Insecurities as an Apologist

[franciscanheart]

I have been having a lot of really big doubts lately about pursuing a degree in Theology. I'm really nervous that I'm not smart enough or good enough at apologetics and such to be earning the degree I want. I think I've said this before and I'm sure I've asked this before but....

Did yall go through this too? Do you still go through it? How do you overcome it? Is it a sign?

[Benedict]

One would hope you would pursue a degree in theology for more than just apologetics. I happen to really like theology, though I am still a beginner. I also happen to really like learning and going to school. But I do not foresee getting a theology degree.

[franciscanheart]

Oh I definitely would want to pursue such a degree for more than apologetics!

Heres the thing:
I look at my competancy in apologetics and use that as a base for how well I will do simply studying theology. If I can't utilize what I already know, and research well, and write well, and explain well... how the heck do I plan on earning my degree and using it well?

[Theologian in Training]

[quote name='hugheyforlife' date='Sep 23 2005, 10:11 PM']Oh I definitely would want to pursue such a degree for more than apologetics!

Heres the thing:
I look at my competancy in apologetics and use that as a base for how well I will do simply studying theology. If I can't utilize what I already know, and research well, and write well, and explain well... how the heck do I plan on earning my degree and using it well?
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By knowing that what you learn will give you what you need to speak the words you need to speak. Then let the Spirit speak on your behalf, drawing upon what you know. Theology, though the study of The Word of God Theos = God Logos = Word, makes much more sense and can be spoken quite clearly with the grace, help, and assistance of the Holy Spirit.

Don't worry about what you say or how you will say it, you need not be a great orator, just one willing to learn, from the foot of the teachers and the foot of the cross.

God Bless

[Fiat_Voluntas_Tua]

I would not consider myself a very educated Theologian. However I am in the pursuit of a Theology degree from Benedictine College. The thing that I try to remember is that it takes much much discipline to obtain knowledge especially about Him who is Infinately knowable. Never stop growing in knowledge. That is man's proper function.

Totus Tuus,
Andrew jaeger

[Anastasia13]

[quote name='hugheyforlife' date='Sep 23 2005, 01:37 PM']I have been having a lot of really big doubts lately about pursuing a degree in Theology. I'm really nervous that I'm not smart enough or good enough at apologetics and such to be earning the degree I want. I think I've said this before and I'm sure I've asked this before but....

Did yall go through this too? Do you still go through it? How do you overcome it? Is it a sign?
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I'm not a formal theology student but I think I have some idea of what you're describing would be like. I've never felt like I've been very good at theology. My brother was into it long before I was and my mom would have certain insites and I remember them having conversations where I felt largely lost. Lately I've come to really like theology. You might recall the thread I made here a short bit ago about what do you do when you feel like you have nothing but spam to offer? Well, there is still so much I don't get and yet my mom thinks from seeing some of the stuff that I've written lately that I'm good at explaining theology. In my limited experience as an informal student of theology, it seems part perseverance and part devinely inspired insite that helps piece those ideas together. I almost love those moments when that happens. I guess I try to use my insecurity as a reason to shut up and read, or find another topic if I can/want to.

[quote name='hugheyforlife' date='Sep 23 2005, 07:11 PM']If I can't utilize what I already know, and research well, and write well, and explain well...
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You learn to do that better in school. Probably all of us do. No worries.

Edited September 24, 2005 by Light and Truth

[franciscanheart]

Quite frankly I'm nervous about any degree. The college atmosphere is very intimidating and I have doubts about doing well anywhere, studying anything. Theology is such a complex subject and there are so many things no one can ever fully explain. It's not like math or history or english. All of those are explainable. I don't know... thanks for the responses.

[Thy Geekdom Come]

The most important thing in theology is openness to learning and conversion. We learn and therefore desire conversion. We convert, and therefore desire to learn.

It is an ongoing process...don't worry about feeling unfit or unsuitable or incapable...those are things Satan tries to burden us with...just seek to learn about God and to follow Him and you will do well.

Even St. John Vianney was a crappy student...but he sought to know God and love Him...and out of that, he professed wisdom and knowledge of theology beyond most other theologians.

God desires all people to know Him and love Him...He has a plan for you to do it, too, a way for you to live that out...no worries.

[Theoketos]

Getting a degree in apologetics is waaaaaaaaay different than a degree in just general theology.

To be a good apologist you will first need to a broad foundation.

Lastly, only something like 15% of people have the same job field they got thier major in.

No Worries.

[Theoketos]

Plus you are freaking light years ahead of me when I entered college.

[franciscanheart]

Thanks Micah. Thanks James.


I'm just glad I've established a good line of communication with St. Thomas or I don't where I'd be! :