Government Must Approve of Theological Degrees? November 9, 2007
Kerby Anderson
If you are concerned about religious liberty and the right of seminaries to educate future Christian leaders, then you need to know about an important case out of Texas that will have a far reaching impact.
The case involved Tyndale Theological Seminary. It was informed by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board that the seminary would be fined as punishment for issuing theological degrees without government approval. The bureaucrats argued that Tyndale could not call itself a seminary without seeking their approval of its curriculum, professors, and governing board.
In the spirit of full disclosure, let me mention my brief relationship with Tyndale Seminary. Although I was not a faculty member, I did on two occasions teach a one-day seminar to the students similar to courses I have taught at other seminaries like Dallas Theological Seminary. And I might also mention that some of the other professors were individuals who held degrees from WheatonCollege, Dallas Seminary, TrinityDivinitySchool, etc. In other words, the credentials of the professors and caliber of their teaching were not the issue.
What was at issue was governmental control. Tyndale did not first seek permission from the state of Texas before it began teaching and granting degrees.
Two other seminaries joined the suit: The Hispanic Bible Institute in San Antonio and the Southern Bible Institute in Dallas. These institutes which train Hispanic and African-American pastors joined later because they also were prevented from calling themselves seminaries or issuing theological degrees without state approval and control.
The Texas Supreme Court ruled unanimously in favor of the three seminaries in what is a landmark religious freedoms lawsuit. The Chief Justice ruled that the state requirement “impermissibly intrudes upon religious freedom protected by the United States and Texas Constitutions.” I think this is a great victory for religious liberty. I’m Kerby Anderson, and that’s my point of view.
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Re: Government Must Approve of Theological Degrees?
Posted On: 11/13/07 04:33:52 PM
Age 58, OR
I'm glad that the seminary won its case. But it's a shame that they were put through this in the first place. There have always been some seminary that are not accredited through the ATS. Click here to reply to this post
Re: Government Must Approve of Theological Degrees?
Posted On: 11/13/07 03:08:43 PM
Age 53, TX
As a current student of the Purpose Institute, I am concerned about the next time goverment comes after the church. This was only the first salvo. They know the church is the only thing that stands between them and total domination. Click here to reply to this post
Re: Government Must Approve of Theological Degrees?
Posted On: 11/13/07 03:03:45 PM
Age 59, IN
My question is did these seminaries take any government money? I.e., grants, V.A. benefits, etc. Click here to reply to this post
Re: Re: Government Must Approve of Theological Degrees?
Posted On: 11/15/07 12:33:19 AM
Age 45, MN
Why should it matter if the school received government money in the form of VA benefits or subsidised student loans? The student is the one who receives that money, and then, in turn, buys an education with it. The government, whether state or federal, has no business interfering with an educational institution (religious or secular) on the basis of where the money came from. In the case of government grants paid directly to the institution, then the government has an interest; but only in the area for which the grant was given. See the History of Hillsdale collge for a case study of how the government interprets its "interest" when students spend "governement" money at a private institution. Link here: http://www.hillsdale.edu/about/history.asp Click here to reply to this post
Re: Government Must Approve of Theological Degrees?
Posted On: 11/13/07 02:15:47 PM
Age 41, FL
I am glad to see not only did the Seminaries win but they won unanimously which should serve to send a message to those who want to interfere in church business. It should also give caution to other states who try to do the same. Praise God! Click here to reply to this post
Re: Government Must Approve of Theological Degrees?
Posted On: 11/13/07 11:27:23 AM
Age 54, IL
I am so glad that it came out this way, as a vet and a free minister I find the idea of government certification to be a danger to the body of Christ and the liberty that our great Nation is founded on. I was in service to protect the right of even people that I do not agree with to worship freely and organize as they wish in peace. We are in a very dangerous time as a nation of giving up our hard won liberty in the name of false security, we do need to pray and seek His providence in the direction our country is going. Take correct action to defend our freedom or we will lose it!
Ken [www.spoken4.org] Click here to reply to this post
Re: Government Must Approve of Theological Degrees?
Posted On: 11/13/07 10:50:12 AM
Age 40, CA
I met a, supposed, Doctor of theology who was a "name it and claim it," "Faith in faith," prosperity teacher a couple years ago. I have a M.S. degree in religion from Liberty University, and asked him which University he attended -- his response: I have an honorary doctorate given to me by (I will not disclose the real name) ABC diploma mill college. Upon asking him "theological" questions, he was unable to relate and carry on the conversation.
Is he a real "Doctor" as he is called? Are people who hear him speak fooled?
The Government should only be involved in the process of ensuring the validity of "PhD's" to prevent people from being fooled.
Now, I am not saying that everyone who preaches and teaches needs to have a degree -- NOT AT ALL! I'm only expressing the dishonesty and deceit that goes on in Christendom.
By the way, has anyone checked the validity of the "Doctorates" that our faith-in- faith, Name-it-and-claim-it, famous prosperity teacher/televangelists claim to possess? Click here to reply to this post
Re: Re: Government Must Approve of Theological Degrees?
Posted On: 11/13/07 11:47:17 PM
Age 50, TX
Well said! I love Liberty University and was saddened when Rev Falwell passed away (my condolences to all). I never quite understood the "honorary doctorate" thing. My spouse had this comment re a local jazz musician: how can a school give someone an honorary doctorate in music when it only has a BA in Music program? Ponder that one.... Click here to reply to this post
Re: Government Must Approve of Theological Degrees?
Posted On: 11/13/07 10:17:19 AM
Age 41, AL
Praise the Lord for for this ruling. I am glad to see the Christian Institutions standing for what is their rights and our rights as Christians. This is a great victory! Click here to reply to this post
Re: Government Must Approve of Theological Degrees?
Posted On: 11/13/07 10:03:43 AM
Age 49, TX
Amen...this is a wonderful victory! I think the grounds of that decision points out a judicial branch that understands the 'original intent' of their constitution. This is especially important for the Christian considering our federal Constitution. It would be a real answer to prayer if we would be able to get judges in that branch that understood the same principle the ones in Texas do. Certainly benefits would exist in that interpretation concerning religious liberty, but also the strict interpretation of the 10th amendment, where powers of the Federal government were originally restricted to those expressly stated in the Constitution. Others not adressed were the States' responsibility. Hence, the idea of original intent would essentially limit federal responsibility to Commerce and Defence. What a difference that would make! But, in the final analysis John Adams said it best "This Constitution is meant to govern a moral and religious people. It is unsuitable for anything else.". Save for God bringing revival to this land, any judical and legislative reforms (or should I say return) would be fruitless in the long term. Click here to reply to this post
Re: Government Must Approve of Theological Degrees?
Posted On: 11/13/07 09:39:24 AM
Age 47, WI
A great decision and victory, although I fear this harassment will continue. An anti Christian group here in Madison WI just lost big in the US Supreme Court. So that is some more good news. My only problem, is I'm uneasy as a Christian reading that a seminary has a racial component. I think as Christians that is something to be concerned about, would Christ group us? I don't think so, as believers we are ALL his children. Click here to reply to this post
Re: Government Must Approve of Theological Degrees?
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