Originally posted 2019-04-09 09:32:13.
Hi!
Okay; first, this post is not a throw-off on anyone. The topic birthed from a college educated person, asking my thoughts on earned degrees versus honorary degrees. So stay with me. There is no malice in my heart.
To those who have the question; here we go!!
There was a time when certain titles came with more than prestige. Accomplishments meant more than a prefix. Degrees were conferred as a result of matriculation, study, and fulfillment of educational requirements. They classified as earned, through years of completed coursework. The person who earned the degree took classes, wrote many lengthy papers, studied for mega exams, engaged in classroom discussions, group projects, field study, other mandates; and most paid costly tuition.
Honorary degrees are not new. They date as far back as the 15th century. Universities initially bestowed these degrees upon the elite to get favor and donations. Oxford University was one of the first universities to award the honorary degree. They gave the degree to a wealthy, well-connected man of noble standing.
Some say that academics have taken issue with honorary degrees dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. It didn’t matter that these degrees came with limitations. Many have said that honorary degrees are an insult to academia.
Should academics care?
I say, “Why should we?” An earned academic degree not only comes with the joy of receiving an education, and completing the work; but a relief from making it through the process. When I received my undergrad, in Business Administration in Accounting, I was ecstatic about the accomplishment. It was a feeling that came with; “I DID IT!” Those classes were HARD! I received my first “F” in my life in undergrad.
After I graduated, I had nightmares about failing tests. I would wake up with an overwhelming relief. “Thank you Jesus for helping me through this journey;” was in my heart.
When I matriculated for the Masters of Divinity, I had to study in a plethora of courses. Hebrew, Greek, Homiletics, Hermeneutics, Exegesis, Evangelism, Missions, the Book of Revelations, Leadership, Pneumatology, Ecclesiology, New Testament, Old Testament, Commentary Writing, the Prophets, the Synoptic Gospels, the Pastoral and Prison Epistles, Pastoral Care, Biblical Studies, Ethics, Prayer, and many more classes. Learning how to look at the culture of the day, the children of Israel; and having theological conversations with fellow classmates was sometimes difficult. Having to read multiple books and articles for each class, 
and posting for the occasional online courses was strenuous. Yet, the classes, books, and interaction were extremely enlightening. Studying about God, Jesus, the Holy Ghost, and Biblical characters gave a sense of fulfillment.
Anyone with a degree must admit that it is nice to have those post-nominal alphabets behind your name. But it is more than the joy of a title. It is the joy behind the accomplishment.
Don’t misunderstand.
In today’s society, even though honorary degrees are known as a big business; they show acknowledgement of accomplishments. They are not limited to one being rich and famous. Recipients’ years of service in ministry, or philanthropic work associated with the degrees, justify bestowing of the “HONOR.“ Yet, the joy that comes with receiving these degrees is totally different from earning academic degrees. Why?
The key is the formal education.
Though life is a giant classroom; sitting and learning from experienced, educated professors in a structured academic setting stimulates the mind in a different way. That is why colleges, universities and seminaries have to meet accreditation requirements. That doesn’t negate the old idiom; “Experience is the best teacher.” But; mind invigoration brought on by researching, being actively taught, and being tested to gauge what you have learned surpasses mere experience. All of that stress and exhilaration makes up the ingredients in the joy of an earned degree.
BUT! On the flip side; an earned degree without the ability to apply what you have learned to life, is merely holding a title. My point? Book knowledge is not enough. Trials and errors experienced in life help you understand what the books and professors taught. Every defeat and every triumph helps growth, and produces life.
My friend, let us not lift up one degree; and put down the other. Nor should we undermine trade certifications. If you choose to earn a degree; wonderful! If you pursue a trade certification, great. If you decide to bask in a title from an earned or honorary degree; that is your joyful prerogative.
As for me; I love the joy of having been blessed with the opportunity to earn multiple academic degrees. This is not being braggadocio. I appreciate having had the opportunity to learn from, study under, be challenged by, and glean from college professors. The diverse classroom experiences taught me how to teach. Also, the Lord blessed me to apply what I learned, to life. What a joyful experience!
We all view accomplishments differently.
We all grasp joy in diverse ways. When it comes to degrees and certifications; the joy is in the heart of the beholder. I pray that the joy of receiving honorary degrees remain. 
However, I especially pray that the joy from earning academic degrees never dissipates.
To the intellectual, preacher, teacher, doctor, lawyer, mechanic, theologian, author, nurse, electrician, contractor, techie, evangelist, etc.; don’t forget:
“And it shall come to past in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing.” Isaiah 10:27 KJV
Thank you for joining me today. I will leave you with this question. “What happened to the joy of earning a degree?” We’ll talk soon.
Blessings!
Rochelle
