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A PhD in Theology? How Is This Possible?

Started by SkyChief, June 17, 2015, 10:54:39 PM

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SkyChief

June 17, 2015, 10:54:39 PM
Is a Doctorate Degree in Theology really valid?

A PhD degree in any field implies an individual's exemplary understanding of the study given to a particular field of science.

With the exception of Theology. [insert sad trombone sound here]

So then, why must we make this awkward exception to a field of study which is clearly outside the realm of physical science (even to believers)?

Why don't real PhD's object to this?
"A man should look for what is, and not for what he thinks should be."    - Albert Einstein

SGOS

#1
June 17, 2015, 11:06:27 PM
Doctor of Supernatural Woo

Hey, there's a demand for this stuff.  Imagine devoting your whole life to the study of made up stuff.  You can be a guest on a TV program as the world's foremost authority on crazy nonsense made up by ancient stargazers with overactive imaginations.  You can then explain how it all fits together, how it works, and why people need to believe it.

Mike Cl

#2
June 17, 2015, 11:12:47 PM
Doesn't PhD stand for piled higher and deeper??  Okay, doesn't it stand for Doctor of Philosophy?  If so, I'd say that theology would fit in that.
Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able?<br />Then he is not omnipotent,<br />Is he able but not willing?<br />Then whence cometh evil?<br />Is he neither able or willing?<br />Then why call him god?

SkyChief

#3
June 17, 2015, 11:37:10 PM
Quote from: Mike Cl on June 17, 2015, 11:12:47 PM
Doesn't PhD stand for piled higher and deeper??  Okay, doesn't it stand for Doctor of Philosophy?  If so, I'd say that theology would fit in that.

Very loosely translated,   yes.

The most troubling thing is,  Philosophy and Religion should not necessarily be synonymous. Yet, somehow, these have morphed into a universal understanding that they are the same.

Im wondering at what point did this occur.





"A man should look for what is, and not for what he thinks should be."    - Albert Einstein

Shiranu

#4
June 17, 2015, 11:59:02 PM
QuoteSo then, why must we make this awkward exception to a field of study which is clearly outside the realm of physical science (even to believers)?

Philosophy is also a fake PhD. then?
"A little science distances you from God, but a lot of science brings you nearer to Him." - Louis Pasteur

Solitary

#5
June 18, 2015, 12:19:11 AM
Philosophically speaking, Yes!  :pai:  :biggrin2:
There is nothing more frightful than ignorance in action.

Gawdzilla Sama

#6
June 18, 2015, 06:39:38 AM
http://www.ugst.edu/page.cfm?p=124

About six miles from me. Looks like a set for a "haunted ex-mental hospital" movie.
We 'new atheists' have a reputation for being militant, but make no mistake  we didn't start this war. If you want to place blame put it on the the religious zealots who have been poisoning the minds of the  young for a long long time."
PZ Myers

Baruch

#7
June 18, 2015, 07:31:46 AM
Historically, at first there was the JD ... then the MD, then the PhD ... which was exclusively for theologians.  Today the PhD is separated ... theological schools give the DD (Doctor of Divinity, not Dentistry).  PhD in Religion is only given in secular terms, not religious terms.  But this has only been true recently, it started to separate 100 years ago.  A PhD in Theology would be a subset of PhD in Religion, and would not imply any faith.  The greatest scholar of Kabbalah, was an atheist.  But then that misses the point.  Like having a PhD in Chess, but never having played the game ;-)
Ha’át’íísh baa naniná?
Azee’ Å,a’ish nanídį́į́h?
Táadoo ánít’iní.
What are you doing?
Are you taking any medications?
Don't do that.

Mermaid

#8
June 18, 2015, 07:40:50 AM
My former boss has one, and another in science. WTF?
A cynical habit of thought and speech, a readiness to criticise work which the critic himself never tries to perform, an intellectual aloofness which will not accept contact with life’s realities â€" all these are marks, not as the possessor would fain to think, of superiority but of weakness. -TR

Mike Cl

#9
June 18, 2015, 09:06:54 AM
Quote from: Mermaid on June 18, 2015, 07:40:50 AM
My former boss has one, and another in science. WTF?
Actually, I get it.  I could understand a person being so interested in religion and how and why it works that they would want to go all the way and learn the languages of the ancient religions so they could read the source documents.  And I could see that same person having a degree in a field of science, as well.  I really don't think there is a conflict.  As an atheist I am very interested in the historicity of Jesus and the beginning of Christianity, as well.  I am also very interested in several areas of science as well.   
Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able?<br />Then he is not omnipotent,<br />Is he able but not willing?<br />Then whence cometh evil?<br />Is he neither able or willing?<br />Then why call him god?

aitm

#10
June 18, 2015, 10:53:33 AM
Quote from: Mike Cl on June 17, 2015, 11:12:47 PM
Doesn't PhD stand for piled higher and deeper??  Okay, doesn't it stand for Doctor of Philosophy?  If so, I'd say that theology would fit in that.
I have listened to several Philosophers over the years whose views are just as batty as religion, so they can be sisters of woo.
A humans desire to live is exceeded only by their willingness to die for another. Even god cannot equal this magnificent sacrifice. No god has the right to judge them.-first tenant of the Panotheust

Baruch

#11
June 18, 2015, 11:09:03 AM
An atheist is nearly a complete skeptic, but sometimes lacking in humor:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3x2SvqhfevE
Ha’át’íísh baa naniná?
Azee’ Å,a’ish nanídį́į́h?
Táadoo ánít’iní.
What are you doing?
Are you taking any medications?
Don't do that.

Drummer Guy

#12
June 18, 2015, 01:32:46 PM
Quote from: SkyChief on June 17, 2015, 10:54:39 PM
Is a Doctorate Degree in Theology really valid?
Understanding a religion is a valid form of study.  Having a PhD in theology doesn't mean believing there's a god.  I'm not sure why you think it wouldn't be valid, your points aren't very clear.

It is worth noting that your job options will be limited with such a degree.

Solitary

#13
June 18, 2015, 01:52:59 PM
How in the world can that be sung that fast?
There is nothing more frightful than ignorance in action.

Mermaid

#14
June 18, 2015, 04:51:14 PM
Quote from: Mike Cl on June 18, 2015, 09:06:54 AM
Actually, I get it.  I could understand a person being so interested in religion and how and why it works that they would want to go all the way and learn the languages of the ancient religions so they could read the source documents.  And I could see that same person having a degree in a field of science, as well.  I really don't think there is a conflict.  As an atheist I am very interested in the historicity of Jesus and the beginning of Christianity, as well.  I am also very interested in several areas of science as well.   
Yeah, but he's a southern Baptist, a very devout and outspoken Christian.
A cynical habit of thought and speech, a readiness to criticise work which the critic himself never tries to perform, an intellectual aloofness which will not accept contact with life’s realities â€" all these are marks, not as the possessor would fain to think, of superiority but of weakness. -TR
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