Statement of Faith
One of the final requirements needed to complete my Theology degree is to submit a statement of faith, which is an opportunity for me to think through my faith in an integrated way.
The best part about this requirement is that it required me to put together my thoughts and beliefs about my personal theology on a high level. I grew up with parents who were very involved in the church, and thus I was in church every time the doors opened. You’d think that would cause me to think deep about God, church, and spirituality, but it mostly frustrated me and turned me off to all things related to those subjects.
Fast forward past fast living, many mistakes, and a brokenness that transcended my own personal ability to fix it, and I finally had to admit I could've avoided it if I had listened to good old mom and dad (and countless counselors, teachers, youth pastors, etc...) to begin with. God and His word together are the answer to any and every problem in life! Finishing a statement of faith has helped me feel more secure in what I believe, because it's no longer about what my friends/parents/pastor/professor have professed or preached, but what I've studied and found for myself. Looking at both sides of an issue can be uncomfortable. It temporarily (and even sometimes permanently) upsets what you've always known and had confidence in. The process was a big challenge, but the product was worth it. Between my undergraduate and graduate degrees, I've been in school non-stop since October 1999. I should graduate in May. *Whew* I'm ready for a vacation. Uncle Sam has one for me in mid-March, where I'll finish the Chaplain Officer Basic Course, and pick up on the FYCGBH Tour.
The best part about this requirement is that it required me to put together my thoughts and beliefs about my personal theology on a high level. I grew up with parents who were very involved in the church, and thus I was in church every time the doors opened. You’d think that would cause me to think deep about God, church, and spirituality, but it mostly frustrated me and turned me off to all things related to those subjects.
Fast forward past fast living, many mistakes, and a brokenness that transcended my own personal ability to fix it, and I finally had to admit I could've avoided it if I had listened to good old mom and dad (and countless counselors, teachers, youth pastors, etc...) to begin with. God and His word together are the answer to any and every problem in life! Finishing a statement of faith has helped me feel more secure in what I believe, because it's no longer about what my friends/parents/pastor/professor have professed or preached, but what I've studied and found for myself. Looking at both sides of an issue can be uncomfortable. It temporarily (and even sometimes permanently) upsets what you've always known and had confidence in. The process was a big challenge, but the product was worth it. Between my undergraduate and graduate degrees, I've been in school non-stop since October 1999. I should graduate in May. *Whew* I'm ready for a vacation. Uncle Sam has one for me in mid-March, where I'll finish the Chaplain Officer Basic Course, and pick up on the FYCGBH Tour.
posted by winnjr at 1/29/2006 06:08:00 PM
2 Responses:
Very well written. I would be interested to read your "statement of faith" sometime if you are OK with that. I do agree you do deserve a break. I am excited for you to continue the FYCGBH Tour.
Yessss! The FYCGBH Tour!
oh...and the statement of faith thing is cool too. I'm only kidding of course. I bet it was a lot of work, but very well worth it—not only to complete your degree, but understanding why you believe what you believe.
Post a Comment
<< Home