Unless otherwise staed, my response will be limited to the situation in North America.

Seminaries, in general terms, train people to minister in congregations, and graduate schools of religion train people to work in other settings, such as teaching on the graduate level (or even secondary and college). As a result, they typically issue two differing types of degrees.

The degrees typically related to congregational ministry include the MDiv (Master of Divinity) and the DMin (Doctor of Ministry). In the context of clergy today, the MDiv. is considered the minimumn degree required to enter the profession--parish ministry, chaplaincy, Federal/State government employment. NOTE: Each (e.g. chaplaincy) will typically have other training/education requirements.

Degrees from graduate schools, and requirements for teaching include: Master of Theology, and higher degrees. NOTE: The Master of Theology is a higher degree than is the typical MA degree.

To have credibility, Seminaries in North America will need to be accredited by the AATS (American Association of Theological Schools).

The standard MDiv. program is a three standard year program, whicn in some settings can be completed in 24 months. Andrews has changed it MDiv. program from what it was when I was working on mine. But, in any case, the MDiv. degree is a combination of academic study, and experience in the acutal parish work. Presently, at Andrews, the typical MDiv. student will do some rotating between Andrews, and work back in the sponsoring Conference. However, I think that they have a modified program for some who are better served by a modified program.

I completed my work in the MDiv. in 29 continueous months, with the experiential part of it obtained in the local Conference in which Andrews is located.

Niels-Erik Andreasen was one of my favorite teachers in college. I took several classes-- Greek, Bible Doctrines, Life and Teachings of Jesus, O.T. Prophets, etc.-- from him at PUC as well as at LLU. I found him to be always very gracious and helpful. He's one of our best Hebrew scholars. I've nothing but respect, admiration, and affection for him and wish him the very best.
I'll always remember his striking illustration of God being something like a boxer who steps into the ring and simply allows His enemy to pummel Him with his fists until he finally collapses and admits to everyone that he's lost the battle against a better man.

Who is Gerald Karst?

What is his pedigree?

All I know is that he's the chairman of the board of Andrews University.

I also know [I've spoken personally with a vice-president at Andrews who (so far, at least) has not been asked to resign] that Gerald Karst committed a totally unethical and immoral act. He on his own, accompanied by his assistant, decided that the University would be better off without Dr. Andreasen -- and it was he who [without board knowledge or approval] went to Dr. Andreasen during the lunch hour of the March 6 board meeting and asked for the President's resignation! This was done totally improperly. Furthermore, when those two returned to the meeting in the afternoon [without admitting their action to the board members], and when Dr. A. did [as Karst had asked him to do] submit his resignation, the board WAS totally shocked and surprised! The board voted to ask Dr. A. to reconsider -- but what did Karst and his cohort do, but state [totally falsely] that Dr. Andreasen will NOT reconsider!
This was done totally by the board chairman, on his own, and without board knowledge or approval.

Then, the board members [many of whom were in tears, as was much of the faculty and staff] found out about this the next day. The board then conducted a telephone conference, and demanded a recall of the board for another in-person meeting. It was at this second in-person meeting of the board that the recent action was taken, to ask Dr. Andreasen to stay till the end of this school year.

The word about Loma Linda University is that it plans to ask Dr. Andreasen to join the administration of LLU as dean of the theology faculty there. [There is a Theology Dept at LLU already.]

The foregoing is news.

Now for my editorial comment.
The AU Board should demand Gerald Karst's removal as board chair.

Gregory--thanks for the clarification. I was really scratching my head, because the first thing that popped into my head was Russia, followed by Philippines and Korea, but then I thought, maybe I was misinformed. I have a friend at the seminary in Russia.

M

I am alwlays glad to clairfy, as I sometimes am misunderstood, or do not say it very well.

Yes, it is possible to get a graduate degree in Religion at LLU, but not the MDiv.

My gues is that this will increase the probability that LLU will move toward a Seminary program.

Thanks for that, Jeannie. That account actually makes all the facts line up - and Dr Andreassen clearly was being very precise and very discrete when he outlined the course of events.

Wow, glad I'm not an Andrews faculty member right now...

I also know Gerry Karst. He has always been a man of great integrity. If the above account is accurate it would be a great shock to me. In my estimation he is and has always been a true man of God.