r/TrueChristian • u/Proper_Resident_4077 • 11d ago

Baptist Seminaries?

Hello everyone,
I am looking at Baptist seminaries, and Southwestern has been the one that makes the most sense to me based on location, but I have heard mixed things.
Anyone know how it currently compares to other Baptist seminaries? I know they had some major leadership and financial issues recently, but have also seen they have bounced back under Dr. Dockery. I was not sure if the academic quality is still the same as other seminaries as a result of the scandals.
I have also looked into Southeastern or Southern. I am not Calvinist, so I do not want to go to a school that is Confessionally Calvinist (although schools with Calvinist professors are totally fine by me), but I do appreciate the greater emphasis on Church History at those schools, even though they are further from me.
I am trying to get good, theological pastoral training at preferably a non-dispensational, historical seminary. For those who have been on-campus at SWBTS recently, how is the current faculty and classroom experience? Any thoughts on other SBC / Baptist seminaries. Thanks for any thoughts!

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u/Dissident-Tumbleweed 10d ago

I think you should not rule out Dispensational seminaries like DTS, where the majority of students are from the SBC. You will learn all theological positions. That is the point of seminary, not just reinforcing what you think you believe now.

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u/Proper_Resident_4077 10d ago

Fair point. I am not anti dispensational per say. I do feel that seminary is where I should ultimately land on those things. With that in mind, I originally sought to avoid DTS as my understanding is that dispensationalism is what they teach rather than a spectrum of views. I would assume Southwestern has some of both.

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u/Urablahblah Evangelical 9d ago

They do teach dispensationalism, but you'll also get a broad spectrum of views for context. You do NOT have to affirm dispensationalism to be a student nor to be involved. 

I'd say you'll get a greater exposure to dispensationalism than you would get elsewhere, but the other views are generally iron manned (as opposed to straw manned) when they are presented. 

I attend DTS but am members at a relatively liturgical, non-dispensational SBC church in the area along with several other DTS students and staff. 

I'm happy to answer any other questions you have or chat in person if you decide to take a campus visit! 

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u/Proper_Resident_4077 3d ago

Interesting to hear. Thank you so much. I appreciate it. Out of curiosity, what church are you at? Feel free to DM me if you don't want to post it here.