DTS's PhD Program

[paidagogos]

Done no wrong

In a short 35 days I will be an alum of DTS with a ThM. But I am sticking around for their PhD program. (I'm a glutton for punishment!) So although I'm not an alum of the PhD program - I figured I could offer some appropriate response to the OP.

I think the PhD program needs to be evalutated in light of its purpose, and not a perceived purpose. But let's start with the ThM degree since it too was mentioned. The catalog states on page 21 "The Master of Theology degree program is designed to produce competent Bible expositors who are qualified to serve God effectively as pastors, missionaries, or leaders in other areas of vocational Christian ministry."

I will be the first to state that the ThM program is not for everyone. It adds emphasis on Greek and Hebrew, exegesis, and systematic theology and Bible exposition. Not that MDiv degrees do not cover these areas - but the ThM covers them in more detail.
The ThM is designed for anyone entering any type of ministry as can be seen with the numerous concentration tracks available in the ThM.

However, the PhD is different. It is not created with the local pasor as their focus. Its focus is on research and scholarship. In the PhD handbook it states, "The program leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree is designed for men and women capable of doing research at the highest level with a view to becoming scholars and educational leaders in various fields of Christian ministry." It is designed for those who want to work on the academic side of things. Those who want to write for scholarly journals and make unique contributions to their field, and teach others.

For someone who is going to be a local pastor this might not be for them (or maybe it is) - perhaps they would be better prepared for their ministry with the preparation of a DMin degree.

As for the DMin - I don't know much about the degree program itself. But I would argue that Paidagogos's claim that "The D.Min. is a purely modern creation for the professional who desires academic recognition" is a bit harsh. I have known many people who have a DMin, and they did not care about the "academic recognition" they cared about better preparing themselves for the ministry God had given them.


And as for Paid.'s statement:
I see that as a comment made with incomplete understanding of PhD programs. Made - most likely - with a misconception of what PhD programs are designed for. Perhaps, though, I misunderstand how you are using "scope" and "sequence" in this discussion. If you mean "broadining the scope" as just adding more work for no purpose - I adamently disagree. I have done a lot of research into the PhD classes - and it is not "busy work" that only serves to make the study think they deserve their degree. The type of work required is not "fluff" but hardcore research into new areas. And if by "advancing the sequence" you are referring to "making headway" in the fields of study - then I would disagree - there is amazing "headway" being made in all religious academic fields. But perhaps I'm misunderstanding you there.

As for your comment to "get out of school" and "into the real world" That is a very shortsighted comment. And, honestly, I am offended by it. I have spent the past five years working on my ThM living in the "real world" as you call it with the type of ministry I've been working with. (A full time ministry - out in the "real world" as you call it) Not staying in any "seminiary bubble." But now God is leading me towards teaching in a college setting. And in order for me to be prepared for that future ministry God is asking me to give up my current ministry so that I can step back and prepare myself for what is to come. Honestly - I take offense at that last statment of yours. It shows prejudice, lack of understanding, and refusal to see God do something that you don't like or understand. [emphasis added]

Geek, you’re right—you did misunderstand. I used scope and sequence in the technical sense as commonly used in education, which is my field. I would say that “I’m sorry that you were offended by my comments” but that wouldn’t be honest and sincere. So, I will not pretend and lie even though it would be the politically correct thing to do.

From my point of view, I never intended to be offensive and most certainly I never addressed my comments toward you because I didn’t even know that you existed. I have done no offense against you by having my own opinion. You took my general comments personally and applied them to your situation. That’s your problem, not mine. I don’t know if they’re applicable or not because I really don’t know anything about you.

Furthermore, you are making unsubstantiated charges against me for which you have absolutely no basis. How can you piously justify the following statement? You said, “It shows prejudice, lack of understanding, and refusal to see God do something that you don't like or understand.” Now, please tell me how you know this? It was not by careful research, rational thinking or scholarly analysis. Do you have a crystal ball? Can you read my mind?

As for my expressed opinions, I stand pat. After all, I probably have twenty-five to thirty years experience on you and a couple of doctoral programs. As I've grown older, I have come to value goodness and character in a man more than his intelligence or education. Education is very important (I am an educator who argues for the highest standards) but it is must be viewed in its proper place. A doctorate is not the sine qua non of life.


Finally, be at peace, brother. I have done you no wrong.