Safety and peace:

Perhaps someone can aid in this subject.
I am a Pagan Minister and i wanted to get my Bachelor of Divinity, I want one that is Credited. but as a Pagan I am denied many courses for they are mostly Christian. Upon doing some research I find that the Bachelor of Divinity is a Christian Degree. how do I get a credited degree in the Neopagan teachings, if one is not known where can I start.

This question comes because I wanted to become a Army Minister and they require a BD or Master's in Divinity, and I am not Christian. I hope one sees the issue I am in.

Rev. Bradley

I may be wrong, but I believe that a masters in religious studies is accepted. I noticed these degrees cover topics like Religious Ethics, Negotiating Religion and State, Philosophical Approaches to Religion, and even Withches: Myth and Reality, or Scandinavian Mythology. It also occured to me that many programs allow for independent study credits -- you may find one where you have some flexibility to study specialized topics within your belief system.

I thought this was a very interesting question, but of course you have to check with the recruiter to see if the program you take will qualify. One of the tricky parts may be the 2 years of full time professional experience. We are in an interesting position of belonging to religions which are not within the scope of those which have been recognized over time by the mainstream culture. Institutions may wish to recognize our credentials, but they do not carry the historical validation of hundreds of years of cultural acceptance.

I hope you succeed.

Rev. Field

There is a pagan Seminary at Cherry Hill.
www.cherryhillseminary.org/

As for Army Chaplain, there is much, much more to it beyond your BA of Divinity. You need to be sponsored by a church of your distinct faith. I do not believe that the ULC or ULCM qualifies, because it is non-denominational.

If you have further questions, don't hesitate to speak to me.