He markets himself as a mystic healer and claims he spent 25 years in the Catholic priesthood. Yet, he only has a BA in philosphy, MA in Religious Studies and a Ph.D. in Religious Studies. No M.Div. If he was indeed a priest, shouldn't he have an M.Div.? The lack of it is what made me wonder about his doctorate. Roscoe
I can find no reference on where he earned his Ph.D.; he doesn't seem to be in any of the Who's Who books accessible via GaleNet/InfoTrac. Two thoughts, though: (a) Unless he specified the RCC, Catholic can include a variety of independent denominations--liberal or conservative--that are not in communion with Rome, and therefore may not have the same ordination requirements. (b) An M.Div. is not necessary as such for ordination through most denominations; M.Div. equivalency (such as what might be granted based on an MA in theology and supplementary biblical/pastoral coursework) is enough. Equivalency standards vary from denomination to denomination. Cheers,
Is it strange? Thanks Tom, Is it common for someone of this guy's stature (celebrity type, if only in a small way), to list degrees without mentioning the schools where they were earned. Seems suspect. But then again, I only recently became a DL newshound. You guys are starting to rub off on me Roscoe
Ron Roth does not have a dissertation listed in Dissertation Abstracts. Back for facts, not for discussion. Sorry about the dramatics.
The education of priests often does not include M.Div. or D.Min.. They are often subject matter trained to teach in schools or colleges. As a result, you might see traditional types of degrees. A recent priest of mine had a B.S.Ed., an MA in religious studies, an MS in chemestry and a Ph.D. in chemestry. This is just generic information and I don't know anything about the specific priest you mentioned.
