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I don't think seminary always has to look like going to a brick and mortar institution for 3-6 years.
Paul had several years of time for training between conversion and ministry.
Likewise, one of the qualifications he gives for eldership: "Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil." (I Timothy 3:6)
Well I have yet to find warrant from Scripture that the popular notion of "Just Me and My Bible" is a proper view. The popularized view is usually masking self-righteousness and a lurking disdain for formal learning. It is also chronological snobbery in that it assumes those that have come before us are somehow less indwelled and enlightened by the same Holy Spirit than we are today. Ignoring the time-tested, old paths well-trodden by others is often a sure way to wind up beyond the bounds of the paths taken by others. The current inclination of not a few to pursue theological novelties, new perspectives or new interpretations, usually in order to be noticed leaves me cold.Just a simple question:
What can seminary teach you that the bible can't? And is it biblical?
Paul had several years of time for training between conversion and ministry.
Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come—and the books, especially the parchments.
Paul immediately afterwards mentions books and parchments. It is evident from this, that the Apostle had not given over reading, though he was already preparing for death. Where are those who think that they have made so great progress that they do not need any more exercise? Which of them will dare to compare himself with Paul? Still more does this expression refute the madness of those men who-- despising books, and condemning all reading-- boast of nothing but their own enthousiasmous divine inspirations.
Another dimension is that seminary will give you connections for future ministry through a community of learning.
Yes, but you can develop those same connection through a presbytery, synod, council, or federation of like minded churches without the possible debt that may go with a seminary education.
Well I have yet to find warrant from Scripture that the popular notion of "Just Me and My Bible" is a proper view. The popularized view is usually masking self-righteousness and a lurking disdain for formal learning. It is also chronological snobbery in that it assumes those that have come before us are somehow less indwelled and enlightened by the same Holy Spirit than we are today. Ignoring the time-tested, old paths well-trodden by others is often a sure way to wind up beyond the bounds of the paths taken by others. The current inclination of not a few to pursue theological novelties, new perspectives or new interpretations, usually in order to be noticed leaves me cold.Just a simple question:
What can seminary teach you that the bible can't? And is it biblical?
I wouldn't say that it's a Biblical requirement, but practically speaking, what is the alternative? To be a pastor today, one has to have skills in administration, counselling, Biblical scholarship, homiletics, theology, etc., and these are best learned from those who have specialized in these areas. The typical pastor has no time to specialize in order to teach because the demands on his time are so general. The church is almost forced to outsource the task of training pastors in these areas.
You are correct in observing that some of what I spoke about has its origins in the seminary. That is no reason to assume the seminary is the font of all such of my observations. Moreover, there are seminaries that come along side the local church and work closely with them for the training of those under the church's spiritual care. Is not the local church or denomination within its warrant to look to the seminary in such things?Well I have yet to find warrant from Scripture that the popular notion of "Just Me and My Bible" is a proper view. The popularized view is usually masking self-righteousness and a lurking disdain for formal learning. It is also chronological snobbery in that it assumes those that have come before us are somehow less indwelled and enlightened by the same Holy Spirit than we are today. Ignoring the time-tested, old paths well-trodden by others is often a sure way to wind up beyond the bounds of the paths taken by others. The current inclination of not a few to pursue theological novelties, new perspectives or new interpretations, usually in order to be noticed leaves me cold.Just a simple question:
What can seminary teach you that the bible can't? And is it biblical?
When people reject seminary education as being unbiblical I do not think it is necessarily due to a "just me and my bible" mentality or a form of intellectual snobbery. But instead may be in relation to the church's responsibility to train men for the ministry for the next generation, which is biblical. And seminaries as I am sure you are aware can be a driving force for "theological novelties, new perspectives or new interpretations" as it relates to scripture. And that snobbery can develop from those that are seminary trained.
Just a simple question:
What can seminary teach you that the bible can't? And is it biblical?
message boards in Ireland
You are correct in observing that some of what I spoke about has its origins in the seminary. That is no reason to assume the seminary is the font of all such of my observations. Moreover, there are seminaries that come along side the local church and work closely with them for the training of those under the church's spiritual care. Is not the local church or denomination within its warrant to look to the seminary in such things?
message boards in Ireland
Just a simple question:
What can seminary teach you that the bible can't? And is it biblical?
yelled at us about theonomy
yelled at us about theonomy
Was he yelling for theonomy? or against? LOL
Regardless of the conclusion of "Seminary" or "Autodidactism," we can hopefully agree with the following:
*Even graduating from seminary, one ought to engage and maintain a rigorous reading and study schedule, for many of the "intro" or "survey" classes in seminary are woefully inadequate.