The Gospel Coalition’s front page banner article today (archive) is 5 Reasons I’m Glad I Went to Seminary, by stay at home mom Elizabeth Garn. In closing, Garn explains that seminary wasn’t really required for any of the five reasons she offers:
Is seminary absolutely necessary to get that foundation (or any of the other things I’ve mentioned)? No, not necessarily. Could a person learn all I learned without a seminary education? Probably. But it’s harder to do it on your own. There’s something to be said about surrounding yourself with trustworthy, godly professors who will guide you to a deeper faith in God and knowledge of his Word.
Well, there it is. That’s what I’d tell a friend if they asked whether I’m glad I went to seminary. I’d refill her coffee, double check the time to ensure we weren’t late for preschool pickup or whatever errands we were supposed to be doing, and if we still had an extra minute we’d discuss the ways seminary might be possible for her if she were interested.
But if it isn’t really necessary for a Christian housewife to go to seminary, why is an article promoting this so important that The Gospel Coalition chose to make it the lead on their front page? The reason is complementarians are excited about empowering women by sending as many as possible through seminary, and having the women who can’t directly attend seminary seek out other women who attended seminary for theological instruction. Otherwise Christian housewives would suffer the fate of asking their husbands, as Scripture instructs wives to do (1 Cor 14:35, Eph 5:25-28).
Related:
- Why there is a controversy about women teaching/preaching Scripture and doctrine.
- Playing career woman
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