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The Portable Seminary: A Master's Level Overview in One Volume
The Portable Seminary A Masters Level Overview in One Volume by Bethany House Publishers,2006, Hardcover
784 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2006
109 people are currently reading
428 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 25, 2012
I really, really, like this book. Don't let the title fool you, you're not getting a "master's" level of education with this book. You do, however, get a good handle on just about every major aspect of master-level theological training. This is good stuff. I'd read it again if I didn't have other books I wanted to read. If you're looking for a good theological overview without paying the price, this can be it for you.
May 15, 2012
This is a great starting off point for those who wish to gain a broad understanding not only of the faith but of ministry in general.
August 14, 2013
This is a very usefully book in giving an overview of the significant topics that both the Christian academic and lay person will need to get their head around.
Having a degree in theology, I still find this book useful as it gives an overview of the main topics without getting bogged down in the important but peripheral issues.
A great example of how this book could be used is if you were doing a university level subject on Christology reading the chapter on 'The Doctrine on God the Son' will give you a background to be able to immediately interact with academic writings on this topic. For the time poor student, pastor or lay person reading 13 pages is much easier that reading a entire book on Christiology and trying to explain what it is all about.
If you are relying on this as a one-stop shop you may be disappointed, but if you realise that this is a very comprehensive primer on topics of interest to Christians you will find it very helpful, almost indispensable.
Having a degree in theology, I still find this book useful as it gives an overview of the main topics without getting bogged down in the important but peripheral issues.
A great example of how this book could be used is if you were doing a university level subject on Christology reading the chapter on 'The Doctrine on God the Son' will give you a background to be able to immediately interact with academic writings on this topic. For the time poor student, pastor or lay person reading 13 pages is much easier that reading a entire book on Christiology and trying to explain what it is all about.
If you are relying on this as a one-stop shop you may be disappointed, but if you realise that this is a very comprehensive primer on topics of interest to Christians you will find it very helpful, almost indispensable.
August 22, 2008
i learned a little bit more than i already knew.its got a lot more learning and teaching in it than the bible doctrine by wayne grudem, dont get me wrong wayne grudem book is a really good book and i would recommend it to any one, its just this book here teaches alot more in depth in to the bible,so i also recommend reading this book too,as a little extra learning!!! you can never have to much learning!!
October 31, 2016
The Portable Seminary is a solid overview of a typical seminary degree. It gives a basic outline of Theology, History, Old/New Testament, etc. This book isn't a replacement for an M.Div., but it is a great resource for those interested in getting a glimpse of seminary and a basic understanding of the subjects studied at a traditional seminary.
December 6, 2016
A good summary of the subjects covered in Bible College, however, in a South African context it is more at Diploma level (or a BTh level at best) and not at a Masters level as claimed on the cover.
February 4, 2015
A very stimulating, captivating and necessary theological overview.
November 25, 2018
Rarely do I review a book prior to finishing it, in the case of The Portable Seminary by David Horton I am making an exception. The extent of the book has my kindle telling me, 12% in, I have 18 hours to go! I feel, as the book is recently launched, that I must give It positive feedback at this point.
From the back cover, the book tasks itself with deepening the reader biblical and theological knowledge covering the major topics of a typical seminary master’s program. In the first three chapters, I found my mind challenged, my understanding extended and my faith strengthened! In a series of papers, it encouraged me to pause and consider elements of Christianity which I have taken for granted or avoided. The content is intense and, at times, requires reading over more than once to fully comprehend it.
Favourite lines include:
“A Christian’s devotional interpretation can always be improved because personal needs keeps changing. Suddenly one may see important things that were missed before, even in favorite passage studied many times.”
”Finitude can not comprehend infinity, nor can human thought patterns, which are associated with the created environment, completely grasp the transcendent realm of God.”
I look forward to digesting the upcoming chapters before writing a further review. However, if this topic appeals, I highly recommend this book!
From the back cover, the book tasks itself with deepening the reader biblical and theological knowledge covering the major topics of a typical seminary master’s program. In the first three chapters, I found my mind challenged, my understanding extended and my faith strengthened! In a series of papers, it encouraged me to pause and consider elements of Christianity which I have taken for granted or avoided. The content is intense and, at times, requires reading over more than once to fully comprehend it.
Favourite lines include:
“A Christian’s devotional interpretation can always be improved because personal needs keeps changing. Suddenly one may see important things that were missed before, even in favorite passage studied many times.”
”Finitude can not comprehend infinity, nor can human thought patterns, which are associated with the created environment, completely grasp the transcendent realm of God.”
I look forward to digesting the upcoming chapters before writing a further review. However, if this topic appeals, I highly recommend this book!
September 25, 2018
This is a very good reference book with a short summary of a variety of topics that are typical in a seminary program. The topics such as Doctrine, each book of the Old and New Testament, World Religions, Study of Missions, Homiletics, History of the Church, Ethics, Learning Styles, Leadership, common terms and meaning, and suggestions for further reading and study do not go into great detail but give a short overview for understanding purposes. This would be a good starting point for most people to get an overview of topics related to a seminary program then be able to delve into deep research and understanding by gathering other books and materials once you found the topics of interest. The author does do a good job of giving additional resources for further reading after each chapter or topic.
March 23, 2024
Many books written with this idea in mind can come across as boring, soley to be used as a reference point or just plain overwhelming. This book did not hit any of those points. It was easy to read and follow. Gave plenty of information in most parts. Had a variety of topics, points and views for each chapter. While it is a large volume, it reads suprisingly well. It does a great job of giving you a basic overview of all the basics of Seminary. One of my favorite things was how well it explained different viewpoints on the same topic. And the glossary in the back was very helpful. A great resource!
September 6, 2018
As someone who wants to go to seminary one day, this book is a fantastic introduction. Although it obviously cannot contain all the education seminary provides you, it is a great resource for those in ministry or going into ministry. I highly recommend this book for Christians in ministry or even Christians that want a deeper understanding of God and the Bible!
January 3, 2022
A Deeper Pool Than Anticipated But Worth It
Obviously I like some subjects more than others but was still able to find nuggets here and there throughout the material. I will have to come back and read through it again to pick up the wider and more thorough information. A Resource, indeed.
Obviously I like some subjects more than others but was still able to find nuggets here and there throughout the material. I will have to come back and read through it again to pick up the wider and more thorough information. A Resource, indeed.
September 1, 2022
Amazing book. I'm glad I picked this up. This volume covers a multitude of subjects, essentially covering all the baselines. Each chapter is both adequately intellectual and thorough [as to not be too short and surface level]. Even if this is an introductory work, the subject matter does not feel as if it has been "dumbed down". Would recommend.
August 17, 2020
I'll never read this cover to cover again, but I guarantee I will reference back to it many times in the future.
March 16, 2021
Great starting point for the curious or serious beginning theologian.Was not crazy about some of the sociology aspects of the book in regards to christian leadership and missionary work.
November 24, 2017
Great if you can’t go to seminary. Everything from Seminary is superficially covered.
September 11, 2014
Since this is a reference book I will continue to read it.
I have found this book to be very useful as a teacher of small groups in the church I attend. It is a part of the Bible software I use and when used with the other reference books in the software I find it easy to find and add material to the sessions I lead or teach,
I have found this book to be very useful as a teacher of small groups in the church I attend. It is a part of the Bible software I use and when used with the other reference books in the software I find it easy to find and add material to the sessions I lead or teach,
March 15, 2008
Material is uneven, some chapters very good and some weak. The doctrinal chapters are good. The survey of OT and NT is weak. I did not like the apologetics but did like the church history.
April 14, 2008
This is a very good overview of the type of topics you would learn about while attending seminary. I found the chapters on Christology to be very helpful in my Bible studies.
Read
October 7, 2014This is a very good overview of theology and all its different branches. I would recommend it to any person who is serious about theology.
September 7, 2018
Each Christian is called to read and study the Bible, that's how we learn about God and His will. Church leaders are expected to go a step further and get some kind of education to help them in teaching and leading where they serve. Since everyone doesn't have the time or funds to spend on formal Bible education, The Portable Seminary can help bridge that gap.
This book covers a range of topics that are standard in seminary programs, from the doctrine of God, Son, and Holy Spirit to Biblical languages to the history of the Church. Each topic is not covered to same depth as they would be in a class, but it will give you a pretty thorough understanding. The writing style is like what you would expect at college level, but it can be read by most people. It isn't something that you can sit and read straight through, but it is full of information that you may not already know.
I had a specific reason for reading this book. Though I am not in the ministry, I am in training to be a deacon, and I figured I could use this book as a reference for that. I will probably have to go through it several times, but I think it would be a good book for someone who serves in any position in a church where you might be teaching or leading. Pastors would definitely benefit from it, but they aren't the only ones who will be asked questions about the Bible and God.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This book covers a range of topics that are standard in seminary programs, from the doctrine of God, Son, and Holy Spirit to Biblical languages to the history of the Church. Each topic is not covered to same depth as they would be in a class, but it will give you a pretty thorough understanding. The writing style is like what you would expect at college level, but it can be read by most people. It isn't something that you can sit and read straight through, but it is full of information that you may not already know.
I had a specific reason for reading this book. Though I am not in the ministry, I am in training to be a deacon, and I figured I could use this book as a reference for that. I will probably have to go through it several times, but I think it would be a good book for someone who serves in any position in a church where you might be teaching or leading. Pastors would definitely benefit from it, but they aren't the only ones who will be asked questions about the Bible and God.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
September 24, 2018
The Portable Seminary
By David Horton
I think an introduction to myself is necessary for this review. I am a laywoman, who is not in any real ministry. I enjoy learning more about my faith and my God which is what lead me to want to read this resource. That being said I enjoyed this book and think that it is worth reading if you are like me and are wanting to learn and grow in your faith.
By David Horton
I think an introduction to myself is necessary for this review. I am a laywoman, who is not in any real ministry. I enjoy learning more about my faith and my God which is what lead me to want to read this resource. That being said I enjoyed this book and think that it is worth reading if you are like me and are wanting to learn and grow in your faith.
September 24, 2018
Rarely do I review a book prior to finishing it, in the case of The Portable Seminary by David Horton I am making an exception. The extent of the book has my kindle telling me, 12% in, I have 18 hours to go! I feel, as the book is recently launched, that I must give It positive feedback at this point.
From the back cover, the book tasks itself with deepening the reader biblical and theological knowledge covering the major topics of a typical seminary master’s program. In the first three chapters, I found my mind challenged, my understanding extended and my faith strengthened! In a series of papers, it encouraged me to pause and consider elements of Christianity which I have taken for granted or avoided. The content is intense and, at times, requires reading over more than once to fully comprehend it.
Favourite lines include:
“A Christian’s devotional interpretation can always be improved because personal needs keeps changing. Suddenly one may see important things that were missed before, even in favorite passage studied many times.”
”Finitude can not comprehend infinity, nor can human thought patterns, which are associated with the created environment, completely grasp the transcendent realm of God.”
I look forward to digesting the upcoming chapters before writing a further review. However, if this topic appeal, I highly recommend this book!
From the back cover, the book tasks itself with deepening the reader biblical and theological knowledge covering the major topics of a typical seminary master’s program. In the first three chapters, I found my mind challenged, my understanding extended and my faith strengthened! In a series of papers, it encouraged me to pause and consider elements of Christianity which I have taken for granted or avoided. The content is intense and, at times, requires reading over more than once to fully comprehend it.
Favourite lines include:
“A Christian’s devotional interpretation can always be improved because personal needs keeps changing. Suddenly one may see important things that were missed before, even in favorite passage studied many times.”
”Finitude can not comprehend infinity, nor can human thought patterns, which are associated with the created environment, completely grasp the transcendent realm of God.”
I look forward to digesting the upcoming chapters before writing a further review. However, if this topic appeal, I highly recommend this book!
September 25, 2018
This is a very good reference book with a short summary of a variety of topics that are typical in a seminary program. The topics such as Doctrine, each book of the Old and New Testament, World Religions, Study of Missions, Homiletics, History of the Church, Ethics, Learning Styles, Leadership, common terms and meaning, and suggestions for further reading and study do not go into great detail but give a short overview for understanding purposes. This would be a good starting point for most people to get an overview of topics related to a seminary program then be able to delve into deep research and understanding by gathering other books and materials once you found the topics of interest. The author does do a good job of giving additional resources for further reading after each chapter or topic.
November 5, 2018
Seminary education methods are rapidly changing. Many traditional institutions are seeing a decline in student enrolment which also impacts the rate and quality of faculty recruitment. Some are adopting more distance-learning options while a few are fully online. For all the pros and cons of the different channels of seminary education, some things do not change: The need to be equipped to do the work of the gospel. This book aims to fill the gaps left out by conventional theological education. Instead of going to the professor, it brings the professors to you. Instead of signing up for different courses each semester, we get a whole list of syllabus all bounded in one book. Apart from cost savings and time flexibilities, this book gives the mobile individual an additional option to learn at one's own pace. Some of the topics include:
Biblical Languages
Systematic Theology
Old Testament Survey
New Testament Survey
Apologetics
World Religions
Church History
Missiology
Leadership
Ethics
Christian Education
etc.
The intent of the authors is to allow readers to pace themselves; to zoom into any topic of their choice; and to choose their own preferred location for study. Though one volume is not the same as a full course load, the book provides a primer, an introduction, even a refresher to a graduate level seminary education. It is not meant to replace but to supplement. It is not meant to fully equip but to come alongside other means. For that matter, there are many other audiences for this book. This includes people wanting a taste of what seminary education is all about. It helps those who had completed seminary studies and want a refresher. It even supplements existing students' seminary education courses.
There are 27 chapters marked clearly with a title, an introduction, and a concise description of the key points of the topic concerned. Like many good reference books, each chapter comes with a list of resources and books for further reading and study. The chapter on languages do not go in depth with regard to the Greek and Hebrew grammar. It simply explains the nuances of the ancient languages so that when we read the Bible, we would be more aware of the contexts prior to the translation we read. It also gives us what to look out for in the event we want to probe into the original languages further. On systematic theology, we get an overview of what theology is about; Christology; Pneumatology; Theology of Creation; Humanity and Sin; Salvation; Ecclesiology; Eschatology. I am pleasantly surprised to find some common electives included in this volume. There are topics about apologetics and homiletics. The world religions chapter compares and contrasts Christianity with Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, African traditional religions, New Age movement, atheism, and the new religious movements such as Mormonism and Jehovah's Witness. I am also glad to see five chapters dedicated to Church and Church history. This is important for the understanding of the development of Christian Theology. All in all, as an introductory book, this is a book to equip believers especially from an evangelical perspective. It covers just enough for us to know the salient points. Hopefully, it could spur individual readers to progress further into the goldmine of theological world of resources that are increasing and crying out for attention. Churches could use this book for basic Christian education classes.
There is a long list of very reputable theologians and scholars who have contributed articles in this volume. Top theologians such as Donald Bloesch, James DG Dunn, Paul Feinberg, Norman Geisler, Robert Clouse, Carl Henry, Mark Noll, as well as the late Haddon Robinson are all in the contributing team.
David Horton is a graduate of Oregon State University and is currently the editorial director at Bethany House Publishers.
Rating: 4.5 stars of 5.
conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
Biblical Languages
Systematic Theology
Old Testament Survey
New Testament Survey
Apologetics
World Religions
Church History
Missiology
Leadership
Ethics
Christian Education
etc.
The intent of the authors is to allow readers to pace themselves; to zoom into any topic of their choice; and to choose their own preferred location for study. Though one volume is not the same as a full course load, the book provides a primer, an introduction, even a refresher to a graduate level seminary education. It is not meant to replace but to supplement. It is not meant to fully equip but to come alongside other means. For that matter, there are many other audiences for this book. This includes people wanting a taste of what seminary education is all about. It helps those who had completed seminary studies and want a refresher. It even supplements existing students' seminary education courses.
There are 27 chapters marked clearly with a title, an introduction, and a concise description of the key points of the topic concerned. Like many good reference books, each chapter comes with a list of resources and books for further reading and study. The chapter on languages do not go in depth with regard to the Greek and Hebrew grammar. It simply explains the nuances of the ancient languages so that when we read the Bible, we would be more aware of the contexts prior to the translation we read. It also gives us what to look out for in the event we want to probe into the original languages further. On systematic theology, we get an overview of what theology is about; Christology; Pneumatology; Theology of Creation; Humanity and Sin; Salvation; Ecclesiology; Eschatology. I am pleasantly surprised to find some common electives included in this volume. There are topics about apologetics and homiletics. The world religions chapter compares and contrasts Christianity with Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, African traditional religions, New Age movement, atheism, and the new religious movements such as Mormonism and Jehovah's Witness. I am also glad to see five chapters dedicated to Church and Church history. This is important for the understanding of the development of Christian Theology. All in all, as an introductory book, this is a book to equip believers especially from an evangelical perspective. It covers just enough for us to know the salient points. Hopefully, it could spur individual readers to progress further into the goldmine of theological world of resources that are increasing and crying out for attention. Churches could use this book for basic Christian education classes.
There is a long list of very reputable theologians and scholars who have contributed articles in this volume. Top theologians such as Donald Bloesch, James DG Dunn, Paul Feinberg, Norman Geisler, Robert Clouse, Carl Henry, Mark Noll, as well as the late Haddon Robinson are all in the contributing team.
David Horton is a graduate of Oregon State University and is currently the editorial director at Bethany House Publishers.
Rating: 4.5 stars of 5.
conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
December 11, 2018
Wow! A lot of information. I was very interested in seeing what this book contained in it. I liked how things were presented. That I could understand what they were trying to convey. That it wasn’t too over my head.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews