I was wondering if Liberty Univerasitys dL program is reliable/Up and up. I am definitely interested in their M.A.R. program.
LU should not be tarred with the same brush as its founder. LU is well funded, solidly established and accredited and enjoys a good reputation AFAIK. LU's law school is not accredited yet but I would bet money that it will be just as soon as ABA regulations allow. LU shows every sign of understanding how to provide competent higher education opportunities and is 100% legitimate. It also appears to be a bit of a bargain in the tuition department, at least as far as its law school is concerned.
First, what nosborne48 said. Second, after taking a quick look at your apparently-in-the-middle-of-being-revamped Gods Awesome Network web site, I'd say that you'll fit right in in that program. Liberty, notwithstanding its founder's being a general knucklehead, is accredited and legitimate... and, it appears, has an M.A.R. program that you'll just love. Good luck to you!
Thank you,I just wasn't sure if it would be a credible degree to possibly enter into a pastoral position.
Well, now... wait a minute. That's different. You asked if Liberty and its MAR was credible. They are. They're not my cup-o-tea, mind you, but they're credible. That's one thing. Now you're adding that you're hoping it will qualify you for a pastoral position. It probably will not... at least not in most denominations. When it comes to ordination, the MDiv is the uncontested coin of the realm.
Soka to me, Liberty, or, do the shakubuku for Jesus Interesting. A Christian religious-right university and a Buddhist religious-right university. Jawellnofine.
What Gregg said. If you want to enter the ministry, please get an MDiv (which Liberty also offers -- but it takes more hours). If you only want to further your biblical education, then an MAR will do.
From my experience it really depends on the denomination. Some ministers get credentialled through correspondence courses. I'd agree that an MDiv gives you the best training. I've heard good things about Liberty's MAR. Check out www.baptistboard.com for some feedback on LU. Apparently you can move into their MDIV from the MAR fairly smoothly, as well.
That's what my brother-in-law is doing. He's currently wrapping up his M.A.R. through Liberty's Distance Learning program and then will continue on toward an M.Div. Liberty permits you to transfer all 45 M.A.R. credits into your M.Div. program. Jason --- Baker's Guide to Christian Distance Education Under Redevelopment at http://www.bakersguide.com
Jason, unless I've somehow missed your posts, we haven't seen alot of you around here lately. And, believe me, you've been missed. Welcome back! For readers who don't know who Jason is or what he's done for the world of religious distance learning -- or, perhaps more accurately, for helping with the task of finding good distance learning programs from faith-based institutions -- then please go visit the web site shown in his signature. Even under reconstruction, it's best-of-breed! I've referred I can't even begin to know how many people to it; as have many others here.
I've only heard anecdotal comments about their classes, but reportedly they are pretty good in terms of format and delivery. Personally, I would have two concerns. First, Liberty's academic approach can be expected to be a theologically conservative Biblical Protestant perspective. I believe that their faculty have to sign loyalty oaths concerning certain items of religious faith, such as the Bible's literal inerrancy. But while I wouldn't survive very long in that kind of environment, it might be precisely what somebody else is looking for. So be aware of that kind of stuff. Second, the school is closely associated with Rev. Falwell in the public eye and whatever political opinions people have of that gentleman will probably carry over to his school. Whether or not that will impact you, and if the impact is positive or negative, depends on where you live and on how you propose to use your degree. So think about that political perception stuff too. I'd say that Liberty could be a pretty good choice for those students who are aware of and comfortable with its distinctives.