Thanks for the informative video, Octavio. It was very fun to watch and good to hear that my experience in seminary, so far, isn't as unique as I thought it was initially. Many of the points you made are observations I noted as well.
I know people(including me at the time) expect the Bible to be someone going through a epileptic type of frenzy and they start writing without control and boom! there is a chapter written, but humans are the agents of God and It makes total sense that the plan that God includes human participation. I do think Moses did write GEN-DEUT because oral tradition dating back further and earlier texts possibly still around but not found. This was very helpful brother. Thank you.
First time here. Great content. I have 6 hrs remaining to finish my MDiv. You are so right there is great sense of being uncomfortable in seminary. I am still wrestling with learning that Joshua didn't tear down the walls at Jericho but it's all good. Thanks again!
I had a friend who is a pastor. He said that in the first year of seminary they deconstruct your theology and the second year they rebuild it. He told me that many students never survived the first year. I loved how you explained what a shock the uncertainty was and how you dealt with that. Great video. Can’t wait to watch more.
Hey Michael. Thanks. The thing is that this is a holistic shock in terms of your social interactions, your idealized ideas of Christianity from all over the world, a new country, different weather, how dumb you feel after thinking you knew more that you actually did, the shacking of your life's foundation, etc. Are you thinking about studying in the future?
@@OctavioMoss I’m at an age where I’m about to retire. I’m trying to find a way back into Christianity through the study of theology. I went from extremely conservative belief to a liberal deconstruction church experience and lost all belief. I’m trying to find some doors that will give me back the comfort and awe of faith without compromising my intelligence and sense of wonder.
@@michaelhipps4430 I totally get you my friend...that is a very tender place but a place that is full of potential. Academic studies gave me some great tools for my deconstruction period, a period that has not ended yet btw. Who are you reading? What podcasts are you listening to?
Thanks. I am pursuing my doctorate in a non-theological field, after which I would love to do a Masters of Divinity since I have been into bible teaching for about 20 years. This video has given me a lot to think about. Thanks once again.
Fellow Latino in this prison lol I watched your other video on AI generated Christian videos. I also have a huge interest in the theology of the Bible although less so through my growing faith. I believe much of it comes through intuition while half is studied knowledge. Your channel is severely underrated though I hope you grow quickly from here brother, you seem like a cool guy.
haha..Hey brother, thanks for your kind words. I totally agree with you about the intuition. Intuition tends to be in the driver's seat and this is true of most things we do, and for good reason. Peace my friend
First-time listener, hence, first-time comment and question. I love your energy and your comments. I look forward to hearing more from you. Where are you now? Are you a pastor, a professor, or still in process? Thanks.
This was so good thanks for sharing this my classes are online but a part of me wish I did classroom just so I could chat with the colleagues face to face about how they see it all shoot but thanks for making this video it was so on point 😊
Greetings. I began my undergrad at a Bible college and finished it online. Each had its merit. As a mature student holding down a full-time job the online experience was most beneficial and less expensive. The college experience was costly and I have long since lost tract of the folks I had met. If I can offer a bit of advice it would be this. Choose the program that allows you the most flexibility with the rest of your work, family, and worship life. If your theology is already settled choose a denominational school where you will mix with people of like mind. All schools are bent to certain tenants in what they teach, so beware their doctrinal statements. Lastly, are their programs biblical in nature or philosophical and psychological. Seminarians beware! May God bless you in your efforts.
Thanks for posting this video I’ve never thought about bias before when it comes to the Bible that’s a very good point. I’ve learned that I’m biased because I was raised in a Pentecostal church and now I’ve been asking myself am I really a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Do you have to take classes aside from theology? Im strongly considering a bachelors online in theology. Hospice chaplain is something ive wanting to do for years. Any advice would be helpful.
I am not sure I totally understand your question BUT you have to take languages (Greek, Hebrew) history, exegesis, hemeneutics, ,etc. and , of course, theology. Most schools have their required courses like Old Testament Foundations, New Testament Foundations, History I, etc. but you are, for the most part, able to choose your courses as well. Peace my friend
I plan on going to Liberty University for my MDIV after I finish my Masters in tech. Not sure what I’ll do with the degree but I do have a passion for learning. I was just gonna get my Masters in Christian Ministry for half the price but the MDiv seems like it will provide more I guess. Honestly lost on all of this.
Hey brother. I am happy to hear that you are interested in deepening you faith by investing hundreds of hours and dollars in the academic study of the Bible and theology.. BUT... Given that you mentioned Liberty University (a place where I also wanted to study) I thought I'd shared some quick thoughts about it: In doing a quick research of their website it is clear that they lean pretty fundamentalist, with statements such as "The universe was created in six historical days..." among many others. I would not trust any academic institution that teaches that (as historical fact nor that the Bible teaches that in any shape of form), especially at a graduate level. I can also see that out of the 31 people in leadership, 27 are white males...that is also something I would definitely stay away from. Those are my thoughts. Let me know what you decide to do my friend. Peace to you
@@OctavioMoss I was gonna go there because they are affordable you know. A masters in apologetics for instance would be about 9k vs almost 30k Do you having any recommendations that are affordable. I was also considering SES since they have a focus on Apologetics.
I’m thinking of going into theology. I’m trying to find a path but I’m not even really sure what direction to go at all. So I’m wondering if you do a video on that or what tips you could give to help me figure that out. I also am wondering what type of work is in the theological industry?
Do you mean which school to attend? Which type of school to attend? In terms of jobs, teaching jobs are limited. You could find more jobs working for churches or non for profits but that also depends on your beliefs.
@@Yechurchonline chaplaincy is hard work, definitely and not well paid. My wife is actually thinking about a Masters in Social work. Unfortunately I have no insight for you yet...
Why would they teach that there's human bias in God's word? That doesn't make sense. It seems to purposely plant a seed of doubt as to whether it is truly God's word. It opens the door to picking and choosing what you believe was God and what was man. Once you open that door, anything goes.
Hey Ralos, that is a very important comment. The Bible is full of God and full of man. Whatever a person writes will necessarily have his perspective, understanding and point of view, that is true of all literature - including God's word (and that does not make it less special or powerful). God did not bypass any of the biblical authors' brains or worldviews but worked with them and through them (as he does with us). To use your language "once you open that door" it is the opposite of "anything goes", the Bible becomes with wonderful and beautiful dance between human authors and wonderful Holy Spirit and that forces you to pay even closer attention to the text instead of the opposite. It forces you to understand the text better and deeper than you preciously had. You realize how God worked with and through individuals and communities writing, compiling, modifying, translating, editing (the list goes on and on) the texts that we have today through close to 2000 years. It's all just fascinating and it categorically the opposite of "everything goes". I would love to hear your thoughts now brother
@@OctavioMoss Thank you for responding to my comment. The devil uses the same tactics he used in the garden at the beginning....the questioning of God's word. "Has God indeed said?" It's subtle, but it's the same thing. We're living in a time where many "progressive christians", being influenced by the culture, pick and choose what they want to believe is God's word and what they want to believe is man's. In order to push various agendas. "Did God really say that, or did man?" 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says "All scripture is breathed out by God....not man. Human bias cannot come into play at all, because it would no longer be God's word. To teach people that God's word can be corrupted by man, casts doubt on it truly being the Word of God. If it's not truly the Word of God, it cannot be trusted nor depended on as the truth, and we definitely cannot have faith in it.
Paul’s letters were letters so of course they have bias. Any written document is under the filter of a human. We need the Holy Spirit to interpret God’s word. Even if God took 100% control and forced the person to write every single word. We would still have bias even in our interpretation. We need the Holy Spirit
O wonder Christianity go array. Seminary like this one teach their own interpretation of the Bible. They DONOT believe what the. Bible said. What Seminary is that Sir ?
Hey Bimo, what do you mean with "their own" interpretation of Scripture? Do you believe that there is THE ONE way of interpreting scripture? If so, which one is it? In what year did this interpretation come to be? Who finally cracked to code to THE ONE and only correct interpretation? In which country did this ONE interpretation happen? I would love to hear your thoughts. It's called Regent College, here in Vancouver Canada
I had a similar experience with my theological studies at a secular university. It’s refreshing to hear about yours. I just found your channel. You got a new subscriber (#150, btw 😆). Looking forward to more content from you! 🙏
Hey could I ask, if you dont mind, what GPA you ended up earning at the end? I know it is a 3.0 GPA to graduate. I would like to pursue PhD studies after my MATS program, and most PhD programs accept a 3.3 GPA - 3.5 GPA. Having seeing you completing the MATS program (Huge congratulations btw) from a perspective from what I heard, not having an undergrad in theology.. Does having a GPA at a 3.3 GPA - 3.5 GPA seem like an extremely difficult goal that would require intensive studying? Thank you for youre very real MATS video. God bless.
Hey! Good to hear that you are pursuing theological studies. I think graduated with a GPA of a little under 3.4. But I graduated with an artistic project (a rock album. You can find it under Octavio Moss - Holy Ground), not a thesis. So if I would want to pursue a Doctorate I would have to get a ThM first and then apply.
You are right, my background was in music production and engineering. I did not have an undergrad in theology. So, as you can see, it’s totally doable. If you like it and you are true to your personal questions you will be more than alright :). You got this…
Moses wrote the first five books of the Bible. Please, I urge you to read the Bible carefully and understand the truth and wisdom that it holds. Please do not mislead the sheep and turn them into goats. May the Holy Spirit guide you.
Hello, thanks for your comment. Most biblical scholars would disagree with your comment. There is both internal and external evidence that suggest this pretty strongly. An honest question: Do you think that suggesting a different authorship for those books turns sheep into goats? Would you have any biblical basis to support such a statement? Peace to you
You sound confused. Your professors sound confused. If they don't know who wrote the Torah, then how do they know Moses didn't write it? Sounds like this school endorses the higher critical method that one reads in the Anchor Bible Series. I study theology to find the truth of God. If the higher critics are correct, then theology is a useless subject, and I would find something more useful to study, like basket weaving. But I understand now why the Church is a mess, schools like this one.
With any historical data, it is much easier to know who didn’t do things than who did them. That happens with any historical account and that is true of every text in the Bible - it is just a matter of the informed reader being willing to admit that. We all go to study theology to find truth about God, you are not alone in this. But our “object of study” is not a lifeless rock, it is something that we are not capable of studying in the first place - but that has never been able to stop us from doing it. So we do our best to study what 2000 years of Christian traditions have said about God knowing that anything we say about God is limited and provisional…only slight approximations to the truth. Studying theology will never be a waste of time - you just have to adjust your expectations. Peace to you my friend
You learn to trust your “intuition” 😊
Thanks for the informative video, Octavio. It was very fun to watch and good to hear that my experience in seminary, so far, isn't as unique as I thought it was initially. Many of the points you made are observations I noted as well.
Hey…it’s always great to meet people who get a little bit of what you’ve been through. Blessings to you
I know people(including me at the time) expect the Bible to be someone going through a epileptic type of frenzy and they start writing without control and boom! there is a chapter written, but humans are the agents of God and It makes total sense that the plan that God includes human participation. I do think Moses did write GEN-DEUT because oral tradition dating back further and earlier texts possibly still around but not found. This was very helpful brother. Thank you.
I agree. I heard this phrase the other day, "God's let's His children tell the story". Cheers Callum!
Your take on these topics is refreshing!
Thanks!
First time here. Great content. I have 6 hrs remaining to finish my MDiv. You are so right there is great sense of being uncomfortable in seminary. I am still wrestling with learning that Joshua didn't tear down the walls at Jericho but it's all good. Thanks again!
6 hrs! Congrats! What are your plans now? Are you looking to be a pastor at a particular denomination?
@OctavioMoss I am currently serving as pastor of a congregation where I have been for twenty-nine years. My degree concentration is chaplaincy.
@@alexandersmith9385 Chaplaincy....hats off to you brother
Brother this made me happy and build up my confidence in furthering my education. Thank you for sharing and may GOD bless you.
My absolute privilege and pleasure Victor.
Peace to you brother
Thank you so much for extending your very practical wisdom to us. Much love from South Africa 😊
thanks....Sending much love your way
I had a friend who is a pastor. He said that in the first year of seminary they deconstruct your theology and the second year they rebuild it. He told me that many students never survived the first year. I loved how you explained what a shock the uncertainty was and how you dealt with that. Great video. Can’t wait to watch more.
Hey Michael. Thanks. The thing is that this is a holistic shock in terms of your social interactions, your idealized ideas of Christianity from all over the world, a new country, different weather, how dumb you feel after thinking you knew more that you actually did, the shacking of your life's foundation, etc.
Are you thinking about studying in the future?
@@OctavioMoss I’m at an age where I’m about to retire. I’m trying to find a way back into Christianity through the study of theology. I went from extremely conservative belief to a liberal deconstruction church experience and lost all belief. I’m trying to find some doors that will give me back the comfort and awe of faith without compromising my intelligence and sense of wonder.
@@michaelhipps4430 I totally get you my friend...that is a very tender place but a place that is full of potential. Academic studies gave me some great tools for my deconstruction period, a period that has not ended yet btw. Who are you reading? What podcasts are you listening to?
Thanks. I am pursuing my doctorate in a non-theological field, after which I would love to do a Masters of Divinity since I have been into bible teaching for about 20 years. This video has given me a lot to think about. Thanks once again.
Man...a Masters after a Doctorate. Hats of to you. All the best in your endeavours.
Peace my friend
@@OctavioMoss Thanks
Great authentic info, much appreciated.
Blessings brother
Fellow Latino in this prison lol I watched your other video on AI generated Christian videos. I also have a huge interest in the theology of the Bible although less so through my growing faith. I believe much of it comes through intuition while half is studied knowledge. Your channel is severely underrated though I hope you grow quickly from here brother, you seem like a cool guy.
haha..Hey brother, thanks for your kind words. I totally agree with you about the intuition. Intuition tends to be in the driver's seat and this is true of most things we do, and for good reason.
Peace my friend
First time here!! New subscriber.
Great to have you here ❣
First-time listener, hence, first-time comment and question. I love your energy and your comments. I look forward to hearing more from you.
Where are you now? Are you a pastor, a professor, or still in process? Thanks.
Hey Dennis, nice to meet you. I graduated from my Masters and I currently work as a pastor here in Vancouver
This was so good thanks for sharing this my classes are online but a part of me wish I did classroom just so I could chat with the colleagues face to face about how they see it all shoot but thanks for making this video it was so on point 😊
Hey. My pleasure? What and where are you studying?
Greetings. I began my undergrad at a Bible college and finished it online. Each had its merit. As a mature student holding down a full-time job the online experience was most beneficial and less expensive. The college experience was costly and I have long since lost tract of the folks I had met. If I can offer a bit of advice it would be this. Choose the program that allows you the most flexibility with the rest of your work, family, and worship life. If your theology is already settled choose a denominational school where you will mix with people of like mind. All schools are bent to certain tenants in what they teach, so beware their doctrinal statements. Lastly, are their programs biblical in nature or philosophical and psychological. Seminarians beware! May God bless you in your efforts.
Thanks for posting this video I’ve never thought about bias before when it comes to the Bible that’s a very good point. I’ve learned that I’m biased because I was raised in a Pentecostal church and now I’ve been asking myself am I really a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Realizing that every human being has a bias including biblical authors - was a rude awakening for me, I totally get you
I start at Regent in January to obtain my Master's of Divinity..
Heeeeey… do say hi when you see me around 😉
Thanks for sharing. I want to study in USA, do you have any recommendations where start looking for?
Do you have to take classes aside from theology? Im strongly considering a bachelors online in theology. Hospice chaplain is something ive wanting to do for years. Any advice would be helpful.
I am not sure I totally understand your question BUT you have to take languages (Greek, Hebrew) history, exegesis, hemeneutics, ,etc. and , of course, theology. Most schools have their required courses like Old Testament Foundations, New Testament Foundations, History I, etc. but you are, for the most part, able to choose your courses as well.
Peace my friend
@OctavioMoss that answered my question thank you. I didn't realize you had to take the language classes.
@@thomasK411 you normally have to take at least one.
I plan on going to Liberty University for my MDIV after I finish my Masters in tech.
Not sure what I’ll do with the degree but I do have a passion for learning. I was just gonna get my Masters in Christian Ministry for half the price but the MDiv seems like it will provide more I guess.
Honestly lost on all of this.
Hey brother. I am happy to hear that you are interested in deepening you faith by investing hundreds of hours and dollars in the academic study of the Bible and theology.. BUT... Given that you mentioned Liberty University (a place where I also wanted to study) I thought I'd shared some quick thoughts about it:
In doing a quick research of their website it is clear that they lean pretty fundamentalist, with statements such as "The universe was created in six historical days..." among many others. I would not trust any academic institution that teaches that (as historical fact nor that the Bible teaches that in any shape of form), especially at a graduate level.
I can also see that out of the 31 people in leadership, 27 are white males...that is also something I would definitely stay away from.
Those are my thoughts. Let me know what you decide to do my friend.
Peace to you
@@OctavioMoss I was gonna go there because they are affordable you know. A masters in apologetics for instance would be about 9k vs almost 30k
Do you having any recommendations that are affordable. I was also considering SES since they have a focus on Apologetics.
I want to study Christian theology online and preferably free. Please kindly recommend. Thanks
I’m thinking of going into theology. I’m trying to find a path but I’m not even really sure what direction to go at all. So I’m wondering if you do a video on that or what tips you could give to help me figure that out. I also am wondering what type of work is in the theological industry?
Do you mean which school to attend? Which type of school to attend?
In terms of jobs, teaching jobs are limited. You could find more jobs working for churches or non for profits but that also depends on your beliefs.
Thank you, on time message
My pleasure my friend. Peace to you
This help me a lot
Wonderful
thank you!
Bless you brother
very reasonable. Good luck on your journey!
@@tsherbs1309 Thanks! Peace to you my friend
Bro I am in my last quarter of Div school WHERE WERE YOU 3.5 yrs ago😂😂 but YOU are bang on!
😄😄.. I would've wanted to have the graduated me or the graduated you telling me all these things at the beginning as well
This was great! I was contemplate should I continue in seminary or not! This was helpful. Your funny
Hey man, thanks. Are you in seminary right now?
@@OctavioMoss I am but I was also thinking of switching to social work because I thought maybe chaplaincy isn’t for me.
@@OctavioMoss any helpful insight? I just want to supply for my family but I also want to serve Jesus
@@Yechurchonline chaplaincy is hard work, definitely and not well paid. My wife is actually thinking about a Masters in Social work. Unfortunately I have no insight for you yet...
@@OctavioMoss ok thanks
Why would they teach that there's human bias in God's word? That doesn't make sense. It seems to purposely plant a seed of doubt as to whether it is truly God's word. It opens the door to picking and choosing what you believe was God and what was man. Once you open that door, anything goes.
Hey Ralos, that is a very important comment. The Bible is full of God and full of man. Whatever a person writes will necessarily have his perspective, understanding and point of view, that is true of all literature - including God's word (and that does not make it less special or powerful). God did not bypass any of the biblical authors' brains or worldviews but worked with them and through them (as he does with us).
To use your language "once you open that door" it is the opposite of "anything goes", the Bible becomes with wonderful and beautiful dance between human authors and wonderful Holy Spirit and that forces you to pay even closer attention to the text instead of the opposite. It forces you to understand the text better and deeper than you preciously had.
You realize how God worked with and through individuals and communities writing, compiling, modifying, translating, editing (the list goes on and on) the texts that we have today through close to 2000 years. It's all just fascinating and it categorically the opposite of "everything goes".
I would love to hear your thoughts now brother
@@OctavioMoss Thank you for responding to my comment. The devil uses the same tactics he used in the garden at the beginning....the questioning of God's word. "Has God indeed said?" It's subtle, but it's the same thing. We're living in a time where many "progressive christians", being influenced by the culture, pick and choose what they want to believe is God's word and what they want to believe is man's. In order to push various agendas. "Did God really say that, or did man?"
2 Timothy 3:16-17 says "All scripture is breathed out by God....not man. Human bias cannot come into play at all, because it would no longer be God's word. To teach people that God's word can be corrupted by man, casts doubt on it truly being the Word of God. If it's not truly the Word of God, it cannot be trusted nor depended on as the truth, and we definitely cannot have faith in it.
@@ralos3500 or maybe you don’t want to believe that you were wrong and that that document hurt a lot of people
Paul’s letters were letters so of course they have bias. Any written document is under the filter of a human.
We need the Holy Spirit to interpret God’s word. Even if God took 100% control and forced the person to write every single word. We would still have bias even in our interpretation.
We need the Holy Spirit
O wonder Christianity go array. Seminary like this one teach their own interpretation of the Bible. They DONOT believe what the. Bible said. What Seminary is that Sir ?
Hey Bimo, what do you mean with "their own" interpretation of Scripture? Do you believe that there is THE ONE way of interpreting scripture? If so, which one is it? In what year did this interpretation come to be? Who finally cracked to code to THE ONE and only correct interpretation? In which country did this ONE interpretation happen?
I would love to hear your thoughts.
It's called Regent College, here in Vancouver Canada
I had a similar experience with my theological studies at a secular university. It’s refreshing to hear about yours.
I just found your channel. You got a new subscriber (#150, btw 😆). Looking forward to more content from you! 🙏
Hey 150! Thanks for your comment. Looking forward to interacting with you some more. Where did you study?
More entertaining than theological thanks for your (opinions and bias)
My absolute pleasure my friend
Hey could I ask, if you dont mind, what GPA you ended up earning at the end? I know it is a 3.0 GPA to graduate.
I would like to pursue PhD studies after my MATS program, and most PhD programs accept a 3.3 GPA - 3.5 GPA.
Having seeing you completing the MATS program (Huge congratulations btw) from a perspective from what I heard, not having an undergrad in theology..
Does having a GPA at a 3.3 GPA - 3.5 GPA seem like an extremely difficult goal that would require intensive studying?
Thank you for youre very real MATS video. God bless.
Hey! Good to hear that you are pursuing theological studies.
I think graduated with a GPA of a little under 3.4. But I graduated with an artistic project (a rock album. You can find it under Octavio Moss - Holy Ground), not a thesis. So if I would want to pursue a Doctorate I would have to get a ThM first and then apply.
You are right, my background was in music production and engineering. I did not have an undergrad in theology. So, as you can see, it’s totally doable. If you like it and you are true to your personal questions you will be more than alright :). You got this…
❤
❤
Moses wrote the first five books of the Bible. Please, I urge you to read the Bible carefully and understand the truth and wisdom that it holds. Please do not mislead the sheep and turn them into goats. May the Holy Spirit guide you.
Hello, thanks for your comment. Most biblical scholars would disagree with your comment. There is both internal and external evidence that suggest this pretty strongly.
An honest question: Do you think that suggesting a different authorship for those books turns sheep into goats? Would you have any biblical basis to support such a statement?
Peace to you
You sound confused. Your professors sound confused. If they don't know who wrote the Torah, then how do they know Moses didn't write it? Sounds like this school endorses the higher critical method that one reads in the Anchor Bible Series. I study theology to find the truth of God. If the higher critics are correct, then theology is a useless subject, and I would find something more useful to study, like basket weaving. But I understand now why the Church is a mess, schools like this one.
With any historical data, it is much easier to know who didn’t do things than who did them. That happens with any historical account and that is true of every text in the Bible - it is just a matter of the informed reader being willing to admit that.
We all go to study theology to find truth about God, you are not alone in this. But our “object of study” is not a lifeless rock, it is something that we are not capable of studying in the first place - but that has never been able to stop us from doing it. So we do our best to study what 2000 years of Christian traditions have said about God knowing that anything we say about God is limited and provisional…only slight approximations to the truth.
Studying theology will never be a waste of time - you just have to adjust your expectations.
Peace to you my friend