An Interview With Myself
Why Would A 30-Year Technology Professional Get A Master’s Degree…In Theology?
Good question. It’s one I’ve been asked a lot. My Bachelor’s degree was also in theology, and it’s a subject I love to read and write about.
What are you going to use the degree for?
Haven’t the faintest clue.
Why did you do it? I mean, that was quite an investment of time and money.
True, but the Master of Theology (Research) at Edinburgh Theological Seminary is really reasonable cost-wise.
Edinburgh Seminary? Why does your diploma say “University of Glasgow?” And why is it in Latin?
British University thing. The University supervises the Seminary and confers the degrees. And the Latin thing can be expected from a college that is older than my country!
Research, huh? What does that mean?
It means that the entire degree is one long research project. I submitted a research proposal, was accepted, and worked with a faculty advisor to turn my idea into a 30,000 word thesis.Similar to a PhD dissertation, but not quite as rigorous.
Did you get to go to Edinburgh (or Glasgow)?
Sadly, no. Most of my research was during COVID, so I had to get creative, because all the libraries were closed. But I hope to visit my alma mater one day!
So what was your research topic?
I looked at Paul’s use of wisdom in 1 Corinthians 1-4 and whether he drew from Old Testament stories in his conception of wisdom. (Spoiler: He did.)
What’s the title?
“Destroying the Wisdom of the Wise: an Analysis of Wisdom in First Corinthians 1-4 in Light of Hebrew Bible Wisdom Narratives.”
Can I read it?
No. It’ll put you to sleep.
Oh come on. Let me read it!
Fine, but don’t read while operating heavy machinery. You can get a copy from here: John’s Thesis
So now you’re a Master of Theology. What exactly does that mean?
Not all that much. It means I completed an academically rigorous degree. I guess it means that I’m qualified to teach this stuff. I certainly does not mean that I have mastered theology! But I really enjoyed the process.
So you’re not planning to change your career – why go through the trouble?
Mainly, I wanted to see if I still had the academic chops after almost 30 years out of college to pull off something really difficult. (Apparently, I did.) And I was hoping it would open doors for ministry. (It hasn’t yet, but I’m hopeful.)