Theological Reflections: A Personal Journey
Question 1: When you hear the word theology, what comes to your mind?
When I consider the word theology, it evokes thoughts of humanity's perpetual quest to
understand the divine and our relationship with God. Theology, as Etzel and Gutierrez (2014)
explain, is not merely an academic exercise but rather "the study of God and religious truth" that
shapes our understanding of existence itself. This discipline encompasses both systematic
analysis of religious texts and the practical application of faith principles in daily life. It
represents the intersection of faith and reason, where scholarly rigor meets spiritual
contemplation. The word theology brings to mind the methodical exploration of fundamental
questions that have captivated human minds throughout history: Who is God? What is our
purpose? How should we live? These questions form the cornerstone of theological inquiry,
leading to various branches of study, including systematic theology, biblical theology, and
practical theology. As noted by Etzel and Small (2016), theology serves as the framework
through which believers understand their faith and its implications for life. This multifaceted
discipline challenges us to engage both intellectually and spiritually with matters of ultimate
concern. Moreover, theology reminds me of the dynamic relationship between divine revelation
and human interpretation, where ancient wisdom meets contemporary understanding in an
ongoing dialogue that shapes religious thought and practice.
Question 2: What experience have you had in your past with the study of theology?
My personal experience with theological study has been primarily through informal
channels and self-directed learning. I have had no necessity to take classes in theological training
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yet, but my journey has been marked with religious scriptures, community discussions, and
reflections. As such, theological understanding, according to Etzel and Gutierrez (2014), is
developed through avenues of personal study, community, and practical applications. I have been
exposed to theology throughout my life through the attendance of religious services, Bible study
groups, and personal devotion. Laying the ground to understand basic theological concepts and
practical applications of the concepts learned is derived from these activities. According to the
suggestion of Etzel and Small (2016), theological learning often precedes formal learning within
the context of lived experience. This exposure to theology has also been recreated through the
reading of religious literature, interfaith dialogues, and reflections on how theological principles
inform day-to-day ethical decision-making. Although these experiences have not been formally
structured, they nonetheless instill an appropriate appreciation for the complexity and richness
possible within theological inquiry.
Additionally, I’ve found great value in participating in online theological forums and
digital study groups, where diverse perspectives challenge and enrich my understanding. These
modern platforms have exposed me to theological discussions that span different denominational
backgrounds and cultural contexts. As Etzel and Gutierrez (2014) note, such varied exposure
“enhances our appreciation for the breadth and depth of theological thought” (p. 67). The
integration of traditional study methods with contemporary learning platforms has provided a
more comprehensive theological foundation than I initially anticipated.
Question 3: Besides a passing grade, what do you hope to take away from this course?
Looking ahead to this course, my aspirations extend far beyond achieving a satisfactory
grade. I hope to develop a more structured and comprehensive framework for understanding
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theological concepts and their practical applications in contemporary life. As Etzel and Gutierrez
(2014) emphasize, effective theological study should lead to transformed thinking and living. I
aim to gain tools for more rigorous biblical interpretation and theological analysis, enabling me
to engage more deeply with religious texts and traditions. Understanding the methodological
approaches to theology will, according to Etzel and Small (2016), help me bridge the gap
between merely theoretical knowledge and practical application. Also, I want to--and hope to--
learn about the great diversity of theological perspectives and how such a landscape transitions
into implications for interfaith dialogue and understanding. The course represents an opportunity
to extend my theological horizon and strengthen my abilities to thoughtfully articulate and apply
religious principles in personal and professional contexts.
Beyond these academic goals, the practical skills I foresee for theological research and
writing are those that will see me through many years beyond the four walls of the classroom. In
fact, as Etzel and Small (2014) cite, there is indeed a need to develop theological literacy that
would transform thought and practice. In this perspective, the more I analyze and interpret in this
course, the better prepared I foresee myself being to intelligently discuss and hence contribute
toward the spiritual development of my community. Additionally, I wish to develop a more
profound insight into how theological principles can be communicated effectively and applied
within a wide array of life circumstances.
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References
Etzel, G., & Gutierrez, B. (2014). Theology applied: A living faith. Chattanooga, TN: B&H
Academic.
https://app.logos.com/books/LLS%3AWS_15BF52D8087C41108E19553D93AFD6F9/
references/page.29
Etzel, G., & Small, R. N. (2016). Everyday series: Theology. Chattanooga, TN: B&H Academic.
https://app.logos.com/books/LLS%3AWS_6D3350A5ECEC4F17B545E9E81CC6B6FA/
references/page.1
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