# What exactly is required for a PHd in (Christian) Theology
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-required-for-a-phd-in-christian-theology/681784
**Category:** The BBQ Pit
**Created:** [February 20, 2014, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-required-for-a-phd-in-christian-theology/681784 "2014-02-20T13:43:54Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 4
### Author:  [@Robert163](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robert163)
#### Post date: [February 20, 2014, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-required-for-a-phd-in-christian-theology/681784/61 "2014-02-20T18:01:20Z")
> [@Monty](#):
>
> Robert163: You’re still hung up on the idea that the only thing required for a doctorate in theology/religious studies/divinity specific to Christianity is a knowledge of the Christian Bible. That’s not even close to the case. This has been pointed out to you in this very thread more than once. There’s not even a requirement for the student to accept the religious precepts to receive the degree. All that is required is to demonstrate the knowledge of a number of things pertaining to the degree, and those things differ from institution to institution.
>
> Do your really want to know the answer to the question you posed in the OP? Given your posts in this thread, the answer to my question is incredibly obvious. Another thing that’s obvious is that you’re simply trolling now, and not doing a very good job of that either.
>
> Finally: You’re no E. E. Cummings. Learn how to capitalize, punctuate, and paragraph.
1- if you wanna be smart, tell me something i dont know, stating the obvious bores me
2- until they make rules saying i have to capitalize punctuate and spell right ill type my words whatever way pleases me
---
### Author:  [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)
#### Post date: [February 20, 2014, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-required-for-a-phd-in-christian-theology/681784/62 "2014-02-20T18:07:50Z")
> [@Robert163](#):
>
> 1- if you wanna be smart, tell me something i dont know, stating the obvious bores me
How’s this: most of the people telling you you’re wrong are atheists and agnostics.
---
### Author:  [@watchwolf49](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/watchwolf49)
#### Post date: [February 20, 2014, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-required-for-a-phd-in-christian-theology/681784/63 "2014-02-20T18:09:01Z")
From [Emory University](http://www.candler.emory.edu/academics/degree-programs/thd.cfm):
> [@](#):
>
> The Doctor of theology in Pastoral Counseling (ThD) prepares persons for the ministry of pastoral counseling at the doctoral level by combining rigorous academic and theological work with supervised clinical practice. The degree is an equivalent of the PhD, designed for those whose interest in pastoral counseling is primarily professional.
Perhaps the ThD is a requirement for a license to practice pastoral counseling, like an MSW is required to practice regular counseling.
---
### Author:  [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)
#### Post date: [February 20, 2014, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-required-for-a-phd-in-christian-theology/681784/64 "2014-02-20T18:10:43Z")
There are generally no legally required qualifications for pastoral counseling. It would create Establishment Clause issues. A congregation or church may have its own requirements, of course.
---
### Author:  [@Robert163](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robert163)
#### Post date: [February 20, 2014, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-required-for-a-phd-in-christian-theology/681784/65 "2014-02-20T18:10:45Z")
> [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#):
>
> How’s this: most of the people telling you you’re wrong are atheists and agnostics.
oh, yes, an odd creature, the political correct atheist/agnostic legion who feel its so important to tell me what a horrible bad person i am for making fun of the bible. you people are an odd lot.
---
### Author:  [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)
#### Post date: [February 20, 2014, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-required-for-a-phd-in-christian-theology/681784/66 "2014-02-20T18:11:56Z")
Nobody thinks you’re a horrible bad person for making fun of the \*\*ible. I _also_ think it’s a bunch of pointless fairytales that have no value except as boring literature. We think you’re a silly person for making assumptions about a field you are unfamiliar with and sticking with them in the face of evidence to the contrary.
---
### Author:  [@Robert163](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robert163)
#### Post date: [February 20, 2014, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-required-for-a-phd-in-christian-theology/681784/67 "2014-02-20T18:13:56Z")
> [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#):
>
> Nobody thinks you’re a horrible bad person for making fun of the bible. We think you’re a silly person for making assumptions about a field you are unfamiliar with and sticking with them in the face of evidence to the contrary.
do you really, actually think that I think getting a PhD in Theology is as simple as taking a non accredited correspondence course that lasts 3 months?
---
### Author:  [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)
#### Post date: [February 20, 2014, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-required-for-a-phd-in-christian-theology/681784/68 "2014-02-20T18:20:04Z")
> [@Robert163](#):
>
> ok, thank you for your response i can tell you put a lot of time into typing it so thanks. but my response is, what if Jesus didn’t really exist and therefor this talk of his brothers is just a dog chasing its tail? or, if it was just some preacher named jesus who never walked on water and never rose from the dead. more chasing of tails to try and find out if he had brothers or not.
That’s a switch from your original argument. If Jesus didn’t exist from a historical perspective, or existed but was not of supernatural character, it’s still beyond cavil that the _concept_ of his existence has been of profound influence on the world. The varying points of dispute concerning Jesus’ life caused very real and unarguably significant historical conflicts, regardless of the actual truth of the matter. The Cathar heresy of the 12th century was based on a theological dispute, to be sure, but the military forces sent in response to Pope Innocent III’s call for a crusade against Languedoc were indubitably real. And the resulting realignment of fiefs controlled by the House of Toulouse really happened.
If the intent is simply to answer the question, “Did Jesus have magical powers?” then a theology degree is not necessary. But a theology doctorate doesn’t restrain itself to answering that question.
---
### Author:  [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)
#### Post date: [February 20, 2014, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-required-for-a-phd-in-christian-theology/681784/69 "2014-02-20T18:20:31Z")
> [@](#):
>
> do you really, actually think that I think getting a PhD in Theology is as simple as taking a non accredited correspondence course that lasts 3 months?
I have no idea what you think about getting a PhD in Theology.
---
### Author:  [@watchwolf49](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/watchwolf49)
#### Post date: [February 20, 2014, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-required-for-a-phd-in-christian-theology/681784/70 "2014-02-20T18:21:26Z")
> [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#):
>
> There are generally no legally required qualifications for pastoral counseling. It would create Establishment Clause issues. A congregation or church may have its own requirements, of course.
Depends on the State, here one needs certification from [American Association of Pastoral Counselors](http://www.aapc.org/membership/certifications/certified-pastoral-counselor/?) before they can offer services to the general public.
---
### Author:  [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)
#### Post date: [February 20, 2014, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-required-for-a-phd-in-christian-theology/681784/71 "2014-02-20T18:22:06Z")
> [@Robert163](#):
>
> do you really, actually think that I think getting a PhD in Theology is as simple as taking a non accredited correspondence course that lasts 3 months?
Here’s what you said:
> [@Robert163](#):
>
> **What exactly is required for a PHd in (Christian) Theology**
> Because, to be quite honest, there is not much in the bible that is too complicated, most of it can be understood by a 10th grader very easily, certainly all of it could be understood (understand, not agree) by your average college freshman.
Would you care to revise your question and give a more nuanced view of what you really, actually think?
---
### Author:  [@Robert163](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robert163)
#### Post date: [February 20, 2014, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-required-for-a-phd-in-christian-theology/681784/72 "2014-02-20T18:22:57Z")
> [@Bricker](#):
>
> That’s a switch from your original argument. If Jesus didn’t exist from a historical perspective, or existed but was not of supernatural character, it’s still beyond cavil that the _concept_ of his existence has been of profound influence on the world. The varying points of dispute concerning Jesus’ life caused very real and unarguably significant historical conflicts, regardless of the actual truth of the matter. The Cathar heresy of the 12th century was based on a theological dispute, to be sure, but the military forces sent in response to Pope Innocent III’s call for a crusade against Languedoc were indubitably real. And the resulting realignment of fiefs controlled by the House of Toulouse really happened.
>
> If the intent is simply to answer the question, “Did Jesus have magical powers?” then a theology degree is not necessary. But a theology doctorate doesn’t restrain itself to answering that question.
hmmm… wouldn’t it make such disagreements and conflicts even MORE ill founded if jesus never existed or he was just some human preacher and nothing more?
---
### Author:  [@The\_Second\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Second_Stone)
#### Post date: [February 20, 2014, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-required-for-a-phd-in-christian-theology/681784/73 "2014-02-20T18:23:29Z")
> [@Robert163](#):
>
> what? she married my dad after i moved out. not really sure what your point is apart from simple vitriol.
Exactly!
---
### Author:  [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)
#### Post date: [February 20, 2014, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-required-for-a-phd-in-christian-theology/681784/74 "2014-02-20T18:23:29Z")
> [@](#):
>
> Depends on the State, here one needs certification…
Where is “here”?
---
### Author:  [@Robert163](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robert163)
#### Post date: [February 20, 2014, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-required-for-a-phd-in-christian-theology/681784/75 "2014-02-20T18:25:52Z")
> [@Bricker](#):
>
> Here’s what you said:
>
> Would you care to revise your question and give a more nuanced view of what you really, actually think?
from post number 8:
…Well, for one, there’s probably about a hundred PhD’s worth of study solely on how theology itself has changed in the last 2,000 years. [other poster]
Yes, as well as study of greek and arameic and hebrew and ancient history right? so how much of it is on the actual bible and the actual bible concepts itself I wonder and how much is expository?[me]
---
### Author:  [@Clothahump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clothahump)
#### Post date: [February 20, 2014, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-required-for-a-phd-in-christian-theology/681784/76 "2014-02-20T18:30:58Z")
> [@Robert163](#):
>
> Because, to be quite honest, there is not much in the bible that is too complicated, most of it can be understood by a 10th grader very easily, certainly all of it could be understood (understand, not agree) by your average college freshman.
A total suspension of belief in reality is a good starting place.
---
### Author:  [@watchwolf49](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/watchwolf49)
#### Post date: [February 20, 2014, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-required-for-a-phd-in-christian-theology/681784/77 "2014-02-20T18:34:49Z")
I’ve glossed over some of the statements from actual universities about what the requirements for a ThD degree, is there something specific in these documents that you don’t understand?
> [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#):
>
> Where is “here”?
West of you.
---
### Author:  [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)
#### Post date: [February 20, 2014, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-required-for-a-phd-in-christian-theology/681784/78 "2014-02-20T18:38:27Z")
Helpful.
---
### Author:  [@Robert163](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robert163)
#### Post date: [February 20, 2014, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-required-for-a-phd-in-christian-theology/681784/79 "2014-02-20T18:42:22Z")
> [@watchwolf49](#):
>
> I’ve glossed over some of the statements from actual universities about what the requirements for a ThD degree, is there something specific in these documents that you don’t understand?
>
> West of you.
are you talking to me? i was basically just saying it’s not too difficult a course of study. kind of how history is a difficult topic, lots of reading, but not really as hard as engineering.
---
### Author:  [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)
#### Post date: [February 20, 2014, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-required-for-a-phd-in-christian-theology/681784/80 "2014-02-20T18:47:41Z")
> [@Robert163](#):
>
> are you talking to me? i was basically just saying it’s not too difficult a course of study. kind of how history is a difficult topic, lots of reading, but not really as hard as engineering.
Can we assume that history and engineering are two more fields with which you have no personal familiarity?
[Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-required-for-a-phd-in-christian-theology/681784.md?page=3)
[Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-required-for-a-phd-in-christian-theology/681784.md?page=5)