Theology

Does God use an iPhone? Would Jesus be blogging if he were alive today? Of what relevance is religion to present time and modern culture? Theology as an academic discipline seeks to answer the biggest questions humans can ask: Why am I here? Is there a God? What is morality? A critical reading of Biblical texts and vigorous discussion of their impact on the world: past, present and future, enables theologians to make informed choices which benefit individuals, institutions and the clergy themselves.

The course of study leading to a theology degree involves a basic understanding of the Scriptures. This serves as a platform to understand the relationship God has with the world. Students’ involvement with society then grows from this perspective. Degrees within the discipline range from a Bachelors to a Ph.D. The B.T. is a primary degree designed for those entering academia as well as pastoral or other ministries. The Doctor of Philosophy in Theology is the foundational degree for teaching at a seminary, college or university.
Theology courses, whether leading to a bachelors or doctoral degree may specialize in areas of concentration such as: Old Testament, New Testament, Church History, Christian Ethics, Philosophy of Religion, Practical Theology, Theology and Culture, Religion in Modern Culture, and Worship in Culture.

Employment opportunities abound for those with theological degrees. Houses of worship in nearly every creed seek qualified candidates to lead their congregations. Colleges and universities offer teaching positions within their departments of religion. Seminaries seek qualified academic and pastoral theologians to help educate, guide and mentor aspiring clergy. Hospitals and hospice organizations employ chaplains for the comfort of dying patients, their families and friends. Social workers with an MSW/CSW degree combined with a degree in theology are especially prized in hospitals, skilled nursing venues and other long term care facilities.
It is estimated that by 2050, the median age of the United States might rise into the mid 40s or even higher. We are poised to witness a paradigm shift in the attitudes and practices of caring for the elderly. This will include a better way to anticipate and carry out the process of dying itself, as well as the process of grieving afterward. Those with degrees in theology are poised to lead the psychological, spiritual and religious components of this revolution.
Although somewhat outside of what are traditionally regarded areas of employment , one may join a monastery, nunnery or other brotherhood/sisterhood of religiously inspired individuals bent on living a life in meditative reflection and real world service to God. These monks, acolytes and nuns have been inspired to service and often serve as inspiration to others.