Mount Carmel Institute of Biblical Studies

Hello folks,

whilst looking for an online bible school that offers what seems to be quite a good study programme, I have found the Mount carmel institute of Bible studies in california . It's course requirements for the masters degrees entail a relatively comprehensive course of study, some demanding essays and a thesis , which appeals to me as i want to EARN my degree and not just buy it!!

Please can people give me their opinion of this organisation?

It says that all its degrees are legal as they grant degrees on the subject of their particular church doctrine 'New life christian fellowship' Please can someone explain the rules of 'religious exemption' degrees. Basically, is the MCIBS correct in saying they are granting legal degrees? Does california allow religious organisations to grant degrees legally?

I might add that my studies are for my personal fulfillment and for religious exploration, more as a hobby and will not be used for any secular purpose.

any advice would be greatly appreciated.





srjc

 

The Oregon Office of Degree Authorization offers a discussion of religious degree exemptions. Basically:

So the MCIBS degrees appear to be issued legally under the religious exemption in California, and should be legal for religious purposes in California. But that does not necessarily mean that MCIBS degrees are acceptable for secular purposes, or that they will be recognized in states other than California. if you are located outside of California, you might want to check local laws on the use of unaccredited degrees.

Certainly the price is right, since the requested donation associated with each degree program is currently only $100. If you plan to study with MCIBS as a hobby, then it doesn't seem like you have much to lose. Just be aware that acceptance and recognition of MCIBS degrees and credits, outside of the New Life Christian Fellowship and the Alliance of Reformed Schools, may be very limited or non-existent.

 

The phrase "legal degree" is essentially meaningless here in California.

What the phrase "religious exemption" means is that schools that teach the doctrines and practice of religion aren't subject to most of the state laws that regulate post-secondary education. The reasons why California (like most states) has a religious exemption are constitutional. The courts have ruled that religious education is a fundamental component of the practice of religion, hence it's constitutionally protected from state interference. So the state basically washes its hands of the whole subject.

'Legal' in these instances refers to a school proprietor's ability to do what he's doing without fear of prosecution for doing it. 'Legal' should not be read as if it was an explicit or implicit state endorsement of the degrees that he awards. No such endorsement exists.

 

thanks for the information guys...that does answer my question about the whole 'religious exemption' issue which is a strange concept to understand outside of the USA.

Yes, the price is amazing, in fact the cheapest I have found, but the work they are asking for is fairly demanding, but good if one is serious about bible study...

thanks again...

 

You might want to check out an an online degree through Moody Bible Institute, since they are accredited. - Moody Distance Learning | Online Studies | Online Bible and Biblical Studies Degrees