Talk:Doctor of Theology

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My understanding is that the Th.D. is not considered equivalent to the Ph.D. In the academic world, if you have a recent Th.D. you are not considered qualified to teach.

I don't see how this can be true. Few places offer such a thing as a "PhD" in theology (at least in Canada). I think it's just the theological equivalent to a PhD. Carolynparrishfan 23:09, 7 April 2006 (UTC)

To clarify, the Toronto School of Theology website mentions no distinction between PhDs and ThDs other than the nomenclature itself. Carolynparrishfan 23:11, 7 April 2006 (UTC)

I find it interesting that the author(s) of this article are so quick to point out that the Th.D. is not equivalent to the Ph.D. While I would not argue against a claim that scope and aim differ somewhat between the degrees, I would choose more careful wording. The two differ indeed; but the Th.D. should not be so immediately considered inferior to the Ph.D.

[edit] The Difference Between the Th.D. and Ph.D.

The greatest difference between the Th.D. and Ph.D. is that the Th.D. is generally considered BOTH and ACADEMIC and PROFESSIONAL degree, while the PhD. is generally considered only an academic degree. The Th.D. is also considered a terminal degree by many seminaries as well. 72.197.26.135 05:17, 5 January 2007 (UTC)

There certainly exists academic stigma associated with a Th.D, and I know many academics who look down on it (and sometimes regard it in the same manner as an Ed.D), however, there is no technical reason to assume it is inferior (unless one considers the practical component as lessening the seriousness). Rotovia (talk) 09:34, 14 March 2008 (UTC)