What does it mean to be in a graduate school of theology? Seminary or graduate education is not an easy-going place in Hallelujah. It is not a place where students can simply strengthen their faith, but a place where they can examine anything in a critical faithful manner. Often the problem is that they know too much.
Nothing is taken for granted. Graduate school is a rare, invaluable space where they can engage with texts, other readers, and the world. It is a safe space where they can raise questions they have not dared to ask. Paul reminds us of the importance of a critical spirit: "Test everything; hold fast to what is good" (1 Thess 5:21). Students don't have to believe someone simply because of his or her reputation. They have to test everything and tell others what they think is true. Eventually, after testing, they must bear witness without fear or doubt. That is, "hold fast to what is good."
Through critical theological education, they will put on clearer lenses through which they may see the world and themselves differently. For this goal, they need to unlearn what they have known and embrace challenges and new insights. So, I would like to say: "Be open-minded toward the other ways of reading the scriptures. Engage with the Spirit of truth unabashedly. Use your new imagination."
Let me reiterate my point. Graduate theological education is not focused on renewing students' faith but on recreating or reinventing the self through awakening, critical, and integrating consciousness. One's spiritual birth is not complete once and for all (John 3).
I often check myself, asking who I am and what I am doing in theological education. The fundamental truth is this. I am here because of the students. I am imperfect, but my passion for teaching and student success has never swayed. I care for my students and care about their learning and unlearning. Critical study can reshape their understanding of scriptures, society, church, and humanity. I will do everything I can to help them prosper in the end. I will continue to support them, teaching them what they need. I will also learn from them.
- Trust God.
- Trust yourself.
- Trust your instructor.
- Trust each other.
- Trust the process.
- We are in this together.
When you feel there is no hope within you, trust God. When you think you hit the bottom of yourself, that is not the end of the story. Don't beat yourself up. Look up to heaven. Remember that you are precious because of the God whom you can trust. Trust yourself. When you honor your instructor, you may learn more than you expect. When you meet your peers in group discussions, treat them as your learning partners. When things go rough, while going through the hump, ups, and downs, stay the course and do what you can. Ask for help. There is always a way to go over it and to excel. So trust the process. We are all in this together.
Think critically. Ask as many questions as possible. Express yourself clearly. Test everything, including yourself. Walk humbly with God. Below is the summary of my point.
- God is bigger than you. Don't try to resolve everything by yourself.
- God is the ultimate source of hope and life. When you feel weary, in good or bad times, trust God.
- Trusting God means you don't give up. Walk your faith patiently.
2. Have confidence in yourself
- You are a gift of God. You are unique and precious.
- You have much potential. See its value and live it out in your study.
- Otherwise, don't compare it with others. Your comparison won't increase or reduce what you have.
3. Be open-minded toward others
- Open your mind and heart and engage with others freely.
- No learning is possible if you close your mind.
- Your fellows are not competitors but learning partners.
4. Ask a lot of critical, self-critical questions
- Nothing is more important than asking critical questions in graduate school.
- Ask about God, Jesus, the Bible, and yourself. There is no limit to the pursuit of the quest.
- "Test everything and then hold fast to what is good and acceptable" (1 Thess 5:21).
