Re: SLee's doctorate? -- RSQUBF discussion forum

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Date Posted: 06:30:25 06/25/04 Fri
Author: Chris
Subject: Re: SLee's doctorate?
In reply to: Joey 's message, "SLee's doctorate?" on 15:28:20 06/24/04 Thu

Lee claimed two doctorates. On the old reform UBF web site, some of the Korean insiders made the following comments.

One title was the "Litt.D.", an honorary degree that he got from a small Korean college (in Kwangju?) after he donated a noble amount of money to them (of course, offering money from UBF members).

Later, Lee got a "real" "Ph.D." title from "Bethany Bible college" in the US; but Bethany is known as a "degree mill." This means: with minimal efforts on your side and some money you are able to get your title very quickly. The purpose of degree mills is not to convey knowledge or educate people, but to provide them with degrees and make some money with that shady business. Also, the directors of degree mills probably have interest in the honor of being university principals. There are many degree mills in the US, particularly 'Christian' degree mills, since many states exempt religious institutions from any kind of state oversight. Some degree mills have formed networks of organizations "accrediting" each other and creating an appearance of reputability. Bethany was given as an example of a degree mill in the book "Name it and Frame it" about 10 years ago. Degree mill or not, I am sure money donations and/or the Korean connection of the college helped a lot in getting the degree. I really would like to see Lee's Ph.D. thesis. I am sure he didn't write it alone and I am sure it is theologically bad and not in line with his UBF sermons.

Also, can anybody confirm that Lee really studied? You don't learn theology from doing nothing or operating a cult. To get a Ph.D. in theology, you must for instance study Hebrew and Greek languages. Even a bachelor program affords at least some basic knowledge of the languages. Does anybody remember Lee learning Hebrew or Greek? You cannot do this along the way in a few minutes. Also, I don't see any evidence that he had even a basic knowledge of the rules of proper hermeneutics.

I think if "Rev." Moon even managed to be crowned like a King on Capitol Hill, we should not be too amazed that Lee was able to get a Ph.D. from a "Bible college". I noticed that UBF Koreans are very obsessed with titles and degrees, which seem to be their only motivation for attending universities or schools, not the interest in science or knowledge or creative work itself. Second, the discain of theological education. It is typical for the double-tonguedness of UBF that Lee claimed to have a theological degree, and on the other hand reform leaders were accused of having interest in theological education.

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Re: SLee's doctorate? -- Joe Chung, 14:30:21 06/25/04 Fri