Dr. Couch, I notice that you have a DD degree. What is that?
This an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree. It is conferred upon Bible
teachers who have made a contribution in some field of theology or
biblical scholarship. About 100 years ago this was the standard
theological academic degree. The Ph.D. came to America slowly and for
some time had little influence. It was at first a European university
degree and unfortunately was more philosophical in nature than textual.
Therefore in Europe it represented more liberal and secular academics in
the field of theology.
If you look in the front of most of the old Bible theologies and
commentaries you’ll find that the old guys generally had an earned
Master of Arts (MA). But after some years of making a contribution as
pastor, or seminary teacher, they were honored by some school with a DD
degree.
Do not make fun of the DD degree. Some years back it represented the
best in scholarly achievement! In the 1920s and 1930s many schools were
giving a bachelor of theology (B. Theo.). Then the Th.M. became popular,
followed by a Doctor of Theology degree (Th.D.). The most recent upper
level degree put forth in theology has been a D.Min., or Doctor of
Ministry.
Looking at the seminary studies of Dr. John Walvoord one can observe
the spread of theological academics that he invested in. He held a BA
degree, a Th.B., an MA, a Th.M., a Th.D., and was conferred upon by
Wheaton College with a DD. I personally hold a BA, a Th.M., an MA, a
Ph.D., a Th.D., and a DD. My degrees come from some of our best
institutions but also several medium size schools. The Th.B. died out
long ago and is generally speaking no longer conferred.
The purpose of degrees is to represent work accomplished and
discipline exerted in order to better prepare to serve Christ. Degrees
do not make anyone more spiritual nor do they make anyone smarter. They
may show that one has honed certain skills in order to better tear apart
and explain the great truths of the Word of God. They certainly
represent a lot of discipline and research put forth in order to know
more deeply spiritual truth. What comes out of the heart and the mouth
of the teacher of Scripture is more important than the piece of paper
hanging on the wall. When I face the Lord at the Bema Seat He will not
be impressed with my academics. He will ask if I was faithful in serving
Him with what I was blessed to be given!
Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch
