#Accredited Bible Institute

[mannabibleinstitute]

Studying the Bible in the USA: A Guide for International Students

This creates an opportunity for the international student to go deeper into theological studies with new cultural experiences from studying the Bible within the USA. Whether interested in a Bible college for clergy in Florida or other Bible schools in the USA that accept international students, this guide should provide key information within the scope of one making a wise decision. We will also nip in a discussion on how to access financial aid opportunities, including making opportunities for the Bible scholarship fund in Florida. Read more : https://mannabibleinstitute.blogspot.com/2024/08/studying-bible-in-usa-guide-for.html

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Tim Murphy at Mother Jones:

Arizona’s fourth legislative district, located in the suburban heart of Maricopa County, might be the ultimate bellwether in the ultimate bellwether state. And this fall, the stakes are impossibly high, not just at the presidential level—where polls show Donald Trump and Kamala Harris in a dead heat—but all the way down the ballot. Republicans control both chambers of the legislature by just one vote. In Arizona, where each legislative district elects two representatives, control of the state house could come down to Democrats’ efforts to flip one seat and hold another in this district that includes parts of Phoenix and Scottsdale.

In their quest to hold onto the legislature, Republicans have turned to a member of a famous Arizona family—Pamela Carter, older sister of the original Wonder Woman, Lynda Carter. On the campaign trail, the candidate Carter has talked up her work as a successful entrepreneur and a record of academic accomplishment, and boasts of having “my family’s full support” for her state house run. But a review of her record and past statements tells a much different story: In contrast to the fourth district’s moderate profile, Carter is a fervently anti-abortion minister who has been “blessed with end-time revelation” and who has made confusing claims about her past. And one notable member of her family is not on board—her famous sister, an advocate for reproductive rights. “On her website, Pam claims to have her ‘family’s full support,'” Lynda Carter said in a statement to Mother Jones. “I have known Pam my entire life, which is why I sadly cannot endorse her for this or any public office.” 

Pamela Carter has offered an inconsistent accounting of her educational background. Her page at Ballotpedia states that she “earned a master’s degree in Communications and Biblical studies and attended Arizona State University,” which a spokesperson for the elections site confirmed was based on an informational survey that was “verified by the candidate.” “I was raised in Scottsdale, went right here to Arcadia High, ASU, and I just love our city,” she said on a podcast in 2022. This is technically true. Carter did attend ASU, and she does also have a master’s degree. But the reality of her resume is a bit more complicated. According to an ASU spokesperson, Carter was at one point enrolled at the university, but did not graduate. Instead, according to her LinkedIn page and other interviews, she attended an unspecified bible college in Kansas City, Missouri, and later received a master’s degree in “communications and media studies” from the Primus University of Theology, a Phoenix-based institution that affirms in its mission statement that “life begins at conception.” (One of the prerequisites for admission is that you order a copy of the founder’s book.) Primus, which aims to prepare its students “for their Ministry calling,” is not accredited by any agency recognized by the Department of Education. Instead, it cites the approval of the University Accreditation Association, which evaluates institutions on their adherence to “biblical truths.” Its degree programs are “designed for the specific and singular purpose of qualifying individuals for Christian Ministry.” But Carter has also described that degree differently in different contexts. Her campaign website during her unsuccessful 2022 campaign for Scottsdale city council said she held a “Master’s Degree in Business and Communications,” a claim she also repeated that year in an interview on a local podcast. In another video that year, she boasted of having a “master’s degree in theology, as well as in mass communications.” A current campaign biography states that “I received my master’s degree in Communications and Biblical studies.”

Carter, who did not respond to requests for comment, has leaned into her biography during her run for office, arguing that her business experiences give her an advantage in the political realm. Foremost among those ventures was Jon Cole Systems, a gym she once owned with her ex-husband, the powerlifter Jon Cole. Newspaper ads for the fitness center sometimes featured Lynda Carter, touting the benefits of Cole’s “TOTAL WOMAN” workout program. 

“It was the largest [gym] in the nation at the time,” Pamela Carter boasted in a 2022 interview, in which she suggested that working people struggling to find housing in Scottsdale needed to hustle as hard as she had when she owned two homes and was helping to run the business in the 1970s.

For a few years, the gym was a major success, with clients such as the Green Bay Packers and members of the Phoenix Suns. But it soon went downhill. The company pursued Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 1982, and was sold for $60,000 the next year, according to an Arizona Republic report in 1983. The couple divorced around the same time. After the gym business fell through, Carter went on to a long career as a Christian wellness influencer, pitching the gospel alongside weight-loss and nutrition tips. She moved to California and hosted a fitness show called “Get in Shape with Pamela Carter” (on the Trinity Broadcasting Network) and another program on CBN called “Fit for Life.”

[...]

Carter was not just pitching products, though. She was selling a very particular kind of theology, rooted in a desire to see the United States “united for Jesus,” and a belief that modern-day prophets—like herself—were transmitting revelations from God. A biography at the ministry stated that Carter “is very passionate about her love for the Lord and has been blessed with end-time revelation of His desire for His bride.” (The full revelation was available for purchase for $25.) She talked frequently about building influence on the “Media mountain” and said in 2011 that she was part of “God’s media army��to be raised up for such a time as this, to take possession of the arts, the entertainment media, the internet.” The term is often used by proponents of a Christian nationalist movement sometimes called the New Apostolic Reformation and a belief its adherents subscribe to known as Seven Mountains Dominionism, which aims to take gain influence over the seven spheres (or “mountains”) of government, education, media, family, entertainment, religion, and business.

In response to a candidate questionnaire from the city of Scottsdale two years ago, Carter said she had “been involved…as a volunteer” with three churches or organizations, all of which had ties to the NAR. They included Intercessors for America, a national prayer organization that warns that “there is an Enemy of our souls and our nation who orchestrates a coordinated battle plan that is discernible and beatable with spiritual weapons.”  Another group she touted her work with was the Kansas City-based International House of Prayer, whose founding pastor, Mike Bickle, was dismissed last year amid allegations of sexual abuse. The church, where worship services have run 24/7 since 1999, has “been criticized by some pastors for what they describe as unorthodox theology and a cultish atmosphere, charges that Mr. Bickle rejects,” the New York Times reported in 2011. (In response to a Kansas City Star investigation into Bickle earlier this year, the organization emphasized that his alleged abuse predated the church’s creation, while Bickle has admitted to “inappropriate behavior” but not “the more intense sexual activities that some are suggesting.”) Long before he was forced out, Bickle had courted controversy with his assertions from the pulpit that Oprah was a forerunner of the Antichrist and that God sent Hitler to kill Jewish people because they wouldn’t accept Christianity.

[...] In that interview, Carter, who served that year as an advisor to the Trump campaign in the state, said she had acted as a prayer “intercessor” while working as a paid poll worker in Arizona. “I was dancing around, I had so much joy in just praying over every person that came in, you know, it was so fun,” she said. “But there’s also a lot of corruption I saw—not at the poll where I was working but at the election facility—and we just have to really watch and pray, watch and pray, and then you can cut that off in the spirit and then report it.”

[...] The district offers a glimpse of how reproductive rights is playing at the ballot box in a highly competitive area. Christine Marsh, the district’s Democratic state senator, won her election in 2022 by a little more than 1,000 votes by relentlessly linking a Republican incumbent to the state legislature’s 15-week abortion ban. The current Republican state representative, Matt Gress, was one of three members of his party to break ranks and vote to repeal Arizona’s 1864 abortion ban, which offered no exceptions even for cases of rape. A recent Fox News survey found that supporters of an abortion-rights ballot initiative in Arizona outnumber opponents by roughly three-to-one—and 50-percent of Republicans said they approved. Carter, though, has sung a different tune. 

Pamela Carter, the sister of Lynda Carter (who played Wonder Woman on the Wonder Woman show), is running for a State House seat in Arizona. Lynda is not backing her, citing Pamela’s anti-abortion views.

Read the full story at Mother Jones.

[wutbju]

And then John Lewis, the BJU CEO, moves the goal posts:

Regarding your concern about ecclesiastical associations of BJU and speakers who have been invited to campus, we have no tolerance for allowing chapel and Bible Conference speakers to come for the sole reason that they have a broader appeal. If speakers are not aligned with BJU's historical - and current - biblical fundamentalist, separatist position, those speakers should not be invited. An exception is one you listed: as an accredited liberal arts institution, we may invite educators who demonstrate proficiency in a specific academic discipline to speak in order to ensure a quality learning experience for our students; this practice has been utilized successfully at BJU for decades.

Wait.

That’s not what the FBFI said. What they said was this:

We have a concern about the ecclesiastical associations of Bob Jones University as demonstrated by various campus speakers. University leadership has repeatedly invited speakers or allowed others to invite speakers who would not be representative of biblical fundamentalism. The explanation for having the speakers has been that they were invited because of their academic specializations. Sometimes, leaders have candidly told us that the motivation is about having speakers with broader appeal. Other times, leadership has said that it was a mistake to have invited certain speakers, or that the invitations were made at lower levels than the executive leadership. Regardless of the reason, this practice is at best unwise, unhelpful, and often damaging.

The FBFI wasn’t objecting to academic speakers. The FBFI wasn’t even objecting to chapel speakers. They were objecting to “various campus speakers.”

They mean Trevor Lawrence.

I mean, come on, Dr. Pastor Lewis.

[lboogie1906]

Southwestern Christian College (SwCC) is a private Christian HBCU in Terrell.

SwCC was founded in 1948 by the educator and minister G. P. Bowser under the name Southern Bible Institute in Fort Worth. The initial class consisted of 45 students.

School officials intended to buy property in Fort Worth to erect a permanent school plant. In the summer of 1949, the school had the opportunity to purchase the property of the closed Texas Military College in Terrell. It did so and relocated the campus that fall, changing the name of the college. The First President was E.W McMillan (1950–53), having H.L Barber (1953-56) and A.V Isbell (1956-67) succeeding him. The Fourth President Dr. Jack Evans, Sr. began as the first African American and longest-serving president in the school’s history. His tenure was (1967-2017). He was one of the longest-serving college presidents in the US.

SwCC became accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 1973. It is accredited to award Associate and Bachelor-level degrees. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence #hbcu

[qaheaccreditation]

Omega Bible Institute & Seminary Achieves Accreditation by QAHE

#OmegaBibleInstitute&Seminary #QAHE #QualityAssurance #EducationExcellence #AccreditationMatters #GlobalStandards #ISOcertifications #HigherEducation #PreTertiaryEducation #AcademicExcellence #InstitutionalAccreditation #ProgrammaticAccreditation #InternationalAccreditation #TrainingAccreditation #eLearningSolutions #HonoraryDoctorate #DistinguishedProfessorship #EducationQuality #ContinuousImprovement #ExcellenceInEducation #QualityManagement #ProfessionalDevelopment #DigitalLearning #RecognizingExcellence

[kingdomlivingglobal]

Choosing the Right Christian Coaching Certification: A Comprehensive Guide

Coaching has rapidly grown in importance as a means of guiding and transforming people in personal and professional development. Christian coaching is a special and spiritually enlightening way to incorporate one's religion into the coaching process. There are several aspects to consider when selecting a Christian coaching certification program to ensure you have the education and support you need to succeed in this rewarding field.

• Conformity to Your Principles:

Any Christian coaching certification program worth its salt will have the Bible as its cornerstone. Finding a certification that corresponds with your beliefs and morals is crucial, ensuring that the coaching techniques taught follow Christian principles. Keep an eye out for courses that stress the importance of faith in coaching and encourage ethical coaching practices.

• Acceptance and Approval:

Choose a certification program that is well-respected and accepted within the coaching community. The legitimacy of Christian coaching certification and the curriculum's reliability are bolstered by accreditation. Increase your reputation and visibility as a Christian coach by selecting a program with connections to respected coaching organisations or academic institutions.

• Curriculum in its Totality:

A well-rounded curriculum is necessary for developing in-depth knowledge and skills in coaching. It would help if you looked for certification courses that include a variety of coaching methods, such as creating goals, active listening, communicating effectively, and asking powerful questions. Christian coaching is a subset of life coaching. A complete curriculum should contain Christian-specific modules on topics like spiritual development, faith-based treatments, and biblical concepts in coaching.

• Professional and Accurate Teachers:

The effectiveness of teaching has a major bearing on students' educational experiences. Find a coaching certification program with teachers who are not only experts in the field but also aware of Christian values. You can benefit greatly from the guidance and instruction of teachers with coaching expertise and a firm faith basis.

• Community Support:

You are having a group of people who understand and can help you through the certification process. Pick a course that encourages its participants and grads to stick together. You may develop more effectively as a Christian coach when you're part of a community of believers with whom you can work together, learn from, and encourage one another.

• Training and Materials Maintenance:

Since coaching is a dynamic area, it's important to keep learning new methods and trends in the industry. It would help if you looked for a credential that allows you to keep learning on the job through online courses, webinars, seminars, and traditional means like books and journals. You'll be better positioned to provide excellent coaching services to your customers if you keep yourself well-informed and engage in lifelong learning.

• Cost-effective and Adaptable:

Think about how much money you have available and how adaptable the Christian coaching certification program is. It's important to put money into a good education, but choosing a program that works within your means is also important. Also, find courses with adaptable timetables to fit your education in with other obligations like employment and family.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, it is important to consider alignment with your beliefs, accreditation, curriculum comprehensiveness, experienced instructors, practical training, a supportive community, opportunities for continued education, and cost when selecting the right Christian coaching certification program. You may set out on a rewarding and meaningful career as a Christian coach, assisting people as they find their way through life with faith, purpose, and resilience by finding a certification program that specialises in these areas.

[become-apastor]

Christian College Level Opportunities

Students who are seeking an education and learning that emphasizes the ideas of their Christian faith will certainly find premier online as well as school programs that offer different level programs. Numerous Christian universities located throughout the U.S. offer Bachelor's as well as Master's level programs in theology and also religious researches as well as business, computer science, nursing, liberal arts, social solutions and various other fields. Degree selections consist of specialized programs that are designed to incorporate religious philosophy with functional applications. Students that graduate with a level from a recognized Christian college will be able to use their education to many employment opportunities in a variety of areas how to become a pastor.

Programs Offered via Christian Colleges

Academic options for trainees interested in participating in a Christian university typically incorporate a solid structure in religious studies with general education and learning courses and also classes that finish a choice of a major focus. Studying for a Bachelor of Science in Theology degree can be accomplished by signing up in on the internet training courses offered via well-known national colleges located in different areas in the U.S. consisting of universities in the Midwest, Northeast, South, Western and also Central states. Developed organizations that provide quality curricula for functioning adults and also armed forces employees can be located with online research study programs or by attending class atmospheres. Pupils thinking about participating in a religious college will discover organizations providing a mix of Biblical studies and also technological or general subjects.

What Makes a Christian College Unique

Coursework in a Christian university generally consist of faith as well as Bible research focus as component of the called for educational program. Accredited Bible institution of higher learnings might be related to a particular belief such as Baptist, Evangelical or Methodist or are acknowledged as multi-denominational organizations. In addition to fulfilling the standard needs for a bachelor's level, faith-oriented colleges offer support in moral ability, ethics as well as Christian values. While getting a quality education and learning, trainees that participate in a Bible college will additionally find pupil organizations that share comparable beliefs. School researches offer the chance to fulfill like-minded students that have an interest in pursuing Christian perfects. On-line education likewise supplies an outlet for communication with educators and various other trainees that comply with a comparable confidence. The university experience not just offers a level, yet is likewise a possibility to find out and also share from others. Bible colleges are developed to offer a safe setting for increasing as well as sharing comparable suitables knowledge concerning religious beliefs. Graduates of faith-based universities obtain the capacity to use Christian concepts to both their future work prospects and their personal lives. Students will develop partnerships with both women and guys that have similar histories and also perspectives. Required help with paying for college? Financial aid is might be offered through FAFSA. A number of Christian universities located throughout the U.S. offer Bachelor's as well as Master's level programs in faith and also spiritual studies as well as company, computer system science, nursing, liberal arts, social solutions as well as other fields. Pupils who finish with a level from a certified Christian college will be able to use their education to many work possibilities in a range of fields. Academic choices for trainees interested in participating in a Christian university commonly incorporate a strong foundation in religious research studies with general education programs as well as classes that complete a choice of a major focus. In enhancement to fulfilling the fundamental needs for a bachelor's degree, faith-oriented universities supply assistance in moral ability, principles and also Christian worths.

[christiancolleges7845]

Christian College Degree Opportunities

Students who are seeking an education that emphasizes the beliefs of their Christian faith will find top-rated online and campus programs that offer various degree programs. Several affordable Bible Colleges located throughout the U.S. offer Bachelor's and Master's degree programs in theology and religious studies as well as business, computer science, nursing, liberal arts, social services and other fields. Degree choices include specialized programs that are designed to incorporate religious philosophy with practical applications. Students who graduate with a degree from an accredited Christian college will be able to apply their education to numerous employment opportunities in a variety of fields.

Programs Offered through Christian Colleges

Academic options for students interested in attending a Christian college typically combine a solid foundation in religious studies with general education courses and classes that complete a choice of a major focus. Studying for a Bachelor of Science in Theology degree can be accomplished by enrolling in online courses offered through well-known national universities located in various regions in the U.S. including colleges in the Midwest, Northeast, South, Western and Central states. Established institutions that provide quality educational programs for working adults and military personnel can be found through online study programs or by attending classroom environments. Students interested in attending a religious college will find institutions offering a combination of Biblical studies and general or technical subjects.

What Makes a Christian College Unique

Coursework in a Christian college typically include theology and Bible study emphasis as part of the required curriculum. Accredited Bible colleges and universities may be associated with a particular faith such as Baptist, Evangelical or Methodist or are recognized as multi-denominational institutions. In addition to fulfilling the basic requirements for a bachelor's degree, faith-oriented colleges provide guidance in moral aptitude, ethics and Christian values.

While receiving a quality education, students who attend a Bible college will also find student organizations that share similar beliefs. Campus studies offer the chance to meet like-minded students who are interested in pursuing Christian ideals. Online education also provides an outlet for communication with teachers and other students who follow a similar faith. The college experience not only provides a degree, but is also a chance to share and learn from others. Bible colleges are designed to offer a secure environment for sharing similar ideals and increasing knowledge about religious beliefs.

[apilgrimpassingby]

You know where I got that quote from? A review of Dominion by Tom Holland. Where he, an atheist, argues that it is Christianity that gives us our concept of human rights. Where he also notes that the first person to call for the abolition of slavery was a Christian, Gregory of Nyssa.

While I admittedly haven't read it, I have read God's Philosophers (UK title)/The Genesis of Science (US title) arguing that Christianity not only did not hinder, but played a significant role in founding science as we know it. While the author is a liberal Catholic, he's been praised by people who aren't - it was shortlisted for Royal Society Science Book Prize in 2010 and the British Society for the History of Science Dingle Prize in 2011, and historian of science Edward Grant has this to say: “Hannam has written a splendid book and fully supported his claim that the Middle Ages laid the foundations of modern science. He has admirably met another of his goals, namely that of acquainting a large non-academic audience about the way science and various aspects of natural philosophy functioned in medieval society and laid the foundation for modern science. Readers ... will learn about these important matters in the history of science against the broad background of the life and times of medieval and early modern societies.” 

May I recommend History for Atheists to you? You are exactly the kind of fevered, historically illiterate anti-theist militant it was written to combat.

Oh, and by the way you still haven't responded to my point about the evidence for Jesus compared to similar figures. I'll be honest: you are the equivalent of someone who thinks the moon landing never happened. I will again call in Bart Ehrman (who, I will remind you, is an ex-Evangelical atheist who thinks Jesus was a failed doomsday prophet and the Bible is unreliable):

"Few of these mythicists are actually scholars trained in ancient history, religion, biblical studies or any cognate field, let alone in the ancient languages generally thought to matter for those who want to say something with any degree of authority about a Jewish teacher who (allegedly) lived in first-century Palestine. There are a couple of exceptions: of the hundreds -- thousands? -- of mythicists, two (to my knowledge) actually have Ph.D. credentials in relevant fields of study. But even taking these into account, there is not a single mythicist who teaches New Testament [Studies] or Early Christianity or even Classics at any accredited institution of higher learning in the Western world. And it is no wonder why. These views are so extreme and so unconvincing to 99.99 percent of the real experts that anyone holding them is as likely to get a teaching job in an established department of religion as a six-day creationist is likely to land on in a bona fide department of biology."

And while I'm being honest with you, I only responded to your initial post because I wanted to have a go at shredding your absurd and ignorant beliefs about the historical Jesus. So my interaction with you is not something you deserve.

Respond to my post comparing evidence for Jesus with evidence for Athronges, John the Baptist, the Samaritan Prophet, etc. in 24 hours from now (3:50 PM in the UK, 8:50 AM on the East Coast of the US) or I'm blocking you.

By the way @gaykarstaagforever, I had a little look at your blog and it reminded me of this quote by Tim O'Neill, amateur historian* and history blogger who got fed up of his fellow atheists pushing outdated pseudohistory.

"One of the things that often startles me about the way most anti-theist activists speak or write about Christianity is their almost visceral emotionalism. I happen to be a person raised a Christian who abandoned any faith pretty readily in my late teens and who lives in a highly secular country in a largely post-Christian society. On occasion certain Christians, particularly some prelates or politicians, will annoy me with a particularly stupid statement or action, but on the whole I can regard Christianity as I regard any faith – something that other people do that interests me largely as a historical phenomenon.

Many of those who are the focus of this blog, however, cannot seem to get Christianity out of their systems. A large number of them are, like me, ex-Christians, but ones who seem still mentally entangled in their former faith. Never able to emerge from a kind of juvenile angry apostasy, they seem impelled to strike out at it at every turn. They have to constantly remind others – and, it seems, themselves – of its manifest stupidity and wickedness.

This is why many of them cannot fathom how I can debunk myths about Christian history without also somehow being a kind of “Christian apologist” or “crypto-Christian”. It is why noting that the Church actually did not teach the earth was flat, that Christians did not burn down the Great Library of Alexandria or that the Galileo Affair was not some black-and-white moral parable of “science versus religion” elicits frantic efforts on the part of some to salvage something of these stories so that Christianity does not get off scot-free. It is also why the Jesus Myth thesis seems so convincing to many of these anti-Christian zealots while it appears clumsy and contrived to pretty much everyone else."

*He has an advanced degree in history, but it's not his job.

[mannabibleinstitute]

Accredited Biblical Counseling Degree Online - Manna Bible Institute

Get your accredited biblical counseling degree online through Manna Bible Institute. Learn from experienced professionals in a flexible, faith-based environment. Perfect for those seeking a rewarding career in Christian counseling.

[harmonyd]

River Bible Institute Exam Results Portal 2023 | How to check online

River Bible Institute Exam Results Portal 2023 | How to check online

The River Bible Institute has released the exam result online at the official website, http://www.rbiafrica.co.za Students can check the River Bible Institute Results from this page. The management of the River Bible Institute (RBI) has released the Students Results Portal. According to the RBI result statistics, some candidates failed the Grade 10 Examination while some Pass. A statement from…

[wutbju]

Continued....

... an honorary doctor of divinity degree.

He had attended Southern University in Greensboro, Ala., in his late teen years and early twenties. And during those years he married and then lost his bride to death 10 months later.

There’s so much more to this story. So much. Stay tuned...

At 40, he looked back over 25 years since he had launched his ministry in the Alabama countryside under a makeshift brush-arbor and could count 12,000 sermons preached in 30 states and several foreign countries, reaching audiences exceeding a reputed 15,000,000. He had shaken hands with 300,000 who agreed to accept Christ as personal Saviour and learned that 100,000 of these had joined a church.

This is so much myth. I have tracked every week of Bob Jones, Sr.’s life from 1896 to 1946. So I know where he preached, how long, and when. But I’ll cover that in a much longer work.

Notice how these people “got saved.” There’s no “sinner’s prayer.” THEY SHOOK BOB’S HAND.

This is documented over and over. This is how he got all those “conversions.”

It was during these years that Dr. Bob Sr. had learned so often of disillusionment on the part of young people from fine Christian homes who lost their commitment and faith when they went away to college.

Dr. Bob Sr. had married again in 1908, two years after his first wife's tragic death. The partnership created in 1908 still endures and the former Mary Gaston Stollenwerck is a figure loved by all BJU faculty, alumni and students.

When Dr. Bob Sr. confided to her over a picnic lunch one long-ago day, en route from one preaching assignment to another, that he planned to build a college, Mary Gaston was completely convinced that his sincerity and ability would assure success in this venture in faith.

Actually, Bob Jr. was just entering high school. And well, there’s more local stuff that was going on. I can’t wait to share the story...

While Dr. Bob Sr. is beloved by many, he never hesitated to speak out forcefully against, and to those he disagreed with. And there were those whose criticism -- and even enmity -- put stumbling stones in his path. But his perseverance surmounted all obstacles.

Enmity. ಠ_ಠ

The little college established first on 500 acres of pine woods on St. Andrews Bay, nine miles from Panama City, Fla., developed into a lovely campus with buildings of Spanish architecture. He insisted on "academic standards to be accurate enough to pass muster in any institution anywhere in America." Shortly, after the school was opened it was accredited by the State University of Florida.

I’d love to find evidence of that “accreditation.” BJU is the only source so far.

Vividly recalling his own struggle for an education, Bob Sr. determined "to keep financial requirements for for entrance at a minimum, to establish a student loan endowment fund and to operate a farm and dairy to provide work for students."

His faculty were required to sign a creed that embodied his fundamentalism-"if it's in the Bible, I believe it." And if they were unwilling to sign, they weren't wanted.

Sigh....

Dr. Bob Sr. continued his evangelistic work and as the depression years rolled around he put into his institution the savings of years of work -- so the little college survived those student years, maintaining a student body of 200.

Growing pains saw the college move to Cleveland, Tenn., and Dr. Bob Sr.'s commitment to his educational ideals ever deepening and strengthening.

“Growing pains.” Right.

Bob Sr. gave the daily chapel talks at Cleveland, as he had started in Florida. His rapport with the student body grew steadily through his homespun bits of philosophy, his slogans and his messages, delivered with persuasion and fervor.

He branched out, too, into the printed media and over the air waves with his messages. His syndicated newspaper columns gained such wide acceptance that they were collected and published, and gradually the philosophy of Dr. Bob Sr. was contained in an ever-growing number of volumes.

Bob was always in the media. He was always talking. That’s why I was able to track every week of his life!

The years flew by, the college became a university and was moved to Greenville. But the staunch fundamentalist was unchanged save as age took its. toll of this man who had done so much, dared so much and achieved so much.

At the age of 63, he retired as college president, turning the reins over to his son, Dr. Bob Jr. At 79, he retired as chairman of the board.

There’s that year again: 1964.

[duggardata]

Anna and Mary Maxwell Might Be Attending [Bible] College.  (Wow!)

Recently, an eagle–eyed Anon spotted the 2 Youngest Maxwell Girls, Anna (28) and Mary (25), in the absolute last place you'd ever expect—a college campus.  It's all on Facebook... Anna and Mary appear in a photo posted by Appalachian Bible College to its official Facebook Page, along with caption: "The first day of classes. That's something to smile about!"  (Permalink.)

Why Are We So Surprised By This?

Ordinarily, two young women attending college wouldn't be at all shocking, but the Maxwells are not ordinary.  Anna and Mary's Parents, Steve + Teri Maxwell, are openly anti–college.  Steve thinks that state–run education, including higher education, is "a godless, promiscuity–promoting, humanistic environment," and that it traps young people in debt.  He is wary even of Christian colleges, since he believes they cause children to rebel.  He’s proud of his sons' lack of higher education, and praised them for "avoid[ing] the influence and cost of college." Teri is, sadly, just as opposed to college—especially for women.  Back in 1999, she wrote an article speculating that college may undermine a woman's ability to be a good and godly wife.  Her article laments—

"As far as our daughters go, I wonder how many of us developed independent spirits during our college or working days. Has this made it more difficult for us to submit to our husbands in the meek and quiet way we would like?"

Finally...  Anna and Mary's views on this topic seemed to be aligned with their parents, until now. According to Steve + Teri, all of the Maxwell Daughters had planned to be Stay–at–Home–Daughters until marriage.  (See Also.)  (And all 3 Daughters seemed to be doing so, since none had moved out.)  What is more, in 2010, Anna described college as "silly," and said that she thought attending would expose her to unsavory influences, and possibly hold her back from her ultimate goal of "be[ing] a stay–at–home wife and mother."

So, yeah...  This is quite a surprise!  And, while neither Steve + Teri, nor Anna or Mary, has actually confirmed that they’re enrolled at Appalachian Bible College, their appearance on the Facebook Page is definitely suspicious!

Tell Me About Appalachian Bible College.

TL;DR   If you just want to know how conservative and restrictive Appalachian Bible College is, skip down to “Student Life.”

Appalachian Bible College (ABC) is a tiny (~250 Students), insular bible college, located on 150 Acres in rural Mount Hope, West Virginia.  (The Maxwell Family hails from Leavenworth, Kansas, which >800 Miles Away.)  It self–describes as a “non–denominational and fundamental” institution, primarily associated with “Baptist and Bible churches.”  Unlike many so–called “bible colleges,” ABC is nationally and regionally accredited.  (Hurray!)

A lot, lot more information...  After the jump.

Admissions—

ABC requires prospective students to submit an application; transcripts from high school or home school; ACT, SAT, or CLT test scores; and two reference letters, one from a pastor and one from another mentor, e.g., teacher or youth group leader.  A high school diploma or GED is required, unless the student is homeschooled.  In that case, a detailed homeschool transcript is needed, and standardized test scores are “especially important.”

As part of the application, prospective students must attest that they agree w/ the college’s Doctrinal Statement.

Academics—

ABC offers four degree programs—Bible Certificate (1 Year), Associate of Arts (A.A.) (2 Years), Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) (4 Years), and Master of Arts (M.A.).  In addition, it runs an online program for degree–seeking or non–degree seeking students.  (But, Anna and Mary were spotted on–campus, so they don’t seem to be in the online program!)  Anna and Mary haven’t gone to college, so they almost certainly aren’t in the Master’s program.  Let’s just look at the rest...

(Sidenote—Before we go on, just want to point out...  All ABC graduates must, in addition to completing academic requirements, show that they are members of a church and that they possess good Christian character.  If they don’t, they won’t give their diploma!) 

Bible Certificate—ABC describes the one–year program as an “opportunit[y] for you to dig into Scripture and build your life on its unchanging truths.”  The program has two tracks—Bible + General Education and Bible + Ministry.  As the names suggest, both tracks’ core curriculum is the Bible and Bible study.  Both also require three courses in ministry—Foundations of Ministry, Biblical Theology of Missions, and Personal Evangelism & Discipleship.  Where they differ is is what else they require...

For the Bible + General Education Certificate, students must also take four ‘core’ classes—English Composition, Speech, Physical Education, Music, and “Success Seminar”—plus, an elective of their choice.  (This curriculum also mirrors the first–year curriculum of ABC’s A.A. and B.A. Degree Programs, so students can easily continue their studies, should they decide to do so.)

For Bible + Ministry, ‘core’ classes are waived in favor of extra theology.  Students take Principles of Biblical Interpretation, along with classes on Systematic Theology (2 Classes), the New Testament (Survey Class + 2 Classes), and the Old Testament (Survey Class + 2 Classes).

Associate’s Degree (A.A.)—ABC also offers a 2–Year A.A. Degree in Bible + Theology.  (That’s the only major offered.)  For this degree, the curriculum is a 50/50 split between General Education and Bible + Theology courses, plus a few ministry classes and electives.  All students take the following courses—

General Education   English Composition (2 Classes), Speech, Physical Education, Music, Biblical Worldview, and Ethical Issues in Ministry

Bible + Theology   Principles of Biblical Interpretation, Survey of the Old Testament, Survey of the New Testament, Matthew to Acts, Genesis to Deuteronomy, Paul’s Letters (2 Classes), and Doctrine (2 Classes)

Ministry   Theology of Missions, Foundations of Ministry, Evangelism & Discipleship, and Homiletics I (Males) / Bible Teaching (Females)  

Additionally, students must take a history class, a science or sociology class, and an elective.

Bachelor’s Degree (B.A.)—Finally, ABC offers a 4–Year B.A. Dual Degree in Bible + Theology and in Ministry.  Each student completes General Education classes.  Beyond that, each student is also a “double major.”  Everyone’s first major is Bible + Theology and everyone’s second major is ministry–focused—but, not everyone has the exact same Ministry Major.  (More on that in a bit...)  As far as curriculum, students must complete the General Education, Bible + Theology, and Ministry courses required for the Associate’s Degree, plus the following additional core classes—

General Education   Health, Psychology, Sociology, Finance, 2 History Classes (History of Western Civilization and American Church History), and 1 Science Class (Earth Science or Biology)

Bible + Theology   Joshua to Esther, Hebrews to Revelation, Isaiah to Malachi, Job to Song of Soloman, Doctrine (2 Additional Classes), and Bible Capstone 

Ministry   World Religion and Cults, and Homiletics II (Men) / Women’s Ministry (Women)

Finally, students must also pick a Ministry Major and complete its mandatory coursework.  At ABC, there are seven ministry majors to pick from—some of which have concentrations.  Here’s the list of Ministry Majors, with additional concentrations or sub–specialties listed in parentheses—

Biblical Counseling  (Youth & Family or Women’s Ministries)

Camping Ministry 

Elementary Education

Missions  (Biblical Languages, Foreign Language / Spanish, International Studies, Nursing, or Teaching English)

Music  (Pedagogy, Performance, or Worship)

Pastoral Ministry  (Biblical Languages or Youth & Family Pastoring)

Interdisciplinary

The Pastor Ministry Major seems to be limited to male students.

Click the links to check out the coursework each Ministry Major requires.

Student Life—

So, yeah...  ABC is not a progressive place.  At all.  They’re upfront about it, though, which is nice.  Their Student Handbook is online, available for all to read.  Here are some highlights...  (All italics are mine, not in original.)

Discipline / Consequences—Students who break the rules face discipline in the form of “a verbal or written Carefrontation, a fine, a work assignment, a temporary room or dorm confinement, a social [or] ... campus restriction,” or “some other determination.”  Egregious offenses may result in the student being “suspended ... , asked to withdraw from the college, or dismissed.”

Dress Code—There’s a detailed Dress Code, with different different activities requiring different standards of dress.  Perhaps surprisingly, pants are allowed for female students for all but the fanciest standard of dress.  (For that, they’ll have to wear skirts or dresses.)  Here are a few of the rules...

“Earrings may be worn by females only,” and “all other body piercing is prohibited.”

ABC students are prohibited from getting new tattoos.  If a student has an old tattoo, they may be required to cover it at all times if the Dean of Students deems it “offensive.” 

Prohibited Activities—ABC says that, “in order to remain above reproach,” students are prohibited from the following “questionable activities”...

Consuming “alcohol as a beverage,” tobacco in any form (including e–cigarettes), or drugs for non–medicinal purposes.  (Penalty for violating this rule is dismissal.)

Serving alcohol to others, even if done in the course of a student’s off–campus employment.

Gossiping, or engaging in “other forms of impure speech.”

Listening to, viewing, or reading “unwholesome” media or literature, or accessing websites “that do not promote godliness.”  (See Prohibited Media and Prohibited Music.)

Attending “commercial movie theaters.”

Gambling.

Dancing.

Prohibited Media—Per the ABC Student Handbook, ABC students shall not consume “any media (including social media) that features vulgar or obscene language, sexual innuendo, nudity, immodest clothing, or ... a blatantly non–Christian message.”  Additionally, students may not—  

Watch movies rated PG–13, R, X, or NC–17, or shows rated TV–MA.

Play video games or use apps rated A, M, or RP.

... and, they’re strongly cautioned to avoid media that promotes “unbiblical definitions of love”; endorses “witchcraft or the occult”; mocks “law or law enforcement”; denigrates “marriage and the traditional family”; or contains “excessive violence.”  Students are urged not to consume media made by people—e.g., actors, producers, directors—“known for their stand against Christian values.”

Prohibited Music—Students are banned from listening to music “that includes God–dishonoring language, anti–biblical messages ... , a prominent resurfacing beat, pulsating and driving or dance rhythms, or sensual overtones in the music itself or in the performance.”  They’re specifically cautioned to avoid...

Rock—Because the “lyrics may be unacceptable” and “[t]he beat of the music may become the most prominent element.”

Country—Because the “lyrics may be unacceptable” and the underlying “music may be connected to a heavy rock beat.”

Folk—As “[e]xistentialism, humanism, or hedonism may be propagated through the lyrics.”

Jazz—Since syncopation may be “extensive[ly] use[d],” and “a sensual performance style may be employed.”

Contemporary Christian—Since “a sensual performance style may be employed,” “a beat may be overly prominent,” and the “lyrics may be theologically incorrect or existential in their emphasis.”

Relationships—

“The Bible restricts sexual activity to marriage between a man and a woman.  Thus, fornication, adultery, incest, sexual abuse of a minor, homosexuality, indecent exposure, sexual harassment, and other such activities are forbidden.” 

“[N]o display of affection through physical contact (including holding hands) on the part of non–married couples, on or off campus.”

Dating students are forbidden from sitting together in class or chapel.

No male–female pair, dating or not, may be alone together in anyone’s home or residence, on– or off–campus.

No male–female pair, dating or not, may socialize off–campus without a chaperone, unless they’ve been at ABC for at least 4 Semesters.

Divorced students “shall not be permitted to date other ... students.”

According to ABC’s Student Handbook, all these rules apply to all students, at all times, on– or off–campus.

All in all, it’s great if Anna and Mary are attending college, even if it’s a super–duper conservative one, like ABC clearly is.  The fact that they’ve possibly left home and are out there, living on their own...  Crazy to even think about, given Steve’s apparent iron grip on his household.  It can only be good from them to venture out on their own, even if it’s just to a slightly less stifling place.

[lboogie1906]

Southwestern Christian College (SwCC) is a private Christian HBCU in Terrell. SwCC was founded in 1948 by the educator and minister G. P. Bowser under the name Southern Bible Institute in Fort Worth. The initial class consisted of 45 students. School officials intended to buy property in Fort Worth to erect a permanent school plant. In the summer of 1949, the school had the opportunity to purchase the property of the closed Texas Military College in Terrell. It did so and relocated the campus that fall, changing the name of the college. The First President was E.W McMillan from 1950–53, having H.L Barber (1953-1956) and A.V Isbell (1956-1967) succeeding him. The Fourth President Dr. Jack Evans, Sr. began as the first African American and longest-serving president in the school's history. His tenure was from 1967 to 2017. He was one of the longest-serving college presidents in the US. SwCC became accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 1973. It is accredited to award Associate and Bachelor-level degrees. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence #hbcu https://www.instagram.com/p/CpAKHVGOe_b/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[vamonumentlandscape]

Boydton and Chase City, VA

Nestled in the woods behind an Exxon gas station in Boydton are the remains of the original Randolph-Macon College, which was founded in 1830 by the Methodist Church. While the school established itself as a Methodist institution, all denominations were allowed to attend. This was partially a pilgrimage site for two students and a professor of Randolph College (formerly Randolph-Macon Woman’s College), but once the institution moved to Ashland, Virginia, in 1868 following the Civil War, the Freedmen's Bureau was housed to aid recently freed slaves. The Boydton Academic and Bible Institute also set up at the site between 1878 to 1935. All that remains of the original Randolph-Macon and the Boydton Academic and Bible Institute at 170 Jefferson Street are the Hellensha Cottage and the main college building, though they have clearly been victims of the elements. This site matters not only to students of Randolph College and Randolph-Macon College, but also applies to all Americans. It is a sliver of history of the Reconstruction period in the South and is a part of the narrative for African-American education. If you do venture to the site, be mindful of tall grass areas that may contain ticks and other pesky insects, especially in the Summer months. We found out the hard way...

On our way to Boydton, driving through the middle of nowhere, we stumbled upon a site of importance to African American history and our research. “Honoring a legacy” as the site’s motto says, The Thyne Institute Memorial in Chase City is taking steps in the right direction to do just that. The Thyne Institute was founded as a faith-based African American school with only 25 students to start. The school grew to have students from many areas in Virginia and even across the United States. In 1914 the school was accredited by the Virginia Department of Education. It continued to thrive as an African American institution for years even after the Mecklenburg County Schools purchased the school in 1946. It actually reached its peak enrollment in 1950 with 650 schools. This was the very first high school in the county to reach 12th grade accreditation status. The school changed its services in 1952 and began to operate as an elementary school for the county. Sadly in 1970, the original building, Wilson Hall, was torn down to make way for a new elementary school that still stands today. That is why the beautiful memorial we saw was built in 2006 to honor the school and its legacy.

No matter how well the legacy is remembered today, there is an important question to ask ourselves. Why in the desolate area of Chase City did this building have to be torn down to build the new school? Could they not have found another site instead of destroying this important piece of local African-American history? It is interesting to ponder how times have changed in the past fifty years. What would be done with the building today if it were still standing? We will never know.

All of the incredible information about the Thyne Institute was found in the Historically Black Schools of Mecklenburg County, VA brochure. The address to this important, yet tucked away site is 5188 Highway 47, Chase City, VA 23924.

Boydton and Chase City brought many wonderful surprises to us. It was so exciting to see the rich history that exists in these small towns. You just have to be willing to drive through a bit of country, survive some ticks, and endure some bad cell service to get there. We promise it is all worth it!

[thecultculturecure]

The Rise of Evangelical Cults

Unfortunately I find it to be the case that many evangelical movements & schools of thought use manipulation, emotional reasoning, shame, fear, guilt, fake miracles and require unflinching allegiance which lines up pretty nicely with the textbook definition of a cult. 

The word cult comes from the Latin word cultus, meaning to worship. Truly, some cults leads one to bow down to more than just status – smothered in sex, money and abuse scandals, many churches, movements, revivals and bible colleges get away with their spiritual malpractice by targeting the vulnerable for those sweet, tax free donations and by justifying their garbage sermons as the direct revelations from God. 

I suspect even the most skeptical of non-believers consider the reality of a devil when they behold the ministries who so blatantly lie and deceive hundreds, thousands and sometimes millions of individuals. The most devastating fact being that, once you are indoctrinated by an evangelical cult, you justify their behavior even while they stamp you beneath their feet.

There's a real problem with your church / preacher if it sounds like a broken record, always repeating the same slogans and messages (like going on and on about tithing, why evolution is evil, gay people and being a “real Christian”) - don't let a superficial, hyper-emotional and irrational church, bible college or movement use scare tactics, guilt trips or emotional manipulations to get you to believe their illogical rhetoric. 

If someone can't build a case by reason, clarity and scripture but resort to shouting, fear of hell and taking bible verses out of context then it's pretty safe to say that they are ignorant, arrogant and not worth you time or money.

Now, let me clarify one thing first: there are wonderful churches, movements, charities, revivals and bible colleges – of course there are. 

Let me clarify a second thing: I'm not demanding perfection from any religious institution, that's impossible – all organizations have their faults. 

So let me be clear on what I am saying: there are many Christian organizations that are manipulative and deceptive, recruiting their members using guilt and keeping in their church by using shame. These are the horrible Christian organizations that rely on ignorance and emotional instability to hunt down their prey and feast on their dying soul.

-

Some preachers that have been accused of this are Kenneth Copeland, Creflo Dollar, Andrus Strauss and Rooies Strauss. Bible Schools, usually with no accreditation, like School of Fire locations in South Africa, lure in young men and women to do their biding - according to many anonymous sources.