Westminster Theological Seminary

Machen Hall, Westminster Theological Seminary, Glenside PA 04

Westminster Theological Seminary, Glenside PA 05

Montgomery Library, Westminster Theological Seminary, Glenside PA 02

Westminster Theological Seminary (WTS) is a Presbyterian and Reformed Christian graduate educational institution located in Glenside, Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia. Established in 1929, the seminary was founded as a result of a split from Princeton Theological Seminary over theological differences, primarily concerning the modernist-fundamentalist controversy and the authority of Scripture. Westminster Theological Seminary is known for its emphasis on the Biblical Theology movement and for its contributions to Reformed Theology.

History

The founding of Westminster Theological Seminary in 1929 was spearheaded by J. Gresham Machen, who sought to establish an institution that would continue the conservative theological tradition in the wake of modernist theology's influence at Princeton Theological Seminary. Machen and other conservative scholars, including Oswald T. Allis, Robert Dick Wilson, and Cornelius Van Til, became the founding faculty, setting a strong precedent for the seminary's commitment to the inerrancy of the Bible and Reformed theology.

Academic Programs

Westminster offers several academic programs aimed at preparing students for ministry within the church and society. These include Master of Divinity (M.Div.), Master of Arts in Religion (M.A.R.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees, among others. The seminary is particularly noted for its emphasis on the original languages of Scripture, Hebrew and Greek, and its focus on preaching and pastoral ministry.

Theological Emphasis

The seminary adheres to a conservative Reformed theological perspective, emphasizing the authority of Scripture, the sovereignty of God, justification by faith alone, and the importance of confessional standards such as the Westminster Confession of Faith. It is also known for its contributions to the development of presuppositional apologetics, primarily through the work of Cornelius Van Til.

Campus and Community

The main campus of Westminster Theological Seminary is located in Glenside, Pennsylvania. It features a library that houses an extensive collection of theological works, including rare and ancient texts. The seminary fosters a close-knit community atmosphere, with various student organizations and activities designed to support spiritual growth and fellowship among students.

Notable Alumni and Faculty

Over the years, Westminster Theological Seminary has produced a number of influential theologians, pastors, and scholars. Notable alumni include Francis Schaeffer, founder of L'Abri; R.C. Sproul, founder of Ligonier Ministries; and Tim Keller, founder of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City. The seminary has also been home to distinguished faculty members such as Cornelius Van Til, John Murray, and Edmund Clowney.

Controversies and Criticisms

As with any institution deeply rooted in theological convictions, Westminster Theological Seminary has faced its share of controversies and criticisms. These have often revolved around theological disputes within the Reformed community, debates over the interpretation of Scripture, and the seminary's stance on social issues.

Conclusion

Westminster Theological Seminary remains a pivotal institution in the landscape of American theological education, known for its unwavering commitment to Reformed theology and the authority of Scripture. Its impact on the church and broader society is seen through its rigorous academic programs, its influential alumni, and its contributions to Christian thought and practice.