By: If I were a Seminary President … « Standing on Shoulders

If I were a Seminary President … « Standing on Shoulders — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 21:25:49 +0000

[...] my peers are seminary professors and have given some thought about seminary education. You can see Dr. John Meade’s and Dr. Jim Hamilton’s comments. I don’t read journals of higher education like Dr. Charles [...]

By: Adam B. Embry

Adam B. Embry — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 12:59:15 +0000

I think y’all are largely correct. In my opinion, seminary education can change if two things happen. The first is that a set order of curriculum is enforced. Obviously, when there are a bazillion different MDiv tracks with a bazillion different electives, this can’t happen. The other is that the churches must be teaching what’s contained in the practical classes, i.e., evangelism, counseling, preaching, etc. There are just too many practical classes in the MDiv. The SBC could develop a program where local churches offer credit for practical classes before the student arrives on campus. This frees the students up to focus more on languages and (systematic & historical) theology. Essentially, better educated pastors will produce better seminary students. I think Bethlehem Baptist has shown this to be the case, for example.

Exegesis & biblical theology is interpretation, so those classes need to come first. Historical theology can be understood as the history of interpretation. This comes second. Systematic is current interpretation, drawing from the text and tradition. It comes last. Some progression and overlapping of those three categories would be best and could cover the three years of seminary education.

Blessings to you, brother, in your new teaching post! You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Comments on: Right Use of Seminary Education

By: If I were a Seminary President … « Standing on Shoulders

By: Adam B. Embry