It’s 12.45 am.  Please be kind with spelling mistakes and incoherent thoughts. ;-)

I left my job a little while ago as I was tired of I.T. and tired of the company treating me like #8260 instead of Ian.  I am considering returning to Uni to study some form of education [secondary or adult].

It has also crossed my mind that I may like to study Theology.  Theology interests me (I devour books as well as I devour chocolate!) and—this may sound weird—I feel I have “promptings” to study it: but with my insular attitude and the need to know I have a future somewhere [I’m not very good with the “You’re better than a sparrow” in life], I worry where it may get me - and should I do it part time once I have a job [as I did a few years back].

I have no calling to be a priest - so, what may theology lead into?  I am going to have a talk to my priest about it, but I also wanted to throw it open to the many intelligent people here who may have considered (or actually studied!) theology and used it.  It could help with education if I went to a church school - but I wonder could I use it in some research / study sense: Professor Holder has a nice ring. ;-) Seriously, any suggestions folks?

Ian.

Good evening Ian, this is my first response here though I have been lurking in the woodwork on and off for a while.

I do not think it wise to advise you one way or the other on this matter.  I can only offer you some of my own personal experience in undertaking some study in theology.

I commenced part time study at certificate level through Moore Theological College.  First the PTC, and then following on I obtained the ThC.  I do not now and never did feel a call to the priesthood.  (Not that the ThC would get me far anyways) What I did get for my efforts was nothing to be dispised though.  I have a confidence with handling scriptures that I never had prior to those studies.  My faith is ‘less’ frail than it had been before study.  I don’t sayI have a ‘better’ relationship with the Lord, but I do have more confidence, knowing more fully who He is and how dependable are His promises-------------------His word. 

I feel you have answered your own questions in part when you say:

I feel I have “promptings” to study it: but with my insular attitude and the need to know I have a future somewhere [I’m not very good with the “You’re better than a sparrow” in life], I worry where it may get me - and should I do it part time once I have a job

To undertake full time degree level studies in theology, one should have a strong commitment to employ knowledge gained, and a sure vocational calling to use it as well.  That is unless you belong to that elitist class of the ‘idle rich’.

But then again your promptings may be the embrionic urges to ministry, that will come at a later time.  That is why I doubt my competence to advise you.

I can only testify to the fact that the study of theology if taken at the right level and in the right spirit can’t go wrong so to speak.

I hope you do get many insightful responses to you inquiry.

Doug

study of theology

Ian,

I agree with Doug that studying God’s word is never wasted. It may be that your time as a theology student does nothing else but enhance your knowledge of Him so that you are better equipped to serve Him faithfully back in the workforce afterwards. In fact, I would encourage you to think about it in those terms - to see the next year or two as a sabbatical, from which you will return refreshed and enthused to live for the Lord. IT people need to meet Christians, see them live the faith authentically and hear the message of Christ explained to them just as much as anyone else does. Although you are feeling discouraged now, if you seek God’s wisdom regarding a return to the IT workforce, praying for Him to provide you a position in which you can be effective as a Christian, then I believe He will honour that.

But in terms of what “career change” you might be able to make after some theological studies, I suggest that many Christian schools might be interested in an IT expert with sound theological training.

Thanks Warren and Doug - very helpful and insightful replies, and it is great we have you out of lurker mode and on the boards!

I too started studing the PTC through Moore: I completed 5 subjects and stopped at the Reformation [much like my theology ;-)].  I agree that study of theology is never a waste of time: it brought great insight and assistance to me.

Warren: I have considered a one/two year sabbatical to stidy theology: in fact, my priest suggested it as well.  It simply scares me a bit: for some odd reason.

Thanks again,
Ian.