King's Evangelical Divinity School

[Esther]

Originally Posted by pelathais

"Experience" does matter in many fields, but that "experience" could also be "bad experience" which a good education would have helped the student to avoid.

I have a lot of "experience" in the ministry and in studying and sharing Biblical topics. But it has really been my rather meager "book knowledge" in this area that helps me the most. That, and the "book knowledge" I have gained in other related areas of study.

One particular minister who is often brought up on this forum has a wealth of experience in communicating the Gospel and in ministry in general; but as has been pointed out, he lacks even the most basic "book knowledge" in using (or misusing) the tools of Biblical exegesis such as a simple Strong's Concordance.

He would have benefited greatly from even the slightest exposure to an academically rigorous and accredited education. In the end, WE ALL would have benefited tremendously if he had just taken a little more time and gone to school.

This doesn't discount his wonderful achievements and his great contributions to our fellowship, but it does open him up for a bit of criticism when he demonstrates confusion over how to use a Strong's Concordance and the conclusions that he draws from this confused state of mind. "Book knowledge" would have cleared that "hair" thing up nicely for him.

Well that particular person did go to Bible school.

Sometimes school teaches it wrong.

[Maximilian]

Originally Posted by Esther

Well that particular person did go to Bible school.

Sometimes school teaches it wrong.

Bringing us full circle to the idea and concept that it's beneficial to all when you don't just pursue a degree, but choose a school with a fine academic reputation in the field of study you are seeking.

Most schools, Esther, will not tell you what to think. Most. Most will teach you history, background, tools that give you the methods and options of "how" and then let you take it from there. This varies class-to-class. I've been lucky. For the most part, my academic experience has been quite diverse. College is not like Primary School where they give you information and you are tested for knowing it. Often, you have to show critical thinking and interact with that information to form conclusions.

[pelathais]

Originally Posted by Esther

Well that particular person did go to Bible school.

Sometimes school teaches it wrong.

Hence, my assertion that "accredited" institutions are what's needed for genuine "book knowledge."

I attended a UPCI endorsed Bible college for a year. During that time I was taught that the super continent Pangaea "broke apart" just 4,000 years ago and that the continents as they exist today were "moved around" to their present positions over the course of a single human's life span.

The school also announced, rescinded the announcement and then re- announced it's closing three times during that one year. When I appeared before a district board for a local license the only question I was asked was, "Why did you leave Bible school?"

Children of Apostolica: get an accredited degree from a state college or university and THEN go to St. Louis for graduate studies at UGST if you feel so led. The UPCI endorsed Bible schools are a waste of your time, money and talent.

A bit of a swerve off topic (apologies to Esther!) - but learn from my mistakes!

[Maximilian]

Originally Posted by pelathais

Hence, my assertion that "accredited" institutions are what's needed for genuine "book knowledge."

I attended a UPCI endorsed Bible college for a year. During that time I was taught that the super continent Pangaea "broke apart" just 4,000 years ago and that the continents as they exist today were "moved around" to their present positions over the course of a single human's life span.

The school also announced, rescinded the announcement and then re- announced it's closing three times during that one year. When I appeared before a district board for a local license the only question I was asked was, "Why did you leave Bible school?"

Children of Apostolica: get an accredited degree from a state college or university and THEN go to St. Louis for graduate studies at UGST if you feel so led. The UPCI endorsed Bible schools are a waste of your time, money and talent.

A bit of a swerve off topic (apologies to Esther!) - but learn from my mistakes!

Pel, heading straight to Graduate studies without some of the undergrad Bible classes seems to leave out quite a bit IMO. There are some really solid Bible schools with strong Liberal Arts offerings as well as solid, academically excellent Bible classes. Don't you think?

If one is going to be a minister, shouldn't they pour themselves and immerse themelves into that area of study?

[TheLegalist]

Originally Posted by pelathais

Hence, my assertion that "accredited" institutions are what's needed for genuine "book knowledge."

I attended a UPCI endorsed Bible college for a year. During that time I was taught that the super continent Pangaea "broke apart" just 4,000 years ago and that the continents as they exist today were "moved around" to their present positions over the course of a single human's life span.

The school also announced, rescinded the announcement and then re- announced it's closing three times during that one year. When I appeared before a district board for a local license the only question I was asked was, "Why did you leave Bible school?"

Children of Apostolica: get an accredited degree from a state college or university and THEN go to St. Louis for graduate studies at UGST if you feel so led. The UPCI endorsed Bible schools are a waste of your time, money and talent.

A bit of a swerve off topic (apologies to Esther!) - but learn from my mistakes!

[pelathais]

Originally Posted by Maximilian

Pel, heading straight to Graduate studies without some of the undergrad Bible classes seems to leave out quite a bit IMO. There are some really solid Bible schools with strong Liberal Arts offerings as well as solid, academically excellent Bible classes. Don't you think?

If one is going to be a minister, shouldn't they pour themselves and immerse themelves into that area of study?

Certainly, and good point in bringing up the "liberal arts" colleges with strong Bible courses. It's just that "we" don't have any of those. And so my own counsel: Go to an accredited school.