Caught in the Pulpit, pg 91

“Students who enter seminary, like any students who have committed time and tuition payments to specialized, masters level education, are strongly motivated to complete their studies and succeed in their chosen fields. Like all serious scholars, seminary students have a thirst for knowledge and a desire to apply it properly. Most graduate students hope for ultimate financial security and some measure of respect from their community. Seminary students hope for that and more – a special place in society. They will be addressed as “Reverend” or “Father” or “Rabbi”; they will be perceived – among people who share their beliefs and even among some who do not – as representatives of God’s words on Earth. They take their studies seriously, Hoping to use their advanced knowledge to carry out their work. However, as we saw in the previous section, there are surprises in store for those incoming students who expect that their faith will be deepened, and for those graduates who expect that their flocks will appreciate their wisdom.”

–Linda LaScola & Daniel Dennet, Caught in the Pulpit, pg 91

Discuss!