Study Notes

In a little while I'll probably scribble out some thoughts on my first year at Theological College. But in the meantime, I found this, in my list of unpublished posts. It must've been written at the end of my first semester, about six months ago. Should be interesting to see if my reflections have changed, half a year on ...

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The last month or two has felt like a long, mad run as I plowed through essays, presentations, stacks of chocolate and Greek flash cards. I've been juggling my own study with work commitments: some casual tutoring work - giving feedback on students' research essays. I finally finished up first semester last Tuesday, but it's only been now that I feel relaxed and can say - let the holidays begin.

I've been surprised at how difficult it has been, getting back to the study. I'm much more disciplined that I used to be, and there's far less self-pressure/fear: I don't worry about what mark I will get at the end of the semester (though of course I want to do well). But theological study is for knowing God better, and loving him more.

So my conclusion is that theological study is difficult. Its difficulty is two-fold: not only is the content difficult, but the methodology - how to do it well, reveals much about the student. What theology requires of you, as a human being, is difficult.

Theology requires you to be:

- kind (to others, to the lecturer, to oneself)
- humble (Dealing with frustration, anger, grief, dissatisfaction, impatience)
- to pay attention (to the details of God's word, to the details of each others' lives)
- to look failure in the face (The Greek exam)
- to be honest (with yourself, and with others)
- to integrate theology with life, practice with preaching
- to be patient with God, with yourself
- to trust God - to throw oneself into his bosom, and trust that he'll take care of it