Biblical Hebrew Forum

["Kevin Graham" <kevlds AT hotmail.com>]

> Jim West, ThD

ThD?

Well, that explains alot.

I'm just saying that a ThD should not put so much emphasis in their 
credentials as a biblical exegete when their ThD only demonstrates that they 
have expertise in their own theology. It says virtually nothing about their 
ability to exegete the Bible, other than the fact that they could never be 
expected to do so objectively. I know it must come as a shock to think your 
life's work in the Theology dept. doesn't necessarily mean you're better 
than the next guy at interpreting the Bible, but hey, don't take it out on 
me.

A distinction should always be made between a PhD and a ThD, just as a Juris 
Doctorate and an MD are distinguished. The infamous Walter Martin bought his 
"doctorate" from a diploma mill. Obtaining dubious diplomas and flaunting 
them to prove you're right and teh next guy is wrong, seems to be a 
phenomenon among many Evangelicals, especially within the counter-cult 
industry.