Alternative Education

This post has no relation to the Bible but rather to Biblical education. I try to be on the lookout for alternative methods of teaching God's word and making it applicable. Along those lines, I also seek out alternative formal education. For instance, did you know that in Great Britain and South Africa, degrees can be earned strictly by research? Neither did I until somewhat recently. Which brings me to my point.

Are there American institutes that offer alternative forms of education? The answer is yes.

One example is Columbia Evangelical Seminary. Degrees are offered from Bachelor to Doctorate for a set tuition fee. The course mentors are highly qualified as the school requires an accredited degree to be qualified. In addition the courses are rigorous in nature and flexible depending on the interest of the student.

Another example is The North American Reformed Seminary (TNARS). This school operates at no cost. Tuition is free; and the books and lectures are found freely on the internet. The reading requirement may not be as strenuous, but the assignments have more stringent requirements than some accredited institutions.

Should someone look at these options? That depends on the desired outcome. I e-mailed one graduate of Columbia about his experiences, and he was rebuffed only once because his doctorate was not from a regionally accredited school. That was disappointing, but the overall experience was satisfying for his ministry.

Whether or not someone seeks to undertake a program along these lines, the idea that such programs are available is intriguing in itself. Consider what TNARS has assembled. There is a wealth of academic information available for anyone to use and improve there Scripture knowledge, if one takes the time to learn it.

Perhaps churches should recommend their congregants go through some of these or other materials for their teaching. It would certainly be a far-cry better than much of the pablum on television, and maybe the spiritual leadership in the local church would learn something as well.