Religious studies worthwhile?

[Cifrado]

So over the last year or so iv had my hopes set on university. I haven't made it yet, but I'm moving ever so closer to attaining my goal. I'm a 21 year old currently residing in Iowa, and due to the budget restraints, ill have to stick with an in-state school for my undergrad degree (unless I by chance find the funding). As much as I want a stable career, and as much as the engineering, and medical fields offer this stability, my heart isn't in these things. Rather my heart is on biblical studies. I would love to eventually attend seminary, but I have to first get my undergraduate degree, and I want to study something I enjoy. One option open to me that I'm considering is religious studies from university of Iowa. Its a very liberal minded school mind you, and I know they will be teaching from a evolutionary perspective on religion, but on the other hand, having a broad background in the arguments postulated by liberal scholarship would come in handy for seminary, wouldn't it? Would seminaries even look upon such a degree as a strength in my resume? I'm particularly interested in Near Eastern/Old Testament studies or... possibly New testament studies. You guys got any thoughts?

 

[Need 4 Creed]

It really depends on what you want to do in the end.

The UK context is slightly different, but I studied theology, and later a qualification that would enable me to teach religious studies in secondary school. Only recently have I retrained in order to teach a core language subject (it would have made sense to do this first).

In retrospect, I would have studied a degree that is actually worthwhile in an economic/practical sense. Something that gives me a trade or a profession. After qualifying and gaining experience in the world of work, only then would I think about seminary and ministry.

I think that is the best way.

I see too many go in to ministry before being qualified to work in the world, and if it gets to the point that the ministry does not work out - well many struggle to know what else to do.
Paul was a tradesman, and was always able to return to tent making, and even use it for God's glory.

I would not waste time or money learning about world religions from a liberal institute. I would put the funding and time to good use, and explore seminary after graduation or even after a period of work in the chosen field.

J.J

 

[FenderPriest]

Do a philosophy degree. You'll learn how to think rightly, learn from the best thinkers in history, and you'll learn the best of the core arguments from liberals - and likely learn why they're dead wrong from a philosophical perspective. That was my experience at Auburn University. I don't put much stock in the idea of learning form liberals on how they think. Just read Huffington Post for an hour or so. Your university education should be helping you learn to think critically as well as grow your character in how you think through things. I think a good solid Logic class or two is going to be more useful than, say, Contemporary Studies in Queer and Feminist Theology.

 

[Jack K]

Do a philosophy degree. You'll learn how to think rightly, learn from the best thinkers in history, and you'll learn the best of the core arguments from liberals - and likely learn why they're dead wrong from a philosophical perspective. That was my experience at Auburn University. I don't put much stock in the idea of learning form liberals on how they think. Just read Huffington Post for an hour or so. Your university education should be helping you learn to think critically as well as grow your character in how you think through things. I think a good solid Logic class or two is going to be more useful than, say, Contemporary Studies in Queer and Feminist Theology.

Ditto. Or history. Maybe also pick and choose as electives a few useful courses from the religious studies or classical studies departments, especially languages.

 

[Fogetaboutit]

So over the last year or so iv had my hopes set on university. I haven't made it yet, but I'm moving ever so closer to attaining my goal. I'm a 21 year old currently residing in Iowa, and due to the budget restraints, ill have to stick with an in-state school for my undergrad degree (unless I by chance find the funding). As much as I want a stable career, and as much as the engineering, and medical fields offer this stability, my heart isn't in these things. Rather my heart is on biblical studies. I would love to eventually attend seminary, but I have to first get my undergraduate degree, and I want to study something I enjoy. One option open to me that I'm considering is religious studies from university of Iowa. Its a very liberal minded school mind you, and I know they will be teaching from a evolutionary perspective on religion, but on the other hand, having a broad background in the arguments postulated by liberal scholarship would come in handy for seminary, wouldn't it? Would seminaries even look upon such a degree as a strength in my resume? I'm particularly interested in Near Eastern/Old Testament studies or... possibly New testament studies. You guys got any thoughts?

Also remember that it's a given for a true christian to have his heart set on theology, but it doesn't mean that every christian should be studying to be a pastor. If you have a heart for the ministry and you have examined yourself and believe that you are fit for the ministry according to biblical requirements then that is a different story, but with this scenario you would certainly not opt for a liberal seminary. If the purpose of your studies is not to be a pastor then I would say it's probably a waste of time and money. I would suggest you study toward something that would open you some doors and enables you to get a decent job and provide for a family eventually. The fact and the matter is that most people do not have jobs that actually is also their favorite hobby. Of course you want to do something that you like but there's definitely other things to look at. If you are going to be a layman in the church then one of your primary focus it to provide for your family (or at least set yourself to provide for a future family if you don't already have one). Studying theology is something that can be done as a hobby at home and with the guidance of your pastor and elders, you don't necessarily need to go to seminary for that.

 

[Cifrado]

It really depends on what you want to do in the end.

The UK context is slightly different, but I studied theology, and later a qualification that would enable me to teach religious studies in secondary school. Only recently have I retrained in order to teach a core language subject (it would have made sense to do this first).

In retrospect, I would have studied a degree that is actually worthwhile in an economic/practical sense. Something that gives me a trade or a profession. After qualifying and gaining experience in the world of work, only then would I think about seminary and ministry.

I think that is the best way.

I see too many go in to ministry before being qualified to work in the world, and if it gets to the point that the ministry does not work out - well many struggle to know what else to do.
Paul was a tradesman, and was always able to return to tent making, and even use it for God's glory.

I would not waste time or money learning about world religions from a liberal institute. I would put the funding and time to good use, and explore seminary after graduation or even after a period of work in the chosen field.

J.J

If I were to learn German, or some other language that would benefit me in seminary, like French, would this enable me to make a living teaching that language, or teaching English as a second language? Some of you guys I know know several languages. Have you had any experience in this field?

 

[FenderPriest]

To study academic theology and philosophy, German and (to a lesser extent, but important to the Reformed tradition) Dutch. However, just me dreaming here, if I were looking at a life in theology and thinking about missions and how to best serve the broader church for the next 50 years, I would think of something like Spanish or major Asian language. That would enable me to be able to teach solid theology to Christians and pastors more broadly in the world, and quiet frankly, where most Christians live. I think it would be really exciting to learn solid Reformed theology and join the faculty of a seminary in Central/South America or Asia and help recover the church to Biblical fidelity in those areas of the world.

 

[Cifrado]

So over the last year or so iv had my hopes set on university. I haven't made it yet, but I'm moving ever so closer to attaining my goal. I'm a 21 year old currently residing in Iowa, and due to the budget restraints, ill have to stick with an in-state school for my undergrad degree (unless I by chance find the funding). As much as I want a stable career, and as much as the engineering, and medical fields offer this stability, my heart isn't in these things. Rather my heart is on biblical studies. I would love to eventually attend seminary, but I have to first get my undergraduate degree, and I want to study something I enjoy. One option open to me that I'm considering is religious studies from university of Iowa. Its a very liberal minded school mind you, and I know they will be teaching from a evolutionary perspective on religion, but on the other hand, having a broad background in the arguments postulated by liberal scholarship would come in handy for seminary, wouldn't it? Would seminaries even look upon such a degree as a strength in my resume? I'm particularly interested in Near Eastern/Old Testament studies or... possibly New testament studies. You guys got any thoughts?

Also remember that it's a given for a true christian to have his heart set on theology, but it doesn't mean that every christian should be studying to be a pastor. If you have a heart for the ministry and you have examined yourself and believe that you are fit for the ministry according to biblical requirements then that is a different story, but with this scenario you would certainly not opt for a liberal seminary. If the purpose of your studies is not to be a pastor then I would say it's probably a waste of time and money. I would suggest you study toward something that would open you some doors and enables you to get a decent job and provide for a family eventually. The fact and the matter is that most people do not have jobs that actually is also their favorite hobby. Of course you want to do something that you like but there's definitely other things to look at. If you are going to be a layman in the church then one of your primary focus it to provide for your family (or at least set yourself to provide for a future family if you don't already have one). Studying theology is something that can be done as a hobby at home and with the guidance of your pastor and elders, you don't necessarily need to go to seminary for that.

I think as of now, my ultimate aim is to be engaged in research and become a biblical scholar. Not pastor a church.

 

[Need 4 Creed]

I'd go with Jack's advice, why not study a more 'open' degree that allows you to study several disciplines such as language, history, philosophy, religion etc?

This will allow you to identify your academic strengths (you could also include education as part of your degree and get qualified as a school teacher.) You could always build on it by eventually undertaking a masters and then a doctorate.

 

[fredtgreco]

So over the last year or so iv had my hopes set on university. I haven't made it yet, but I'm moving ever so closer to attaining my goal. I'm a 21 year old currently residing in Iowa, and due to the budget restraints, ill have to stick with an in-state school for my undergrad degree (unless I by chance find the funding). As much as I want a stable career, and as much as the engineering, and medical fields offer this stability, my heart isn't in these things. Rather my heart is on biblical studies. I would love to eventually attend seminary, but I have to first get my undergraduate degree, and I want to study something I enjoy. One option open to me that I'm considering is religious studies from university of Iowa. Its a very liberal minded school mind you, and I know they will be teaching from a evolutionary perspective on religion, but on the other hand, having a broad background in the arguments postulated by liberal scholarship would come in handy for seminary, wouldn't it? Would seminaries even look upon such a degree as a strength in my resume? I'm particularly interested in Near Eastern/Old Testament studies or... possibly New testament studies. You guys got any thoughts?

Also remember that it's a given for a true christian to have his heart set on theology, but it doesn't mean that every christian should be studying to be a pastor. If you have a heart for the ministry and you have examined yourself and believe that you are fit for the ministry according to biblical requirements then that is a different story, but with this scenario you would certainly not opt for a liberal seminary. If the purpose of your studies is not to be a pastor then I would say it's probably a waste of time and money. I would suggest you study toward something that would open you some doors and enables you to get a decent job and provide for a family eventually. The fact and the matter is that most people do not have jobs that actually is also their favorite hobby. Of course you want to do something that you like but there's definitely other things to look at. If you are going to be a layman in the church then one of your primary focus it to provide for your family (or at least set yourself to provide for a future family if you don't already have one). Studying theology is something that can be done as a hobby at home and with the guidance of your pastor and elders, you don't necessarily need to go to seminary for that.

I think as of now, my ultimate aim is to be engaged in research and become a biblical scholar. Not pastor a church.

You're not going to want to hear this, but I would advise you to get a degree that will allow you to be able to find work outside of Biblical studies. I know far too many men who can't find a job after seminary, or who are between calls with absolutely no skills to fall back on to find employment. You statement above makes it worse. The market for "research and Biblical scholars" is virtually nil. AT some point you will need to eat - or worse yet, need to feed a family. Take some classes in philosophy or history, or Bible, but get a degree that can find a job (business, engineering, HR, teaching, etc.). Then if you want to do graduate work, you can (hint: you don't need a Bible or philosophy degree to do that).

And then, even if you can't find employment in Biblical research, you can still do studies, writing, etc., after work and be a blessing to the church, rather than an unemployed burden.

 

[arapahoepark]

So over the last year or so iv had my hopes set on university. I haven't made it yet, but I'm moving ever so closer to attaining my goal. I'm a 21 year old currently residing in Iowa, and due to the budget restraints, ill have to stick with an in-state school for my undergrad degree (unless I by chance find the funding). As much as I want a stable career, and as much as the engineering, and medical fields offer this stability, my heart isn't in these things. Rather my heart is on biblical studies. I would love to eventually attend seminary, but I have to first get my undergraduate degree, and I want to study something I enjoy. One option open to me that I'm considering is religious studies from university of Iowa. Its a very liberal minded school mind you, and I know they will be teaching from a evolutionary perspective on religion, but on the other hand, having a broad background in the arguments postulated by liberal scholarship would come in handy for seminary, wouldn't it? Would seminaries even look upon such a degree as a strength in my resume? I'm particularly interested in Near Eastern/Old Testament studies or... possibly New testament studies. You guys got any thoughts?

Also remember that it's a given for a true christian to have his heart set on theology, but it doesn't mean that every christian should be studying to be a pastor. If you have a heart for the ministry and you have examined yourself and believe that you are fit for the ministry according to biblical requirements then that is a different story, but with this scenario you would certainly not opt for a liberal seminary. If the purpose of your studies is not to be a pastor then I would say it's probably a waste of time and money. I would suggest you study toward something that would open you some doors and enables you to get a decent job and provide for a family eventually. The fact and the matter is that most people do not have jobs that actually is also their favorite hobby. Of course you want to do something that you like but there's definitely other things to look at. If you are going to be a layman in the church then one of your primary focus it to provide for your family (or at least set yourself to provide for a future family if you don't already have one). Studying theology is something that can be done as a hobby at home and with the guidance of your pastor and elders, you don't necessarily need to go to seminary for that.

I think as of now, my ultimate aim is to be engaged in research and become a biblical scholar. Not pastor a church.

You're not going to want to hear this, but I would advise you to get a degree that will allow you to be able to find work outside of Biblical studies. I know far too many men who can't find a job after seminary, or who are between calls with absolutely no skills to fall back on to find employment. You statement above makes it worse. The market for "research and Biblical scholars" is virtually nil. AT some point you will need to eat - or worse yet, need to feed a family. Take some classes in philosophy or history, or Bible, but get a degree that can find a job (business, engineering, HR, teaching, etc.). Then if you want to do graduate work, you can (hint: you don't need a Bible or philosophy degree to do that).

And then, even if you can't find employment in Biblical research, you can still do studies, writing, etc., after work and be a blessing to the church, rather than an unemployed burden.

I concur I am doing something similar for my BA, hospitality hotel concentration minor and really getting involved with my school's HTE program (we have a hotel on campus)to find a hotel job in this growing industry and then go to seminary after awhile and I have something to fall back to.
I was told several times not to take bible studies or theology if I was going to seminary.

 

[Herald]

Nate,

Fred's advice is sound. Either have a degree or a skill that can earn you a living.

Please humor me by letting me get on my soapbox for a moment. There are many young men who are self-called to the ministry. They are sure God wants them to attend Bible college or seminary. They graduate and then find out, sometimes harshly, that God has not called them to vocational Christian service. That can be a difficult providence to accept. This is where your pastor and elders can serve you. Open your heart to them and seek their counsel. Do they observe ministerial graces in you? If so, they can be a source of great wisdom in helping you plan and study for ministry. If their counsel is otherwise, then you would be prudent to accept it.

Even if the right course of action for you would be to earn a degree or skill that can provide a decent living you could still learn the Word of God, and theology, in different ways. Once again, your pastor and elders can help. There are also distance education choices like the school I am attending (see my signature).

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2

 

[Bill The Baptist]

Contemporary Studies in Queer and Feminist Theology

s

I believe this is called prime time television.

 

[Cifrado]

Thank you all for your down to Earth advise. I think what I'm going to do, is save for another year, and then take up either chemical engineering, or an electrician apprenticeship. This way, ill have work waiting for me after I get out of seminary. Iv actually heard electricians make more than some engineers. At any rate, I hope I can make it through because these sorts of technical studies bore me to to death! fluid-dynamics, heat transfer, AC Theory. YUCK! If only janitors made 20 dollars an hour.

 

[Zach]

As someone who is in the process of getting a History degree, Mr. Greco's advice is right on. If I could, I would go back and try to get a business degree. It depends on what you are looking for out of your schooling, but if you are looking for a robust liberal arts education that helps to shape your worldview, a State school will not provide that as well as other schools. In addition to that, without an advanced degree (and sometimes, even with an advanced degree) employment is difficult to find. Go the safe side in your undergraduate schooling.

 

[matt01]

...these sorts of technical studies bore me to to death! fluid-dynamics, heat transfer, AC Theory. YUCK!

You might consider a field that you are a just a bit more interested in.

 

[Philip]

As someone who is in the process of getting a History degree, Mr. Greco's advice is right on. If I could, I would go back and try to get a business degree.

Business (in the opinion of one currently employed as a part-time Church History teacher, full-time as a barista, headed toward seminary, with a BA in Philosophy For what it's worth) is a minor.

I think, Nate, you're better off getting a liberal arts degree that gives you analytical skills that will serve you well across the board and develop your interests. Sounds like you might want to do a trade apprenticeship (if engineering bores you, don't do it) and pursue academics with a view toward serving the church in an academic setting.

 

[Cifrado]

As someone who is in the process of getting a History degree, Mr. Greco's advice is right on. If I could, I would go back and try to get a business degree. It depends on what you are looking for out of your schooling, but if you are looking for a robust liberal arts education that helps to shape your worldview, a State school will not provide that as well as other schools. In addition to that, without an advanced degree (and sometimes, even with an advanced degree) employment is difficult to find. Go the safe side in your undergraduate schooling.

So you're saying I should avoid state schools, and shoot for a private institution? Problem I have with that is, I look at people like Tom V Morris who have attended state schools for their undergraduate degree, and have achieved such successful careers. I mean, that's not my ultimate aim, a career, but its ranked second.

 

[Zach]

As someone who is in the process of getting a History degree, Mr. Greco's advice is right on. If I could, I would go back and try to get a business degree. It depends on what you are looking for out of your schooling, but if you are looking for a robust liberal arts education that helps to shape your worldview, a State school will not provide that as well as other schools. In addition to that, without an advanced degree (and sometimes, even with an advanced degree) employment is difficult to find. Go the safe side in your undergraduate schooling.

So you're saying I should avoid state schools, and shoot for a private institution? Problem I have with that is, I look at people like Tom V Morris who have attended state schools for their undergraduate degree, and have achieved such successful careers. I mean, that's not my ultimate aim, a career, but its ranked second.

It's not that State Schools are all bad (I love Penn State, get great value for it, and really wouldn't have gone anywhere else!) but in my experience it's not the best place to get a strong Liberal Arts education. It's also especially not going to give you one from a Christian worldview. I don't think that's a necessity in higher education, but it can be frustrating at times. I've enjoyed a good bit of what I've been able to do and the classes I've taken. I didn't mean to be so negative on the State Schools as a whole, but I think they are better for non-LA majors.

 

[mercyminister]

Is there a Christian college close by that you can afford? If so, look to a history program with an education certification. Once you have a teaching certificate, you are employable. At this point, you can look at other options and see where the Lord is leading you. I taught high school history for a few years before I went to graduate school. When the Lord was leading me in another direction, I was able to take seminary courses while still teaching.

Although I am not in full time ministry, the Lord has lead me into mercy ministry that I am able to do part time while still teaching (at a community college.) This also allows me to continue with my biblical studies and to continue to mature as a Christian and a servant.

Allow some time to find where the Lord is leading you. If it is full time ministry, you will grow and mature in your Christian life by having a secular work experience prior to going to seminary. Your life's experiences would then be practical rather than all theoretical. You will be able to relate to people moreso when you can relate to their life issues.

Just some thoughts... Please pray for guidance and discernment when deciding on a career choice.

 

[RamistThomist]

So over the last year or so iv had my hopes set on university. I haven't made it yet, but I'm moving ever so closer to attaining my goal. I'm a 21 year old currently residing in Iowa, and due to the budget restraints, ill have to stick with an in-state school for my undergrad degree (unless I by chance find the funding). As much as I want a stable career, and as much as the engineering, and medical fields offer this stability, my heart isn't in these things. Rather my heart is on biblical studies. I would love to eventually attend seminary, but I have to first get my undergraduate degree, and I want to study something I enjoy. One option open to me that I'm considering is religious studies from university of Iowa. Its a very liberal minded school mind you, and I know they will be teaching from a evolutionary perspective on religion, but on the other hand, having a broad background in the arguments postulated by liberal scholarship would come in handy for seminary, wouldn't it? Would seminaries even look upon such a degree as a strength in my resume? I'm particularly interested in Near Eastern/Old Testament studies or... possibly New testament studies. You guys got any thoughts?

Also remember that it's a given for a true christian to have his heart set on theology, but it doesn't mean that every christian should be studying to be a pastor. If you have a heart for the ministry and you have examined yourself and believe that you are fit for the ministry according to biblical requirements then that is a different story, but with this scenario you would certainly not opt for a liberal seminary. If the purpose of your studies is not to be a pastor then I would say it's probably a waste of time and money. I would suggest you study toward something that would open you some doors and enables you to get a decent job and provide for a family eventually. The fact and the matter is that most people do not have jobs that actually is also their favorite hobby. Of course you want to do something that you like but there's definitely other things to look at. If you are going to be a layman in the church then one of your primary focus it to provide for your family (or at least set yourself to provide for a future family if you don't already have one). Studying theology is something that can be done as a hobby at home and with the guidance of your pastor and elders, you don't necessarily need to go to seminary for that.

I think as of now, my ultimate aim is to be engaged in research and become a biblical scholar. Not pastor a church.

You're not going to want to hear this, but I would advise you to get a degree that will allow you to be able to find work outside of Biblical studies. I know far too many men who can't find a job after seminary, or who are between calls with absolutely no skills to fall back on to find employment. You statement above makes it worse. The market for "research and Biblical scholars" is virtually nil. AT some point you will need to eat - or worse yet, need to feed a family. Take some classes in philosophy or history, or Bible, but get a degree that can find a job (business, engineering, HR, teaching, etc.). Then if you want to do graduate work, you can (hint: you don't need a Bible or philosophy degree to do that).

And then, even if you can't find employment in Biblical research, you can still do studies, writing, etc., after work and be a blessing to the church, rather than an unemployed burden.

Which is why I am glad I didn't major in "Religion" at college (learned more from reading books on my own anyway). But if one wants to do an "artsy" major, languages aren't a bad second since translators and school language teachers are wanted.

 

[DMcFadden]

#1 - IF you select a liberal school, do NOT major in religion. It would be a "major" waste of time (e.g. classes in queer theology and feminist theology).

#2 - As someone with more than 200 employees, I say find a field that can feed you and your family. Even as an egghead with multiple degrees "just for the fun of it" I would NEVER hire a person who wanted to be a "researcher" (code word for lazy, shiftless, excuse making, underperforming, and generally useless person from the employer's perspective).

#3 - Get some vocational testing/counseling and identify your passion. You could save a lot of wasted time and money.

#4 - History and philosophy are good majors to teach you to think; business or communications are good majors to allow you a variety of vocational options; technical majors (if you have the skills) are good majors to insure you a job in a field that will not go away; language majors will have lots of utility in the future (esp. Spanish or Chinese, NOT German or Greek).

 

[Grimmson]

#1 - IF you select a liberal school, do NOT major in religion. It would be a "major" waste of time (e.g. classes in queer theology and feminist theology).

#2 - As someone with more than 200 employees, I say find a field that can feed you and your family. Even as an egghead with multiple degrees "just for the fun of it" I would NEVER hire a person who wanted to be a "researcher" (code word for lazy, shiftless, excuse making, underperforming, and generally useless person from the employer's perspective).

#3 - Get some vocational testing/counseling and identify your passion. You could save a lot of wasted time and money.

#4 - History and philosophy are good majors to teach you to think; business or communications are good majors to allow you a variety of vocational options; technical majors (if you have the skills) are good majors to insure you a job in a field that will not go away; language majors will have lots of utility in the future (esp. Spanish or Chinese, NOT German or Greek).

I think Dennis here is absolutely right on then money on all four points. And in regards to his second point, I think 1 Timothy 5:18 should be applied. There are many researchers/ professors who I would personally not hire because of laziness, “excuse making,” and under performance. If you want to be able to raise and feed your family then procure for yourself real skills and would be needed outside the world of the church. You should prepare yourself a way to pay your bills. And I would recommend to make biblical studies part of your devotion to God and a hobby.

And on the point of being able to pay your bills, do not get into debt for religious degree. You will actually be hurting yourself in the long run, both academically and being able to provide for your family, because you will need to pay the piper. You will also be hurting the church in that you would being giving that extra money to pay your student loans when your church probably needs those funds badly for ministry.

Now do not think I have an issue with research. I have been translating a non-biblical Greek text off and on for the last two years. Most of my work actually takes place over the summer and will so again this summer since I am a math teacher. I do use my summers to prepare for next year, but am not going to be in the classroom 10 hours a day like I normally do. Therefore with the extra time that I have I can spend more time on that translation.

 

[RamistThomist]

And on the point of being able to pay your bills, do not get into debt for religious degree.

Exactly. I've made a lot of bad decisions in my life, but on that point I stoood my ground, didn't go into debt, and I am glad of it.