I hope the following reflections are helpful and instructive to anyone interested in pursuing graduate theological studies. I suppose they could apply to any graduate studies, but I’ve found them to be true specifically in my time as a seminarian.
1) Proceed prayerfully.
In his Treatise on Prayer, Evagrius Ponticus says, “If you are a theologian, you will pray truly. And if you pray truly, you are a theologian.” Evagrius isn’t suggesting here that there isn’t a place for full-time, vocational theologians. Instead, he’s drawing our attention to the fact that good theology blossoms out of a life of prayer. Why is that? Well, I think it’s because he knew that good theology isn’t done as a dry exercise of rationality. It’s ideally done in the context of a dynamic relationship with the Divine; a dance of discovering theological truth with the Holy Spirit as our partner. So, guard yourself from letting second order theological conclusions replace this first order essential relationship.
2) Don’t be afraid to explore new ideas.
This might not apply to everyone (I know some of you probably already have the explorative spirit), but it’s definitely worth mentioning. Sometimes new ideas are intimidating; it seems like (even if you try really hard) you’ll never quite understand a new bit of metaphysics or epistemology or how some intricate theological doctrine coheres within a particular system. Let me encourage you: ideas don’t bite (at least not at first). Pick the new idea up. Examine it. Play with it. If you see value in it, then keep it. If it lacks appeal (for one reason or another), then set it aside. You are the one in control of your academic explorations so don’t shortchange yourself.
3) Read. Read. Read.
As Erasmus said, “When I get a little money, I buy books. If any is left, I buy food and clothes.” As best you can, this should be your mentality. Read consistently. Read voraciously. Additionally, learn to read effectively. Believe it or not you don’t actually have to read every word of a book to profit from time spent with it. If you don’t believe me check out Mortimer Adler’s How to Read a Book (Here: http://www.amazon.com/How-Read-Book-Intelligent-Touchstone/dp/0671212095). Trust me, you’ll thank me later if you can habituate some of his suggestions.
4) Cultivate more than just your intellect.
When you're in graduate theological studies, there exists a certain seduction to direct all attention towards acquisition of theological knowledge. Assuredly, there is always another book to read. There is always another scholar to listen to. There is always another argument or “novel” idea to muse about. But there is also only one life that you live. And your life consists of more than merely intellect. Your life is composed of many parts in fact: experiences of beauty, celebration of love, devotion to religion, etc. Don’t fool yourself into thinking that it’s suitable to put pursuit of these other elements of life on hold while you “learn about God.” It is a better person indeed who emerges from Seminary having devoted himself to fullness of life than who squanders time on intellectual pursuits alone.
5) Learn to be quiet.
Give yourself the benefit of the doubt. Maybe you’re not as smart as you think you are. Intentionally choose to keep your mouth closed at times in order to open your heart to future charitable exchange. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying you should refrain from exciting conversations (even those that get “heated”). What I am saying is maybe, once you’ve attempted to make your point, you should be quiet and actually listen to what the other person is trying to say. If you’re both committed to the discovery of theological truth, then you should be open to being wrong. Your idea is not the plumb line of all reality. Truth is something of a third thing that you both are striving for. Strive for that truth and not each other’s throats.
2) Don’t be afraid to explore new ideas.
This might not apply to everyone (I know some of you probably already have the explorative spirit), but it’s definitely worth mentioning. Sometimes new ideas are intimidating; it seems like (even if you try really hard) you’ll never quite understand a new bit of metaphysics or epistemology or how some intricate theological doctrine coheres within a particular system. Let me encourage you: ideas don’t bite (at least not at first). Pick the new idea up. Examine it. Play with it. If you see value in it, then keep it. If it lacks appeal (for one reason or another), then set it aside. You are the one in control of your academic explorations so don’t shortchange yourself.
3) Read. Read. Read.
As Erasmus said, “When I get a little money, I buy books. If any is left, I buy food and clothes.” As best you can, this should be your mentality. Read consistently. Read voraciously. Additionally, learn to read effectively. Believe it or not you don’t actually have to read every word of a book to profit from time spent with it. If you don’t believe me check out Mortimer Adler’s How to Read a Book (Here: http://www.amazon.com/How-Read-Book-Intelligent-Touchstone/dp/0671212095). Trust me, you’ll thank me later if you can habituate some of his suggestions.
4) Cultivate more than just your intellect.
When you're in graduate theological studies, there exists a certain seduction to direct all attention towards acquisition of theological knowledge. Assuredly, there is always another book to read. There is always another scholar to listen to. There is always another argument or “novel” idea to muse about. But there is also only one life that you live. And your life consists of more than merely intellect. Your life is composed of many parts in fact: experiences of beauty, celebration of love, devotion to religion, etc. Don’t fool yourself into thinking that it’s suitable to put pursuit of these other elements of life on hold while you “learn about God.” It is a better person indeed who emerges from Seminary having devoted himself to fullness of life than who squanders time on intellectual pursuits alone.
5) Learn to be quiet.
Give yourself the benefit of the doubt. Maybe you’re not as smart as you think you are. Intentionally choose to keep your mouth closed at times in order to open your heart to future charitable exchange. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying you should refrain from exciting conversations (even those that get “heated”). What I am saying is maybe, once you’ve attempted to make your point, you should be quiet and actually listen to what the other person is trying to say. If you’re both committed to the discovery of theological truth, then you should be open to being wrong. Your idea is not the plumb line of all reality. Truth is something of a third thing that you both are striving for. Strive for that truth and not each other’s throats.
(Pt. 2 coming soon)
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