So You're Thinking about Going to Seminary: An Insider's Guide to Seminary

by Derek Cooper

Book Overview

I think I want to go to seminary, but is seminary right for me? What is seminary like? How do I figure out where to go? If you or someone you know or counsel is asking these questions, this book is... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1587432145
• ISBN13: 9781587432149
• Release Date: November 2008
• Publisher: Brazos Press
• Length: 231 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.2" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Excellent Broad Overview

I was browsing Christian book publishers one day and came across the newly published title, "So You're Thinking About Going to Seminary" by Derek Cooper. Of course, since I am trying to figure out which theology graduate programs I should apply for, this instantly went to the top of my reading list! This is an unprecedented book, that takes a look at the ins-and-outs of seminary, and helps provide a road-map for navigating the terrain. As the cover attests, it helps choose the right seminary, discern if seminary is right for you, explore degree options, what to expect, how to finance the escapade, and more. The author explains his somewhat tumultuous experience of shuffling between a whopping SIX different seminaries, before finishing his academic career. The book is divided into four parts: (1) Orientation to Seminary, (2) Things to Consider Before Seminary, (3) Things to Consider During Seminary, and (4) Post-Seminary Things to Consider While in Seminary. The book is packed with information that would take a very long time to accumulate through one's own experience alone. One interesting thing I learned in the orientation is what exactly "seminary" is. Cooper explains that a "Divinity School," a "School of Theology," an a "Seminary," are all theological schools that fall under the big-umbrella term "seminary," but that have important differentiations. The primary point is that a "divinity school" or "school of theology" is usually a theological department/college of a bigger mainstream university, whereas the term "seminary" is often used in independent educational institutions without affiliations to another school. Part 2 offers chapters on theological affiliations of schools, the "outside" factors to consider (locale, etc.), the "inside" factors (school size, etc.), how to finance, and a walkthrough in applying to schools. This was a good section of the book for making you think about what you want out of your education: small community, or big school with lots of resources? Suburban quiet setting, or urban fast-paced? I'm afraid the theological affiliation section didn't give me exactly what I wanted, but the author is trying to present an unbiased and "neutral" view for all the schools, and didn't delve into theological positions much. Part 3's highlights included chapters on departments and courses within seminary, discussing biblical studies and theology, church history and practical theology, and different degree programs--both basic and advanced. This section was helpful for learning the more inner-workings of departments and how curriculums are set up, which is helpful for me as I am still trying to find out what I want to specialize my studies in (Old Testament, Historical Theology, or Philosophical Theology). Particularly interesting was the discussion on different degree programs. If you have ever looked at a list of biblical scholars, their names are followed with every sort of random degree letters: BA, MA, MDiv,

A Help for Choosing and Attending Seminary

What's great about this book is the sheer breadth of topics Derek covers. He begins with the basic question about whether or not someone should attend seminary in the first place, and walks readers right through the process to the point that he suggests possible professions and career paths. While this book will undoubtedly help Christians decide whether or not seminary is the right choice or which seminary is the right fit (denominationally, theologically, etc.), it seems that Derek has left no stone unturned by providing guidance through seminary classes and other issues that will come up while attending seminary. He doesn't just provide insight into step A, but rather goes from A-Z with his ideas, check lists, and questions. If you really are considering seminary, then you will find this book an engaging read. Derek has made this topic as compelling as any human being possibly could, while the designers have done an amazing job pulling key quotes, inserting charts and graphs, and breaking down ideas into lists. Each appendix at the end is a gold mine of information. [...]