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Want to be called "Dr." with a Doctor of Ministry Degree?
- Thread starter Rhetorician
- Start date
You must have met my Seminary Professors...
Seriously, though, I don't think Jesus warned us about people who were so in love with studying His word, that they actually got a doctorate in it. These guys are the modern day "Paul"...we should all strive for such diligence in study.
I'm not sure I agree with this.
For instance, if an MD is working with his peers, they do not address one another as "Dr", they are on a first-name basis. Working with peers would be a professional setting. If an MD is with non-peers in a non-professional setting (like in my automobile showroom), he does not introduce himself as "Dr" nor request that he be called that. In fact, he/she will typically object to the use of the title. If the MD is with his patients, then he is addressed as "Dr" by those who are in his care, in that professional setting. So the use of the title is quite limited. Two other situations that I can think of off the top of my head involve the use of his title. One is if he is writing a prescription and one is if he is authoring a book or an article, then his title will be used.
What are the analogous situations for a Christian minister and how should titles be used? If the Dr is working in an academic setting, his peers; other Drs, will be on a first-name basis. This is typically what I have experienced. If he is writing a book or article, his title will be used. What if he is interacting in the secular world? MDs do not use titles here, however, often ministers want their titles used even among the unsaved. Hence my observation about "Fathers" and "Reverands". I think this is uncalled for and wrong. Finally, MD's used their title with their patients and I think this is appropriate for them. I have no problem calling my family doctor "Dr. Han". But should a pastor require or request the use of a title from those to whom he is ministering? I think Jesus speaks directly to this and that the demand for the use of a title by a minister of the gospel is phariseacal. In this instance, Christian ministers should be careful that they are not seeking to lord it over others.
One thought I think is worth mentioning. We are in a society that disrespects authority. Ministers are no longer respected. I wonder if, on at least a miniscule level, this doesn't play in somehow.
Add to this the whole idea that ministers (and all Christians to an extent) don't want to be different than the world. They want to appear to be just like Joe the Plumber, when in reality, we aren't Joe the Plumber as ministers, nor are we just like our non-Christian neighbors. We are strangers and aliens in a world that's a temporary dwelling place.
I'm bout to start preachun.....
Add to this the whole idea that ministers (and all Christians to an extent) don't want to be different than the world. They want to appear to be just like Joe the Plumber, when in reality, we aren't Joe the Plumber as ministers, nor are we just like our non-Christian neighbors. We are strangers and aliens in a world that's a temporary dwelling place.
I'm bout to start preachun.....
Jerome, Augustine, etc.
A friend of mine got his D.Min from Westminster several years ago, and I asked him if he wanted to be referred to as "Doctor." He said, "No, but when I answer the phone, I want you to say, " Yaaaa (nibble nibble) What's up Doc?"
Humility helps a lot to gain respect. when we read each week of pedophiles and leaders who steal money from many it is no wonder they are not respected. It also brings disrespect on those who blindly follow them.
Do you think it could be because so many in authority have violated their trust?
Crucified in Christ
New Member
I think you make an excellent point Tom. A look at the world around us gives ample proof.
Crucified in Christ
New Member
I know you were directing it at Tom, but I have to respond.
I think that anti-authority urge resides in the heart of man. We do not like authority because it is in our nature to rebel, serving not others, but others serving us. The notable misuses of authority, while not causing this condition, have given ample excuse for those looking for a justification for their anti-authority stance.
Crucified in Christ
New Member
The way that I see it is this: if you earned a doctorate from an accredited school, then you can use the title Doctor. Having stated this...I am not sure why a pastor would care if he was addressed this way. We are not to be seeking titles and positions, but to serve our Master. Jesus warned that the Pharisees were always jockeying for position and that we were not to be like them. He stated that we should sit at the lowest seating positions at the feast; if others recognize our outstanding service they will invite us to move up. In relation to this discussion, if a Pastor earns the degree of Doctor, she should be humble, never asking others to call him by that title. If they choose to, so be it.
Lastly, the reason that I mentioned accredited is because I am far more troubled by the number of "Dr." going around with unaccredited doctorates. If someone went to a legitimate school and earned the degree, so be it. But entering a program which makes earning a doctorate relatively easy, would make me question the motivation of such a person.
I'd agree with this. There has always been reason for people not to like authority as people in authority have always abused authority sometimes. Thanks to the 60s, we now have an attitude where an authority figure has to prove they're something other than an authority figure or else they aren't loved.
Some unaccredited degrees confer a doctor's title and are legit. They have to do work. They have to write, read, etc. But some are pathetic (Some are even accredited).
Why only them? Why are they the only ones who can use our word? Should they be the only people we call "bible scholars" too? (since this is the original meaning of the word...)
That would be funny; unfortunately, the ones who "doctor" scripture, are usually laymen and untrained pastors who "doctor" the scripture to fit their traditions..
Do you think this is found in the US military too?
Havens dad
Are you implying that I am crying, because I prefer to use the proper names for things? Tell you what, from now on, call your car a "box"...I am imposing an arbitrary, silly rule on you; you can no longer call the car by its proper name.
"Doctor" refers to a person who has studied the scriptures to its highest level. That is the proper name for them. Making up arbitrary rules, so you cannot call them by their proper name, is, well, stupid.
Crucified in Christ
New Member
Well stated, Tom. I actually agree with you and should not have simply used the term "unaccredited." There are several unaccredited Seminaries that insist on outstanding work...my gripe should have been addressed toward Diploma mills. Unfortunately, for anyone who has seen a stack of resumes from a denominational office, there are a number of "Doctors" out there with a great many of them having degrees from what most of us consider mills. It is sad how many of them list Dr. before their name at the top of their resume. Oh well, I guess that they got what they paid for: a title.