| Msheekha |
| Posted 04/13/11 at 07:41 AM | Reply with quote #1 |
|
Hi guys,
I have a little dilemma, the story is that I work as Business Analyst, am 34 years old and am studying to earn a business degree as I feel that this will assist my career path.
The problem is that I really want to study Christian philosophy/theology, I love God and want to do my part to defend the faith and the doctrine of Jesus Christ, I feel the most effective way to do this (coupled with Biblical knowledge) is by studying the faith in-depth.
I was thinking of studying at a Greek Orthodox college here in Sydney (our doctrines are very similar to the Orthodox) but would appreciate some insight from my learned Christian brethren regarding what I should do.
Please, I appreciate it if all feedback be positive and helpful, it may seem a minor issue to some but to me it means a great deal.
|
| Loading... | |
| johnBee |
| Posted 04/13/11 at 08:15 AM | Reply with quote #2 |
|
Quote: Originally Posted by Msheekha
I love God and want to do my part to defend the faith and the doctrine of Jesus Christ, I feel the most effective way to do this (coupled with Biblical knowledge) is by studying the faith in-depth.
Having followed a similar path aprox. 15 years ago, I found that it was near impossible to study biblical history without falling under the influence of some religion or another. And so I found myself wondering if there were any bibles out there that didn't fall under some religious label? The simple truth is, that all translations are/were subject to some en-doctrinal preferences in some form or another, and so it seemed futile to expect anything less under the circumstances. However, my own research confirmed that the earlier translations shared many common traits in the sense that they were closer to the original texts than the later revisions(altercations). And so I set my focus on whatever older texts I could muster(very exciting btw).
I've also found that being multi-lingual really helped with cross referencing the various translations. Particularly the; French, German and Latin writings.
And finally, perhaps the most invigorating areas of research I've ever experienced were that of the Dead Sea scrolls, which not only contained a plethora of faith building material but were also a great cross-referencing resources due to the level of applied research toward them. Additionally... I've found a number of invigorating sources such as the "Original Bible Project" by Dr. James Tabor, who's work focuses on the preservation of the original Hebrew language and meanings.
Needless to say taking on such a task had gone from everything to a mere section of what could realistically be accomplished given the magnitude of information required to sift through. However, there are no questions as to how exciting and rewarding it is too pursue such a project.
On a side note; Have you ever considered taking-up the work commissioned by Jesus?
PS. please ignore my lopsided writing , English is not my first language. - thx
|
| Loading... | |
| _CTD_ |
| Posted 04/13/11 at 08:19 AM | Reply with quote #3 |
|
I don't see a cut-and-dried situation here. One surely doesn't need formal education to defend the faith. If the Lord leads one way or the other that's the way to go. If He allows you to choose, make the best decision you can.
You might investigate the college a little bit ahead of time. Many "Christian" colleges teach complete junk. They're very fond of scoffer assertions and teach what would generously be called 'conspiracy theories' as established fact.
|
| Loading... | |
| harvey1 |
| Posted 04/13/11 at 08:44 AM | Reply with quote #4 |
|
If you really want to make an impact in Christian philosophy, then I suggest that you study physics (e.g., cosmology) or neurobiology. Get a doctorate in one of those fields and then specialize in them by doing basic research. After you are published and recognized in your area of research, then you can write articles/books on how your science impacts critical Christian beliefs on those topics.
Since you are studying business analysis, you might combine both paths by studying complex systems. It can easily be applied toward business and economics, and then you can later shift toward physics of the early universe, etc.
That's my advice. Take it or leave it. |
| Loading... | |
| pinkey |
| Posted 04/13/11 at 08:47 AM | Reply with quote #5 |
|
Do you want to teach philosophy/theology? If not, then I'd say just keep it as a hobby and study it in your spare time.
In a way I'm kind of in a similar situation. But I'm 18 and I am a first year B.A student (QLD!). I really enjoy philosophy (I'm not very good at it yet). Not just Philosophy of Religion, other branches to. I like the idea of eventually getting a PhD and hopefully teaching at a University. But the thing is, it takes 7 - 9 odd years of study to get a PhD if all goes well, and even then it can be extremally difficult to aquire a job at a University. And further, you will most likely be stuck teaching undergrad's basic stuff most of your days. That being said, it's possible that it could turn out great, being a research professer, writing books etc. So if I can find another area of study that will get an easier to get a job, quicker, and yet still enjoyable; I will probably go that way and just study Philosophy / Theology etc in my spare time.
|
| Loading... | |
| depthcharge623 |
| Posted 04/13/11 at 08:59 AM | Reply with quote #6 |
|
I have thought about this idea a lot too. I am really interested in philosophy and theology but only study it as a hobby right now. I am a Chemical Engineer working for a big chemical firm right now which obviously has little to do with philosophy/theology. The truth is though, people in this industry need to hear the good news too- from an approachable standpoint too. Not many engineers I work with would take someone like WLC or even any atheist philosopher serious because they would take for granted that they know nothing about the real world. They're just philosophers in an ivory tower. By working in an industry like this as an engineer I am able to provide the arguments and reasoning to them (even if they aren't swayed by it) and share the good news in a way that is approachable and respectful. |
| Loading... | |
| harvey1 |
| Posted 04/13/11 at 05:54 PM | Reply with quote #7 |
|
| Philosophy is a critical supplement for science, but most people believe that science holds the important answers. This is why the next generation of professional Christian apologists cannot disappoint that audience by not being experts in science. At one time you could just be a theologian, and then you had to be a philosopher, and now you have to be a scientist. |
| Loading... | |
| skunker |
| Posted 04/13/11 at 06:19 PM | Reply with quote #8 |
|
Dr. Habermas said that some of the best theologians are the ones that went to very liberal colleges. It is there you will be tested and determined whether it is a field you want to get into.
|
| Loading... | |
| _CTD_ |
| Posted 04/13/11 at 11:26 PM | Reply with quote #9 |
|
Quote: Originally Posted by harvey1
Philosophy is a critical supplement for science, but most people believe that science holds the important answers. This is why the next generation of professional Christian apologists cannot disappoint that audience by not being experts in science. At one time you could just be a theologian, and then you had to be a philosopher, and now you have to be a scientist.
Scoffers will not listen and do not set the agenda. God has the capacity to work through any of His humble servants. I suggest you take another look and see whose testimony has been effective, for there is no superficial stereotype that holds. Souls have been and are being saved through the efforts of the poor and wealthy, healthy and sick, young and old.
Indeed, "you have to be a scientist", is as likely as not to be entirely misinterpreted, for 'science' has been redefined and distorted. Time after time I see even well-meaning Christians employing the wrong term and speaking as if "science" opposes the truth. I wish people would consider their words far more carefully. Legitimate science is nothing other than the systematic pursuit of truth. Anything which attempts to avoid truth or deceive cannot be science, but is falsely called by that term.
|
| Loading... | |
| vmancha |
| Posted 04/14/11 at 12:16 AM | Reply with quote #10 |
|
Quote: Originally Posted by Msheekha
Hi guys,
I have a little dilemma, the story is that I work as Business Analyst, am 34 years old and am studying to earn a business degree as I feel that this will assist my career path.
The problem is that I really want to study Christian philosophy/theology, I love God and want to do my part to defend the faith and the doctrine of Jesus Christ, I feel the most effective way to do this (coupled with Biblical knowledge) is by studying the faith in-depth.
I was thinking of studying at a Greek Orthodox college here in Sydney (our doctrines are very similar to the Orthodox) but would appreciate some insight from my learned Christian brethren regarding what I should do.
Please, I appreciate it if all feedback be positive and helpful, it may seem a minor issue to some but to me it means a great deal.
"the word of god is alive and powerful sharper that any two edged sword able to pierce the bone from the marrow the soul from the spirit and judge the thoughts and intents of the heart" "study to show thy self a workman that needith not be ashamed rightly dividing the word of truth"
This has been my call for 35 yrs. I listen to many different teachers at first on real to real tape but now on the Internet many times a week.
There are to many good self tools and books available not to be a scholar of the bible.
http://www.wenstrom.org is my current pastor.
I listen to Chuck Missler at http://firefighters.org/html/author.cfm?Book_ID=1&Author_ID=74
I like Hugh Ross at http://www.reasons.org.
Just reading the biblegateway and its commentaries is a good approach.
|
| Loading... | |
| Msheekha |
| Posted 04/14/11 at 03:31 AM | Reply with quote #11 |
|
Guys, thanks so much for every body's input, I truly appreciate it. I have decided to continue my business degree, learn philosophy and theology in my own time and concentrate on reading the Bible over and over again.
I will definitely look up all the links provided.
For those of you whom suggested I take on a PHD, thanks for your vote of confidence but I have no where near the amount of intellect required to complete a PHD. |
| Loading... | |
