Women at Seminary

With little exception, there are a healthy handful of women in a majority of Learner's MDiv classes. Some of these women are pursuing the MDiv degree (foregoing ordination) in order to pursue translation work or other ministry opportunities; others are in programs (counseling, etc.) for which MDiv classes meet needed requirements.

From Learner's perspective, having women in the classroom is an altogether great thing, though he wishes the ladies would feel the freedom to ask questions, speak up, and feel more a part. His guess is they don't feel this freedom because they have encountered a few men (students, not professors - they seem very affirming) on campus who would not appreciate them doing so. And that's sad.

For instance, overheard between classes this week:

"Be careful of women who go to seminary."

"Why?"

"They either want a man or they want to be one."

Learner wonders how much Mrs. Learner picks up on this attitude from men while attending her classes. He wonders if any women (mistakenly) pick it up from him. He also wonders why some men are so threatened by women learning.