The North American Reformed Seminary

Let me introduce “The North American Reformed Seminary” at www.tnars.net. What is it? Why it is of value? What may it portend for the future? What are any draw-backs?

What is it? It is a group of ordained Protestant and Reformed clergymen, as Mentors, in the USA seeking to provide free, scholarly, and academic training from the secondary level through the doctoral level, undergraduate and graduate training. You can assess things here: www.tnars.net.  The tuition, books, and lectures are “free” and that is by design.

Why is it of value? First, it is free—tuition, books and lectures. Second, if you research it, the bibliography consists of Reformed classics. There is not one program that exhibits deficiency. Third, one does not have to “up and move” to a “brick and mortar” institution “here-or-there.” Fourth, it can be done from home. Fifth, it is self-paced. Sixth, it works for a local parish of interested Churchman. Seventh, its academic expanse from secondary to doctoral levels. Eighth, it provides Rectors and Pastors an excellent resource for local training. Have an interested layman or laymen? Here you go. Too good to be true? Answer: too good and, yet, too true.

What may it portend for the future? First, it leads the way in electronic and internet learning. Second, it may plant learned, informed, thoughtful, and Reformed parishioners inside varied contexts. Third, it will afford other young academics (like my son, finishing his doctorate in education as a school teacher) with affordable outlets for theological inquiry. Fourth, it is accessible globally, including our beloved England, Scotland and Ireland. 

What are any draw-backs? First, it is not accredited. Second, if looking for advancement to accredited schools, e.g. Oxbridge, this will not work. Third, some denominations may not recognize it. Fourth, for Anglicans, it is largely Presbyterian and Reformed without a sense for old school Anglicanism. As a Reformed Anglican mentor, we afford the Anglican dimension. But, otherwise, expect tough and good readings and a lot of writing. In the Reformed heritage and historiography.

Yours truly, although an Anglican, is a Mentor in the said institution. If interested, take a look.

Whatever the station or position, let us be of good cheer and ever-faithful in the Protestant, Reformed (and historic) Anglican tradition. Press onwards, brothers and sisters, despite appearances.

That’s it in a thumb-nail sketch. Four questions asked and answered. If interested, please peruse www.tnars.net