Should i take theology?

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BlurrD89

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All the time, i have been trying my best to discern my own profession/vocation. i am 22 this year and i dont have college/uni degree. 4 years ago, i graduated from Pre-U/Foundation and i took some time off after that. i have tried many things, like applying pilot course, nursing, doctor, writer, etc etc you name it, i’ve tried it. Back in 2007, which i just graduated from high school, and i went to NZ to further my studies. i took foundation of applied science. but it doenst work out, so i quitted halfway. Last year, i took hospitality course coz my brother recommended me. He told me that his friends were graduated from that course becoz it is easy to pass. when i took it, i knew it was not my thing. so i quitted halfway too. I decided to take 3 years to figure out what I want.

So recently, i am interested in Theology. But i have doubt on myself because I have a habit of starting something, realizing it’s not my thing, and quitting. I was just having a conversation with my mom and dad. They told me that thats how my pattern and that that’s what I’ll end up doing. They are non- practicing Catholics and is very much against the Church in many ways. They doesn’t understand my experience of God, and it breaks my heart that I can’t share this with her. But at the same time, it scares me…what if they are right? What if I quit this too?
I’ve been considering for quite some time now, if that’s what I’m called to do. Usually, i went to church when i was a kid but it turns out that i dont know anything bout church,bible, holy spirit etc. Sooner or later, i was drifted away from church life bcoz it look appealing to me anymore. But this time, i came back to church roughly 5 months ago. It’s wonderful. Finding God, finally feeling His presence was the most amazing thing I’ve ever experienced. Never in my life have I felt happier. I have tried many things just to fill the emptiness within me but it brings more pain to myself till i find Him. i felt so fulfilled and contented.

It’s so challenging to me, Allthe time i have been thinking: ‘I feel this is what I want to do’, at the same time i am saying this to myself, ‘I think this is what I want to do…?’ I don’t know if this doubt are alert signs, or if it’s just my mind making me unable to see clearly because of all the fear that’s there.

Any advice? Have any of you experienced this? Is there anyone out there that’s a Theology major that would have a few things to say? I still have some months to make up my mind regarding Theology…
 
I would take the course. Even knowledge that would be learned in only half the year would be knowledge learned about God, and therefore valuable. Don’t be afraid of your own personal history, but strive to overcome yourself if the urge to quit comes again, if you feel that this is what God wants you to do. I would advise praying to God, and asking Him what He wants you to do with your life. Even if you don’t feel a response from God at first, keep at it. He will give you an answer at the time it would be best for you to learn it, whether it be sooner or later in your life.

I hope this helped.
 
If you do take the theology course, then what? What are your goals afterward? I think you need some long term plans before you decide what you want to do next. I have a younger brother who has tried many things also, but at age 50 he never settled on one thing, and now he is looking at his retirement years with no real financial security. He never stayed anywhere long enough to get the good promotion, the nice raise or the training to advance.
 
I would not invest any more many in any kind of higher education until you determine, with guidance counselling from your high school or college, what career you wish to pursue. It is a waste of time and money and you are taking the place of a serious student.

If you decided to get a theology degree what would be your purpose in so doing? Do you plan to go onto seminary? to work in a field serving the Church where this is a prerequisite? It is fine to study any subject simply for your own interest to grow in knowledge, I don’t mean every degree has to be a ticket to a job, but you can’t afford to keep beginning and dropping college courses.

99% of saints who have a deep relationship with God did not have theology degrees, so by itself it does not say anything about your spiritual condition, nor does it necessarily mean you are growing spiritually.

You have not said anything here to convince us God is calling you to this study, so it is hard to see how you will convince your parents, who are paying for this. While you are taking the time to plan for you future definitely take some remedial English grammar and writing courses, which will advance your academic and career performance immensely.
 
As the others have said, I can’t see much reason to recommend studying just to study (you can do that online or at the library, for free), without regard to what the end goal would be. If you think you might have a vocation to the priesthood, explore that. Much of what you have said–trying other things and finding no fit, hesitating because of family–are things I have heard in the story of many a priest, so if that is you, bite the bullet and start looking at vocational discernment. But be prepared to handle setbacks–they may want you to wait a year or two precisely to test whether this really is something you can stick to (nothing personal, this is almost always asked of those new to the faith.)

If not, realise that a theology degree is not going to get you much closer to answering any of your questions about what to do with your life. Whatever you end up doing, Jesus wants to be a part of that. But if you are being called to some other profession than the priesthood or religious life, then you would probably be better off training for your secular career, and forming yourself spiritually in parallel, rather than simply studying theology.

[That said, I have a secular career and did study theology, so this advice does hold an element of ‘do as I say, not as I do’!]
 
BlurrD89 said:
All the time, i have been trying my best to discern my own profession/vocation. i am 22 this year and i dont have college/uni degree. 4 years ago, i graduated from Pre-U/Foundation and i took some time off after that. i have tried many things, like applying pilot course, nursing,** doctor**, writer, etc etc you name it, i’ve tried it. Back in 2007, which i just graduated from high school, and i went to NZ to further my studies. i took foundation of applied science. but it doenst work out, so i quitted halfway. Last year, i took hospitality course coz my brother recommended me. He told me that his friends were graduated from that course becoz it is easy to pass. when i took it, i knew it was not my thing. so i quitted halfway too. I decided to take 3 years to figure out what I want.

So recently, i am interested in Theology. But i have doubt on myself because I have a habit of starting something, realizing it’s not my thing, and quitting. I was just having a conversation with my mom and dad. They told me that thats how my pattern and that that’s what I’ll end up doing. They are non- practicing Catholics and is very much against the Church in many ways. They doesn’t understand my experience of God, and it breaks my heart that I can’t share this with her. But at the same time, it scares me…what if they are right? What if I quit this too?
I’ve been considering for quite some time now, if that’s what I’m called to do. Usually, i went to church when i was a kid but it turns out that i dont know anything bout church,bible, holy spirit etc. Sooner or later, i was drifted away from church life bcoz it look appealing to me anymore. But this time, i came back to church roughly 5 months ago. It’s wonderful. Finding God, finally feeling His presence was the most amazing thing I’ve ever experienced. Never in my life have I felt happier. I have tried many things just to fill the emptiness within me but it brings more pain to myself till i find Him. i felt so fulfilled and contented.

It’s so challenging to me, Allthe time i have been thinking: ‘I feel this is what I want to do’, at the same time i am saying this to myself, ‘I think this is what I want to do…?’ I don’t know if this doubt are alert signs, or if it’s just my mind making me unable to see clearly because of all the fear that’s there.

Any advice? Have any of you experienced this? Is there anyone out there that’s a Theology major that would have a few things to say? I still have some months to make up my mind regarding Theology…
Click to expand...
Just curious, how have you tried being a doctor without 4 years of undergrad, 4 years of med school, and another 2-4 years of residency/interning? Doctor isn’t just something you can pick up and try… unless you’re talking about one of those whacky alternative medicine quakery doctors;)
 
I have studied Theology extensively and can tell you first hand that it is not easy. A lot of it is research and research and very very deep. It certainly is not easy. I teach in a lay formation program that is not college level and a lot of the students have a hard time, especially when it comes to the Christology and Ecclesiology courses Even in the course I teach the best, Foundations of Spirituality, some of the students have a difficult time especially when it comes to analyzing that material and writing about it.

If you are simply interested in theology there are courses in you local diocese that will help you, or some free online courses available. If after doing this you still have the desire to go further then you could take courses on the college level. Also you should know what you want to do with your studies. Do you want to work for the church (not much money to be made), do you want to go into religious life, or is it just for your own personal knowledge? If the latter is true then try to take adult education courses from the diocese or parish. It will save you a lot of money and if you don’t like it then nothing is lost,
 
Theology courses can do two things to a person: get them curious about their faith or pull them very far away. I think you need to ask yourself why are you so curious and try to take a course that truly interests you and not for the sake of it. My theological courses really helped me with my discernment into the Catholic church but the reason why they were so helpful was due to the following reasons:
  1. I had a God following teachers. This makes a huge difference because they teach what they believe, If the teacher isn’t a god following teacher, don’t take a course because it will have a negative affect. You can find out what they believe by asking the prof what denomination they are and if they practice it. I’ve has several who weren’t practicing and it made a huge difference in the class atmosphere and more.
  2. I took courses that interested me and I had some good teachers.
  3. I wasn’t afraid to ask questions nor was I afraid to drop a course when the teacher was going to be incompetent or a jerk.
  4. I prayed about it.
I believe considering your history, you need to pray about it and see if God is truly leading you towards this direction. If the answer is yes, go ahead, take a few courses and see where it leads. People will always criticize you and say where they believe you should go, you need to pray and do what feels best for you. Journeys are filled with lots of starts and stops. Eventually you will have to finish something. Maybe this is your area, only time will tell. Education never totally goes to waste. For example, after High school, I did a year of nursing before studying literature. Finished that and did a degree in Creative writing and public policy then continued and did a certficate in pastoral ministry and now starting a masters in theological studies. Everything connects itself and slowly the pieces will connect to each other.

I think you should also consider what Joannm said. She has some good points what you need to take it into prayer. These local courses will give you a good starting point plus they are alot cheaper as well.

It’s important to find your passion and then use it to serve God and spread the gospel to the best of your ability.

Good luck,
SG
 
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