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Study Guide: The History and Structure of Seminaries

Cheat Sheet:
The History and Structure of Seminaries Study Guide

Seminary: Definition and Etymology

Seminaries are exclusively educational institutions designed to prepare individuals for ordination as clergy.

Answer: False

Explanation: While ordination is a primary objective, seminaries also prepare individuals for academic theological careers and broader Christian ministry, thus their scope is not exclusively limited to ordination.

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The English word 'seminary' originates from the Latin term 'seminarium', meaning 'seed-bed', symbolizing the nurturing of future clergy.

Answer: True

Explanation: The etymological root of 'seminary' is indeed the Latin 'seminarium,' signifying a 'seed-bed,' a metaphor employed to represent the cultivation and development of prospective clergy members.

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What is the fundamental purpose of a seminary according to the provided text?

Answer: To prepare students for ordination, academic theological careers, or Christian ministry.

Explanation: The fundamental purpose of a seminary is multifaceted, encompassing the preparation of individuals for ordination, academic theological careers, and various forms of Christian ministry.

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The term 'seminary' derives its meaning from which Latin word and concept?

Answer: 'Seminarium', meaning 'seed-bed', symbolizing the nurturing of future clergy.

Explanation: The term 'seminary' originates from the Latin 'seminarium,' meaning 'seed-bed,' symbolizing the nurturing and cultivation of future clergy.

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Historical Evolution of Seminaries

In the United States, the term 'seminary' has always referred exclusively to graduate-level theological institutions.

Answer: False

Explanation: Historically, particularly in the 19th century, the term 'seminary' in the United States was also applied to institutions preparing teachers, and in some contexts, to high schools. Its current exclusive association with graduate-level theological study is a more recent development.

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The modern establishment of seminaries was primarily driven by Protestant Reformation efforts to standardize theological education.

Answer: False

Explanation: The establishment of modern seminaries, particularly within the Catholic tradition, is more directly attributed to the reforms enacted by the Council of Trent during the Counter-Reformation, aimed at standardizing clerical education.

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Tridentine seminaries prioritized academic study of theology above all other disciplines, including philosophy.

Answer: False

Explanation: Tridentine seminaries emphasized spiritual formation and personal discipline, alongside a robust academic curriculum that included philosophy as a foundational discipline preceding theological studies.

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How did the use of the term 'seminary' differ in the United States historically compared to its current usage?

Answer: Historically, it was applied to high schools, but now it primarily denotes graduate-level theological institutions.

Explanation: Historically, the term 'seminary' in the U.S. was applied more broadly, including to institutions for teacher training and high schools. Currently, it predominantly refers to graduate-level theological institutions.

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The modern establishment of seminaries is most directly linked to which historical period and event?

Answer: The Counter-Reformation and the Council of Trent.

Explanation: The modern institutionalization of seminaries is largely attributed to the reforms initiated by the Council of Trent during the Counter-Reformation, aimed at standardizing clerical education.

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Which of the following was a key emphasis of Tridentine seminaries?

Answer: Emphasis on spiritual formation and the academic study of philosophy.

Explanation: Tridentine seminaries placed significant emphasis on spiritual formation and the academic study of philosophy as a preparatory discipline for theology.

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Types and Affiliations of Seminaries

Catholic seminaries are categorized into minor seminaries for teenagers and major seminaries for adults pursuing undergraduate studies only.

Answer: False

Explanation: Catholic seminaries are indeed divided into minor and major categories. However, major seminaries encompass both college-level programs for adults and post-graduate studies for those who have already completed undergraduate work.

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Catholic seminaries are exclusively operated by dioceses.

Answer: False

Explanation: Catholic seminaries can be operated not only by dioceses but also by religious orders or other ecclesiastical bodies, serving the formation needs of various communities.

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Larger Catholic colleges or universities often provide general education courses, while affiliated seminaries focus on specialized priestly training.

Answer: True

Explanation: It is common for Catholic colleges or universities to offer foundational general education curricula, with affiliated seminaries then concentrating on the specialized theological and pastoral education required for priestly ministry.

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Catholic seminaries are divided into minor and major types. What distinguishes the major seminaries?

Answer: They cater to adults and include both college-level and post-graduate programs.

Explanation: Major seminaries cater to adults and include both college-level programs for those entering from high school and post-graduate programs for those with prior college credits.

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Catholic seminaries can be operated by which entities?

Answer: By religious orders, dioceses, or similar ecclesiastical structures.

Explanation: Catholic seminaries are operated by various ecclesiastical entities, including religious orders, dioceses, and other similar structures.

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What is the typical relationship between larger Catholic colleges/universities and seminaries?

Answer: Colleges provide general education, and seminaries offer specialized priestly training.

Explanation: Larger Catholic colleges and universities often provide the general education curriculum, while affiliated seminaries focus on the specialized theological and pastoral training required for priestly ordination.

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Catholic Seminary Formation: Dimensions and Stages

Catholic seminary formation consists of five dimensions: human, spiritual, intellectual, pastoral, and academic.

Answer: False

Explanation: Catholic seminary formation is structured around four primary dimensions: human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral. While academic study is integral, it is encompassed within the intellectual dimension.

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The human dimension of seminary formation focuses solely on the seminarian's academic performance.

Answer: False

Explanation: The human dimension of seminary formation is concerned with the seminarian's personal maturity, interpersonal skills, and overall well-being, rather than exclusively academic achievement.

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The spiritual dimension of Catholic seminary formation emphasizes developing a consistent prayer life and understanding the Sacraments.

Answer: True

Explanation: Central to the spiritual dimension is the cultivation of a robust prayer life, a deep engagement with the Sacraments, and fostering a responsive relationship with God.

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The intellectual dimension of Catholic seminary formation involves academic studies culminating in a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Answer: False

Explanation: The intellectual dimension encompasses academic studies, typically beginning with a Bachelor of Arts or Philosophy and progressing to higher degrees such as a Master of Divinity or Master of Arts in Theology.

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The pastoral dimension aims to equip seminarians with practical skills for ministry, such as marriage counseling and parish life.

Answer: True

Explanation: The pastoral dimension is dedicated to developing practical ministerial competencies, including effective communication, counseling skills, and familiarity with the multifaceted responsibilities of parish life.

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The Propaedeutic Stage of Catholic seminary formation is primarily focused on advanced theological studies and lasts for a maximum of one year.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Propaedeutic Stage is foundational, emphasizing growth in prayer and relationship with God, alongside introductory studies. It typically lasts between one and three years, not exclusively one year, and precedes advanced theological coursework.

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During the Discipleship Stage, seminarians begin their academic studies, potentially pursuing a Bachelor of Philosophy degree if they have prior college credits.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Discipleship Stage marks the commencement of formal academic pursuits, wherein seminarians may undertake a Bachelor of Philosophy program, particularly if they possess prior college-level credits.

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The Configuration Stage involves seminarians becoming more configured to Christ, focusing on pastoral training as ordination approaches, and concludes with a master's degree.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Configuration Stage is characterized by deepening conformity to Christ, an increased emphasis on pastoral preparation, and typically culminates in the attainment of a master's degree, signifying readiness for ordination.

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The Vocational Synthesis Stage begins with the seminarian's ordination as a priest, followed by deacon ordination.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Vocational Synthesis Stage commences with the seminarian's ordination as a deacon, preceding their eventual ordination as a priest.

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The four major components of Catholic seminary formation are human, spiritual, intellectual, and which other dimension?

Answer: Pastoral

Explanation: The four dimensions of Catholic seminary formation are human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral.

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The human dimension of Catholic seminary formation primarily focuses on:

Answer: Developing effective interpersonal skills and personal well-being.

Explanation: The human dimension emphasizes the development of interpersonal skills, emotional maturity, and overall personal well-being, enabling effective interaction and ministry.

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Which aspect is central to the spiritual dimension of Catholic seminary formation?

Answer: Developing a consistent prayer life and responsiveness to God.

Explanation: Central to the spiritual dimension is the cultivation of a robust prayer life and a deep responsiveness to God's call.

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What typically marks the culmination of the intellectual dimension in Catholic seminary formation?

Answer: A Master of Arts in Theology or Master of Divinity.

Explanation: The intellectual dimension typically culminates in the attainment of a master's degree, such as a Master of Arts in Theology or a Master of Divinity.

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The pastoral dimension of seminary formation is designed to equip seminarians with what?

Answer: Practical familiarity with parish life and counseling.

Explanation: The pastoral dimension equips seminarians with practical skills and familiarity necessary for effective ministry, including parish administration, counseling, and pastoral care.

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What is the primary focus of the Propaedeutic Stage in Catholic seminary formation?

Answer: Growth in prayer, relationship with God, and foundational studies.

Explanation: The Propaedeutic Stage focuses on foundational spiritual growth, developing the seminarian's relationship with God and prayer life, alongside introductory studies.

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During the Discipleship Stage, what academic path do seminarians typically undertake?

Answer: They pursue a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Philosophy degree.

Explanation: During the Discipleship Stage, seminarians typically begin their formal academic studies, often pursuing a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Philosophy degree.

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What signifies the seminarian's progression towards ordination during the Configuration Stage?

Answer: Receiving candidacy.

Explanation: Receiving candidacy signifies the seminarian's progression towards ordination during the Configuration Stage, indicating formal recognition of their suitability for priesthood.

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The Vocational Synthesis Stage begins with which liturgical act?

Answer: Ordination as a deacon.

Explanation: The Vocational Synthesis Stage commences with the seminarian's ordination as a deacon.

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Notable Seminaries and Institutions

St. Mary's Seminary and University in Baltimore, founded in 1791, is recognized as the oldest Catholic seminary in the United States.

Answer: True

Explanation: Founded in 1791, St. Mary's Seminary and University in Baltimore holds the distinction of being the earliest Catholic seminary established within the United States.

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The first Protestant seminary in the United States was established in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1807.

Answer: False

Explanation: The inaugural Protestant seminary in the United States was Andover Theological Seminary, founded in Andover, Massachusetts, in 1807.

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Andover Theological Seminary, originally founded in 1807, is now an independent institution located in Massachusetts.

Answer: False

Explanation: Andover Theological Seminary, established in 1807, has undergone significant institutional changes and is now affiliated with Yale Divinity School in New Haven, Connecticut.

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Pontifical seminaries in Rome primarily educate seminarians from Italy, with few international students.

Answer: False

Explanation: Pontifical seminaries in Rome are characterized by their international student bodies, often serving as training grounds for seminarians from various countries, supported by their respective orders or dioceses.

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The Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio, is the only pontifical seminary located outside of Italy.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio, holds the unique distinction of being the sole pontifical seminary situated outside of Italy.

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Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS) is primarily known for promoting the theological system of Calvinism.

Answer: False

Explanation: Dallas Theological Seminary is predominantly recognized for its advocacy and dissemination of the theological system known as dispensationalism.

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Dallas Theological Seminary is the largest non-denominational seminary accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada.

Answer: True

Explanation: Dallas Theological Seminary holds the distinction of being the largest non-denominational institution accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) in North America.

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Dallas Theological Seminary was founded in 1924 by Lewis Sperry Chafer and William Henry Griffith Thomas, but not Rollin T. Chafer.

Answer: False

Explanation: Dallas Theological Seminary was co-founded in 1924 by Lewis Sperry Chafer, William Henry Griffith Thomas, and Lewis Sperry Chafer's brother, Rollin T. Chafer.

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The initial vision for Dallas Theological Seminary was to teach expository Bible preaching and pioneer the Master of Theology (Th.M.) degree.

Answer: True

Explanation: The founding vision for Dallas Theological Seminary centered on the instruction of expository Bible preaching and the pioneering of the Master of Theology (Th.M.) degree program.

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Dallas Theological Seminary influenced the fundamentalist movement by training students who established Bible Colleges and fundamentalist churches.

Answer: True

Explanation: Through its pedagogical approach and the graduates it produced, Dallas Theological Seminary significantly influenced the fundamentalist movement by fostering the establishment of numerous Bible Colleges and fundamentalist congregations.

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According to the source, what is the oldest Catholic seminary in the United States?

Answer: St. Mary's Seminary and University

Explanation: St. Mary's Seminary and University in Baltimore, founded in 1791, is identified as the oldest Catholic seminary in the United States.

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Where was the first Protestant seminary in the United States established?

Answer: Andover, Massachusetts

Explanation: The first Protestant seminary in the United States was established in Andover, Massachusetts.

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What is the current status of the Andover Theological Seminary?

Answer: It is now part of Yale Divinity School in Connecticut.

Explanation: Andover Theological Seminary is now part of Yale Divinity School, located in New Haven, Connecticut.

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What is a key characteristic of pontifical seminaries located in Rome?

Answer: They are maintained by international orders or dioceses and educate students from outside Italy.

Explanation: Pontifical seminaries in Rome are characterized by their international student bodies, often serving as training grounds for seminarians from various countries, supported by their respective orders or dioceses.

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Which institution holds the distinction of being the only pontifical seminary located outside of Italy?

Answer: The Pontifical College Josephinum

Explanation: The Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio, holds the unique distinction of being the sole pontifical seminary situated outside of Italy.

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Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS) is particularly known for popularizing which theological system?

Answer: Dispensationalism

Explanation: Dallas Theological Seminary is widely recognized for its significant role in popularizing the theological system known as dispensationalism.

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What distinction does Dallas Theological Seminary hold regarding its accreditation and structure?

Answer: It is the largest non-denominational seminary accredited by the ATS.

Explanation: Dallas Theological Seminary is distinguished as the largest non-denominational seminary accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) in the United States and Canada.

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Who were the primary founders of Dallas Theological Seminary (originally Evangelical Theological College)?

Answer: Rollin T. Chafer, Lewis Sperry Chafer, and William Henry Griffith Thomas.

Explanation: Dallas Theological Seminary was founded in 1924 by Lewis Sperry Chafer, William Henry Griffith Thomas, and Rollin T. Chafer.

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What was the initial vision driving the founding of Dallas Theological Seminary?

Answer: To teach expository Bible preaching and pioneer the Th.M. degree.

Explanation: The founding vision for Dallas Theological Seminary was to provide instruction in expository Bible preaching and to pioneer the Master of Theology (Th.M.) degree.

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How did Dallas Theological Seminary significantly impact the fundamentalist movement?

Answer: By training students who later established Bible Colleges and fundamentalist churches.

Explanation: Dallas Theological Seminary significantly influenced the fundamentalist movement by training individuals who subsequently established numerous Bible Colleges and fundamentalist congregations.

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Governance and Accreditation

The *Code of Canon Law* is the sole governing document for Catholic seminary formation as of 2016.

Answer: False

Explanation: While the *Code of Canon Law* is a foundational document, Catholic seminary formation is also governed by specific directives such as the *Ratio Fundamentalis Institutionis Sacerdotalis* and the *Program of Priestly Formation*.

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Within the Catholic Church, regional conferences of bishops, such as the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, are responsible for overseeing seminaries.

Answer: True

Explanation: Regional episcopal conferences, like the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, play a crucial role in overseeing and establishing norms for seminary formation within their jurisdictions.

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The International Council for Evangelical Theological Education (ICETE) was established in 1980 and, by 2015, included over 1,000 member schools globally.

Answer: True

Explanation: Established in 1980, the International Council for Evangelical Theological Education (ICETE) grew substantially, encompassing over 1,000 member institutions worldwide by 2015.

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Which of the following is NOT listed as a primary governing document for Catholic seminary formation as of 2016 in the context of the source?

Answer: *Program of Priestly Formation*

Explanation: While the *Ratio Fundamentalis Institutionis Sacerdotalis*, *Pastores dabo vobis*, and *Code of Canon Law* are presented as primary governing documents, the *Program of Priestly Formation* is described as the specific implementation document overseen by episcopal conferences, rather than a primary document in the same category.

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Who is responsible for overseeing seminaries within the Roman Catholic Church?

Answer: Regional conferences of bishops.

Explanation: Regional conferences of bishops, such as the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, are responsible for overseeing seminaries within their respective territories.

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What organization, established in 1980, aimed to connect evangelical theological schools globally?

Answer: The International Council for Evangelical Theological Education (ICETE)

Explanation: The International Council for Evangelical Theological Education (ICETE), established in 1980, serves to connect evangelical theological schools worldwide.

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