AS a son of clergy and pursuing the steps to join in that fold, I recognize that the role of clergy is one that doesn’t strike a note with many people. As a student of theology, one gets to know that theological institutions are not a heaven-on-earth, as many suppose it to be. The rigorous exercises of working through different theologies, Church history, philosophies and biblical texts make many so familiar with the theology-stuff that breeds contempt and irreverence towards God’s book and his workings. I can’t help but think of the Russian dictator, Stalin, in the mid 20 century, who was trained in Gori Theological School and later on enrolled in the Orthodox Seminary of Tiflis butabandoned his priestly education to become one of the revolutionary activists in Russia ultimately becoming a strong despotic political figure in his era killing over 20 million of his own people. Another example is the swaggering father of evolution theory named Charles Darwin who was enrolled in Christ College, Cambridge University, studying to be a clergyman in the Church of England. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Theology but sadly turned to the opposite direction in rejecting his former faith.Likewise, there are tons of theological students who have ended so miserably.
Thousands are graduating every year from theological schools (colleges/institutions/seminaries) annually even in our land. Having a taste of theological studies for some years, I’ve seen so many enrolling in theological institutions with the fire and zeal to serve the Lord. But the years spent in theological trainings have totally killed every strand of those passions within them. They end as dry as a bone. Although they graduate, the degrees are only to be hanged on the walls of their room. Nothing more can we expect of them. In my opinion, seminaries are a place where true nature of one’s commitment and dedication are exposed. There are novices that come at a very young age to study theology and they should be prepared to meet these serious challenges of the faith. Adding to that fact, the decision of choosing bible-based and prayer-focused seminaries is also to be kept in mind. There is also this need to reassess and review the subject matters taught in theological schools. I’m not in a position to judge as to what should be imparted. But i can say that most of what is being discoursed in theological settings has very less to do with the practical realities of a Church environment. Personally, I feel there are too less biblical teachings in classroom settings and more concentration on trivial matters. This doesn’t augment well with what seminary should look like because seminarians should be more dedicated to the main source “God’s book” rather than the stubble of that.
There are articles and blogs in the web debating as to whether theological degrees are actually needed for clergies in the Church. Many have to say that degrees are not prerequisite in the Lord’s ministry. With or without a theological background, there are scores of committed Christians who are serving the Lord in their own capacities. Some of the noted Christian writers and preachers who haven’t gone through formal theological studies contributed immensely to the building of God’s kingdom. To cite some: Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Joel Osteen, Bill Hybels, T.D. Jakes, Brian McLaren, Matt Chandler, ZacPoonen, and host of others, they do not possess seminary degrees. Some would tell me, “O brother! These days’ non-theological students are far much better than trained ones.” I would respond to them with a smile. There is no denial that there are host of theological trained graduates that are less committed than the untrained groups. Of course, that’s a fractionalassessment of many, but inadvertently, there are too many theological colleges that do not provide the right source of knowledge for the theologians and students alike.
Nowadays, the cost of pursuing formal theological seminaries is better concealed. It is inarguably too high. Not to mention the devastation of many gullible souls by wrong philosophies and theologies. The brainwashing of people’s mind with wrong doctrines is also the doings of the deceiver. One Western Seminary Professor said thisto us in a Bible study room, “Seminary can be a cemetery where called people come to die and be buried.” Indeed, many seminariesarea dangerous domicile to be if one’s faith is feeble and shaky.It is and will take many souls to destruction before the appointed time.
Now, there may be a misreading that I’m against Biblical seminaries and colleges but not so. I’m a product of one. One of the reasons why the Church exists to this day is because of the prominent theologians’ contributions and proper theologies that have set things straight throughout the ages. Martin Luther studies on Psalms, Hebrews and Romans which gave him new enlightenment on repentance, salvation and the role of faith. He was one of the 16th century theologians that brought out the idea of justification by faith and faith alone (Rom. 1:17). He defied the authorities of pope in the selling of indulgences and opened the eyes of simple adherents to know the truth. The American theologian, Jonathan Edward brought revival to his own land; the John and Charles Wesley who founded the evangelical movement known as Methodism; the George Whitfield of Britain who brought the Great Awakening in the 18th century. The John Stott, A.W. Tozer of the 19th century; the William Lane Craig, Mark Dever, John Lennox, R.C. Sproul, NT Wright, John F. MacArthur, John Piper, Ravi Zacharias of our 21st century and host of others were all by-products of formal theological seminary studies. Most of the Biblical commentaries and Christian books we read today are written by theologians all through the ages. Therefore, proper theological degrees and education is indispensable for every generation and is even more needed in this post-modern relativistic sceptical world we live in.
We live in changing times and there are offshoots of so many popular one-sided theologies which are influencing the mass in a very drastic manner. Seminaries are a place where all those theologies are made available and taken in tothe laboratory for examination and testing through discussions, dialogues, debates, colloquiums and presentations. It is a place where everything is critically examined rationally and biblically. Therefore, seminaries provide a suitable place for students to develop and sharpen their minds to see through things and not assent things unquestioningly. Without seminary education, churchmen and women would find itdifficult in entering into important discussions and controversies as they would have very less clue about the wrong theologies and teachings since it all springs from employing pretext of the Scriptures. Truly, seminaries is a place of reality check as it informs, develops and leads people to decide what to buy and what to leave behind in the market of theologies. We begin to learn to live together with people who think differently than us and still agreeing to disagree on certain doctrines or teachings. Dennis Prager, a Jewish author wittingly commented, “The only difference between your local college and a Christian seminary is that the latter is more honest.”God bless.
Vebu Khamo
Kohima Bible College.