Some of y'all know I discovered that "distance learning" just isn't for me, after enrolling in Whitefield Seminary (exclusively a "distance learning" school). I notified them last month of my intent to transfer to RTS Orlando for the classroom experience.

Today in a certified letter from Dr. Talbot (president of the school) advising me that none of the $9,000 in pre-paid tuition will be refunded.

The letter of the law is on his side. I did, in fact, agree to that "no refunds after 4 weeks" policy because I had every intention to make "distance learning" work. Dr. Talbot wrote several pages impugning my motives because of the questions I asked him about the school's association with theonomy/reconstructionism and the fact that my own pastor is a recent graduate (D.Min) of RTS.

Yeah, the letter of the law is on his side. He's got me.

But the spirit of the contract, not to mention the spirit of Christian brotherhood, is not on his side. Despite the agreement I signed, I still feel like I've been wrongly treated. At least some portion of my huge investment could have been refunded with no big loss to the school.

So, those of you considering Whitefield Seminary in Lakeland, take note:

1. - If you have never tried "distance learning" and don't know if you can handle it or not, try it first by taking some little course at some small college that offers one. Make sure it's for you before you commit to something as big and expensive as en entire degree program paid in advance!

2.- Watch out for unaccredited schools with only a post office box for an address!

3.- Don't go to Whitefield. The letter kills (it's killing me anyway). And the spirit - well, let's just say I don't think it's the Holy Spirit.

-Robin