What to Expect in Seminary: Theological Education As Spiritual Formation

Rating:
Summary: Good reading for prospective seminary students
Review: "Theological education is not about learning, it is about change." This statement, not original with the author of this book, is nevertheless the most important sentence in "What to Expect in Seminary." The goal in moderate-to-liberal mainline seminaries is change, and just how the student will respond makes all the difference. She/he will be challenged with new ways of thinking, which may seem threatening to her/his faith. This book makes an attempt to equip the prospective student with a proper mindset to regard theological education as spiritual formation. Every aspect of seminary life is covered, from classroom to community life to financial and time management. I wish this book had been available when I first attempted seminary 25 years ago, and I'm glad to have it now when I am once again preparing to further my theological education.

Rating:
Summary: A hollow defense against seminary criticism
Review: As an entering seminarian I was hoping for real advice and insight into the seminary experience. This book was poorly written ad read like a defense against criticism of seminary education. The audience was not entering seminarians in my opinion. In fact, this read more like a doctoral thesis. I bought this book used and still feel that I was ripped off. It offered nothing new or unusual. What a dissapointment.

Rating:
Summary: A must read for seminary students.
Review: In this pilgrim's progress of theological education, students of all ages and ethnic backgrounds will find wise counsel about the potential for positive spiritual formation in theological education as well as honest and sensitive discussion of various pitfalls. Spiritual formation is always part of the seminary experience, weither intentional or not. The issue is what kind of spiritual formation, and how are you responding?