Advantages seminarians have over non-seminarians
Seminary. That word stirs up different things in different people. To some it could be a far off thing due to tuition costs and even admission requirements. To others, it could be the security of knowing that the one feeding your flock is sound in what he teaches since he is backed by a college board of directors. And even to others, like me, it could be memories of spiritual enrichment and community along with frustration and pressure over exams, lectures, assignments, etc.
Whatever thoughts seminary conjures, it is universally accepted for the most part that higher education is important in the religious arena—as in all other arenas. This belief isn’t foreign to the church. After all, bible study and Sunday school emphasizes a church’s importance on education.
Now there are those who say, “I don’t need no seminary” or “The Holy Spirit and the Bible is my teacher”. While it is possible to be well versed in the Bible and theology without seminary, one need only to take brief tours of these small churches, blogs, and online forums to see that it is VERY rare.
Here are at least the top 5 advantages seminarians have over non-seminarians:
1. Exegesis. Most of the people claiming they don’t need anything besides the Bible and the Holy Spirit execute poor exegesis. Exegesis is interpreting the Scripture correctly. Simply put, it is accurately explaining what biblical text is actually saying. A person armed with good exegetical skill knows the principles, rules, and techniques necessary to rightly divide the word—an essential ability.
2. Grasp on biblical languages. The Bible is an ancient document written in ancient languages. The body of Christ has been blessed with gifted translators of these languages. We have access to so many translations of the Scriptures. However, there are still linguistic boundaries between Hebrew and Koine Greek and the English language which is evidenced by the proliferation of translations. While you can do well to have the correct translation of a word, it is better to know the word at its source. Every word matters.
3. Theology. This is key. Too many preachers/pastors come to the discussion table with one point of view. They all claim to have a monopoly on the truth. In turn, little is said to win any to their view. Classical philosophy teaches that one can not defend a view if the other views are not well-understood. An elite boxer doesn’t study tapes of his own boxing, but that of the opponent. Theology courses in seminaries introduce topics and the varying views of those particular doctrines.
4. Christian history. The saying goes, “To know nothing of what happened before you were born is to forever remain a child.” Someone taught in the history of the Church is much more mature than one not. Christian history is so essential. Can you imagine the New Testament without Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, or Acts? History gives better perspective on what is going on today. Learning about the Post and Ante Nicene fathers and the expansion of the Church, no matter how checkered, should be inspiring to all Christians.
5. Well-roundedness. Too many preachers and pastors who have not been formally educated end up patchy. By patchy I mean they are masters at a particular area of faith and totally clueless in the others. In turn this deprives congregations of a well balanced diet of Christian education.
The prophet Hosea talks about knowledge being the difference between people living and dying. If knowledge is that serious, we should take education seriously. We should glean from the godly and gifted men God has blessed the Church with. I am aware that not all seminaries or bible colleges are created equal. Ask around, do your research, and even pray about where you can go to grow. If you ask around you'll find some very good recommendations…like Knox Theological Seminary (I know shameless plug).
Whatever thoughts seminary conjures, it is universally accepted for the most part that higher education is important in the religious arena—as in all other arenas. This belief isn’t foreign to the church. After all, bible study and Sunday school emphasizes a church’s importance on education.
Now there are those who say, “I don’t need no seminary” or “The Holy Spirit and the Bible is my teacher”. While it is possible to be well versed in the Bible and theology without seminary, one need only to take brief tours of these small churches, blogs, and online forums to see that it is VERY rare.
Here are at least the top 5 advantages seminarians have over non-seminarians:
1. Exegesis. Most of the people claiming they don’t need anything besides the Bible and the Holy Spirit execute poor exegesis. Exegesis is interpreting the Scripture correctly. Simply put, it is accurately explaining what biblical text is actually saying. A person armed with good exegetical skill knows the principles, rules, and techniques necessary to rightly divide the word—an essential ability.
2. Grasp on biblical languages. The Bible is an ancient document written in ancient languages. The body of Christ has been blessed with gifted translators of these languages. We have access to so many translations of the Scriptures. However, there are still linguistic boundaries between Hebrew and Koine Greek and the English language which is evidenced by the proliferation of translations. While you can do well to have the correct translation of a word, it is better to know the word at its source. Every word matters.
3. Theology. This is key. Too many preachers/pastors come to the discussion table with one point of view. They all claim to have a monopoly on the truth. In turn, little is said to win any to their view. Classical philosophy teaches that one can not defend a view if the other views are not well-understood. An elite boxer doesn’t study tapes of his own boxing, but that of the opponent. Theology courses in seminaries introduce topics and the varying views of those particular doctrines.
4. Christian history. The saying goes, “To know nothing of what happened before you were born is to forever remain a child.” Someone taught in the history of the Church is much more mature than one not. Christian history is so essential. Can you imagine the New Testament without Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, or Acts? History gives better perspective on what is going on today. Learning about the Post and Ante Nicene fathers and the expansion of the Church, no matter how checkered, should be inspiring to all Christians.
5. Well-roundedness. Too many preachers and pastors who have not been formally educated end up patchy. By patchy I mean they are masters at a particular area of faith and totally clueless in the others. In turn this deprives congregations of a well balanced diet of Christian education.
The prophet Hosea talks about knowledge being the difference between people living and dying. If knowledge is that serious, we should take education seriously. We should glean from the godly and gifted men God has blessed the Church with. I am aware that not all seminaries or bible colleges are created equal. Ask around, do your research, and even pray about where you can go to grow. If you ask around you'll find some very good recommendations…like Knox Theological Seminary (I know shameless plug).
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