What Is Scholarship?

[agedman]

I think this video is interesting. A college professor discusses scholarship as it applies to the writers of commentaries. He even defines the various types of doctorate degrees and gives his opinion on which degrees to look for in commentary authors.

Thank you for the link, I’ll have a look at it later.

 

[RighteousnessTemperance&]

I think this video is interesting. A college professor discusses scholarship as it applies to the writers of commentaries. He even defines the various types of doctorate degrees and gives his opinion on which degrees to look for in commentary authors.

Well, what do you know! A scholar with some serious honesty about level of scholarship.

If you want to know what a certain person thinks about something, then read what he says. If you want to know the truth of the matter, well, that's a much different story.

 

[kathleenmariekg]

I'm just posting it for something more to discuss. I am not saying that I agree or don't agree. I find this "scholarship" stuff very confusing.

It appears to me that scholarship can overlap with the teachings of Christ, but that scholarship might actually contradict the teachings of Christ sometimes. I continue to take more online course when I am allowed access to take them. I am listening to what I am being taught, but I don't have many conclusions yet. Some term papers are easier to write than others. I accepted a low grade on one, because I would not write what was expected of me. I scored high enough to be allowed to take the next course and that is fine. I am only asking for access to listen, not praise.

 

[RighteousnessTemperance&]

…I am listening to what I am being taught, but I don't have many conclusions yet. Some term papers are easier to write than others. I accepted a low grade on one, because I would not write what was expected of me. I scored high enough to be allowed to take the next course and that is fine. I am only asking for access to listen, not praise.

I can empathize here. I don't know what sort of things you were expected to write, but you might consider that stating the opinions of others discovered through research is not the same as agreeing with them.

I might even state (in other words) that, given the premises of this or that author, their conclusions make sense. This can be done without outright saying whether the premises are true.

 

[RighteousnessTemperance&]

I'm just posting it for something more to discuss. I am not saying that I agree or don't agree. I find this "scholarship" stuff very confusing. …

A very important point in that video is that being an expert in one field does not make one an expert in another, even if a closely related field.

Another is that one should expect to encounter error even from experts. No need to be shocked or even surprised. But this is a good reason not to accept pontification, especially (but not only) when the expert speaks outside his field.

Credentials just indicate having done the work for that degree, not that they should be trusted or go unchallenged in general. And if they take the ad hominem tack of asking for your credentials to challenge them, then they are definitely being unscholarly.

A true scholar will be able to rationally and logically support his position regardless, or allow that he may be wrong. (This is not meant, however, to suggest pushing a professor in class. )

 

[agedman]

I have not seen the video, yet, have experienced what you have in taking a lower grade rather then submitting to parroting the expected line. The graduate course grade was dropped from an “A” to a “C.” It made me very upset, but I did not challenge the grade, knowing that God would handle it in His time.

Like Righteousness Temp. Stated, at time you should stand on principle, at other time be willing to restate what is expected but then present your thinking perhaps in the form of a question.

Did you know the Lord used this tactic? In Mark 2, He answered the question by first asking a question and then shared His answer.

As an educator, I more often would enjoy papers that included the questions of a student concerning the research and even some reasoned answers in the form of further information will need to be gathered to support this or that thinking. But not all allow such exercise of academic exchange of ideas, so be wise and press on.

 

[John of Japan]

The point of that tongue in cheek mention was to draw attention to what looks very much like a typo. See if you didn't leave out an important word or two, which omitted leaves the statement sounding very much like a general criticism, e.g., he should have left it in Greek or transliterated it.

"So in various passages he translated the Greek word for 'blood' (haima, αἰμα): Acts 20:28, Col. 1:14, etc.)."
What Is Scholarship?

Okay, I see. He translated the Greek word for "blood" as "death." Thanks for pointing out my error.

 

[RighteousnessTemperance&]

Okay, I see. He translated the Greek word for "blood" as "death." Thanks for pointing out my error.

No problem. But as I indicated, it was an obvious typo, at least to me. That's the sort of thing that happens to everybody for various reasons. And why proofreaders are so handy, and important. (Textual criticism, anyone? )

 

[RighteousnessTemperance&]

I'm just posting it for something more to discuss. I am not saying that I agree or don't agree. I find this "scholarship" stuff very confusing.

It appears to me that scholarship can overlap with the teachings of Christ, but that scholarship might actually contradict the teachings of Christ sometimes. I continue to take more online course when I am allowed access to take them. I am listening to what I am being taught, but I don't have many conclusions yet. Some term papers are easier to write than others. I accepted a low grade on one, because I would not write what was expected of me. I scored high enough to be allowed to take the next course and that is fine. I am only asking for access to listen, not praise.

And another thing...

For scholarship training at any level, a grasp of the material is of first importance and must be demonstrated. Conclusions are secondary. What sort of scholarly conclusion can one hope to have if he cannot adequately decipher the material? As the boss said, “When I want your opinion, I’ll give it to you.”

 

[RighteousnessTemperance&]

What was the previous training of the men Jesus chose to be his disciples? How did he train them? What did Jesus say about scholars and scholarship? What did Jesus teach about pursuing truth?

You might back this up a step as well. What were Jesus' credentials? It was a definite sticking point with some of the "scholars" of his day.

Compare this to advancements in general. More often than not, what is most lacking is imagination. The earth isn’t quite as flat as it may seem. Things aren’t quite as solid as they may look. And God’s ways aren’t quite as like man’s as we tend to think.

 

[kathleenmariekg]

I can empathize here. I don't know what sort of things you were expected to write, but you might consider that stating the opinions of others discovered through research is not the same as agreeing with them.

I might even state (in other words) that, given the premises of this or that author, their conclusions make sense. This can be done without outright saying whether the premises are true.

The way the assignment was phrased, I was supposed to pick a side of a controversial subject and act like I thought that side was critical to salvation. I don't think either side was critical to salvation. That was not an option to take. I could have argued the opposing side and got a better grade. And then I topped it off by quoting and citing the lyrics of a rock song in my conclusion.

https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=love+god,+love+people+lyrics
Gotta keep it real simple, keep it real simple
Bring everything right back to ground zero
'Cause it all comes down to this
Love God and love people

My test scores were high enough that I could pass with a bad grade for my paper as long as the professor didn't change the grading rubric. I was passed, but reprimanded.

I got a 100% on the next term paper.

 

[kathleenmariekg]

I have not seen the video, yet, have experienced what you have in taking a lower grade rather then submitting to parroting the expected line. The graduate course grade was dropped from an “A” to a “C.” It made me very upset, but I did not challenge the grade, knowing that God would handle it in His time.

Like Righteousness Temp. Stated, at time you should stand on principle, at other time be willing to restate what is expected but then present your thinking perhaps in the form of a question.

Did you know the Lord used this tactic? In Mark 2, He answered the question by first asking a question and then shared His answer.

As an educator, I more often would enjoy papers that included the questions of a student concerning the research and even some reasoned answers in the form of further information will need to be gathered to support this or that thinking. But not all allow such exercise of academic exchange of ideas, so be wise and press on.

Yes, I was willing to take the hit. I feel as strongly about salvation as they do. I grew up the child of a drug addict and saw the power of salvation in the life of my parent than my parent's peers. I have my beliefs on the subject.

 

[RighteousnessTemperance&]

The way the assignment was phrased, I was supposed to pick a side of a controversial subject and act like I thought that side was critical to salvation. I don't think either side was critical to salvation. That was not an option to take. I could have argued the opposing side and got a better grade. And then I topped it off by quoting and citing the lyrics of a rock song in my conclusion.

https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=love+god,+love+people+lyrics
Gotta keep it real simple, keep it real simple
Bring everything right back to ground zero
'Cause it all comes down to this
Love God and love people

My test scores were high enough that I could pass with a bad grade for my paper as long as the professor didn't change the grading rubric. I was passed, but reprimanded.

I got a 100% on the next term paper.

You're a lot like I would like to be if I were to ever grow up.

Hang in there. God does provide. But do note that you can learn a lot by taking and arguing for a position you actually disagree with.

 

[kathleenmariekg]

You're a lot like I would like to be if I were to ever grow up.

Hang in there. God does provide. But do note that you can learn a lot by taking and arguing for a position you actually disagree with.

I must continually remember why I am taking these classes and stay focused on my own goals, instead of getting caught up in the goals others have for their school and students. I need to listen to what scholars say about scholarship, but there are some time-intensive scholastic activities that are less important than what God has impressed upon me to put first.

I understand that the Greeks put high priority on learning the progymnasmata that culminates in learning to argue a law, and that Christian scholarships shares some of the same beliefs. But ... there are times I think God is directing me differently. I am not lazy. I am not stupid. Just because I can does not always mean that I should.

One day at a time. I keep listening, but delay some judgements.

Every time I started to prepare an argument about salvation I started crying. I remember when my parent got saved. It had nothing to do with scholarship and argument. I was not going to argue that topic. Not that one. Just. No! Refusing to argue got me reprimanded. I am not lazy. I am not stupid. It is okay they thought that I was. My second paper proved that is not so.

 

[John of Japan]

I must continually remember why I am taking these classes and stay focused on my own goals, instead of getting caught up in the goals others have for their school and students. I need to listen to what scholars say about scholarship, but there are some time-intensive scholastic activities that are less important than what God has impressed upon me to put first.

I understand that the Greeks put high priority on learning the progymnasmata that culminates in learning to argue a law, and that Christian scholarships shares some of the same beliefs. But ... there are times I think God is directing me differently. I am not lazy. I am not stupid. Just because I can does not always mean that I should.

One day at a time. I keep listening, but delay some judgements.

Every time I started to prepare an argument about salvation I started crying. I remember when my parent got saved. It had nothing to do with scholarship and argument. I was not going to argue that topic. Not that one. Just. No! Refusing to argue got me reprimanded. I am not lazy. I am not stupid. It is okay they thought that I was. My second paper proved that is not so.

This sounds like an assignment I would never give, and no evangelical professor ever should give. However, I have to ask if you went to the professor personally and in private and shared your concerns. The typical professor would listen to your concerns and perhaps explain better or allow you to do a revised assignment.

As a Bible college professor, all assignments I give are designed to help the student grow in the subject I am teaching. I'm entirely open to students coming to me with questions. I tell my classes that if my office door is open they are free to come and talk.

In my Survey of Church History class, we recently had a formal debate on the subject, "Was the Council of Nicea on the whole good for the churches or harmful to the churches?" I assigned the sides. Some did not want to take the pro side that it was helpful, since it was called by Emperor Constantine. Yet all of them grew and felt they had been helped when we were done. So unpalatable assignments can be helpful.

 

[agedman]

This sounds like an assignment I would never give, and no evangelical professor ever should give. However, I have to ask if you went to the professor personally and in private and shared your concerns. The typical professor would listen to your concerns and perhaps explain better or allow you to do a revised assignment.

As a Bible college professor, all assignments I give are designed to help the student grow in the subject I am teaching. I'm entirely open to students coming to me with questions. I tell my classes that if my office door is open they are free to come and talk.

In my Survey of Church History class, we recently had a formal debate on the subject, "Was the Council of Nicea on the whole good for the churches or harmful to the churches?" I assigned the sides. Some did not want to take the pro side that it was helpful, since it was called by Emperor Constantine. Yet all of them grew and felt they had been helped when we were done. So unpalatable assignments can be helpful.

Is that not as is in life?

“Tribulation works patience.”

 

[kathleenmariekg]

I have learned that it is easier to ask to be forgiven than to ask for permission.

Authority figures prefer lazy and stupid people to disobedient people. Authority figure even prefer lazy and stupid disobedient people, to hardworking and smart disobedient people.

The pandemic has narrowed my opportunities to learn the things I feel responsible to learn. I cannot risk the chance to be denied access to the few things left open to me. Professors call me "brilliant" or yell at me more than any other student in their class. Until I know what I am dealing with, it is safer not to show my hand.

The way things "should" be are seldom the way they are. I don't expect all professors to be mentally healthy or fair. I don't even expect them to be qualified to teach. I wait and see what I am dealing with, and then I learn as much as I can from that opportunity.

 

[John of Japan]

I have learned that it is easier to ask to be forgiven than to ask for permission.

Authority figures prefer lazy and stupid people to disobedient people. Authority figure even prefer lazy and stupid disobedient people, to hardworking and smart disobedient people.

The pandemic has narrowed my opportunities to learn the things I feel responsible to learn. I cannot risk the chance to be denied access to the few things left open to me. Professors call me "brilliant" or yell at me more than any other student in their class. Until I know what I am dealing with, it is safer not to show my hand.

The way things "should" be are seldom the way they are. I don't expect all professors to be mentally healthy or fair. I don't even expect them to be qualified to teach. I wait and see what I am dealing with, and then I learn as much as I can from that opportunity.

I get from this that no, you did not go personally to the professor and ask for help. That may show a professor who you see as strict and unyielding, and he may be so. I have no way of knowing. Or you may have completely misjudged him.

Having said that, from what you wrote here, you have a very negative attitude towards all authority figures. Personally, I really don't think that that speaks well of you. All of my authority figures here where I teach are wonderful people who I admire and thank God for.

You know, someday you will be an authority figure. What then?

This is not a venue for counseling, so I'll stop there. I wish you the best.

 

[RighteousnessTemperance&]

I have learned that it is easier to ask to be forgiven than to ask for permission.

Authority figures prefer lazy and stupid people to disobedient people. Authority figure even prefer lazy and stupid disobedient people, to hardworking and smart disobedient people.

The pandemic has narrowed my opportunities to learn the things I feel responsible to learn. I cannot risk the chance to be denied access to the few things left open to me. Professors call me "brilliant" or yell at me more than any other student in their class. Until I know what I am dealing with, it is safer not to show my hand.

The way things "should" be are seldom the way they are. I don't expect all professors to be mentally healthy or fair. I don't even expect them to be qualified to teach. I wait and see what I am dealing with, and then I learn as much as I can from that opportunity.

Did you mean all authority figures, or perhaps only some? Or did you mean all authoritarians. It doesn't sound like you meant all in authority, as you seem to have some good professors as well.

 

[kathleenmariekg]

I never used the word "all". You bolded and underlined something that I never even said. Why would you do that?