The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-12-01
For the Central Presbyterian.
Theological Halls.
No. g.

4NO. y.
MeSSrS. EditorS,-In our last we wrote
you an estimate of the teachers of the
ology who are now to be found in the
halls OF our own land, those of Scotland
and those of Germany. The purpose OF
the present letter is to consider other sub
jects relating to theological instruction.
The first of these that shall be exam
ined is
The Course of Study to be Found in
Each.
In this matter there can be but little diff
ference between the general course of
study In our own schools and those
of other branches of the Presbyterian
Church. None of them depart widely
from the Confession of Faith, however
much their modes of instruction may diff
fer. AS respects Germany, however, the
matter is widely different. Theological
teaching in Germany is returning to or
thodoxy very rapidly, but what is ortho-
dox Lutheranism? Prof. Luthardt, the
most prominent orthodox leader in the
Church, is teaching systematic theology
in Leipsic at this time, and he teaches
baptismal regeneration, and the presence
of the Lords body in the eucharist, and
denies election and the perpetuity of the
Sabbath. What sort Of place then is
an orthodox Lutheran university for an
orthodox Presbyterian to be educated?
Such teaching, if accepted, would unfit
him entirely for place in his own Church,
and if rejected would leave him at sea on
many of the great subjects; for it is not
likely that an unfinished mind could
graple successfully with all the great
questions when the wrong side of SO many
is advocated by his teachers. These are
facts that all should know and consider
before going to study on the continent
Luthardt, of course, teaches justification
by faith, and much besides that is true,
but the various elements of his theology
are so antagonistic that the system is
hopelessly disjointed.
Sessions
The length of the sessions also is a
matter of great Importance to the student.
This has been arranged differently in the
different countries and Churches Our
sessions are three in number and of eight
months duration, thus enabling the stu
dent to complete his course in three
years. The sessions in Scotland are five
and of five months each. But the last
month Is so filled up with the hearing of
exercises that little instruction is given,
so that the American student can only
get about half as much instruction in a
year at Scotch theological hall as he
can at home. In Germany there is a
winter session of FIVE months, and a sum-
mer one of three. Between Scotland and
America then, the choice is in our favor
by one half, as respects the rapidity with
which theological instruction can be ac-
CURED.
Modes of Instruction.
There is another division of our sub
ject which is of the last importance to
the student 1t is that of the modes of
instruction in the various theological
halls. These differ widely and their diff
ferences are most important. In our own
halls there is great freedom allowed on
the part of the student. He can ask
questions on all difficult points, and is
encouraged to do so. He is dealt with
personally. Indeed he cannot fail to
learn excepting through stolidity or in
difference. In Germany, no one is ex-
pected to speak out, whatever may be
his difficulty, indeed the whole system is
that Of the university which implies
previous knowledge of the subject, and a
precise view and minute examination of
the particular point in hand. The Scotch
mode of instruction stands midway be-
tween the university system and our own
1t is mostly by lecture. Questions are
not expected from the students, and
never asked except by foreigners. twill
be seen from this that our mode of in
struction is better suited to beginners, and
that whatever advantages may be claimed
for the other system, they are to be de-
rived by those previously posted in the
fields Of inquiry. Viewed then as re-
spects the length of sessions and the
modes Of instruction employed in the diff
ferent theological halls, it will be seen
that our own are vastly preferable for
our own students, as beginners. A few
other thoughts will be given in another
article. ALFRED JONES.