Thinking about theological degrees but unbaptized. Am I eligible?

Hello guys, I am thinking about doing theological degrees by DL. For I do not belong to any particular church but am interested in understating Christianity. Searching for schools across the world, I find several schools, especially Protestant, require "calling" for entrance. Should I understand they do not accept non-believers?

 

Why pursue a degree if you're looking to gain an understanding? There are a plethora of free courses / material on the internet that should keep you busy for many years...

 

It depends upon the school. You'll definitely have a difficult time with a institution who's theological leanings are more conservative. Schools who's theological bent is a little (or a lot) more liberal may be a little more liberal in their admission. What is your current world-view if I may ask? It may help in directing you into the proper direction.

 

Merely a suggestion: There are alternative ways toward a preliminary enhancement of understanding /study of Christianity external a theology based degree curriculum. You may want to consider initiating your study with the Bible, along with /supplemented with, the various existing bible concordances /commentaries, publications, citations, and presentations (?). So MANY of these resources are both accessible free and online.

 

If I could study Christianity, I would accept the inerrancy of Scripture. Currently agnostic, I would be evangelical.

 

You could also reach your goal by enrolling in a degree program in the area of Religious Studies. You could pursue that track without being a member of any particular religion.
Here's one (for example):

Bachelor's Program, Religious Studies- Hampton University Online

 

I'm going to make a few assumptions:

1. You've read the Bible in a translation (not a paraphrase).
2. You've done some popular level reading and have basic understanding of textual criticism, certain topics in theology, church history, etc.
3. You're willing to put in the time to study the original languages.

If all the above are true then I would recommend going to the Association of Theological Schools website (Home | The Association of Theological Schools) and taking a look around. They do have a link that shows a list of schools that offer online/distance courses or degrees.

If/when you apply be forthcoming concerning your beliefs/world-view. You'll more than likely be required to write a personal statement. I can offer no guarantees on the outcome.

If the 3 assumptions above do not apply, then I would recommend the following:

1. Start with the Bible. Get 2 or 3 different translations (I would recommend an ESV or NASB and RSV/NRSV) preferably with study notes. Compare/contrast wording of passages and compare contrast study notes. Read the preface and forwards of each translation. It will provide information on the translation philosophy of the committee (why they translated the way they did).

2. Look for theology books aimed at beginners studying the subject. They should be books written by authors with advanced degrees from reputable schools (yes I know the term reputable is subjective). Search the websites of religious affiliated colleges/seminaries/divinity schools to see if they've posted syllabus' online. Look at the books students are being assigned to read.

3. Check to see if there are any theology/religion discussion groups in your area. Meetup.com is one such site you can check. Discussing these ideas with others will help facilitate your learning.

 

Good suggestions, but if you are looking for an undergraduate degree, you might also consider going to the ABHE (abhe.org) website and looking around. There are a number of fine schools here that are accredited and offer complete degrees online.

If you are just looking at gaining a better understanding of evangelical thought within a fairly structured environment, you can look at Liberty University's Home Bible Institute (lhbi.org). It's entirely self study, offers 135 lessons in NT, OT and Theology, and leads to a diploma in advanced biblical studies. The diploma is $1250 and does not earn college credit.

 

You might want to look into Gordon Conwell's Dimensions of the Faith program. It's free except for the diploma fee.

 

I am a bit confused. If you are currently agnostic, then you do not currently believe in the inerrancy of Scripture, and you are not an evangelical (or even a Christian of any stripe, really).

If you are saying that you would feign evangelical Christian beliefs for the sake of the program, I would think that would be seen as dishonest.

If you are saying that you would actually convert based on admission to a program, then I am not sure that any evangelical institution would view such a conversion as legitimate.

If I were you, I would first seek to determine what it is you believe before trying to go into a theology program. If you are sincerely interested in studying Christianity of the possibility of converting to the faith, I would recommend visiting nearby churches.

Even the Dimensions of the Faith program at Gordon-Conwell assumes that students are Christians.

If, instead, you are seeking to study Christianity from a secular, academic perspective, I would recommend looking into programs in religious studies at public or private, non-sectarian universities.

I hope this helps some,

 

I believe Florida State University has a Department of Religion. I don't know how much is online but it might be worth checking out. I'm sure other universities also have religion departments, under which one could specialize in whatever religion/faith/etc. one wished to study.

 

Let's see if I understand this . . .

You appear to be saying, "I'm currently destined for hell in a handbasket, forever burning in the eternal lake of fire and brimstone. But I'm willing to accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior, enjoying the blessings of eternal life in God's kingdom, as long as I get a degree in the bargain."

Um, okay. I guess it does take all kinds.

 

I think you need to distinguish between studying in a denomination for the purpose of further recruitment or practice of that denomination, vs studying religious doctrines without regard to your own beliefs; studying them academically if you will. What you intend on doing with the degree will probably help you narrow down programs.

 

I have got the Amplified Bible (Zondervan) and King James Version (Ballantine Books), and am reading "The Peacemaker" by Ken Sande. I am getting interested in prison chaplaincy.