Ultra-Curricular Work THEOLOGY/RELIGIOUS STUDIES DEPARTMENT What is theology? The word "theology" comes from two Greek words that together mean something like "speech about the divine." As a field of academic study, theology refers to the disciplined investigation of the religious dimension of human experience. The term "theology" can also be used in a more limited sense to describe the beliefs held by a particular religious community. Because religion touches so many aspects of people's lives, the study of theology cuts across many traditional disciplinary boundaries. Like philosophy, it examines what people believe about the nature of reality and why they hold those beliefs. Like sociology, it investigates what people do in social groups and institutions to express their beliefs. Like psychology, it explores what motivates people to adopt a religious outlook on life. And like history, it studies the past as well as the present. In short, theology is a complex and engaging field of study that appeals to people with a broad variety of interests. What do students do with a degree in theology? Students of theology are trained to investigate and interpret human experience using a variety of methods and perspectives. They also learn how to critically analyze the thought-patterns, motives, and actions of individuals and societies. Theology students also have many opportunities to develop their skills in written and oral communication. All of these abilities are important for success in graduate studies and employment in a variety of fields. Link http://theology.nsms.ox.ac. uk/assets Iftles IWhat%200n%20earth%20can%20you %20do%20with%20a%20degree%20in%20theology.pdf Most Theology Faculties are looking for people who like thinking and discussing evidence. In fact, Jesus College, Cambridge web site states, 'We are lookingfor thoughtful, imaginative and willing thinkers who reallY will relish the Theology and Religious Studies': http://wwwjesus.cam.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/sukiectsltheology.html Some Preparation for studying Theology • Give what I have said above. Read good quality newspapers. Theology is about making links between human experience and the religious dimension. One question to think about when reading the news could be ''Where is God in all this?" • Enter one on the Theology Essay Competitions such as that offered by Heythrop. http://"\vww.heythrop.ac.uk/about-us/news-events/heythroptheology-essay-prize-2011.html • Read some of the books listed below. The Making of Modern Theology • Ford, D. F., A Very Short Introduction to Theology (1999) • Migliore, D. L., Faith Seeking Understanding: An Introduction to Christian Theology (1991) • Brown, D., Invitation to Theology (1989) • McGrath, A.E., Christian Theology: An Introduction (1994) • Young, F., The Making of the Creeds (1991) New Testament: The Birth of Christianity • Johnson, L. T., The Writings of the New Testament (1999) • Freed, E. D., The Stories of Jesus' Birth (2001) • Court,]. & K., The New Testament World (1990) • Brown, S., The Origins ofChristianiry (1984) • Tuckett, • Barrett, C. K., The New Testament Background: Selected Documents (1956) • Moule, C. F. D., The Birth of the New Testament (3rd ed., 1981) c., &ading the New Testament (1987) Who is Jesus Christ? • Ford, D F. and Muers R.E. The Modern Theologians (3rd ed) (2005) • Gunton, C ed. The Cambridge Companion to Christian Doctrine • Lash, N Believing Three W -» in One God (1992) • Shortt, R: Cod's Advocates: Christian Thz'nkm in Conversation (2005) • Williams, R: Tokens ofT rust (2007) • Williams, R: Open to Judgement: EJJt9' and Addresses (1994) o World Religions • Neusner,]. & Sonn, T., Comparing &ligions Through Law: Judai.rm and Islam (1999) • McCutcheon, R. T., The Insider/ Outsider Problem in the Stucfy of&ligion: A Reader (1999) • de Lange, N.R.M., An Introduction to Judaism (2000) • Waines, Do, An Introduction to I.rlam (1997) • Lipner, J J, HinduJ: Their ReligioUJ Belieft and Practices (1994) o