Should I Go By "Doctor"?

[Neo Deist]

Although I did finish seminary in June and earned a Doctorate of Theology (Th.D.), I have been telling people not to call me doctor, especially outside of the Church. Some people refuse that request and always call me Doctor...I am assuming a respect thing.

Should people who earn a religious doctorate go by the title of "doctor"? Please share your thoughts/opinions.

 

[Kelly of the Phoenix]

Technically you are, so I guess it's up to you.

 

[Augustus]

Imo, nobody should go by doctor unless it is professionally necessary in the situation.

Even an MD shouldn't go by doctor in social circumstances.

For example, the rapper/producer would be far better off calling himself Mr Dre...

 

[Sees]

It's hard to give that a firm answer... mostly depending on if you personally feel it is well earned and deserved. I default towards No.

 

[Neo Deist]

Imo, nobody should go by doctor unless it is professionally necessary in the situation.

Even an MD shouldn't go by doctor in social circumstances.

This is what I lean toward. I would not expect a mechanic to call a MD "doctor" while getting his oil changed. Mr. Smith would suffice.

 

[GoodbyeDave]

It's a cultural thing. In Germany, if some-one has a PhD then not to address them as Herr/Frau Doctor is considered rude. Conversely, in Britain we address physicians as Doctor although they don't normally have an MD, which is a research, not a practitioner's, qualification here. So, it depends on where you live.

Of course, when the degree is theological it depends on where you got it. If some-one has a DD from a British university it's not the same as one from a US Bible college, which would not be recognised by British academia.

 

[Neo Deist]

Conversely, in Britain we address physicians as Doctor although they don't normally have an MD, which is a research, not a practitioner's, qualification here. So, it depends on where you live.

That is odd to me.

MD = medical doctor, which is a physician/surgeon/family doctor.
PhD is a professor at university.
ThD is a religious degree with the same weight as a PhD.
D.Div. is normally honorary and has nothing to do with academics (in the US anyway).

 

[columbus]

I have been telling people not to call me doctor, especially outside of the Church. Some people refuse that request

I would be unhappy if people refused such a simple and unambiguous request.

Are we talking about religious people here? I've found that they don't have much regard for other people's feelings and requests. Just my personal experience, not a judgement of all religious people or anything.
Tom

 

[Neo Deist]

I would be unhappy if people refused such a simple and unambiguous request.

Are we talking about religious people here? I've found that they don't have much regard for other people's feelings and requests. Just my personal experience, not a judgement of all religious people or anything.
Tom

Yes, some church goers always say doctor, even though I have asked them not to. It does not make me unhappy, but I couldn't care less about "tooting my own horn" with a title.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

Although I did finish seminary in June and earned a Doctorate of Theology (Th.D.), I have been telling people not to call me doctor, especially outside of the Church. Some people refuse that request and always call me Doctor...I am assuming a respect thing.

Should people who earn a religious doctorate go by the title of "doctor"? Please share your thoughts/opinions.

Yes. I find its respect because its a respect to the training etc thats different nature and probably more extensive than a masters.

Dr. I see is an agree of profession and speciality in a job amd career of study. Many people get masters but work in positions that are entirely different than their degee.

Im going for my ASL interperpreting degree and our professor and interpreter told us to call her Dr. because ahe felt she earned the title.

It also depends on why youd want to be referred to as Dr. Some people get better positions by thejr initials unforuntely. Sounda like a judgement call.

 

[Skwim]

Although I did finish seminary in June and earned a Doctorate of Theology (Th.D.), I have been telling people not to call me doctor, especially outside of the Church. Some people refuse that request and always call me Doctor...I am assuming a respect thing.

It's no respect when they don't abide by your wish not to be called doctor. Unless . . . . .that is . . . .they're making fun of you.

Should people who earn a religious doctorate go by the title of "doctor"? Please share your thoughts/opinions.

I don't think there's any "should" about it, but rather a matter of cultural convention. If a culture deems it proper to call some one "doctor" if they've earned a Th.D., then fine. If not, then no. If one is in a culture where it isn't normal to call someone with a Th.D. "doctor," but that someone asks to be called "doctor," I would smile at his blatant need for ego pumping and most likely not comply.


.

 

[Revoltingest]

Although I did finish seminary in June and earned a Doctorate of Theology (Th.D.), I have been telling people not to call me doctor, especially outside of the Church. Some people refuse that request and always call me Doctor...I am assuming a respect thing.

Should people who earn a religious doctorate go by the title of "doctor"? Please share your thoughts/opinions.

Here's a good common sense rule......
If you ain't gonna check me for polyps, stitch up me cuts, prescribe me
Viagra or set me broken bones, don't expect people to call you "doctor".
It would be put'n on airs.
I don't make these rules, I just observe them.

 

[YmirGF]

It's a cultural thing. In Germany, if some-one has a PhD then not to address them as Herr/Frau Doctor is considered rude. Conversely, in Britain we address physicians as Doctor although they don't normally have an MD, which is a research, not a practitioner's, qualification here. So, it depends on where you live.

Of course, when the degree is theological it depends on where you got it. If some-one has a DD from a British university it's not the same as one from a US Bible college, which would not be recognised by British academia.

I tend to come from this camp. If I met my doctor at the market, I'd probably say, "Wazzup, Doc?" Just like I do in his office.

I also agree that it depends on where the doctorate was issued. A doctorate from Trump University just doesn't have the same credibility as a doctorate from Cambridge or Harvard.

 

[Revoltingest]

I tend to come from this camp. If I met my doctor at the market, I'd probably say, "Wazzup, Doc?" Just like I do in his office.

I also agree that it depends on where the doctorate was issued. A doctorate from Trump University just doesn't have the same credibility as a doctorate from Cambridge or Harvard.

And a doctorate of divinity is not the same caliber as a doctorate of engineering, physics, chemistry, mathematics or bacon curing.

 

[Twilight Hue]

Although I did finish seminary in June and earned a Doctorate of Theology (Th.D.), I have been telling people not to call me doctor, especially outside of the Church. Some people refuse that request and always call me Doctor...I am assuming a respect thing.

Should people who earn a religious doctorate go by the title of "doctor"? Please share your thoughts/opinions.

It's kind of iffy being this is a religious themed degree. It's reception can be touch and go and largely depends on the awarding institution.

I mean look how ridiculous Kent Hovind looks at his insistence on being referred and called "Dr", and when actually interacting with "peers" , cannot hold a dialog one would expect from someone who possess a valid doctorate.

For those with valid credentialing, and recognised, the designation can be well earned with all the available perks and courtisies associated with a doctorate.

I still can't figure out though as to exactly why the title of Dr has become so increasingly popular among religious circles anyways.

What's wrong with using Reverend, Bishop, or Pastor? What's so special about Dr as opposed to a more appros and recognised designation that befits a spiritual education?

 

[Neo Deist]

What's wrong with using Reverend, Bishop, or Pastor? What's so special about Dr as opposed to a more appros and recognised designation that befits a spiritual education?

Absolutely nothing! My official title is "Reverend Doctor" within the Church, but more times than not I just go by Chris...and tell everyone that.

It is a bit much to write this for a name: Rev. Dr. Christopher XXX, Th.D., D.D.

 

[Aquitaine]

Although I did finish seminary in June and earned a Doctorate of Theology (Th.D.), I have been telling people not to call me doctor, especially outside of the Church. Some people refuse that request and always call me Doctor...I am assuming a respect thing.

Should people who earn a religious doctorate go by the title of "doctor"? Please share your thoughts/opinions.

No, not for Theology. It's misleading.

 

[Neo Deist]

No, not for Theology. It's misleading.

Actually, theology is on par with philosophy. A PhD means "Philosophy Doctorate - <insert specialization like physics>" and ThD means "Theology Doctorate." It is the divinity degree that is...meh. At least in he USA, anyway.

 

[Aquitaine]

Actually, theology is on par with philosophy. A PhD means "Philosophy Doctorate - <insert specialization like physics>" and ThD means "Theology Doctorate." It is the divinity degree that is...meh. At least in he USA, anyway.

I think it is more of an American thing. Some creationists like to become "Doctors" so that it gives their beliefs a greater appearance of credibility. After all, who sounds more professional: Kent Hovind or "Dr." Kent Hovind?
It's misleading, is often used for deceitful purposes and if I'm quite honest it's kinda lame: just like a Philosopher refering to himself as a "Doctor".

Big no-no from me. Though congrats on passing and becoming one!

 

[FearGod]

Although I did finish seminary in June and earned a Doctorate of Theology (Th.D.), I have been telling people not to call me doctor, especially outside of the Church. Some people refuse that request and always call me Doctor...I am assuming a respect thing.

Should people who earn a religious doctorate go by the title of "doctor"? Please share your thoughts/opinions.

Yes doctor, i see no problem with it since you achieved the doctoral degree.