Those with a pedigree must be able to show how they make the kind of disciples Jesus commanded in Matthew 28:19, 20. Those kind are made in the trenches of real life with real people not among those who only teach cognitive information.
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questionable doctorates
- Thread starter SATS PROF
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Paul from Antioch
Active Member
I remember an incident that occurred way back in the early 1980s that, to me was humorous, yet it did shed SOME light about "Dr So-&-So." I attended a History seminar at TN Temple Univ that was conducted by Dr Wiggins. We'd finished up listening to Dr Wiggins' material with some time to spare so he opened the floor for any questions. This one fellow asked about the difference between an actual "Earned" Doctorate & an "Honorable" one. Dr Wiggins explained that an Earned one meant, as its name implies, one that you've successfully earned this kind of Doctorate by meeting all the university's requirements (Including your dissertation). OTOH, an Honorary Drs is usually one that's awarded to someone who may not necessarily meet that Univ's education criteria, but that its recepient has performed to a level of work that the unv wants to award him with one. This fellow told us about this Bible conference he'd attended & had, "Doctor This and Doctor That....More Doctors than the nearby hospital ever had, and, tell you the truth, I wouldn't trust any of them to put a BandAid on my cut finger!!" H'mmm!
Dr D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones was actually a medical doctor. He had no formal theological education whatsoever, save that he had a brain the size of a small planet and taught himself. Spurgeon likewise had no theological training.
Having said that, I would have loved to have studied theology to the PhD level and I'm sure it would have been a blessing both to me and those I preach to. Education is fundamentally a Good Thing.
Having said that, I would have loved to have studied theology to the PhD level and I'm sure it would have been a blessing both to me and those I preach to. Education is fundamentally a Good Thing.
Credentialism (belief in or reliance on academic or other formal qualifications as the best measure of a person's intelligence or ability to do a particular job) does not help the ministry of Christ.
The world values credentials, such that without a degree, a person cannot obtain jobs, or even be allowed to provide input to decisions.
I did not say nor suggest bible study is not a desirable activity.
I did not say nor suggest R rated movies were related to bible study, the rating of those movies relates to bogus credentialism.
I did not say nor suggest a low opinion of learning.
For me to need to address all these bogus misrepresentations should qualify me for a honorary degree in BA identification. (BA = bogus assertion)
Paul from Antioch
Active Member
Glad you posted an "Honorary" degree. I can think of some who hold "Ornornoree" degrees!! 
I took systematic theology from Lexie Wiggins at Temple Baptist Theological Seminary back in '76. He was a good prof and I enjoyed his classes. However, at that time he only had an M.Div.--which, however, is a 96 credit degree and thus equivalent to some Ph.D.'s in the secular realm, IMO. Many years later I saw him while on furlough from Japan, and he actually remembered me--flattering! He's in Heaven now. He was a good man.I remember an incident that occurred way back in the early 1980s that, to me was humorous, yet it did shed SOME light about "Dr So-&-So." I attended a History seminar at TN Temple Univ that was conducted by Dr Wiggins. We'd finished up listening to Dr Wiggins' material with some time to spare so he opened the floor for any questions. This one fellow asked about the difference between an actual "Earned" Doctorate & an "Honorable" one. Dr Wiggins explained that an Earned one meant, as its name implies, one that you've successfully earned this kind of Doctorate by meeting all the university's requirements (Including your dissertation). OTOH, an Honorary Drs is usually one that's awarded to someone who may not necessarily meet that Univ's education criteria, but that its recepient has performed to a level of work that the unv wants to award him with one. This fellow told us about this Bible conference he'd attended & had, "Doctor This and Doctor That....More Doctors than the nearby hospital ever had, and, tell you the truth, I wouldn't trust any of them to put a BandAid on my cut finger!!" H'mmm!
l
Then there are those guys who assist certain ladies seeking a MRS degree
and if he is going to be the pastor of a small church, the main requirement for his wife is to
be able to play the piano.
Several years ago when we were practicing for commencement, the pres leaned over to me and said, "Sorry we can't give you an honorary doctorate, because we don't do that here." I replied, "Stephen (a student) told me the other day he thought I should have an honorary doctorate. But I told him it should be an ornery doctorate." The pres laughed and we went on with our rehearsal.Glad you posted an "Honorary" degree. I can think of some who hold "Ornornoree" degrees!!
I respect those who have studied God's word so long as it does not destroy there humility. Pride is a terrible thing to deal with.
Some of the people here always paste what the Greek says as if the translators of scripture got it wrong. I for one have tried to understand Greek Yet it isn't something the Lord has placed on my heart. If I didn't believe the Bible, I'd throw out all the versions I have.
You see when I study my Bible I have been fed. I have to digest what I have been fed. The Bible I have is enough and the Greek isn't going to make any difference in my Salvation. Only the Lord can make a difference in understanding.
MB
Lots of posters, Calvinists in particular, like to award me with ornery degrees.Glad you posted an "Honorary" degree. I can think of some who hold "Ornornoree" degrees!!
I prefer Dr. Ornery.
Once again you cannot help yourself, you must deny truth. Your theology is false, yet you have the unmitigated gall to claim I am very confused? Have you no shame?
John R. Rice was also called Dr. John by close friends.
Paul from Antioch
Active Member
Paul from Antioch
Active Member
I knew of a college that seemed to lead in that direction. Its founding pastor had 3 sons, but two of them divorced their wives for other women. Yet his own wife taught the young lady students how to relate to young men. And many a male student followed this Founding Pastor's sons in that they too divorced their wives as well. Moreover, if a student even tried to prioritize his Bible studying, etc., over winning over Miss Right, he quite often was the target of ridicule by not only some of the student body, but also by some of its faculty. Is this the way to want to have your personal life reflect that of your Personal Savior?
Unbelievable
I've come to think that the proliferation of honorary doctorates is based on a few reasons.
- The antipathy of calling a man "Pastor" away from his own church. This goes to the Distinctive of the Independence and Autonomy of the Local Church. And the antipathy towards the use of the title "Reverand."
- The titles of Brother and Elder seem to be as smacking of Catholicism and Mormonism.
- It's only been in the last 20 years that doctorial level programs have been open to Fundmentalists.