Seminaries

[Jon_]

Okay, I'm only a sophomore (got a late start on undergraduate studies, much to my chagrin), but I'm starting to take a look at potential seminaries. I have ruled out Westminster, so I'm left with a few to choose from, but I'd like to get some input (first-hand, second-hand, what have you).

At this point, there are only two that I am considering: Reformed Theological Seminary and Knox Theological Seminary. I mean, that's about it. The selection of Reformed seminaries is terrible.

Any other suggestions?

Soli Deo Gloria

Jon

 

[Jon_]

There was actually another seminary that I was considering, and I think that I most want to go there. It's Protestant Reformed Theological School—the seminary for the Protestant Reformed Churches of America. Of all the denominations I have examined currently in America, they are the most sound on doctrine. I have yet to find any significant point on which I disagree with them. They are wonderful churches.

The PRC seminary was built to train pastors in the PRC. The only problem is that the admission requirements are killer—4 semesters of Greek, 4 semesters of Latin, 4 semesters of Dutch or German (Dutch preferred as they study from Dutch theologians), at least 2 semesters of philosophy (covering ancient, medieval, and modern), and a few other common ones. The cirriculum is very rigorous as well.

Apart from the seminary requirements, my main obstacle is that it is mainly intended for PRC members who have a calling to the ministry. Of course, they accept candidates from other denominations, but you must first be approved by the Synod before admission. On top of that, it's not an accredited school, which means zero federal financial aid during years spent there. I'd have to work a full time job living alone and going to seminary full time. I doubt I could do that—seriously doubt it.

My real goal and desire was to be able to do graduate school completely in residency, so that I had all my time to devote to study because who knows when you'll be able to after you graduate.

I don't know. It's killing me. I don't want to have to compromise and go to a doctrinally unsound school.

Soli Deo Gloria

Jon

 

[ClementofRome]

Well...I went to Gordon-Conwell in the mid 90's. I must say that it was an excellent reformed education, but I was selective in taking courses from the reformed faculty. In fact it was killer! However, GK Beale is now at Wheaton Graduate School. Scott Hafemann is back at GCTS as a reformed Baptist. Moises Silva has now left there. Richard Lents was a great theology prof (though he was infra and I was supra, we could still get along).

I must say that I am not sure where GCTS is right now, but when I was there it a great experience.

Covenant Theological Seminary (PCA) in St. Louis was my second choice. Take a look at that.

 

[ClementofRome]

As for the PRTS, I applaude them for their rigor.....but methinks that they think a bit more hightly of themselves than they ought.

 

[edie19]

Okay, I'm only a sophomore (got a late start on undergraduate studies, much to my chagrin), but I'm starting to take a look at potential seminaries. I have ruled out Westminster, so I'm left with a few to choose from, but I'd like to get some input (first-hand, second-hand, what have you).

At this point, there are only two that I am considering: Reformed Theological Seminary and Knox Theological Seminary. I mean, that's about it. The selection of Reformed seminaries is terrible.

Any other suggestions?

Soli Deo Gloria

Jon

Do you mind if I ask why you ruled out Westminster? I only ask because I've got a lot of respect for Michael Horton and know he's professor of apologetics and theology there. Kim Riddlebarger (another host from the White Horse Inn) is a visiting professor there also.

There's always Princeton Theological Seminary - ok, I know they've got a liberal slant to them, but lots of good men have graduated from there. They are affiliated with the Presbyterian denomination. James M. Boice D.D. (PCA) graduated from there - I don't think I've ever met a man or woman with a greater, more knowledgable grasp of Scripture than Dr. Boice. I grew up Presbyterian (PCUSA) and as an adult became increasingly frustrated with their liberal leaning on many social issues. Then I met and heard Dr. Boice. I knew as long as men like him were in the pulpit, heading up a local congregation, that the Gospel will continue to be preached.

 

[ClementofRome]

Do you mind if I ask why you ruled out Westminster? I only ask because I've got a lot of respect for Michael Horton and know he's professor of apologetics and theology there. Kim Riddlebarger (another host from the White Horse Inn) is a visiting professor there also.

There's always Princeton Theological Seminary - ok, I know they've got a liberal slant to them, but lots of good men have graduated from there. They are affiliated with the Presbyterian denomination. James M. Boice D.D. (PCA) graduated from there - I don't think I've ever met a man or woman with a greater, more knowledgable grasp of Scripture than Dr. Boice. I grew up Presbyterian (PCUSA) and as an adult became increasingly frustrated with their liberal leaning on many social issues. Then I met and heard Dr. Boice. I knew as long as men like him were in the pulpit, heading up a local congregation, that the Gospel will continue to be preached.

I must comment on edb's note above. The most REFORMED man I have known in a number of years graduated PhD from Princeton just a few years ago. Does it matter that your training come from the pure source? I say not. I have always heard it said that it is critical to know one's opponents argument better than to know one's own.

Do a masters in a reformed setting....do your doctorate in a liberal one. PM me and I will share some interesting stuff.

 

[HiredGoon]

I'm not sure what you're looking for, but these are some more you might consider, if you haven't already:

Northwest Theological Seminary

Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary

Mid-America Reformed Seminary

Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary

Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary

City Seminary of Sacramento

Erskine Theological Seminary

 

[JJB]

Jon,

What does Berkeley's Seminary look like these days? One of the best pastors (very much reformed) I had the privilege of being shepherded by graduated from Berkley. He attended during the 60's, he was very humble and excellent teacher.

I'm not much help in this area, but this idea did come to mind this evening fwiw.

 

[Jon_]

City Seminary of Sacramento

You have got to be kidding me. I've never heard of City Seminary and it is less than 20 miles from my house. I gotta check that out.

Soli Deo Gloria

Jon

 

[erin74]

Ok - I know you're just going to disregard this but I'll give it a shot....

Moore Theological College, Sydney, Australia. http://www.moore.edu.au/

It's an excellent bible college, and in the past has worked out to be quite affordable for o/s students as our dollar is generally pretty weak against teh US dollar. The only difference may be that there have been a few changes in funding for australian students lately which has lead to an increase in fees - basically because australian students can finally get financial aid, they have finally been able to put the fees up a bit to actually cover their costs.

But living costs over here should generally been a bit cheaper too, cause of the dollar. Plus what a wonderful way to study - coming to australia.

But check out the faculty - they are excellent.

It's a 3-4 year course. Greek 2 years, but also examined in greek in 3rd year. Hebrew for the same (optional except if you are doing 4 years where you have to have at least 1 year of hebrew). Philosophy 3 years. Plenty of other subjects of course. It's a pretty rigourous course.

At least link and have a look.

erin

 

[ClementofRome]

Avoid any non-accredited institutions (ex: Greenville Theological Seminary). IF you ever decide to do a doctorate, your non-accredited MDiv will not be worth the paper it is printed on.

 

[edie19]

I must comment on edb's note above. The most REFORMED man I have known in a number of years graduated PhD from Princeton just a few years ago. Does it matter that your training come from the pure source? I say not. I have always heard it said that it is critical to know one's opponents argument better than to know one's own.

Do a masters in a reformed setting....do your doctorate in a liberal one. PM me and I will share some interesting stuff.

That's why I referenced Dr. Boice having been a graduate of Princeton. He lived, breathed and preached reformed theology. Truly a brilliant man.

 

[HiredGoon]

You have got to be kidding me. I've never heard of City Seminary and it is less than 20 miles from my house. I gotta check that out.

Soli Deo Gloria

Jon

I made the move 5 years ago to the unofficial Reformed capital of America, the Grand Rapids area of Michigan. A bit of advice from a former Californian; stay in California or the West. Unless of course you really like Dutch-American culture, struggling to find a job in one of the worst economies in America, flat boring land, very humid summers, being dumped on every winter with lake-effect snow, or your idea of good ethnic food is greenbean casserole, mac-n-cheese, and meatloaf (Boy, do I really miss a good taqueria).

 

[edie19]

I made the move 5 years ago to the unofficial Reformed capital of America, the Grand Rapids area of Michigan. A bit of advice from a former Californian; stay in California or the West. Unless of course you really like Dutch-American culture, struggling to find a job in one of the worst economies in America, flat boring land, very humid summers, being dumped on every winter with lake-effect snow, or your idea of good ethnic food is greenbean casserole, mac-n-cheese, and meatloaf (Boy, do I really miss a good taqueria).

Hey now Hiredgoon - as a midwesterner, I resemble that remark. I make darn good casseroles and my meatloaf is a work of art. Of course, I'm from Ohio and that makes all the difference.

edie

 

[Jon_]

In general, if I was shooting more toward a professorship or any other academic career, would an M.A. in Theological Studies be superior to an M.Div for that purpose? And at that, is a Ph.D. preferable to a Th.D.? (This is almost a moot point because Whitefield Seminary would be the only school I would consider for a Th.D.)

Soli Deo Gloria

Jon

 

[ClementofRome]

In general, if I was shooting more toward a professorship or any other academic career, would an M.A. in Theological Studies be superior to an M.Div for that purpose? And at that, is a Ph.D. preferable to a Th.D.? (This is almost a moot point because Whitefield Seminary would be the only school I would consider for a Th.D.)

Soli Deo Gloria

Jon

IT all depends. Since you want to teach and you are young, I would go for an MDiv/ThM combo and then a PhD. That way you will be marketable to teach at a seminary or a college/univ. You will be in your early 30s and ready to really roll!

 

[Jon_]

IT all depends. Since you want to teach and you are young, I would go for an MDiv/ThM combo and then a PhD. That way you will be marketable to teach at a seminary or a college/univ. You will be in your early 30s and ready to really roll!

Okay. I was thinking of doing the RTS M.Div./Th.M. program, so that adds some confidence to that. Thanks.

Soli Deo Gloria

Jon

 

[HiredGoon]

In general, if I was shooting more toward a professorship or any other academic career, would an M.A. in Theological Studies be superior to an M.Div for that purpose? And at that, is a Ph.D. preferable to a Th.D.? (This is almost a moot point because Whitefield Seminary would be the only school I would consider for a Th.D.)

Soli Deo Gloria

Jon

If you look at the faculty profiles on the websites of various schools I think you'll find that the majority of professors at Christian Seminaries have an M.Div and or Th.M with a PhD, only a few have a MA. At Secular Grad schools and Divinity schools, the majority have an MA and PhD. I found this a little surprising, as I've been contemplating a career as a professor. I was planning on going for a MA in historical theology or a MTS, but maybe I'll have to rethink that if I want to teach at a Christian school.

 

[ClementofRome]

If you look at the faculty profiles on the websites of various schools I think you'll find that the majority of professors at Christian Seminaries have an M.Div and or Th.M with a PhD, only a few have a MA. At Secular Grad schools and Divinity schools, the majority have an MA and PhD. I found this a little surprising, as I've been contemplating a career as a professor. I was planning on going for a MA in historical theology or a MTS, but maybe I'll have to rethink that if I want to teach at a Christian school.

Goon, PM me. You and Jon and I can have a good talk about this topic.

 

[edie19]

In general, if I was shooting more toward a professorship or any other academic career, would an M.A. in Theological Studies be superior to an M.Div for that purpose? And at that, is a Ph.D. preferable to a Th.D.? (This is almost a moot point because Whitefield Seminary would be the only school I would consider for a Th.D.)

Soli Deo Gloria

Jon

For what it's worth - my pastor (strongly reformed, strongly Calvinist) is looking at Whitefield for additional education.

edie