Theology PhD's

I have a problem with this advice for HJ because it encourages him to get a "doctorate" of some sort in a practical ministry area when he has not for himself prepared the foundation for theology/ministry. Whatever the basic qualifications may be for that denomination--be it a diploma for second career people, a Bachelor of Theology, a B.D./M.Div., etc.

I would hope that prior to going into a credible doctoral program, it would presuppose a foundation in the broader area of that field. I think this applies to almost any field. I would be leery of any "doctoral" programs that do not require much foundation or one that is totally outside of the field of the doctorate.

When one contemplates on entering the ministry, I would think the foremost focus in the training should be to produce spiritual and professional competence. I do not think that getting a doctorate in one's highest field where one has bypassed foundational training is beneficial for the candidate (and I don't know what credible school would allow that).

A seminary professor of mine once said, "You can't take short cuts to the ministry." I disagreed with him then and now as to the literal statement. Literally, I think you can. I think many people take short cuts--but in my experience--the short cut becomes a very long route--much longer than the traditional route--always trying to defend oneself and one's credentials, etc.--always looking for sub standard academic programs to compensate for the lack of credentials.

If HJ wants to spend the rest of his life serving his God, invest in a good foundational program--he deserves that much and his God deserves that much and more.

If HJ wants to teach theology in his denominational setting--he needs to earn academic degrees from similar caliber schools that those institutions would expect.

EsqPhD

 

I disagree on a philosophical level, primarily because I believe that theology is almost always studied in a non-academic way. Everyone who believes in a God of any kind is already a theologian. The issue would seem to me to not be whether the person has a solid academic background in theology, but rather whether the person has a personal religious background that fits the needs of the congregation--and only the congregation can tell you that.

In practical terms, I dunno. Bear in mind that I live in Mississippi and, even though I'm very much a Quaker-minded person myself, my attitude towards ministry is very much Baptist. And in Baptist churches, especially congregational Baptist churches, you can be a minister with no academic background at all, if the congregation feels that you're ready for it. And if the denomination allows that standard, I think that's probably the way it ought to be.

Of course, becoming an ordained United Methodist minister on a Ph.D. in practical theology is impossible -- I know because I checked. You have to fulfill M.Div.-equivalent requirements in pastoral ministry, theology, and Bible; a Ph.D. in practical theology would take care of door number two and about half of door number one, but it would still have to be supplemented.




Peace,

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Tom Head
www.tomhead.net

 

Tom,

On a personal note, I, too, consider myself a Baptist--after journeys into Methodism and Anglicanism--and I have been strongly influenced by Quakerism.

It's amazing how much your "story" and mine parallels.

 

Conversely, I have been a life-long Baptist. Yet, my journey has been enriched considerably by the Anglican and Quaker traditions.

 

I understand your disagreement if you come from the Quaker tradition. However, most mainline and established Free Church denominations (which are 90%+) do not come from the Quaker tradition--just like most "Christian" denominations would not philosophically agree with the Jehovah Witness' stance on education in general (be it secular or theological).

I was responding to HJ's denominational circumstances since I have some experience with Canadian Baptists and their general requirements.

However religious groups want to set their standards are up to them. I, however, on a philosophical and pragmatic level, am continually amazed at how some religious groups would have far less academic and professional requirements for their clergy than they would have for secular professions and trades.

EsqPhD