Get your Degree Today - Page 6

Baron1710 · #51 07-22-2010, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoovie

First, I would like to see third party documentation that this is a degree mill.

Until that is real clear, I will assume that is not the case - in spite of Barons assertion that all one needs to do is "write a paper" to get a degree.

First, I never said degree mill, second everything I posted was from their website, not my understanding of it, it was cut and paste.

Baron1710 · #52 07-22-2010, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Justin

http://www.newlifeupc.org/about/our-senior-pastor

David K. Bernard is the founder and co-pastor of New Life Church. He is also the superintendent-elect of the United Pentecostal Church International and president of Urshan Graduate School of Theology. He has earned a doctor of jurisprudence with honors from the University of Texas, a master of theology from the University of South Africa, and a bachelor of arts in mathematical sciences and managerial studies with high honors from Rice University. He is currently a doctor of theology candidate in New Testament at the University of South Africa. He is an ordained minister of the United Pentecostal Church International.

He has a Phd from U. of Texas.

A JD is the equivalent of a Masters and it doesn't do anything for your Theology.

Baron1710 · #53 07-22-2010, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Praxeas

Wait a second Baron. I went to the site and they offer courses
http://www.unisa.ac.za/Default.asp?C...ontentID=22479

So I would hold off on the accusation that DKB took no classes.

Also, I may be wrong, but it seems to me that some of these schools allow self study and the faculty suggest study guides so the thesis in a topic is way of testing. Im not so sure that should be viewed as bad. Hey, I self studied computers. I could possibly go take the a+ exam and pass proving I learned what I needed to know.

True, not close as far as degrees go, but I don't know for sure this places just passes out masters like candy. They have an undergraduate program with classes/topics they need to take

Online courses are not the same as writing a Thesis. Online courses require reading, interaction with the prof. and other students as well as exhibiting a thorough understanding of a topic by testing. This program has none of those.

Direct quote from their website...

Doctor of Theology

"Doctoral degrees consist of a thesis only (sometimes a reading programme or doctoral examination is also required)."

Baron1710 · #54 07-22-2010, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Praxeas

Wait a second Baron. I went to the site and they offer courses
http://www.unisa.ac.za/Default.asp?C...ontentID=22479

So I would hold off on the accusation that DKB took no classes.

Try clicking the link for graduate studies you will find they don't have classes.

Just like I said so

DAII · #55 07-22-2010, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baron1710

Online courses are not the same as writing a Thesis. Online courses require reading, interaction with the prof. and other students as well as exhibiting a thorough understanding of a topic by testing. This program has none of those.

Direct quote from their website...

Doctor of Theology

"Doctoral degrees consist of a thesis only (sometimes a reading programme or doctoral examination is also required)."

Granted this is very much in the European tradition. That being writing a thesis under mentorship and then defending it to a panel is how commonly doctorates are conferred.
South Africa being heavily influenced by Northern Europe.

It would seem still to be a curious choice to get a degree in religion from a state school where one can choose a Hindu or Islamic studies as your track.

The choice seems to be one of convenience rather than rigor and specialization.

Hoovie · #56 07-22-2010, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baron1710

First, I never said degree mill, second everything I posted was from their website, not my understanding of it, it was cut and paste.

Am I wrong that it is your implication then? Regardless of what you did not say, does the inference of trading a paper writing assignment for a degree not put it in the same group as SEU in your mind? Is that not really what you are saying?

I would have to think/hope you are wrong... or are misreading the SAU site. If not there should be plenty of exposé information available on SAU just like there is on SEU.

Baron1710 · #57 07-22-2010, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DAII

Granted this is very much in the European tradition. That being writing a thesis under mentorship and then defending it to a panel is how commonly doctorates are conferred.
South Africa being heavily influenced by Northern Europe.

It would seem still to be a curious choice to get a degree in religion from a state school where one can choose a Hindu or Islamic studies as your track.

The choice seems to be one of convenience rather than rigor and specialization.

Let me be clear, I do understand that this is more than a degree mill, and if people thought that is what I was saying they misunderstand. My point is this is not what one would expect from someone that expects to be considered the authority on all things Oneness.

Baron1710 · #58 07-22-2010, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoovie

Am I wrong that it is your implication then? Regardless of what you did not say, does the inference of trading a paper writing assignment for a degree not put it in the same group as SEU in your mind? Is that not really what you are saying?

I would have to think/hope you are wrong... or are misreading the SAU site. If not there should be plenty of exposé information available on SAU just like there is on SEU.

Not the same thing. They do require a serious Thesis. The point is that it is curious he would go a route that doesn't really require he interact with Theologians who would challenge.

DAII · #59 07-22-2010, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baron1710

Let me be clear, I do understand that this is more than a degree mill, and if people thought that is what I was saying they misunderstand. My point is this is not what one would expect from someone that expects to be considered the authority on all things Oneness.

Sounds like a man overwhelmed with pastoral duties, executive leadership responsibilities, writing books and running a college trying to fulfill a lifelong dream of getting a legitimate doctorate on his own schedule.

Apostolica can consume you with all its activities and events and "obligations".
Many Jacks of all trades and Masters of none.
Yet he seems to be balancing it well.

It's why these guys would get literally pummeled if they stepped into the ring with lifelong theological heavyweights.

Maximilian · #60 07-22-2010, 05:11 PM

Interesting.

I don't think it's uncommon unfortunately. May not be a diploma mill, but a similar concept: sub-par academic school hoisting the theological belt of Pentecost's heavyweights.

Why? Why South Africa? There are hundreds of Bible Colleges in the states -- some with flexible schedule alternatives. There are dozens of fine, reputable Bible colleges/Seminaries as well.

Why? Why so much of this?