What is Seminary Really For?

This has been eating at me for a while and I am not even sure if I can articulate the question, much less an answer, properly. The frustration may just stem from me being at a Divinity School instead of a true seminary, but I think that all of them suffer from similar issues. What is the point of studying about and writing countless papers about theology if the only responses that gain merit are those that speak in academic terms instead of what I will actually say to my congregation? Why do seminaries allow internships and field education during the summer and separating the academics from the application? Why are we not required to perform some form of long term service in the community during our three years in school?

I don't know the right answer. I have discussed these with other students. Some are sympathetic and some think I am off my rocker. Seminary should not be easy on either an academic or personal level. The challenges in both areas make you question your calling and drive you to ask and attempt an answer to the tough questions. But why should we separate the tough intellectual questions from the tough practical ones? My struggles with people outside the walls of the seminary help me wrestle with the countless pages of ancient and modern texts we read and vice versa. We are called as pastors to live in the world and show a glimpse of the Kingdom of God to everyone, so why do some students find it hard to get out in the community while in seminary? How does one go about convincing people that there is an amazing world out there that you can learn from and help at the same time. Plus, it gives a sanity break from the rigors of the world.

Just some rambling thoughts and questions I may never get the answers to.

Shout out to some Middies

I actually got these photos a few weeks ago, so I apologize about the delay. School has been keeping me quite busy over the last month. These are actually photos at the US Air Force Academy where some Naval Academy Midshipmen made a statement the week that Navy traveled to Colorado Springs for some football. Just some light humor that proves how ingenious and creative submariners can be. It is nice to see the tradition will carry on through the next generation.