Ultra-Curricular WorkTHEOLOGY/RELIGIOUS STUDIES DEPARTMENT

What is theology?

The word "theology" comes from two Greek words that together meansomething like "speech about the divine." As a field of academic study, theologyrefers to the disciplined investigation of the religious dimension of humanexperience. The term "theology" can also be used in a more limited sense todescribe the beliefs held by a particular religious community.

Because religion touches so many aspects of people's lives, the study of theologycuts across many traditional disciplinary boundaries. Like philosophy, it examineswhat 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 toexpress their beliefs. Like psychology, it explores what motivates people to adopta religious outlook on life. And like history, it studies the past as well as thepresent. In short, theology is a complex and engaging field of study that appeals topeople 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 experienceusing a variety of methods and perspectives. They also learn how to criticallyanalyze the thought-patterns, motives, and actions of individuals and societies.Theology students also have many opportunities to develop their skills in writtenand oral communication. All of these abilities are important for success ingraduate 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 discussingevidence. In fact, Jesus College, Cambridge web site states, 'We are lookingforthoughtful, imaginative and willing thinkers who reallY will relish the Theology and ReligiousStudies': 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 isabout making links between human experience and the religious dimension.One question to think about when reading the news could be ''Where is Godin all this?"

• Enter one on the Theology Essay Competitions such as that offered byHeythrop. http://"\vww.heythrop.ac.uk/about-us/news-events/heythrop-theology-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, c., &ading the New Testament (1987)

• Barrett, C. K., The New Testament Background: Selected Documents (1956)

• Moule, C. F. D., The Birth of the New Testament (3rd ed., 1981)

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'nkmo in Conversation (2005)

• Williams, R: Tokens ofT rust (2007)

• Williams, R: Open to Judgement: EJJt9' and Addresses (1994)

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 ReligioUJoBelieft and Practices (1994)