To the dedicated Christian, attending a theological seminary can seem like sort of utopia: A place where one can escape for a season to study, to reflect on all the mysteries of the faith, and even acquire answers to some of the most difficult of theological questions. Others (particularly of the charismatic and fundamentalist traditions) view seminaries with suspicion, as places which turn pure faith into academic exercise and potentially even kill spiritual vitality altogether.
What is the truth? Is seminary genuinely helpful for the would-be church leader? After all, the original disciples were just fishermen, right? As one who is currently pursuing a seminary degree, these are questions I can’t help but consider.
In one of his epistles the Apostle Paul urged the young Timothy to “Do [his] best to present [himself] to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” (2Timothy 2:15-16) Presumably theological seminaries are places where young men can be equipped for faithful ministry, that they need not later “be ashamed” for failing to correctly handle the Bible.
The Association of Theological Schools (ATS) reported that there were 215 theological schools in the U.S. in 2005. Of course, there is much variation between the schools represented in this grouping, and some better (or worse) than others. Though I have had some contact quite a few theological schools, I have had personal experience as a student at both Fuller Theological Seminary and Reformed Theological Seminary.
In answer to the question “Is theological seminary education valuable?”, I would say that it depends. I’m no seminary-hater but I don’t think it’s always necessary or helpful to for a Christian worker go to seminary.
[I'll be sharing more detailed thoughts on this topic in two posts later this week: 1) What Seminary Isn't and 2) Potential Benefits of Seminary Education.]
It’s a Good Thing Technology Isn’t Your God
August 31st, 2009Enamored with with this new technology, as one who was originally taught how to do library searches in high school using the the card catalogue, I had each book’s title and call number texted to my wife’s cell phone. (She had agreed to pick up the books for me on her next trip to the FSU campus.)
However, about an hour after having the text messages sent using the library website tool, (or so I thought) she asks me, “Was there a delay on that text message system from the library?” From past usage of this service I knew that the answer to her question was no. It should have sent immediately. So I felt frustration rising, knowing that I was going to have to look the books up all over again, and this time manually write down the call numbers. My tone of voice changed, and I said, “Why is it that just when you start to rely on some sort of technology, that it fails you?” By this point I had hurriedly begun re-searching for the books, anxious just to have it done, since I felt like having to look for it again was a complete waste of time.
Katie, maintaining her cool, and trying to calm me down said from the other room “It’s a good thing technology isn’t your God.” Her words hit me like a slap in the face. I was still basically just wanting to be mad at this system failing. But she had made a great point. It really is a good thing that technology isn’t my God. As much as it can be helpful, sometimes it is just plain unreliable.
I’m glad I serve a God who is unfailing and ever faithful. Thanks to my wife for helping me to see God in the midst of my annoyance.
2 comments »
Posted in Cultural Commentary, Uncategorized
Tags: technology