May 29, 2007Academic PolemicI live in a theologically intellectual bubble (I promise you that this is due mostly to my surroundings rather than myself). My husband is a full-time student, pursuing a degree in biblical studies, and we live virtually next door to his campus, enjoying all of the theological forums and Bible conferences and spiritual conversations that Christian colleges provide. I also work at a wonderful, theologically sound publishing house, in an office filled to the brim with extremely intelligent, God-fearing people. It also makes for an exhausting existence sometimes. I have come to realize that I am not the kind of soul who is always encouraged by having more questions than answers. Sometimes thinking about the depth of God for too long makes me weary, even confused. I am thankful for academia, thankful for those who are deep theological thinkers and can constantly dive into the mysteries of God and the universe. It truly is a gift to have that calling, and it is these people who often keep the church in check if it swings too far in one direction. But I am not one of those people, and I think it's time I start embracing that aspect of my personality a little more completely. With an appreciation for academia planted firmly behind me for the moment, I am going to try and center my life on one thing: Jesus loves me, this I know. For the Bible tells me so. Posted by Ann Swindell
at May 29, 2007 10:29 AM
At the end of theologian Karl Barth's life, someone asked him what he had learned from his lifetime of theological study and reflection, and he said exactly what you said: "Jesus loves me, this I know." I used to be an academic wannabe geek and read apologetics and theology and biblical studies and four views books for fun. But over the last few years I realized that I'd gotten tired of the endless abstraction and theological debate and nit-picking that goes on in certain circles. I think academic life is one of my alternate realities, a road not taken - I thought about going down the doctoral study route before I concluded that I preferred life in the publishing world. For me, it's a sense of calling - I'm not called to be an academic, but I'm something of a mediator or bridge between the academy and the church, between theology and praxis. And I love being in the world of ideas but also contributing to the life of the church as well. Comment by: Al Hsu at June 12, 2007 9:43 AMThanks for helping to bridge that gap, Al. It's an important role and one I appreciate! Comment by: Ann at June 12, 2007 3:17 PMComments are closed for this entry. |
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