American Bible College

Does anybody know anything about the American Bible College of Pineland, Florida?

It seems to have been around for a long time. I know that it is unaccrediated but is it a reputable college?

Thanks
Alistair

 

Yes. I am a student attending the American Bible college. Though not accredited by any recognized accrediting agency, the academic standards are very demanding. In addition, the degrees offered are not meant to be transferred into secular institutions. Degrees are applicable toward service for our Lord and equipping us in that regard. I hope this helps you. God bless you.

 

Wow! An eight year old thread!

 

Elmer Gantry?

Oh, I suppose that depends on what one intends to do with one's religious ministry...:tapedshut:

 

Is this the "place" you're referencing?

American Bible College

 

What is in a name?

For what is in a name dear friend? Perhaps we are not speaking of the same Elmer Gantry. Rather, perhaps you are not the best source for an opinion on the legitimacy of a name. Read the whole book prior to a judgment. Hasty generalizations are not becoming a member of the academia.

 

No faculty listed so we do not know if anyone is qualified to teach. Not enough courses to offer an undergraduate degree. Looks like it might be okay as a continuing education program (Sunday School type).

Elmer, you say they offer degrees. What degrees do they offer?

 

I took three graduate-level theology classes (in-resident and not online) from a university with RA accreditation and also with ATS programmatic accreditation. Some of the professors were marginally "out there" and one was completely lost in space. I learned a lot from an academic perspective, but I didn't learn anything that would help me to help others grow spiritually. I am now considering whether to:

1. Get a RA M.Th degree or

2. Begin a personal bible study by simply cross-referencing the bible while reading it -- for the rest of my life. Cross-referenced reading is slow and methodological and can take hours for a small amount of reading.

#1 would allow me to teach theology at an RA level, but I don't really want to do that -- plus it appears that there are already zillions of RA theology instructors.

#2 would allow me to fulfill and be in the will of the Lord.

 

ABC is a Bible college in name only.

 

Contact the college and find out! Better yet, speak with Dr. Royse directly.

 

What????

How do you know this??

 

Elmer,

They list no faculty. They do not even appear to list what degrees they offer. What degree are you working on?

Here is the problem: With no faculty credentials and no accreditation there is no objective way to measure if they are instructing at the degree level or that their faculty have the credentials to teach in the field the school is offering degrees in. You say they are demanding but that is not an objective measure. The school claims to have been around a while in some form but again that is not an objective measure of quality.

I am not impugning the honor of your school but the burden is on them to produce some of this. Who are their faculty, where did their degrees come from, what level and what were they earned in.

 

Here is an example of an unaccredited seminary that lists its faculty:
Columbia Evangelical Seminary

Schools accepting their credits:
Columbia Evangelical Seminary

Even got listed as one of the top ten apologetics programs. Columbia Evangelical Seminary

This is something to use to base a decision about enrollment in an unaccredited program. From this we can discern what credentials the faculty have, from what institution of higher learning and at what level. This helps make a decision about whether they are qualified to teach. Then we can discern how some other schools have looked at the credits (transfer or degree acceptance) and even that they have been recognized by an outside organization for apologetics. CES even noted the credentials of the person who heads the organization that ranked them.

 

I tried to log onto the ABC site today, but it would not come up. So I tried looking up some info on Dr. Marvin W. Royse, who runs the school. He is approximately 75 years of age, and is shown as Minister at First Baptist Church of Matlacha, 3300 SW Pine Island Rd., Cape Coral FL. I believe that is the American Bible College address, as well.

He was also appointed to the Commission on Independent Education in 2009.

"Dr. Marvin W. Royse, 70, of Pineland, president of American Bible College, reappointed for a term beginning July 17, 2009, and ending June 30, 2012."

I could find nothing else about the school. Maybe the website will work for me at some point -- or not. I am 70+ myself, so I take no particular pleasure in contemplating the possibility, but perhaps after this many years, the Lord has called His servant to Himself?

Johann

 

Well, whether Dr. Royse is still with us or not, I have no idea. But I think the school website may well have gone to the Great Cyber-Bucket in the Sky. It's just not working at all...

Johann

 

Dear Friends,
Indeed, I didn't realize that a post so old could stir such interest. Yes, Dr. Royse is with us. Yes, the college does exist. My intended major is a masters in religious education. After a career as a firefighter/paramedic, I thought I would put my undergrad to better use. In while it may not have the flash or price tag of other institutions, I can boldly assert that I am receiving a GODLY education at ABC. I am afraid from the tone of the comments being rendered that most folks seem to believe that an institution not named in the "Who's Who" is inferior. Not the case at all. Kindly contact Dr. Royse at (239) 283-0519 and ask all the questions desired. Hope this helps some of the skeptics. BTW, did all of the education attained by either the Pharisees or Sadducees really do them any good? If I read my Bible correctly, these are the only folks with whom Christ had real problem. Beware of titles and degrees of prestige!! The only true teacher is the HOLY SPIRIT and what is learned from Him!:aargh4:

 

Duly noted good friend, and fair enough! At the back of the ABC catalog, I see the same information listed as posted by CES. Kindly contact ABC. Address : 13821 Waterfront Drive, Pineland, FL 33945. Who knows, we might even be classmates!! P.S. GET READY TO WORK!

 

Our Staff

 

In which case a degree doesn't matter so why pursue one at all, especially from a less than reputable school?