More Questions from my HS kids...

[WildStrawberry]

So, as some of you know, I'm teaching HS Sunday School again. Love my kids 'cause they are really INTERESTED as well as interesting.

One of the girls has asked whether a woman can be a theologian in the LCMS. Thought I'd bring this one to the table to see what y'all think.

I'm sure the question will be asked, "what is the difference between a Pastor and a theologian?" in regards to the "women aren't Pastors" dealio.

So, can y'all help?

 

[Studeclunker]

I would say likely not. A woman is not allowed in an authoritarian position in the LCMS. Therefore she should'nt be in a position of authority regarding Theology, Doctrine, and Doxology as this is the venue of the Pastors and Synod. Properly speaking, the Synodical authority extends solely over Theology, Doctrine, and Doxology. Also, that authority is not exerciseable over the congregation, but their Pastor. Thus for one to be a Theologian in the LCMS it would be basically necessary to be a Pastor, which a woman cannot be.

Now, I'm quite sure that I'm dead wrong here and look forward to the posts setting me straight.

 

[PreachersWife2004]

I guess the question is, does a theologian have any authority or do they simply study theology? I think I'll ask my hubby for comments on this as well...even though we're not LCMS.

Hope ya don't mind, 'Berry...

 

[DaRev]

I would say, even in the WELS, that a woman could indeed be called a theologian. A "theologian" is a "specialist in theology", and since women do teach and minister both to other women and to children, the term would be proper.

 

[Studeclunker]

Interesting viewpoint Revrand. See, I knew I was wrong! Here I always thought of a Theologian as a Doctor of Divinity or something.

 

[Tangible]

Everyone is a theologian.

 

[WildStrawberry]

Why would I mind PW? It's all good! LOL

Cool! My kids were pretty interested in the whole thing. Makes this teacher's heart happy!

So...could a woman get an MDiv?

 

[PreachersWife2004]

Yep, women can get an MDiv, although most people who get a MDiv do so to be a pastor. You don't have to get the MDiv to study all the different parts of theology.

(That's directly from the pastor's mouth... )

 

[bach90]

Wouldn't a deaconess be a theologian in a sense?

 

[DaRev]

Wouldn't a deaconess be a theologian in a sense?

Yes. In fact, Deaconesses who go through the post-grad program take many of the same classes that the guys do.

 

[Drax]

My Lutheran ex-girlfriend was a Theologian of Glory, so yes...it's possible

 

[QuiltAngel]

A theologian is one who studies theology. Theology is the study of God and religious belief. As Tang said, we are all theologians or we should be.