Is Accreditation Unbiblical?

[larryjf]

I'd have to see proof of this. There are no women on the board at my alma mater. I can think of four or five schools without really trying that are similar, and they are all RA.

ok...check out page 30 of this report...

http://www.goacta.org/publications/Reports/accrediting.pdf

 

[larryjf]

The original article that i read on Westminster and the accreditation issue is no longer on the original site, but i did find it on the wayback machine...
The Politics of Accreditation

 

[Palmetto Boy]

Accreditation can have a bad impact on a biblical school.
Westminster Theological Seminary had a problem with keeping their accreditation a while ago. They were told that unless they had women on their Board they would lose their accreditation. This school had a Board comprised of Elders as it is their belief that elders are to lead the teaching of the church. They also believe that Elders have to be men. Because they prized their accreditation they now allow women on the Board.

This is slander. Westminter did not allow women on the board, as can be seen in the source you cited. Westminster threatened to withdraw from the association if Middle States didn't reverse its decision. Instead, Lamar Alexander intervened on behalf of WTS, and Middle States backed down.

 

[larryjf]

The article said that the accreditor "notified Westminster that the seminary's proposal to have the board "augmented" by elders not ordained by the church would be acceptable"

So that doesn't technically mean "women" but it is still a compromise and it could certainly lead to women being on the Board. If they don't have to be their church's elders then that really opens things up. Why should Westminster not be allowed to have elders that are ordained by the church?

And what about Baruch, the other college in the article...
"Baruch's skirmish with Middle States ended in defeat for the college."

 

[Magnetic Poles]

There is no biblical injunction against women on the board of a college.

Also accreditation means a school is not a diploma mill

 

[mnw]

Also accreditation means a school is not a diploma mill

Actually, accreditation means a school is accredited.

It may or may not be a diploma mill with or without accreditation.

 

[larryjf]

There is no biblical injunction against women on the board of a college.

But the way some see it is that the Bible sets male Elders to be in charge of Church teaching. If the Board of a school is in charge of how a particular denomination is taught, logically it would rest with ordained Elders. The Bible may not speak directly of schools, but it does speak of teaching (1 Tim 2:12)

 

[larryjf]

I judge each school by its fruits, not by if it has regional accreditation. And i would never call ARTS accredited (not regionally accredited) schools diploma mills.

 

[StefanM]

Actually, accreditation means a school is accredited.

It may or may not be a diploma mill with or without accreditation.

You must have a very liberal definition of diploma mill.

Legitimate accreditation agencies hold colleges to strict standards.

 

[Magnetic Poles]

But the way some see it is that the Bible sets male Elders to be in charge of Church teaching. If the Board of a school is in charge of how a particular denomination is taught, logically it would rest with ordained Elders. The Bible may not speak directly of schools, but it does speak of teaching (1 Tim 2:12)

"Some" see it wrong.

 

[larryjf]

"Some" see it wrong.

Excellent biblical defense of your position

 

[gb93433]

Recently I attended some training to be on an accreditation committee to evaluate school. Even though I was in business for over 20 doing the same thing I am teaching today I still learned some new things which the accrediting agency saw as important and I had not given much thought to. Accreditation helps a school to be reminded of what is important and point out areas of weakness which may need improvement. It also commends the very good programs. Even good schools may not be aware of legal issues and other areas which are important. It helps to give balance to a program.

I do not see accreditation as a negative for someone who wants to do a great job. Accreditation involves a self evaluation and observation by an outside committee. Too many can settle into teaching their little area and avoid in teaching what may be needed for students to be well prepared.

 

[Libero]

1. All schools of religion are exempt from accreditation. Some schools will cite this exemption rule on their websites. The exemption is provided for by the rule of separation of church and state in the constitution. Some schools are unaccredited but are approved by the Dept. of Education. One reason they might seek DOE approval is so anyone in the military seeking an education from that school can use their GI benefits.

2. Whether you believe it or not accreditation by any secular agency or organization compromises that schools integrity. The schools are forced to include courses they might not otherwise feel appropriate.

3.One good example of the corruption from outside agencies would be George Bushs' "Faith Based Initiative". This program eliminated the governments role in providing social programs for the poor and placed the burden squarely on the shoulders of religious organizations with tax dollars from the government. This program added millions of dollars to the coffers of people like Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, and Bob Jones. Whats wrong with this you say? Bob Jones university reported that all their programs were operated by christian employees, That is until a non christian applied for a job and was turned down because of being a non believer. So this person reports them and the government tells Bob Jones University that since they are getting government assistance they "can not descriminate on the grounds of religious beliefs". As I said before anyone who doesn't believe that worldly inclusion into any christian program (whether it is accreditation or helping the poor or anything else) won't lead to compromising, or corrupting, or perverting it just isn't thinking it through or just doesn't care.

4. Any one who says the matter of school accreditation isn't found in the bible is fooling themselves. Of course the matter isn't dealt with specifically but in a matter like this one has to ask "What would Jesus Do". We know that Jesus didn't get his education from an accredited college. Nor did the Apostles or any of the desciples. We also know that the most notorious enemies of Jesus were the priest who did have secular educations. Also Paul warns against the study of philosophy and the ologys. I would suggest having a firm belief in God before exploring these subjects unless you want to liberate your mind.

5. Finally you have to ask your self what do you want to do with your education. If your deciding on a vocation you might want to consider going to an accredited college because most employers will only accept degrees or diplomas from them. Most graduate schools also will only accept them. Lets invoke the "WWJD" again. It seems Jesus learned his vocation as a carpenter from a mentor but for his education on his ministry he left purely in the hands of God. I know there are some individuals who care about things like accreditation because they think this will give them the respect of their peers but the Lord asks us what good will it do you to gain the whole world only to lose your own soul. There are many famous individuals who do not have any college education at all and went on to be the greatest ministers and witnesses on all the earth. They did however spend time as students of the Bible.

I'd also like to add that I assumed you were addressing the question of accreditation for your biblical education and not a vocational education. I caution you not to confuse the two. A call to serve in His name is NOT a vocation. It is a ministry to witness for the Lord. The first comment on this topic was advice to put money before God. This is blasphemous. If you want a vocation and a ministry I encourage you to keep them separate and in proper perspective. As always when seeking any kind of education you should use the cautionary rule of "BUYER BEWARE".

GLL, would Jesus post on an internet forum?

 

[Dolphinboi]

There is only one teacher

When you are called to serve God, it is God who will teach you what you need to know. No man knows the mind of God. And few follow His ways. So it is God you should go to in order to become what you are called to be.

Universities teach you man's understanding and man's knowledge. It is a waste of time and money. And besides, the best way to learn how to be a servant of God is to find other true servants and model after them. But do this listening to God, because there is only one teacher.

However, if you take the time at a university to learn Hebrew and Greek, the original languages of the Bible, this is good. To be able to read the Bible in their original language is a blessing, and better to read for yourself what God inspired than to trust the many translations, even King James. The original language is how it should be read.

 

[gb93433]

When you are called to serve God, it is God who will teach you what you need to know. No man knows the mind of God. And few follow His ways. So it is God you should go to in order to become what you are called to be.

Every Christian is called to serve God and make disciples. Why is it that few have figured out how to make disciples other than just stand before a group of people and preach or teach a Bible study.

 

[Dolphinboi]

in response

Every Christian is called to serve God and make disciples. Why is it that few have figured out how to make disciples other than just stand before a group of people and preach or teach a Bible study.

Of course everyone is called to serve God. But it is a matter of how, when, where, what, ect. We each make up the body of Christ, and we each serve an important function within that body. And while an important part is making disciples, the body completes other tasks as well.

Aside from seek and save the lost, aren't we also to help the poor, right injustice, feed the hungry? And don't some parts of the body act as mentors to the new babies being born into the kingdom? So how we serve the Lord may differ from one part of the body to the next.

When we are called to serve in specific areas of the world, or in specific ways, these are where the Lord will teach us how to serve. To be our guide. And not everyone is ready to serve when they come out of the womb. We each must be tested and refined, to become better instruments for our Lord.

 

[gb93433]

Of course everyone is called to serve God. But it is a matter of how, when, where, what, ect. We each make up the body of Christ, and we each serve an important function within that body. And while an important part is making disciples, the body completes other tasks as well.

Aside from seek and save the lost, aren't we also to help the poor, right injustice, feed the hungry? And don't some parts of the body act as mentors to the new babies being born into the kingdom? So how we serve the Lord may differ from one part of the body to the next.

When we are called to serve in specific areas of the world, or in specific ways, these are where the Lord will teach us how to serve. To be our guide. And not everyone is ready to serve when they come out of the womb. We each must be tested and refined, to become better instruments for our Lord.

Discipleship is not a part of ministry. It is ministry. It is not doing ministry. It is ministry. Those I meet and help to grow soon become my friends in minstry. When they get older they are partners in ministry. I no longer lead them but they lead others. The legacy I leave is with them the rest of their life. Some of those are pastors, missionaries, and in other ministries. All are doing ministry where they live and work. Disipleship does not value one gift more highly than another. It teaches the person to lead people they meet. Usually those they meet are much like themselves. Over and over it has been proven that those who are strong leaders have had strong leaders in their lives as models. The men who have had a great influence on me continue to influence me. Some are dead and others are still living. When I encounter a situation often I am reminded of how that person dealt with the same issue. Some were great models of how to lead a family. I did not gow up in a loving Christian home. I needed to see the difference Christ makes.

When I teach people I take them with me in wherever I go. We are friends working together trying to reach people. When I do a funeral I take some with me. When I visit dying people I take some with me. When I go eat ice cream I take some with me. I try to have people aorund me so they can see ho wministry is done. One man I met a few years ago was not a Christians and now leads the music at a church and also was asked to teach the people how to do evangelsim and make disciples. One day I got a call from him and he tahnked me for out many times together. During our conversation he told me a bout a time when I shared my faith with someone as he watched. He told me that he was surprised at my boldness. God used that to encourage him to share his faith. I was just being me. Now he shares his faith in ways that are him.

Some of those I met years ago are leading in ministries I would find very difficult. One is a first class musician. I know little about music. One is an excellent evangelist. He is far more gifted than I am in that and I have learned a lot from him. Some are engineers. Some are average blue collar workers. Nobody is like me. All of them are walking with God and doing ministry. Disipleship encourages the people to be used by God and employ their gifts to serve others.

 

[Squire Robertsson]

I hold that basic accreditation is non-Biblical. Which means, there is nothing in Scripture to either affirm or condemn the basic idea of accreditation.

Regetfully, the choice of the proper accreditation body is not an easy one. A school must closely look at the different accreditating organizations to find the one that best fits its mission. A school could put its self on a downward path by choosing the wrong org.

 

[Broadus]

Regetfully, the choice of the proper accreditation body is not an easy one. A school must closely look at the different accreditating organizations to find the one that best fits its mission. A school could put its self on a downward path by choosing the wrong org.

Squire,

Do you have some specific cases in mind? We all know of schools which went downhill prior to accreditation being an issue, e.g. Harvard, Yale, and Princeton.

Also, we all know of schools which have the same accreditation as liberal theological institutions and have returned to their conservative roots, e.g. SBTS.

I may simply be missing your point, so I would appreciate if you would elaborate a bit.

Blessings,
Bill