Barnabas File

"In a world of change, the learners shall inherit the earth, while the learned shall find themselves perfectly suited for a world that no longer exists."--Eric Hoffer quoted by Jeanne Liedtka, professor of Business Administration, Darden School at the University of Virginia. Let me provide two disclaimers at the beginning of this discussion.  First, my undergraduate education was in History with a minor in Religion and Philosophy, so I have always been interested in the past and how we got from there to here.  I still think we need to understand the implications and lessons of our history in order to make good decisions about the present and future.  Second, I am currently blessed to serve as an adjunct faculty member for a theological seminary with many learned and gifted colleagues.  Most of their disciplines are thoroughly rooted in the past—theology, history, biblical studies.  Again, if we are to understand who we are now, we need to...

One of my cherished memories of childhood is going with my Dad when he voted on election day.  He drove a city bus in Mobile, Alabama, so he usually went to work early and got off in time to go to the polling place at a local school after work. Often, he would take me along.  I was always impressed that this was a priority for him and that he wanted to share this experience with me. I have rarely missed an election and voted by absentee ballot when I was on active duty during the Vietnam era.  Voting is not just a privilege for me but a responsibility as well.  There are many around the world who do not have this opportunity.  As a result, I don’t have a lot of patience for those who say, “I am just not going to vote.”  The last time I looked, we have more than two choices, even in the Presidential election.  And if you don’t like any of those available on the ballot, you have the option in most places to write in a candidat...

Theological education is a good thing.  Few would argue that becoming a more fully formed and equipped minister is a bad thing.   Like most good things, however, a seminary education is not cheap.  Central Baptist Theological Seminary recently released its annual report which includes the sources of tuition and gifts that fund the seminary’s budget of over $3 million dollars. Students provide 31 percent through the payment of tuition.  Basically, they are paying one-third of the cost of their education. Thirty-four percent comes from foundations like the Lilly Foundation, the Arcus Foundation, and the Luce Foundation.  Much of this funding goes to special programs and initiatives.  Individuals provide 30 percent of the seminary budget.  These gifts—both large and small—come from people who believe that theological education is important and are passionate about the mission of the seminary. Two percent comes from the Americ...