I mean what do they learn? Do they have college classes on bible verses or something? This has always confused me.
2007-11-12 06:05:52 · 19 answers · asked by Future 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
There are theology degrees, some colleges based on it.
They study comparative religions, theology, archeology, anthropology, sociology and psychology. They learn how to listen to and help people, how to read for comprehension and interpretation. They learn all the things needed to become a minister.
I looked up one theology degree's coursework - here it is -
FRESHMAN
Introduction to Theology
Rhetoric and Composition I & II
Growth of Western Civilization I or II
Science and Nature Elective
Individual and Social Behavior
Foreign Language I & II
History Elective
Natural Science Elective
SOPHOMORE
Theology Through the Centuries
Theology in the Early Church
Literature Elective
Mathematical Reasoning Elective
Philosophy of Human Nature
Foreign Language III & IV
Literature Elective
Math, Logic or Computer Science Elective
Social-behavioral Science Elective
JUNIOR
Old Testament Course
New Testament Course
Theology Major Course
Diverse Cultures Elective
Diverse Cultures Elective
Theory of Ethics
Philosophy Elective
Social-behavioral Science Elective
SENIOR
Theology Major Course
Senior Experience
Electives
So they study a great deal across the board.
2007-11-12 06:11:41 · answer #1 · answered by Cheese Fairy - Mummified 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Since I hold a Master's Degree in Religious Studies, I will take a stab at this question. In Religious Studies we learn about religions - what there beliefs are, what rituals they follow, how believers interpret teachings. It's not about proving or disproving any teaching. We look at things objectively and try to understand how people relate to things they consider sacred.
Theology is a different discipline. It deals with doctrines about God. It is aimed more toward believers to help them understand the complexity of specific teachings.
Biblical Studies is also another discipline. While one can study scripture in Religious Studies, the focus of Biblical Studies is usually to understand the Bible vis a vis a specific set of beliefs. A Roman Catholic Bible School will teach things differently than say a Lutheran Bible School.
Studies for ministry, priesthood or to be a minister usually combine theology and biblical studies as well as teaching on things like pastoral counselling, preaching, sacraments. It's focus is more practical. Usually this degree is a Master of Divinity.
In the Roman Catholic Church we also have people who study Canon (Church) Law to become canon lawyers. They would work in Tribunals assisting with cases dealing with marriage and other issues.
I hope that helps.
VB8
2007-11-12 06:22:06 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are several different types of degrees in religion, more or less tied to a specific religion.
One could specifically get a "Divinity" degree, which is study for the ministry, very tightly tied to Christianity (usually, at least in the USA). On the other extreme, one could get degrees in history of religions, anthropology of religions, comparative religions, none of which require belief in the truth of any specific theology, merely assent that religions exist, whether or not their beliefs are true.
2007-11-12 06:11:07 · answer #3 · answered by Hoosier Daddy 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Most certainly. You have to get a Bachelors, Masters or Doctors degree from a collage. If you really want to know. Matthew 23:8-10 state that anyone that is leading a church is never to put a title before his/her name. Few are taking heed of that.
There are a few churches that let a person without the education from a collage teach/run their church. But one still has to know and have learned some how.
2007-11-12 06:14:15 · answer #4 · answered by geessewereabove 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Depends... a degree in comparative religion, theology, divinity, pastoral studies, missions, Biblical counsel ling?
In Pastoral Studies you learn everything from Bible to counselling and administration, plus hermeneutics and exegesis.
2007-11-12 06:11:00 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
They learn many of the same things other colleges do without the liberal spin. They also learn to read Greek and Hebrew so that they can interpret the Bible correctly so that when people think they are armed with an arsenal of contradictions they can point out where they are mistaken.
2007-11-12 06:09:45 · answer #6 · answered by gtahvfaith 5 · 2⤊ 2⤋
christianity is not the only religion, I would hope a degree would study more than just the bible, but as my degree is in English and History, I can not say for sure
2007-11-12 06:08:55 · answer #7 · answered by Diane 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Inquisitive? Its no longer incorrect to choose for to learn approximately new issues, particularly whilst it consumes maximum of people, so in the event that they want to 'practice' themselves on what's incredibly custom learn then wonderful.
2016-10-16 06:30:50 · answer #8 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They learn how to rationalize immoral behavior and nihilism. They also learn how to get people to feel guilty about things they shouldn't feel guilty about in the first place. Also how to brainwash, value faith and reject reason. There's all kinds of stuff you can learn at a seminary. They end up spending a large majority of their time trying to argue against Nietzsche.
2007-11-12 06:12:06 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
You can get a degree in Theology.
For an example of what a course of study might be like:
http://www.cdu.edu/coursedescription.cfm?CourseID=206-0800
2007-11-12 06:08:59 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋