Hilde Posted March 23, 2009 Share Posted March 23, 2009 I'm taking the first year of theology which can be taken independently, but I kind of want to continue with it. What to do? Maybe I'm going to take one more year anyways, just for kicks, and then complete a bachelor degree later in life.(I graduated from high school spring 08) If I don't, I'm going to study pharmaceutical science or something like that. So [size=6]HELP[/size]. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tinytherese Posted March 23, 2009 Share Posted March 23, 2009 You can do more with a bachelor's degree in theology than you might think. Though you might have to do graduate work in theology or religious education. You can become a pastoral associate youth minister director of youth ministry director of religious education director of adult faith formation director of CCD young adult minister campus minister teacher of theology at a catholic high school You can also use a bachelor's degree in theology to go on to school to be a canon law lawyer or theology professor. If you're fortunate enough, you can even get a position to not only be a theology professor but to do research on behalf of the school. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CatherineM Posted March 23, 2009 Share Posted March 23, 2009 Chaplain Spiritual Director When I grow up, I think I'll go back to working in the tribunal. They want me to take over the Social Justice office, but my husband is afraid I'll get into too much trouble. I also think it might be interesting to work my way up to spiritual adviser at the national level in CWL, but I'd have to get over my fear of flying. I may just end up as a part time instructor at the seminary, God Help the seminarians. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
icelandic_iceskater Posted March 23, 2009 Share Posted March 23, 2009 I'm planning on double majoring, that way if I can't get a job with what will (hopefully) be my theology degree I'll have other options. It seems like most churches nowadays can't afford a youth minister or whatnot on top of a DRE... at least not in my area. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ziggamafu Posted March 23, 2009 Share Posted March 23, 2009 You could be a local evangelist / apologist, speaking and writing for cash. You could go all the way and gun for a college-level teaching position. You could try to get a job in Catholic media (radio / tv) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
princessgianna Posted March 23, 2009 Share Posted March 23, 2009 what about a theological professor at a catholic collage /seminary ! ---------------- Listening to: [url="http://www.foxytunes.com/artist/matt+maher/track/unwavering"]Matt Maher - Unwavering[/url] via [url="http://www.foxytunes.com/signatunes/"]FoxyTunes[/url] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cmotherofpirl Posted March 23, 2009 Share Posted March 23, 2009 There are lots of catholic schools that need faithful catholic teachers, some of them just don't know it yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lil Red Posted March 23, 2009 Share Posted March 23, 2009 [quote name='tinytherese' post='1814275' date='Mar 22 2009, 06:35 PM']youth minister director of youth ministry director of religious education director of adult faith formation director of CCD young adult minister campus minister[/quote] +J.M.J.+ also, director of RCIA. anyway, these ones are really needed!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StColette Posted March 23, 2009 Share Posted March 23, 2009 Parish Secretary too. I know it doesn't sound that glamorous but it is one of the most important positions in the parish. You have to be pretty knowledgeable in Theology and be prepared to handle the schedules of the priests. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scardella Posted March 23, 2009 Share Posted March 23, 2009 <tongue-in-cheek>You could get your MRS.</tongue-in-cheek> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hilde Posted March 23, 2009 Author Share Posted March 23, 2009 The Catholic Church in Norway is not very big so my options are limited. But maybe I'll be able to get jobs like that. And of course, one thing to do with a bachelor degree is get a masters degree. I even have past experience with confirmation work and choir leader.(Not Catholic) Anyways, I'm in that classic dilemma of having to choose between something I'm really interested in, with an unsure job market and not that great of a salary, and the studies that'll almost definitely give me a job and high pay. But i might do both anyways. Studying is not as expensive here as in the US. Maybe I'll be a teacher at my school and stay there forever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaime Posted March 23, 2009 Share Posted March 23, 2009 here's a nickels worth of free advice Hilde Study what moves you. Study your passion. If its theology, go for it. But do not study for "what can I do with it out of school?" Personally I think that serves as a detriment to people. I got my degrees in theology and music. Then later I got a masters in psychology. I've worked in churches and I've been successful in the private sector. And I've been recognized as an expert in acoustics (of all things) by the states of Texas and California. The key is that you are willing to keep on learning outside of school. But school is the only time that you get to be really selfish and learn what moves you!! Oh and also, if you want, you would be well within your rights to change your religion to Catholic (rcia). You do not need to be in full communion with the Church to be called Catholic. You only have to show a desire to be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maggyie Posted March 23, 2009 Share Posted March 23, 2009 If you are going to study theology, go "all the way" and get your PhD! Then you could be a university professor... let's just say tenure is a super nice thing to have. Do they have the tenure concept in Norway? Personally I think studying theology only at the bachelor's or even master's degree level is a waste of time, money, resources, etc. Someone with only a bachelor's degree in theology is never going to be more than an armchair theologian. If your primary goal is to learn more about your faith, you can study it as a hobby and become just as well-informed as someone with a B.S. in Theology However if Norway is really all that much cheaper than the US maybe you should go for it! The main problem in the U.S. is that there is hugely hard to support a family with a theology degree (unless you're already rich). Personally I think in the US there are WAY more people studying theology than are actually called to it. That is my major beef with schools like Franciscan, they do NOT really help their students discern their theology degree, they are happy to take the students' loan money and then down the road the alumni have to pay the price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sojourner Posted March 24, 2009 Share Posted March 24, 2009 [quote name='Maggie' post='1815022' date='Mar 23 2009, 05:52 PM']Personally I think studying theology only at the bachelor's or even master's degree level is a waste of time, money, resources, etc. Someone with only a bachelor's degree in theology is never going to be more than an armchair theologian. If your primary goal is to learn more about your faith, you can study it as a hobby and become just as well-informed as someone with a B.S. in Theology [/quote] I agree, to a point. I think the classroom experience is extremely valuable, even for a bachelor's or master's degree in theology. Not only can discussions help you more fully explore ideas than you would otherwise, but I have found that professors are fantastic resources for other information on topics I'm interested in. I have a huge list of reading materials I have been compiling in classes over the past few years. However, I don't think it's responsible to pursue a degree without some sense of the economic impact that decision will have on your future. It's not the only consideration, certainly, but I think it's easy to forget that the educational choices we make can have long-term impact, both positive and negative, on the way we live and the roads we're able to take. I seriously considered a master's in theology but one of the problems would have been that I would need to take out substantial living expenses and tuition loans to do the program. If I had been able to do the program loan-free, or at a lower cost, I might have been more open to it. But the reality of the situation is that accumulating debt can close off options that would otherwise be open. This is not to say God cannot provide, but we also bear responsibility for the encumbrances we take on. Clearly, there are jobs available for women with theology training, and if that's the way you feel called to work, then God speed in your studies. But do be aware that this decision can adversely impact your personal economic situation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hilde Posted March 24, 2009 Author Share Posted March 24, 2009 I think I'll study there for one more year. I don't want to be just an "armchair theologian"because the lectures are giving me so much and I get to meet and be with a great bunch of people. Dr.Hilde...hmm..that sounds fine to me. i don't know what you mean by tenure so I'm taking a wild guess. Someone who has a masters degree can work 25% at the school and write their doctor thingy. You know, this is a really difficult decision for me. And about the religion, I can change it if it's okay with you all, it's just that I didn't want to deceive anyone. All baptized are Catholics, but some are in schism. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now