Seminary Education...

What is a seminary education for? What is to be expected? What is to be tolerated?

It may seem that it is entirely too early for me to be asking these questions, or perhaps entirely too late. The other night at the supper table I found myself engrossed in a conversation on the nature of seminary education versus other types of higher education. The conversation was multi-faceted since seminary tends to draw a wide range of people with a wide range of goals. Since my only experience has been here at Gordon-Conwell, and farely limited at that, what I say should be taken with a grain of salt (or perhaps an entire handful.)

What is a seminary education for?
Historically, it can be argued, that seminary is to train those (primarily men) who are called into a pastoral ministry. Originally there were no distinctions between teachers and pastors - the term "theologian" encompassed both professions without separation. There has, however, been a split in terms of those called into a more professional ministry and those called into a more academic ministry. This split is to a point now that different degrees can be pursued in light of those interests and callings.

As many of you know, I do not find myself called into a professional or pastoral ministry. That is not to say I do not believe my calling is also a ministry. It is. I just have taken an interest in the academic side of studying theology. Therefore, my goals for my seminary education differ greatly from someone who is here to be a pastor or a counselor, etc. Yet, here we are together. We have both been brought to Gordon-Conwell. How is one institution supposed to accommodate the goals of diverse people.

During the conversation it became apparent that each person found something lacking in the seminary. Some thought the curriculum wasn't challenging enough. They, like me, had previously studied theology and was hoping to prepare for doctoral work. For them, seminary was a graduate school in their chosen field. It was supposed to bring them to the next level of scholarship and prepare them for the journey ahead - the journey toward Athens and the University. Others at the table found Gordon-Conwell too academic. They felt students worried too much about studies and not enough about spiritual formation and practical application. They were there in order to build their relationship with God and to learn to be a guide for others in the same process. How does one school accommodate such diversity? Who has a more valid claim?

It was mentioned that those students who were in the Master of Arts programs are much fewer in number than the other programs here, therefore they should be the ones to compromise. Furthermore, if they want a more challenging education, they should take it into their own hands. This is certainly true, but how much of the learning should be placed on the students' shoulders? Are we not paying in order to learn from the great scholars and professors, and not from their books? I can read David Wells in South Dakota just as well as I can here - but I cannot take a class from him and interact with him if I am at home.

I do appreciate the struggle it must be for professors who must teach people who are fairly new to the faith at the same time as those who are well on their way to being labeled theologians in their own right. While I want to be a professor - I am not sure I envy that task. At least not in a seminary setting. Discussions on theology, while invigorating - can be quite controlled here. There are no dissenting voices that demand clarifications on doctrine, etc. I hope that if I do become a professor - I may teach undergrads. Seminary is too focused on forming one certain type of person that believes in X,Y,Z. It sets itself apart against other schools of faith, rather than against the secular culture at large. (I hope that I am wrong in that regard, but feel that I could very easily be right.)

That is enough of my rambling for tonight. As you can probably guess - I have homework that I desperately need to do and have no ambition to do it.