

 

[dcyates]

That is a good question, and I will try to answer. When I accepted Jesus call into his ministry I asked him what seminary to attend he told me: “NO! Don’t read about me. I’ll teach you about me.” The Holy Spirit told me I would talk to people about a personal relationship with Jesus, and that the Eucharist was truly the Body and Blood of Jesus.

This thread is really about getting people to think about, and believing Jesus is right here with all of us. He is here to teach, comfort, protect, and do all the things a friend would do. Jesus told us his people would hear his voice; I am trying to show that is true.

What I found after some time of being taught by God is that none of the Christians denominational churches are teaching the whole Word of God. Now that is why I don’t accept seminaries, because they tend, in my experience, to follow some man’s theology.

I think we have the second coming of Joseph Smith here, folks.

 

[Giver]

I think we have the second coming of Joseph Smith here, folks.

Well! Aren’t you the loving guy? It seem that a study of Joseph Smith, on my part, is in order. Sure didn’t know that he asked everyone to have personal relationship with Jesus, and asked them to only follow Jesus, and his written Word.