@SalixIncendium
I hope I don't crosss the line with my response....but here goes....this is from my viewpoint as a Christian....
* Do you consider yourself to be knowledgeable enough about your own religion or worldview to teach others?
After 48 years of deep Bible study...I sincerely hope so.
* Do you wait for another to solicit your teaching, or do you set out to teach others without them asking?
Following Jesus' example, I endeavour to offer the Christian message wherever people are willing to listen. He sent his disciples out 'door to door', (Matthew 10:11-14; Acts 20:20) to search for those who might listen. He said if people were not interested in hearing the message, not to force it, but to simply leave and move on to offer it to someone else. (Matthew 10:11-15: Acts 20:20)
* In what ways do you feel you are qualified?
Who qualified the first Christians?
Christianity did not have institutions of religious learning like Judaism did. Jesus stressed equality in the brotherhood, not hierarchy.
That mentality came later when a clergy class formed....and positions of prominence again surfaced and credentials depended on education and distinctive garments, rather than on spiritual qualifications. This caused a clergy/laity division that was absent in original Christianity. It elevated an educated class rather than contribute to a brotherhood all serving their God, shoulder to shoulder as equals. They might have different roles, but should never see themselves as above their brothers....like the Pharisees did.
The Christian message was preached initially by Jesus and the apostles, who in turn took that teaching to others. Spiritually qualified men, recommended by others because of their knowledge and demonstrated wisdom were appointed as shepherds and teachers in the congregation. (1 Timothy 3:2-7) Their qualifications did not depend on their educational credentials, but on their character, their demonstrated love for God, and their life of obedience to all of Christ's teachings.
All Christians were to be preachers and teachers, which required them to be taught, and in turn to pass on that information to others.....but only some were entrusted with teaching in the congregations. They also had double accountability.
* How do you react if another of the same or similar religion or worldview tells you that you are not qualified to teach if you do feel that you are?
It makes me smile actually because they seem to believe that words on a university degree makes them more qualified to teach than a lay person who may have a much broader knowledge base.
Theological colleges and seminaries teach church doctrine with a seemingly limited amount of Bible study involved. Apparently, the only scripture they study is that which conveys and supports their own doctrines.
It has been my experience in conversing with quite a few of such clergy, that their limited knowledge of scripture actually surprised me.
