Dr. Paul Copan's Advice To A Future Seminarian
Dear _______,Okay, so far? In the comments afterward we read:
I was asked to pass along some “words of wisdom” in light of your graduation from PBA and new start in seminary. I’m certainly honored to do so, as it’s been a joy to have you as a student in my classes and to know you as a brother in Christ. You have stood out above your peers not only in your gifts, intellect, and eagerness to learn, but also—and most importantly—in your dedication to Christ. May you ever pursue Him with pure, simple devotion and cultivate your gifts for His glory.
As you go on for further pastoral training, continue to develop Christ-oriented, soul-shaping habits outside the classroom. Seminary students often neglect spiritual nourishment, falsely assuming that doing homework in biblical studies and theology will suffice. Meanwhile, their spirit shrivels or, at best, becomes stunted. So that the Word of Christ becomes deeply embedded within, make time for Scripture memorization, meditation, and prayer. I suggest reading through the Bible each year—in addition to specific book or topical study. Be a Scripture-saturated pastor and pilgrim! And set time aside for reading insightful, stimulating books to keep your horizons broadened and your mind sharp. Let these priorities become a pattern for life.
Seminary has been a snare to many a would-be pastor and theologian, pride perhaps being the greatest danger. A classic for all seminarians is Helmut Thielicke’s An Exercise for Young Theologians. In it he writes, “Truth seduces us very easily into a kind of joy of possession.” With increased knowledge comes greater temptation to pride. An important theme that has been something of a motto in my life is, “Walk humbly before God and others.” May it be yours as well. Personal experience has been a good instructor here: As I look back on my own pilgrimage, I have moved away from certain strongly-held theological positions during college and even seminary days (all within Christian orthodoxy). Be prepared for and open to such changes. Beyond this, the heart of theology is not the accumulation or systematization of propositions, but humble worship and wise living, at whose heart is love for God and others.
The Pastoral Epistles are a rich, vital resource to reflect on and to help guide you through the challenges of ministry—and there will be many. Paul told Timothy: “in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe” (1 Tim. 4:12). During my early college years, I began to cultivate the habit of mental purity (adultery begins—or is stopped—in the mind). As someone has said, “You can’t help the first look, but the second one is yours.” Vigilantly guarding your thought-life will preserve you and (when you marry) will also be a precious gift to your wife.
Other “words of wisdom”—without much elaboration—are these: Be a good listener. Don’t burn bridges. Make every effort to relate to people from different cultures, walks of life, and socio-economic backgrounds. Give the benefit of the doubt to others as much as possible. Don’t be quick to judge, recognizing that “those people” strongly resemble you (and me) in all the weaknesses and frailties that come with our condition (Heb. 5:2); it’s easier to hold others to a higher standard than we apply to ourselves. Be quick to forgive. Remember how sinful you are and how gracious God is. Live in His grace by the Spirit’s enabling; legalism is a deadly trap. Be bold in praying for physical healing and other manifestations of the Spirit’s power. Show magnanimity to those who may not like you or the way you do things—and even learn from your critics. Be winsome and encouraging in your speech. Guard against anything that can mar your character, your Christian reputation, and (most importantly) the cause of Christ. Your life will be a living letter, known and read by others (2 Cor. 3:2).
I pray that these reflections and lessons, which have benefited me, will be of some assistance to you as you journey on with the Lord.
May Christ’s grace and peace go with you—and keep in touch!
Paul Copan
Link.
Roger Morris on 18 Jan 2010 at 12:38 am #Then another comment:
Thanks Paul,
Having just read the bio of John Loftus (http://debunkingchristianity.blogspot.com/) I am reminded how important balance is in the Christian life.
It is vitally important that Christians engage intellectually with the Christian faith and make it a priority to develop the life of the mind. It is also vital as well that learning and acquisition of knowledge translates into an authentic personal relationship with God through proper attention to the devotional and spiritual life. Emphasis of one side at the expense of the other is potentially fatal for one’s Christian faith.
Lisa Robinson on 18 Jan 2010 at 1:07 am #Then I commented (keep in mind that I've had a few comments rejected probably by Michael Patton, so I wanted to make sure what I said didn't argue too much) :-(
Roger, thanks for pointing that bio out. I read through the first few pages of his book (as much as I could under the Amazon preview). This type of book strikes me as a tremendously important read for any seminarian and should probably be required before graduating.
John W. Loftus on 18 Jan 2010 at 6:59 pm #
I just want to say that Paul Copan seems to model his own advice here, much of which we don’t need the Bible for, and it’s a testament to his faith hope and love.
But nothing can prepare you for some of the roadblocks that will be thrown in your path–-nothing! Baz Lurhman said it best to the class of ‘99 in a song titled Everyone’s Free (To wear sunscreen):
The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind; the kind that blindside you at 4pm on some idle Tuesday.And
...what ever you do, don’t congratulate yourself too much or berate yourself either – your choices are half chance, so are everybody else’s.People comment on my story and congratulate themselves for not having made the same choices, but then they were never in my shoes.
The life I’m now leading is nothing compared to the one I dreamed of having. Dreams are still good though. Dream away. Just keep in mind that life can blindside you at any time. Be glad if it doesn’t, but don’t congratulate yourself too much if not.
I won’t berate myself either.
What advice would I give a future seminarian? ;-)
How about a quote?
The best way I know of to win an argument is to start by being right.
- Quentin Hogg, M.P.
That's my advice. Christianity is a delusion. Do something different with your life. The arguments are not there, period.