Are Seminaries and Bible Colleges Biblical?

A seminary, school of theology, theological seminary, or divinity school is an educational institution for educating students (sometimes called seminarians) in scripture, theology, generally to prepare them for ordination to serve as clergy, in academics, or in Christian ministry.

The English word is taken from the Latin seminarium, translated as seed-bed, an image taken from the Council of Trent document Cum adolescentium aetas which called for the first modern seminaries.

The Council of Trent (1545–1563) required the creation of diocesan seminaries with the canon Cum Adolescentium Aetas, adopted during the council's twenty-third session in 1563. ... Cardinal Pole's solution was to cure the carelessness of the clergy by erecting seminaries at every cathedral church.

Modern day Seminaries and Bible Colleges have their origin in the Council of Trent.

Where in scripture are the institutions of seminaries and bible colleges authorized or advocated for?

For reformers claim to follow sola scriptura but on seminaries and theology schools the reformers appear to follow the Council of Trent.

Here is one piece of scripture which speaks against any need for seminaries and bible colleges.

Jeremiah 34:31-34
The New Covenant
31 “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, 32 not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, declares the Lord. 33 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”

"Are Seminaries and Bible Colleges Biblical?"

I'd say . . . nope. I'd never be taught doctrine from a bible college; maybe Greek or Hebrew, but even then, why not learn Hebrew from the Blessed Jewish community? It's their language . . . they'd know best.

On the other hand, are airplanes biblical?

"Blessed Jewish Community"?

How does a person become blessed by being Jewish, God is no respecter of person, a Jewish person has no more a blessing than a Gentile, the blessing of God is obtained by his Son's finished work on Calvary

Colossians 3:24-25KJV
24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

In this way...

Romans 3:1-2 (NASB) Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the benefit of circumcision? Great in every respect. First of all, that they were entrusted with the oracles of God.

Romans 9:4-5 (NASB) who are Israelites, to whom belongs the adoption as sons, and the glory and the covenants and the giving of the Law and the temple service and the promises, whose are the fathers, and from whom is the Christ according to the flesh, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.

Next time you hear a Gentile claiming to be a prophet, don't believe him.

They have schools for aeronautics and pilots.
They have schools for Science and Technology
They have schools for every subject and study.
So from a worldly perspective, yes, it would make perfect sense that there should be schools i.e. seminaries and bible colleges.

But then what is the meaning of Romans 12:2?
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.


What do all these school have in common? They are operated by experts. In the case of the bible schools they have experts such as theologians and biblical scholars and professors...who teach the rest of us. Or teach our pastors.

But then what is the meaning of Matthew 23:10-12?
10 Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah. 11 The greatest among you will be your servant. 12 For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Hmmm, your "comment" brought this to mind from the parable of the Good Samaritan:

Luke 10:31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.

Acts 4:12KJV
12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Romans 2:11KJV
11 For there is no respect of persons with God.

Colossians 3:24-25KJV
24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

Here are some more:

"These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you. But the anointing (Holy Spirit) which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him." (1 John 2:27)

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye." (Psalm 32:8)

Today's churches are run like businesses. It's all about bringing in new members and keeping them, at all costs.

Just like fast-food restaurants, it doesn't matter how much real nutrients the food has as long as it looks, smells and, mostly, tastes good.

They don't dare teach scripture that is scary or stressful. In fact, they mostly stick to the New Testament; and only portions of that at best - which amounts to less than 20% of the contents of the Bible.

Seminaries are like placement schools for those who will become pastors and managers of the church businesses of the world. Church is a very lucrative business if it is run like one. At the top, they use corporate strategies for dealing with doctrine and money handling.

Have you ever noticed how most churches, Christian T.V. shows and Christian radio shows will so often be teaching or discussing the same topics at the same time? That is because they are directed by a Central Organization that plans the weekly topic agendas to be taught in the churches each Sunday.

Many will say this gives them a sense of connection to the other Christians around the country, but this is woefully unbiblical.

How can anybody but God know what each specific congregation needs to hear each week. The pastor/preacher is to prayerfully establish his sermon throughout each week utilizing the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Most modern churches are hollow and empty of Spirit-guided teaching.

They are businesses. Plain and simple. Mammon is their god.

Seminaries are generally institutions to brainwash their students with the pet denominational doctrines of the backing denomination. When I was first saved, I was desperate to go to Bible College. Every time I applied, something intervened to stop me. One place even closed down as I was applying. It took a while, but I finally saw that it was not God's will for me to go.

50 years or so later, I know why. Some people may benefit from formal Bible training. I needed to learn in the School of Life, taught by the Holy Spirit. Paul taught in a school setting for two years. In the early church, the apostles taught in peoples' homes.

If anyone can demonstrate to me that the church is more vibrant, united, loving, caring and effective, I'll pull my head in and say seminaries are fine. I believe that the opposite is true. Doctrines of demons and traditions of men are a toxic combination that have derailed many Christian lives.

Seminary became necessary over time. As the church became spread out over culture and languages, and geography, and more and more heterodoxy, and heresy crept in. Uniform and confirmed teachers were required.

You have to do your homework when checking out seminary schools. The majority are now progressive, or some professors do not believe in God but teach the course for the money.

Seminary, in my opinion, should only be in the practice of competing with secular colleges but with a Christian worldview. It, however, should not be what dictates the hiring of pastors or spiritual leaders.

Discipleship/ mentorship reveals spiritual leaders.

Brutal . . .

You quoted my question, but I don't believe you answered it...

On the other hand, are airplanes biblical?

Yes, that too was spoken by and then transcribed by Jews.

Your point?

People go to seminary to get a degree. They might want to open their own congregation and having a degree might make them seem competent and attractive to seekers. Some denominations might require prospective preachers to have a degree when they apply for employment.

I wouldn't say that seminary is necessary for the average person. I mean, we already have the Bible. We can study it by ourselves and ask God to open our eyes. I believe God is eager to answer a prayer where we sincerely request His truth and wisdom.

Your point?

Nearly every liberal minister has been brainwashed in seminary. Which seminary one chooses is important.

It goes back to my original statement...

"In this way...

Romans 3:1-2 (NASB) Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the benefit of circumcision? Great in every respect. First of all, that they were entrusted with the oracles of God.

Romans 9:4-5 (NASB) who are Israelites, to whom belongs the adoption as sons, and the glory and the covenants and the giving of the Law and the temple service and the promises, whose are the fathers, and from whom is the Christ according to the flesh, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.

Next time you hear a Gentile claiming to be a prophet, don't believe him."

You brought up the Good Samaritan in response to my statement above, so I was only reminding you that Jesus was a Jew and those that wrote down Jesus story were Jews.
Perhaps I should ask, "Why did you bring up the Good Samaritan in response to my post?"