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MBI Yeshiva & The Hargis Clan 

Mathew 23:4-10

For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.  Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.

Messianic Bible Institute Yeshiva or MBI Yeshiva is the Yeshiva James Trimm references in his 2002 Prospectus. It is the Yeshiva for MBI or Messianic Bureau International (MBI) which is found at:

  http://www.messianicbureau.org/intro.htm#About%20MBI  

and alternately at:  http://www.messianic.com/. 

MBI is noted for having a Messianic directory called Messianic Friends and also International Messianic Directory, which has been promoted as a hub for Messianics. MBI was launched by David and Linda Hargis June 20, 1996. The online MBI Yeshiva was launched in 1997.  In their "About" link they state: 

On November 1, 1997 MBI began the first online Messianic Jewish Yeshiva, which became a recognized seminary in May of 2000 with an EDU designation at www.mbiyeshiva.edu. MBI Yeshiva is now serving over 240 students online.

http://www.messianicbureau.org/intro.htm#About%20MBI

In the MBI Introduction, under Spiritual Authorization, they state they have God-given "overseership" over Messianics, claiming "apostolic" authority and calling:

"Messianic Bureau International (MBI) is a governing organization and association of Messianic Judaism, including membership, congregations, ministers and yeshiva (seminary). Our authority is subservient to Messiah as an overseership on behalf of His Body at large, which was bestowed on us with an "apostolic" (shaliach/sent one) calling and commission from Adonai Yeshua, the Messiah. "For G-d has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the wise." [Bolding added]

http://www.messianicbureau.org/intro.htm#About%20MBI

Setting aside the "apostolic" possibility, these statements imply that they would be found faithful to the Word of God, would walk with integrity and honesty and would exude obedience to Jesus Christ, or in their terms, Yeshua. 

David M. Hargis is the president of MBI Yeshiva, with Linda as Vice president.  He and Don B. Hargis aka Don Bryant De Cordova are brothers. They have worked jointly at establishing various enterprises, supporting each others ventures and appearing as faculty on their various sites. That is why one finds David's name on the Saint John Chrysostom Theological Seminary website, alongside the Don De Cordova variations. 

According to the State of Virginia's Higher Education Dept., religious institutions in the state of Virginia are exempt from the Virginia Administrative Code. Since MBI Yeshiva has the religious exemption, they are currently allowed to issue religious degrees. The Yeshiva does not meet State standards academically, however, which means their degrees and credits, cannot be applied to legitimate licensed schools or colleges. In essence they have the same value as James Trimm's diploma. 

If one is pursuing online education in the United States, one can check the credentials of agencies by viewing recognized and approved organizations. The US Government list of  legitimate accrediting organization is found at:

 http://www.ed.gov/offices/OSFAP/Students/closedschool/accred.html#T

The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) page is found at: http://www.chea.org/Directories/national.htm

Although MBI claims to be accredited,  the agency that they claim accreditation from, Transworld Accrediting Commission,  is not a State sanctioned or State recognized accrediting agency, nor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a crediting agency. 

Present Accreditation

• Applicant Member of Transworld Accrediting Commission P.O. Drawer C Siloam Springs, Arkansas 72761.
• Registered with the Virginia Council of Higher Education as a religious degree granting post-secondary school. See letter of exemption. http://www.mbiyeshiva.edu/valetter.htm

Future Accreditation

• We are seeking the highest accreditation for distance education available. Future accreditation will be retroactive for all past course credits. 

http://www.mbiyeshiva.edu/accreditation.htm

The Transworld accreditation means nothing other than it is used in situations like this, which involves useless credits and worthless diplomas and in many cases, baseless courses resulting in deceptive degrees and diplomas. How can future accreditation apply to past courses when there is no past accreditation and no state licensing? MBI has "been seeking the highest accreditation" for many years, but apparently to no avail.

According to Steve Levicoff , in his book Name It and Frame It, which used to be available online, Transworld Accrediting Commission is an accrediting mill, meaning, individuals can purchase accreditation for a fee.  

"....Caribbean College of the Bible International...
“...The American program claims accreditation from the Transworld Accrediting Commission, an accrediting mill formerly located at the same address as Evangel Christian University (also listed in this chapter)...”

".... Evangel Bible Institute...
“A degree mill all the way, the Evangel Bible Institute (which is also known as Evangel Christian University of America) purports to be "accredited by the Transworld Accrediting Commission (TAC), the highest rating."  What they don't tell you is that the Transworld Commission was, at one time, headquartered at the same address as the school itself. Also at this address is Evangelical Gospel Assemblies, Inc., a known ordination mill (also known as AEGA Ministries International). There are no faculty listings in their brochure. This is a classic example of a degree mill that formed a second organization to accredit itself. In 1992 Evangel announced the "Degree by Thesis" program in which a bachelor's degree could be earned, without any course work and for a total tuition of $960.00, by writing two 10,000-word papers or four 20,000-word papers. According to their own calculations, that's a total of about eighty pages for a four-year degree..."

“N.B.    Here's some additional background on the Transworld Accrediting Commission . . . This accrediting mill, which was located at the same address in Monroe, Louisiana, as Evangel Christian University of America and the Association of Evangelical Gospel Assemblies, has moved to 509 E. Ashley Street, Siloam Springs, AR 72761-2747, tel. (501) 524-8661. The new president of TAC is Dalton Weber, who has taken over from Henry A. Harbuck, who is also president of EUCA and AEGA. In response to an inquiry, Transworld noted that they do not release a list of their accredited institutions, but provided the names of Evangel Christian University and the Southern California Theological Seminary (also listed in this chapter). Keep in mind that any accrediting association that refuses to release a list of the schools they accredit is a sham.”

...School of Bible Theology...
“...Their eighteen-page catalog lists neither course descriptions nor the source of their faculty's credentials, and they claim accreditation from two bogus accreditors, the Accrediting Commission International and the Transworld Accrediting Commission...”

...Southern California Theological Seminary...
“...Claiming accreditation from the bogus Transworld Accrediting Commission,…”
 
levicoff.tripod.com/nifi/nifi-12.htm

Notice that the address for Transworld listed in Levicoff's book is in Siloam Springs, Arkansas and MBI has them also at Siloam Springs, Arkansas.

Steve Levicoff compiled a list of 75 indicators that can be used to identify a degree or accreditation mill. While reading the list, it became apparent that many could easily be applied to Saint John Chrysostom Theological Seminary, James Trimm's Yeshiva and also MBI Yeshiva. 

For a few examples:

The NIFI Criteria

or
How to Spot a Degree Mill
in 75 Easy Steps

"....if a school fits one or two criteria, it does not necessarily mean that the school is a degree mill.  The criteria must be taken as a "package," and if they apply to a school in a significant combination, chances are that the school is a degree mill...."

1. Does the school claim accreditation by an association that is not approved by both the U.S. Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)? Unaccredited schools that are legitimate don't claim accreditation at all; but if a school claims an unrecognized accreditation, chances are that it's a degree mill. Schools claiming accreditation by the Accrediting Commission International for Schools, Colleges, and Theological Seminaries (ACI), the World Association of Universities and Colleges (WAUC), and the American Accrediting Association of Theological Institutions (AAATI) are automatically degree mills, as the accreditors themselves are shams.

***MBI Yeshiva--accredited with Transworld, not licensed, Saint Johns not accredited or licensed, Trimm's not accredited or licensed

2. Does the school claim to be accredited by an association that sounds like a legitimate agency but is slightly different in name? For example, watch out for schools that claim to be accredited by the Middle State Commission of Colleges and Schools rather than the legitimate Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools....

3. Does the school claim that it "intends to apply for," "has applied for," "is investigating," "has been in dialogue with," "is recognized by," or is "pursuing accreditation" with a legitimate agency? Schools that use such phrases are often, though not always, degree mills, since these statements give no true indication about the institution's chance for actually achieving accreditation.

****MBI Yeshiva, since 1996/97 "MBI Yeshiva is in the two year process of obtaining accreditation with the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). Accreditation with other academic associations are also pending. We are glad to report to our present students that the future accreditation we receive will be attached to their degrees also." ... 2003--"We are seeking the highest accreditation for distance education available. Future accreditation will be retroactive for all past course credits."

St Johns ---"The Seminary is not accredited at this time.
Episcopal authentication and approval is primary under the canons and constitution of the Church.
With Episcopal approbation the Seminary will seek recognition through the Association of Theological Schools and Institute of Biblical Scholarship and Research."

Trimm ---"The Yeshiva is not accredited at this time. Other Messianic yeshivas are accepting Beit Netzarim credits. The Yeshiva is organized and operated under the approbation of the International Nazarene Beit Din. At some point in the future Beit Netzarim may seek some type of accreditation." 

4. Does the school attempt to overtly justify not being accredited? ... Schools that actively downplay accreditation are usually degree mills.

***Trimm --needs no explanation

5. Does the school claim to avoid accreditation or purport to be accredited by an unrecognized agency based on "separation of church and state?" Or, is a school that purports to offer a secular curriculum sponsored by, owned by, or a division of a church? If so, it may be attempting to justify its operation under an individual state's exemption from licensure for religious institutions, and chances are that it's a degree mill.

...7. Does the school claim to be accredited by another college or university? Nonsense - schools do not accredit other schools at all.

8. Does a school which is not accredited by a regional association claim that regionally accredited colleges accept their courses for transfer credit? If so, ask the school which regionally accredited colleges accept their courses. If the school hesitates in providing this information, it's a degree mill.... The key question: can you transfer credit for the courses you take to any school of your choice? The only way you can guarantee this is to take the courses themselves through legitimately accredited schools.

9. Does the school have an online catalog but no regular, printed catalog? It's a degree mill. Schools may publish their catalog or viewbook online, but legitimate schools always have a printed catalog available.

10. Does the school advertise as an "Internet university?" Ditto. I can create an Internet university in less than an hour that will look as impressive as any traditional college or university. If the school does not have a real physical facility, it's more than a degree mill, it's a scam.

11. Does a school's web site give the school's physical address and phone number? If either of these are missing, it's a degree mill.

...14. Does the school's catalog have a complete list of their own faculty, and does the list include where they received their degrees? (If not, they may have something to hide.) If they are listed, are a large number of the faculty's degrees also from unaccredited institutions? That, too, is a sign of a degree mill.

**** MBI, and St John's...Trimm has himself and currently lists "Professor Eric Sandquist"...but no credentials...

15. Do an inordinate number of faculty members have one or more of their own degrees from the school itself? That spells a home-grown organization, and is often (though not always) an indication of a degree mill.

**** redundant to point out

...20. Does the school offer multiple degree titles within each level of education? For example, one mill offers degree titles at the graduate level alone that include Master of Arts, Master of Church Business Administration, Master of Biblical Studies, Master of Christian Studies, Master of Religious Studies, Master of Theological Studies, Master of Ministry, Master of Divinity, Master of Theology, Master of Christian Counseling, Master of Biblical Counseling, Doctor of Ministry, Doctor of Divinity, Doctor of Theology, Doctor of Philosophy, Doctor of Christian Counseling, Doctor of Biblical Counseling, ad infinitum, ad nauseam. Legitimately accredited schools generally offer only one or two three degree titles at each academic level, for example: Master of Arts or Master of Science. Any school that offers more degree titles than sound reasonable is very likely a sham.

21. Does the school offer degrees with British (rather than American) titles, or do they award degree titles other than those normally offered by legitimately accredited schools? The most common academic degrees awarded in the United States include the Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and Doctor of Philosophy. If you find an American school offering titles such as the Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.), Doctor of Philosophy (abbreviated D.Phil. rather than Ph.D.), chances are that they haven't met the licensing standards in their state that would allow them to offer the more accepted degrees. Let me make it clear: there is no legitimate reason for an American college or university to offer degrees with a British title. Also, be careful of schools offering "oddball" degree titles such as Doctor of Apologetics (D.Apol.), Doctor of Christian Education (D.C.E., rather than the more accepted Doctor of Education, or Ed.D.).

...26. Does the school have more than one administrator or board member in the same family? That, too, signifies a home-grown character. Watch out for any school in which John Doe, Sr. is the chancellor, John Doe, Jr. is the president, and Mary Doe is the vice-president, etc.

**** David Hargis, Linda Hargis, Don Hargis, Joanne Nelson, Marian Hargis...aliases Miryam Hargis, Linda C Hargis, Linda G Hargis, Don De Cordova, etc. 

 27. Do administration or faculty members have more than one doctoral degree, and are those degrees earned or honorary? If you see a person listed who holds, for example, the "D.D., D.R.E., Lit.D., Th.D., and Ph.D.," there's either something fishy about his credentials or he's been in school longer than you and I have been alive.

****we've lost count in totaling the number of degrees and diplomas...

...29. Does the school offer credit for life experience at the graduate level? Generally, experiential credits documented through a learning portfolio are an accepted part of regionally accredited non-traditional undergraduate programs. As a general rule, however, legitimately accredited graduate programs require that students pursue new learning and do not offer credit for life experience at the master's or doctorate degree level.

****MBI Yeshiva 1997---"Our accelerated credit program allows for the accumulation of past earned credits at other institutions (no more than 25% of non-related earned credits toward any degree, no more than 50% of all related credits toward any degree), and accumulated credit for ministry experience (6 credits for each year of ministry, but no more than 50% of required credits toward any degree).... A tuition payment is required commenserate with the amount of ministry credits which are applied to the accelerated program..."

30. Does the school administer unproctored examinations for correspondence courses? All legitimately accredited schools that offer correspondence courses for credit require that examinations be taken under proctored conditions, meaning that the exam is supervised by a test proctor approved by the institution in a controlled environment to ensure that the student doesn't cheat or use an open textbook if it's not permitted. Final examinations are generally sent directly to the test proctor, who gives it to you to take, then mails the completed exam back to the school. Any school that says they will send you a final examination (as opposed to a quiz or assignment, neither of which requires a proctor) and allows you to take it at home without academic supervision is a degree mill.

***MBI Yeshiva--1997--"Your examination(s) will consist mostly of writing answers to questions on the content of a course's selected text(s). This is done as open book test(s), in order to encourage your study of the entire contents of a course text. Most of the tests will be made available in common .txt format, so that we can upload them to you through an e-mail attached file. This way you can read them and fill them out with any computer text reader. However, we will send the test to you regular mail if you prefer. You are encouraged to e-mail completed test back to us if possible, but if not, you can mail them back to us."

34. Does the school's catalog or brochure contain a statement denying that the school is a degree or diploma mill? Listen up, campers: any school that denies that it's a degree mill most likely is a degree mill. Legitimate schools don't have to make such an inane disclaimer.

***No Comment...

...39. Does a school or professional association place an undue emphasis on the final product, such as an "attractive wall certificate," or "beautiful diploma, suitable for framing?" Generally, not only is such an organization a degree or credential mill, you may be able to buy the diploma or certificate outright

****MBI Yeshiva-- 1997/98--"Graduation is recognized with a signed certificate declaring the degree and track, after a student has completed a level of study and all tuition and graduation fees are paid."

"....When a student is near completion of all academic requirements he/she may apply for graduation by sending in the $100.00 graduation fee. A student completing the requirements for graduation will receive the certificate of degree comenserate with his/her level of study. Local commencement exercises are scheduled for each spring if enough students qualify for graduation and plan to attend..."

Yeshiva Diploma

40. Does the school's catalog or brochure include a picture of a sample degree or diploma? If so, does it look like an actual university diploma?

41. If you have seen a copy of the school's diploma, how is it signed? If the president of a school uses a title in his or her signature on a diploma, chances are that the school is a degree mill. Standard protocol for diploma signatures is the use of name only, not name and title.

**** James Trimm's Diploma 

...46. Does the school's catalog or letterhead provide a street address or only a post office box number? If a street address, is there a suite number? (This is often a sign that the address is a mail forwarding service.) The absence of a street address does not necessarily indicate a degree mill in itself, but when combined with some of the other factors in this list it's a good indication that the school may be a degree mill.

 47. If a school has an actual campus location, how long have they been at that location? Beware of schools that have moved often, or have relocated from state to state...."

levicoff.tripod.com/criteria.htm

There are many more observations that could be applied to James' Trimm's Yeshiva, SJCTS and MBI, their faculty and their collective credentials. But, these selected Levicoff examples for determining diploma or degree mills should be enough.

Some MBI Faculty

On the MBI Yeshiva Faculty page, which changes fairly often and includes many with their 'degrees' from MBI. (June 12, 2003)

Administration

David M. Hargis, Ph.D., President and Rosh Yeshiva

Linda C. Hargis, M.Ed., Administrator and Academic Dean

Walter N. Thorp, J.D., M.S., Member Board of Trustees

Don L. Doherty, B.B., Member Board of Trustees and Yeshiva Enrollment Officer

David L. Barsky, D.Min., Ex-officio Member Board of Trustees

"The faculty of Messianic Bible Institute-Yeshiva create curricula and bibliography, establish academic criteria, write and grade examinations, instruct and assist students, and post grades."

Faculty Alphabetical List

Don  Doherty, BMS / Instructor  Bachelor of  Messianic Studies, MBI Yeshiva / 2001 Master's Degree Program at MBI Yeshiva / Shamash for twelve years, Mishkan HaMelech Congregation.

David M. Hargis, Ph.D. President of the Yeshiva / Professor of Hebrew and Theology / Bachelor of Arts in Bible: Central Bible College /  Master of Theology: Lael University /  Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Communications: International Seminary and Bible College (closed) / Ordained to ministry 1973, Ordained Messianic Jewish Rabbi 1991 / President of Messianic Bureau International.

Don B. Hargis, S.T.D. / Professor of Theology Bachelor of Arts in Comparative and Historical Religions and Linguistics: Southern Methodist University / Master of Theology: National Christian University / Doctor of Sacred Theology: St. Johns Theological Seminary / Twenty years of ministry / Director with the Aramaic Bible Society.

Linda C. Hargis, M.Ed., ABD. Academic Dean of the Yeshiva / Associate  Professor of Practical Studies / Bachelor of Arts: Lael University /  Master of Arts in Education: Regent University / Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership Program: Regent University  / Twenty-eight years of ministry / Eight years of Messianic ministry.

Jamie Perez, M.Ed. / Adjunt Professor 1990 Bachelor of Liberal Arts, University of New York, Regents College / 1991 Master of Education in Counseling, Ohio University

Walter N. Thorp,J.D., M.S. / Associate Professor Bachelor of Arts in Journalism / Master of Science in Administration / U.S. Air Force Major (Retired).

Cyndi Thorp / Adjunct Instructor

http://www.mbiyeshiva.edu/faculty.htm

******

It should be noted that Linda C Hargis, David Hargis's wife, is found on various other pages as also Linda G Hargis. If one looks at prior faculty listings you can see the initials appear to be interchanged, sometimes on the same faculty page. This will be addressed later.

Donald Doherty has been involved with the faculty and administration of David Hargis's MBI Yeshiva for several years. And he co-hosts MBI's radio and chat with David Hargis, has been a trustee for MBI Yeshiva and so on. 

We see that David Hargis wrote 'curriculum' for various diploma mills, operated at least 2 diploma mills, gave himself his own doctorate; he and his mother and wife obtained their various degrees via diploma mills, etc. And David Hargis was on the current faculty of  Saint John Chrysostom Theological Seminary with his brother Don Hargis aka Bishop Don De Cordova and other variations, and also with their deceased mother as faculty. 

Not only were all three listed as faculty on that facade, but also on their defunct diploma mill called Mountain West Hebrew University, mentioned below. Their involvement in Saint John's goes back to at least 1991, when Don Hargis aka Don de Cordova, David and their mother, Marian Hargis were apparently listed in the supposed 1991 Handbook of the Seminary. That information was supplied by James Trimm. 

1991 was when David Hargis was supposedly ordained a Messianic Rabbi and also started leading the Mishkan HaMelech assembly. Which certainly brings into question how a former AOG pastor could turn Messianic rabbi who provided himself with his own doctorate, while at the same time being  involved in a Catholic seminary.  

For More on Don Doherty See: MJAA Inroads of The Hebrew Roots Fringe

Looking a June 2000 faculty posting for MBI, we see the same names as above with the inclusion of a few others. Please note, while looking into some of the credentials of various faculty, this author has not bothered to validate all the individuals or credentials involved. (June 2, 2002)

Administration

• David M. Hargis, Ph.D., President and Rosh Yeshiva
• Linda C. Hargis, M.Ed., Administrator and Academic Dean
• Walter N. Thorp, M.S., Member Board of Trustees
• Don L. Doherty, B.B., Member Board of Trustees
• Micahel B. Himphrey, J.D., M.Rb., Ex-officio Member Board of Trustees
• David L. Barsky, D.Min., Ex-officio Member Board of Trustees

***Please note--the name Himphrey should be Humphrey, based on all other information throughout their various pages.

The faculty of Messianic Bible Institute -Yeshiva create curricula and bibliography, establish academic criteria, write and grade examinations, instruct and assist students, and post grades.

Faculty Alphabetical List

Don L. Doherty, B.B. / Instructor
1996 Bachelor of Bible in Messianic Studies, MBI Yeshiva **** / 2001 Master's Degree Program at MBI Yeshiva / Shammash for eight years, Mishkan HaMelech Congregation. ****impossible---MBI Yeshiva didn't start until 1997, a Master's take 2.5 to 3 years.

Dale Cohen / Adjunt Instructor 

David M. Hargis, Ph.D. / Professor
1970 Bachelor of Arts in Bible: Central Bible College ###-actual date is BA degree in Bible  5/27/71##/ 1982 Master of Theology: Lael University / 1986 Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Communications: International Seminary and Bible College (closed) / Ordained to ministry 1973, Ordained Messianic Jewish Rabbi 1991 / President of Messianic Bureau International.

Don B. Hargis, S.T.D. / Professor Bachelor of Arts in Comparative and Historical Religions and Linguistics: Southern Methodist University / Master of Theology: National Christian University / Doctor of Sacred Theology: St. Johns Theological Seminary / Twenty years of ministry / Director with the Aramaic Bible Society.

Linda C. Hargis, M.Ed., Doctoral Candidate (All But Disertation) / Professor 1982 Bachelor of Arts: Lael University / 1993 Master of Arts in Education: Regent University / 2001 Organizational Leadership Program for Ph.D., Regent University  / Twenty-eight years of ministry / Eight years of Messianic ministry / 1995-2001 Former Registrar of Regent University. ####says Linda C instead of  Linda G--#####

Michael B. Humphrey, J.D. , M.Rb. / Adjunct Professor
Bachelor of Science, Master of Taxation, Juris Doctor: University of Akron / 1999 Master of Theology in Rabbinic Studies: MBI Yeshiva / 1999 Ordained Messianic Jewish Rabbi of Beth Messiah, Canton, OH.

Mary Ann Ketcheside / Adjunt Instructor

Jamie Perez, M.Ed. / Adjunt Professor
1990 Bachelor of Liberal Arts, University of New York, Regents College / 1991 Master of Education in Counseling, Ohio University

Walter N. Thorp, M.S. / Associate Professor
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism / Master of Science in Administration / U.S. Air Force Major (Retired).

Cyndi Thorp / Adjunct Instructor

Richard Wiseman, B.B / Instructor
2001 Bachelor of Bible in Messianic Studies, MBI Yeshiva / 2001 Master's Degree Program at MBI Yeshiva"

Please note. Throughout the various MBI Yeshiva faculty pages, over the various years the terms, " Adjunt Instructor" or " Adjunt Professor", etc. are used. However, there is no such word as adjunt. The term is "adjunct" and it is defined in most dictionaries as someone attached to a faculty or staff in a temporary or auxiliary capacity, such as an adjunct professor of religion. 

It is unclear how all these people with all these degrees, masters and doctorates are unable to present their claimed credentials in a correct manner. 

Many of the names listed above are also found on the faculty listing of Mountain West Hebrew University, a defunct diploma mill which was in Utah in 2000.

Mountain West Hebrew University Connection

Mountain West Hebrew University (MWHU), which was supposedly located in Utah, is no longer online. This diploma mill was not licensed by the State of Utah to offer anything. It was not accredited and did not have religious exemption and after investigation by authorities the website was shutdown. 

However from March through October 2000, the 'university' showed the following faculty or instructors, which include Don and David Hargis, and eight individuals who are or were, also involved in MBI Yeshiva. Some also obtained their credentials from MBI. Found March through October 2000.

****For those who have asked--Please understand--this is from the actual original website listing, that was dealt with by the State of Utah. This author did not manufacture or compile the list of faculty.

FACULTY LOUNGE
MOUNTAIN WEST HEBREW UNIVERSITY

The Board and Faculty of Mountain West Hebrew University create curricula and bibliography, establish academic criteria, write and grade examinations, instruct and assist students, and post grades.

Alphabetical List [Some bolding added]

Miryam B'rit-Hargis, Th.D. / Professor Emeritas of Bible and Theology / Diploma: Central Bible Institute, Certificate: Christ for the Nations, Master of Theology: Lael University, Doctor of Theology: Lael University / Over fifty years of ministry, Licensed with the Assemblies of God

Ellen Campbell, R.N., B.S. / Instructor of Practical Studies / Associate in Nursing: Mott Community College, Bachelor of Science: University of Michigan / 20 years in the field of nursing, 15 years in health education

David M. Hargis, Ph.D. President of MBI Yeshiva / Professor of Hebrew and Theology / Bachelor of Arts in Bible: Central Bible College, Master of Theology: Lael University, Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Communications: International Seminary and Bible College / Ordained to ministry 1973, Ordained Messianic Jewish Rabbi 1991, President of Messianic Bureau International

Don B. Hargis, S.T.D. an Elder of the Yeshiva / Professor of Theology / Bachelor of Arts in Comparative and Historical Religions and Linguistics: Southern Methodist University, Master of Theology: National Christian University, Doctor of Sacred Theology: St. Johns Theological Seminary / Twenty years of ministry, Director with the Aramaic Bible Society

Linda G. Hargis, M.A., Doctoral Candidate Academic Dean of the MBI Yeshiva / Associate Professor of Practical Studies / Bachelor of Arts: Lael University; Master of Arts in Education: Regent University; PhD in Organizational Leadership program: Regent University  / Twenty-eight years of ministry, Eight years of Messianic ministry, Registrar of Regent University (Virginia Beach, VA)

Michael B. Humphrey, J.D. , M.Rb. an Elder of the MBI Yeshiva / Associate Professor of Bible / Bachelor of Science, Master of Taxation, Juris Doctor: University of Akron; Master of Rabbinic Studies: MBI Yeshiva / Ordained Messianic Jewish Rabbi of Beth Messiah, Canton, Ohio

Yosef Koelner, an Elder of MBI Yeshiva / Assistant Professor of Theology / Director of TAK Yeshiva, branch of MBI Yeshiva / Messianic Jewish Rabbi of Temple Aron HaKodesh, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Ivan Lewis, PhD / President of Mountain West Hebrew University / Professor of Talmudic Studies / Doctor of Philosophy in Hebrew and Semitic Studies - London School of Religion and Philosophy / Magna Cum Laude

Kalila Gavriella Sams, M.M.S. / Assistant Professor of Bible / Bible studies: Cedarville College, Wheaton College; Bachelor of Science in Education: Ashland College; Communication studies: Regent University; Master of Messianic Studies: MBI Yeshiva / Six years of Messianic ministry

Bradford Scott / First Councilor and Instructor at Mountain West Hebrew University / Asst Professor of Messianic Studies / Licensed and Ordained FourSquare Minister / Seventeen years in Hebrew / Messianic Ministry / Messianic Conference Speaker / Founder and Director of WildBranch Ministry

Walter N. Thorpe, M.A. an Elder of the MBI Yeshiva / Assistant Professor of Theology / Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Master of Arts in Administration, US Air Force Major (Retired).

 Others pending (Watch For Updates)

 hebrewuniversity.edu    ***no longer valid to Mountain West
 http://hebrewuniversity.edu/instructors   

This Yeshiva faculty parallels MBI as well as St John Chrysostom Theological Seminary faculty. For a comparison of the various individuals involved see the Table of Credentials. [and also Timelines]. On the MWHU faculty page, note David and Don Hargis, and Miryam B'rit-Hargis. Miryam, or Marian, is the mother of David and Don Hargis. Linda G. Hargis is the wife of David Hargis.

If one looks at the June 2000 faculty posting for MBI, one sees many of the same names found on the Mountain West defunct diploma mill. Apparently in diploma mills it's important to appear to have numerous staff, instead of the reality of the one, two or half dozen individuals usually found involved.

I would like to point out a small detail. Regarding, the dating of the Mountain West diploma mill, which was flown March through October, 2000, and the following persons.  

Miryam B'rit-Hargis, Th.D. / Professor Emeritas of Bible and Theology / Diploma: Central Bible Institute, Certificate: Christ for the Nations, Master of Theology: Lael University, Doctor of Theology: Lael University / Over fifty years of ministry, Licensed with the Assemblies of God

Kalila Gavriella Sams, M.M.S. / Assistant Professor of Bible / Bible studies: Cedarville College, Wheaton College; Bachelor of Science in Education: Ashland College; Communication studies: Regent University; Master of Messianic Studies: MBI Yeshiva / Six years of Messianic ministry

It should not really be a surprise that there is a pattern of using deceased people, as Marian Hargis and Jerome Joachim were used for SJCTS. From the David Hargis MBI website we see the following announcement. Please notice the dates:

(Deceased 1/25/2000 In honor of:) Kalila Gavriella Sams, M.M.S. / Assistant Professor of Bible / Bible studies: Cedarville College, Wheaton College; Bachelor of Science in Education: Ashland College; Communication studies: Regent University; Master of Messianic Studies: MBI Yeshiva / Six years of Messianic ministry

(Deceased 12/24/1999 In Honor of:) Miryam B'rit-Hargis, Th.D. / Professor Emeritas of Bible and Theology / Diploma: Central Bible Institute, Certificate: Christ for the Nations, Master of Theology: Lael University, Doctor of Theology: Lael University / Over fifty years of ministry, Licensed with the Assemblies of God

http://www.mbiyeshiva.com/faculty.htm --which was posted in 2001.

Not to be picky, but we have more deceased people on the faculty of the defunct diploma mill run in 2000. For an actual look at the original Mountain West Hebrew University Courses and their Instructors, Please see: http://www.SeekGod.ca/mountainwest.htm

For more on some of these faculty, please also see the four part series: 

An Open Response to Brad Scott of Wildbranch.org

In order to have obtained a Doctorate, one would first have had to obtain a Masters and prior to that a Bachelors. A Master's degree is a 3 year program, which could conceivably be completed in approximately two and 1/2 years. A Doctorate Degree requires at least 2 years of study, that possibly could be completed with much effort in about 1-1/2 years. One could never claim to have a Masters if one obtained their BA from a diploma mill. One cannot claim to have a Doctorate, if one got prior "degrees" from a diploma mill, even if one does obtain the masters or doctorate from a legitimate school. One can't have a PhD in 1998, and then supposedly achieve it in 2002 or 2003...depending which bio one reads. It would be fraudulent to claim to have credentials one does not have.

Several of the faculty listed in MBI and MWHU have "degrees" from MBI or Saint John Chrysostom Theological Seminary, which means they bestowed degrees upon themselves. It's noteworthy that Miryam's former email link from Mountain West Hebrew University, which was declared an illegal diploma mill by the State of Utah, was forwarded to MBI's messianic.com. Miryam (1981), David (1980-82) , and Linda (1982) all state they obtained Masters and/or Doctorates from Lael University, a diploma mill. Other known diploma mills are also listed in the various credentials.

According to Steve Levicoff, from his book Name It and Frame It,  Lael University is a known diploma mill.

LAEL COLLEGE & GRADUATE SCHOOL
3721 St. Bridget Lane
St. Ann, Missouri 63074
(314) 426-7000

Formerly claiming accreditation by the unrecognized Accrediting Commission International, this school advertises degrees from the associate's through doctoral levels. Formerly located in a small strip shopping center next to a locksmith and an insurance agency (truly making them a "store-front university"), they claim that you can, "Study to become a biblical counselor, a licensed pastoral counselor, or a ordained minister." What they don't tell you is pastoral counseling is largely unregulated by the government and that you don't need a license to be a pastoral counselor. They state up front, "Most courses can be completed in a few days. Send the answers in, we will mark your papers and mail your grade back to you." This, of course, would never be acceptable to a legitimate accreditor since the exams are not proctored. Bottom line: their degrees are worthless. 

In September 1992, Lael was granted candidacy status by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS); the school used to be called Lael University, but recently changed their name to Lael College & Graduate School, perhaps because they were required to do so by TRACS. In a new catalog that is photocopied and stapled and, for the first time, does not mention any accreditation with the Accrediting Commission International, Lael also offers both masters and doctorates in "psychological services," but they do not mention that their degrees will not qualify a person for licensure as a psychologist. Their faculty listings indicate only three full-time faculty and ten part-timers; for an allegedly comprehensive university granting degrees at the bachelor's through doctoral levels, this is absurd. Despite their continuing recognition by TRACS (which of course, doesn't say too much for TRACS), I'll go on the line here: they're still a degree mill. Advertises or has advertised in Pulpit Helps."

levicoff.tripod.com/nifi/nifi-12.htm  

Miryam B'rit-Hargis or Marian Hargis died December 24, 1999, yet was still listed as faculty on both the MBI Yeshiva and the MWHU faculty in 2000. More astounding, she is listed along with David Hargis as part of the Erasmus College of Fellows on the current Seminary Faculty page of Saint John Chrysostom Theological Seminary, which issued James Trimm his groundless diploma, ...current, as of June 12, 2003. Keep in mind the web site was just manufactured at the beginning of May. 

The Theological Faculty....

Erasmus College of Fellows

Mt. Rev. Robert Zeiger
Professor of Orthodox Theology

The Reverend Father Michael Baca O.F.M.
The Primacy of Christ and the Hospice Ministry

The Reverend Doctor Marian Hargis
Evangelical Prayer and Ministry

The Reverend Doctor David M Hargis
The Hebrew Christian Tradition

http://saintjohnchrysostomtheological.netfirms.com/faculty.html

That's truly amazing as these people, aside from false credentials, their false Masters and false Doctorates, also appear to be raising people from the dead. In the previous article it was noted that Jerome Joachim, who died in 1997, was listed as a Trustee and faculty for SJCTS.  We have all the aliases of Don Hargis/De Cordova listed on the faculty and administration, plus the variations of credentials of David Hargis, and others. Plus we see the credentials of the deceased mother of these 'gentlemen', Marian, all listed as faculty and validation that James Trimm's doctorate is real because it was issued from Saint John Chrysostom Theological Seminary. It is also supposed to validate all their individual doctorates. It likely never occurred to these people that they aren't helping themselves or James Trimm.

If anything this information should cause people to contact the Texas Attorney Generals Office, Consumer Protection, the Virginia Attorney Generals Office and also Higher Education in Texas and Virginia, and file complaints against these various groups, their manufactured credentials built on diploma mills, and the profiting that has been taking place from those invalid credentials.

Randy Cook at one of the following , brcook@uspis.gov , (817)317-3460, P.O. Box 162929, Keller, TX 76161-2929

Randy Cook works for the United States Postal Inspectors office since mailing out anything based on false advertising qualifies as mail fraud.

Greg Abbott, Attorney General of Texas, P.O. Box 12548, Austin, TX 78711

David Linkletter of Texas Higher Education can also be contacted, regarding the Yeshiva issues. 

We are reminded who liars serve.

John 8:44 

Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

In order to fully comprehend the level of deception, the phony credentials, the degree mills, both for obtaining false scholarship and for giving worthless diplomas, in-depth on the Hargis family is of interest.

David M. Hargis, Donald B Hargis or Don Bryant de Cordova

Marian or Miryam Hargis & Linda G or Linda C Hargis

Next Section: 

A Closer Look At David & Don Hargis

Previous Section: 

Saint John Chrysostom Theological Seminary

Other Articles

Doctor James Scott Trimm  

    James Trimm as Rabbi Yosef  

 Doctor James Trimm's Diploma  

    Trimm Critics  

    Stan Eisenberg Letter

James Trimm's Diploma Revisited

 Part 2: The Four Letters

 Phillip Arnn Email Correspondence

Doctor James Trimm's "Jewish" School & International Beit Din

Saint John Chrysostom Theological Seminary  

    Table of Credentials  

MBI Yeshiva & The Hargis Clan  

A Closer Look at David & Don Hargis

    Hargis Timelines

    Hargis Roles

Marian Hargis & Linda C Hargis & Linda G Hargis

NEWSFLASH! 

MBI NEWSFLASH!

HARGIS NEWSFLASH!

NEWSFLASH! > Nazarene Fraud Victim Forum

NEWSFLASH! > Union of Two Unions

Related >The James Trimm & Michael Rood Factor

Michael Rood & James Trimm & The WAY

Copyright . All articles are the sole property of SeekGod.ca and Vicky Dillen. All Scripture King James Version unless otherwise stated.

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