Studying Theology Changed My Life (Not Just My Mind)

"Theology.... what's that?"

That was probably the most asked question when people asked me about my studies. After explaining the word's literal sense and describing the content I was learning, the next most common question was "What will you do with that?"

Now that I have finished, I will continue to study and practice and share where and when I can. I have a keen desire to open up scripture in an accessible way for people. The Bible is an incredible book with so much to say. When we know how to faithfully interpret scripture and allow it to speak on its own terms instead of trying to fit it into our viewpoint, we would be amazed at how much it says.

I know often the question "What will you do with that?" comes from a place of not understanding what job correlates with such a qualification. But when it comes to Christians asking this question, I suspect it often comes from a place of underappreciating the need for solid theological grounding in the Church, or understanding the extent that the practice of the Church (ways of doing theology) is deeply connected to its beliefs and values (ways of thinking about God). I am a big believer in formal theological study which is not the norm for a Pentecostal, I know, but we can't continue to separate Word and Spirit.

While there are many great resources to help us study and understand scripture, I opted for formal study through Alphacrucis University College and thoroughly recommend this path to anyone wanting to teach the Bible. Here are my top five reasons to pursue formal study:

1 - Critical Thinking - From Certainty to Curiousity

I'm not talking about being negative here, critical thinking is about engaging with an idea - really getting in there and grappling with concepts from different angles. It's the ability to hold concepts lightly, consider other views, and be open to being wrong. If there is one thing that Christians are terrible at, it's typically this - and the stats prove it! A recent Barna study indicated that churchgoers are 10% more likely to need certainty than the general population. As much as it is nice to think about the world in black and white terms, it isn't that simple. There are a million shades of everything in between black and white, and the desire to box things neatly up cuts off connection and conversation, leaving us isolated with our ideas (or echo chambers). Critical thinking has helped me to engage much more deeply in everyday life and consider things without the emotional hang-ups I used to have about being right or wrong. It has helped me be a better listener and provided space to offer more grace - to others as well as myself. It has also allowed me to change my position on things..

My ever-faithful study buddy, Jeff

2 - What Really Matters

I remember one semester early on in my degree, I was taking three subjects (30+ hours of study a week), working part time, being a wife and mother, etc. Not only was it big in terms of life, but the subjects Biblical Interpretation, Ethics, and 1 & 2 Corinthians were also quite significant in terms of the way they were challenging me. Every week without fail, I would finish the Zoom lectures and take a walk, furious with God about the terrible teaching I received in church in the 90s. My preconceived ideas and beliefs were being shaken, and I didn't know what I could hold onto for sure. Things were being un-knit and re-knit. And I am so glad they were because I learned to let go of things that weren't as important as I thought they were. My friend calls these the "big stones". It's only the big ones that shouldn't be moved, and there's nowhere near as many as I thought there were. I distinctly remember receiving an impression from the Holy Spirit that knowing better requires one to do better. Yikes.

3 - Personal Guides - not google or AI

Consulting the internet for information is one thing, ascertaining the accuracy or quality of said information is an entirely different matter! Having direct access to a lecturer who has spent years studying and developing their expertise in their field is an absolute privilege. They act as tour guides, showing you the sights, directing you to what is essential, and filling in the gaps you didn't even know existed. I recently spent some time shadowing one of my lecturers for some professional experience, and we worked on developing a new subject at the college. The sheer amount of time spent researching and developing this unit has absolutely blown my mind. I always knew that putting these things together was extensive, but I honestly had no idea how extensive. There just isn't a comparison that you can receive as a free online resource. Not one that provides personal feedback and encouragement to boot.

Dr. Emma Austin, a fellow classmate and me

4 - Pilgrims and People

I completed most of my degree online, so I didn't have the full 'classroom experience'. However, I completed classes and tutorials in a virtual classroom through Zoom. I especially loved my language classes where you had the same cohort for multiple semesters (whoever was still hanging on, that is!). I completed some 'intensive' subjects at the Brisbane campus, where classes were delivered over the full week - these were great and offered social interaction along with the benefit of learning alongside people from different walks of life. I made contacts in these classes that I catch up with throughout the year, but the best part of the community I found in my studies was the field trips. These weren't just great because I travelled to Israel, Jordan, Turkey, and Greece, but they were made even more special because of the relationships I developed on these trips. Some of my best and dearest friendships where I found true belonging were established among ruins, on ancient roadsides, through our shared experience of learning. I am so grateful for the prayers, wise counsel, and encouragement that constantly cover me through these friendships.

Official members of an elite squad known as the Turkey Gang

5 - Assignments: Proof of the Process

You know I'm a nerd now, don't you?! Seriously, though, assignments are the proof of learning. You can absorb information, but to grapple with it and produce work for assessment, that demonstrates what you have learned. It's not just about passing; it's where the rubber meets the road, and where a lot of the value of formal study lies. The ability to be graded and to receive feedback from the lecturer is incredibly valuable. I am so grateful for teachers who have stretched me through their feedback and helped me develop an awareness of how I have engaged with information, particularly those who have drawn out my skills of exegesis and application. Understanding and interpreting the biblical text is one (important) thing, but if you can't draw out an application, all you have is untethered knowledge. Conversely, misunderstanding or misinterpreting the text, combined with the ability for excellent application, is a recipe for disaster, because what are you applying, exactly?! Both are required, and you don't develop these skills through a free course on the internet, nor do you receive personalised feedback from someone concerned with developing you and helping you apply what you have learned.

finally

Apart from my reasons for pursuing formal study, learning is good for us, and I hope we never stop. When we are not growing, we are shrinking. Our bodies witness this to us as time marches on, and our brains are no different. If you have thought about formal study in the past, what are you waiting for? I can't encourage you strongly enough to go for it! Nothing is wasted. Even the act of completing my study helped build my confidence in myself at a time when I really needed it. As for what's next? I don't know exactly which way the path unwinds, but I do know that I can trust God, who called me to be trustworthy with his word because he is faithful to finish what he started.

2022 NT Field Trip at Laodicea