Is a theology degree worth it?

Summary

In this video, the speaker reflects on their personal journey of obtaining a theology degree from Moody Bible Institute and its relevance to their career. They discuss the financial and career considerations of pursuing a theology degree, emphasizing that it may not directly lead to a job in the field. The speaker encourages prospective students to pursue the degree for the love of the subject and personal growth, not solely for career outcomes. Ultimately, the video explores how a theology degree can shape one's faith and life, regardless of where it leads professionally.

Takeaways

• 😀 A theology degree can be deeply fulfilling if you're passionate about it, but it's important to assess if you can afford the financial investment and time commitment.
• 😀 A theology degree is not necessarily a direct path to a job in ministry. It might lead to other career paths, including jobs unrelated to theology.
• 😀 The decision to pursue a theology degree should be guided by your love for the subject, rather than expectations of securing a specific job afterward.
• 😀 There are many alternative pathways to deepen your knowledge of theology, including reading books independently or opting for hybrid/online courses.
• 😀 Getting a theology degree may not guarantee a career in academia or teaching. For a shot at a tenure-track professor role, a PhD from a top research university is often necessary.
• 😀 Many theology graduates end up working in fields unrelated to their degree but still find fulfillment in applying their theological knowledge in their personal lives and ministry.
• 😀 A theology degree can be an enriching academic and spiritual journey, offering opportunities to study deeply, grow in faith, and develop critical thinking skills.
• 😀 Theological studies often shape the way you think about God, your faith, and your relationships, making it a potentially transformative experience.
• 😀 The primary motivation for pursuing a theology degree should be a genuine desire to grow spiritually and intellectually, not simply to win theological debates.
• 😀 Despite the challenges in finding theology-related jobs, pursuing a theology degree can still be incredibly worthwhile for personal growth and intellectual exploration.

Q & A

What motivated the speaker to pursue a theology degree despite initially wanting to go into medicine?

The speaker was working at a church during high school, and after being offered a full-time job, they fell in love with Ministry. After gaining teaching experience, they wanted to learn more about theology to communicate it better, leading to their decision to pursue a theology degree.

What was the speaker's experience at Moody Bible Institute?

The speaker attended Moody Bible Institute in Chicago and received a degree in theology. Initially, they wanted to become a mega church pastor, but their focus shifted to church history, and they became deeply interested in exploring theology and history.

Did the speaker's theology degree lead to a career in Ministry?

No, the speaker now works in B2B tech public relations, which has little to do with theology. However, they continue to engage with theology and history through their YouTube channel.

What advice does the speaker give about considering a theology degree?

The speaker suggests evaluating whether you can afford the degree, as it may not directly lead to a job in the field. If you are willing to do it for the love of the subject, it could be worthwhile, but the financial and career aspects need to be carefully considered.

What does the speaker mean by asking if you are 'okay with doing this for the love of doing it'?

The speaker emphasizes that pursuing a theology degree can be a passion project and that if you expect it to lead to a specific career, such as teaching theology or becoming a pastor, it may not be the most reliable path. Being okay with pursuing it simply for the intellectual and spiritual fulfillment is key.

How does the speaker view the financial and career prospects of a theology degree?

While the speaker cherished their time at Moody Bible Institute, they caution that a theology degree may not lead to a high-paying job or a career directly related to theology. They advise asking whether the degree is financially viable and if you can be flexible about your career expectations.

What did the speaker learn from their experience with their theology degree?

The speaker learned that a theology degree can deeply shape one's faith, worldview, and intellectual pursuits. While it may not lead to a traditional career in theology, it can provide personal enrichment and the ability to contribute to ministry and discussions in other ways.

What is the speaker’s stance on how a theology degree should shape a person's perspective?

The speaker believes that a theology degree should shape a person both intellectually and spiritually. It's not just about acquiring knowledge or winning debates but about deepening one's faith, developing a richer devotional life, and gaining a broader understanding of God.

What did the speaker say about the job prospects for theology graduates?

The speaker shared that many theology graduates, including those from prestigious institutions, end up in jobs unrelated to theology, such as sales, marketing, or publishing. While it's possible to work in theology-related fields, the reality is that many will pursue different careers while still engaging with theology in their personal lives.

What did the speaker recommend for people who might be considering a theology degree?

The speaker suggests considering different learning options, such as hybrid or online programs, and being realistic about the job market. If you are truly passionate about theology and can afford it, pursuing a degree may be worth it for personal growth, even if it doesn’t lead to a direct career in the field.