The thought of going to Seminary and getting some kind of theology degree has certainly come up for many people who want to serve the Lord in a ministry capacity. Just like in the "real world" where a diploma is very helpful in obtaining employment, a theology degree can help in getting a job at a church.
Is Seminary Biblical?
This topic brings up a very large discussion regarding church employment and matters of conducting a church like a business. However, I'll save that for another post. For now, I just want to focus on Seminary school and whether or not they are a good thing.
First of all, are Bible colleges a Bible-based institution? No, it doesn't appear so. Remember that Jesus was, "a friend of publicans and sinners" who condemned the Scribes and Pharisees more than any other group (i.e., the professionals with fancy "degrees").
Paul was a prominent and highly educated Pharisee, but when it came to the truth of Christianity he wrote in Galatians 1:15-18, "But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days."
In other words, when Christ revealed Himself to Paul, the one thing Paul didn't do was to seek instruction from people (immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood).
Does That Make Seminary "Bad"?
Not necessarily. However, before considering spending tens of thousands of dollars on Bible college (money that could feed & clothe the poor), there are some things to consider.
Besides the money issue, you need to ask yourself if you need someone to tell you what the Bible says instead of just reading it on your own. Why not study the Bible on your own or in a Bible study group? If you just want a fancy degree for show & tell, that's one thing, but to think that you aren't fit or capable to preach from the Word of God (Peter was a humble fisherman) unless you have that piece of paper is a bit absurd. The Gospel was not intended for academic scholars (see Luke 4:18 and Matthew 19:14), and you don't need to be one to share the Good News! Isn't that good news?
Furthermore, many Seminary professors have their own peculiar theological perspectives that are often at variance with traditional Christianity. They are puffed up with knowledge and place a high view on their credentials and a low view on Scripture. That kind of arrogance can leave a very negative impression on young people going into Bible college.
We need to have a high view of God, and not ourselves.
The website Biblical Training has many hours of free lectures from well-known Seminary professors all over the country, and I have listened to almost all of it from their "Level 3: Institute" course. Sadly, many unbiblical viewpoints are expressed as "fact" and most of the professors don't even bother presenting other interpretations. Some lessons were good, but some were completely ridiculous. I'm glad I studied the Bible on my own before listening to these lectures, otherwise I might be infected with some very weird ideas!
Here's a few headlines that should seriously concern you, and encourage you to look very closely at any Bible college you are interested in attending (if you must go):
• Southern Baptist Seminary Provost Tweets “Black Power” Fist in Solidarity With Black Nationalism
• Southern Baptist Seminary Requiring Students to Sign Statement Pledging Allegiance to Government
• ‘Woke’ SBC Seminary Demands Student Remove MAGA Hat Because It’s Offensive
• PCA Seminary Blatantly Promotes Critical Race Theory
• Critical Race Theory Syllabus from Reformed Theological Seminary Released to Public
If You Must Go...
If you insist on attending Bible college, there are likely some reasonable options. Like I said above, you should carefully look into any Seminary before giving them your money.
Trinity College of the Bible and Theological Seminary is probably worth looking into. They have a lot of videos and information to allow you to research them thoroughly.
In Conclusion
To wrap it all up, Seminary is not necessary and can even be harmful to your spiritual health. Read the Bible on your own and read it daily with a couple commentaries nearby for when you run across difficult passages.
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