Is academic ambition sinful?

[Alphadux]

Hello there everyone, I’m sort of new to these boards – actually, I’ve been a member for some time but don’t actually come on very often. Anyway, I have a question regarding ambition.

Basically, without going into much detail, how can one function in the academic world without being ambitious? My goal right now is to pursue a career primarily in theology, though I do spend time studying philosophy as well, a topic of which I’ve considered pursuing a degree in on top of my planned theological graduate studies.

My problem, however, is that I feel much of my motivation is the result of pride. In fact, I think it’s safe to say that it is. I study because I want to be good in my field – I don’t want to be looked upon as ignorant to things relevant to my discipline. Perhaps one could compare me to an athlete who forces himself to practice for the sake of success. Is this wrong, though? Is my drive sinful? If I get rid of it, I fear that I won’t be a very good theologian. I’m not sure what to make of all this. Any ideas?

 

[Newbie2]

It’s not a sin to be the best that you can be in any particular vocation. And if that means that you have the potential to be the best theologian in history, that’s OK too.

Drive and ambition in itself is not sinful, as long as it is directed to the Glory of the Lord.

If you want to be the best because of the acclaim it will bring you, yep, it’s probably bordering on sin. If you want to be the best in order to do the best with what God gave you and your primary goal is to glorify the Almighty, go for it.

Athletics are a little different in that in wanting to be the best it means that one then another must be second best, third best, etc. However, in academics, two or more people can be equally as brilliant in their field.

 

[rapunzel77]

There is nothing wrong with wanting to do well and having ambition to excel. If no one had a drive to excel then we would be in worse shape than we are right now. No, there is nothing wrong with wanting to pursue excellence. The problem becomes when you think that you can do it all by yourself or that you think you are so much more superior than other people. That is one of the drawbacks of being in academic circles. I love academia but I also know that the people there are not always the brightest either. The key is to have humility while pursuing excellence.

 

[RoseRed2]

I don’t think that academic ambition is sinful. If you’re just trying to pursue knowledge and not be superior to others, you should be fine.

 

[Alphadux]

I think that to a large degree I do do it to be superior to others. Now, that’s not to say I rub it in their faces; but deep down I very much feel the drive to be better. And I wonder how I could give up such a desire and become a respectable academic.

 

[Musicadmirer]

I think that to a large degree I do do it to be superior to others. Now, that’s not to say I rub it in their faces; but deep down I very much feel the drive to be better. And I wonder how I could give up such a desire and become a respectable academic.

My suggestion would be to just focus on learning with the desired outcome of fully understanding any given subject in any given semester/trimester. A misplaced concentration on being #1 will only make you insecure when the numbers are supplied and you’re not at the top of the list. Learn for the sake of God, not for yourself. Work has greater meaning when you offer it up to God.

 

[Milesius]

Put your ambition and your work in the service of Christ instead of yourself.

What do you hope to achieve from your study of theology? What could you achieve for Christ thorough that study?

Often they are linked.

 

[Joe_5859]

I think that to a large degree I do do it to be superior to others. Now, that’s not to say I rub it in their faces; but deep down I very much feel the drive to be better. And I wonder how I could give up such a desire and become a respectable academic.

I agree wtih Newbie that, so long as ambition is directed towards the glory of God and not vainglory, it is fine.

Of course, being fallen human beings, pride is a very real temptation. Even our good deeds are as polluted garments (Isaiah 64:5). You admit that pride is a factor, but I doubt your motivation is solely pride. I don’t think this means you have to abandon all academic pursuits. Rather, dedicate yourself to prayer and really strive to more and more root out the pride from your life (of course, it is really God that is doing the rooting out ). That’s what the spiritual journey is all about: continually striving to grow in holiness.

Humility, humility, humility. That’s the key.

 

[budgie2]

Hello there everyone, I’m sort of new to these boards – actually, I’ve been a member for some time but don’t actually come on very often. Anyway, I have a question regarding ambition.

Basically, without going into much detail, how can one function in the academic world without being ambitious? My goal right now is to pursue a career primarily in theology, though I do spend time studying philosophy as well, a topic of which I’ve considered pursuing a degree in on top of my planned theological graduate studies.

My problem, however, is that I feel much of my motivation is the result of pride. In fact, I think it’s safe to say that it is. I study because I want to be good in my field – I don’t want to be looked upon as ignorant to things relevant to my discipline. Perhaps one could compare me to an athlete who forces himself to practice for the sake of success. Is this wrong, though? Is my drive sinful? If I get rid of it, I fear that I won’t be a very good theologian. I’m not sure what to make of all this. Any ideas?

Vanity, vanity all is vanity in terms of academic success. It’s up to you. Sometimes it’s easier to study than work. I got the best marks in my school, and then I felt really proud and stuck up so I flunked a couple of exams. Since then I’ve aimed to be a saint so you could also for sainthood but you might still need qualifications to support a family.