The Awkward Major

Being a college student as well as studying at a community college people always ask me what I plan to major in. I have to admit that I do enjoy this question most of the time because I know I will at least get some reaction, many times it is mixed, sometimes people are caught off guard, other times it can be a little awkward when I give the answer “theology.” After the word leaves my lips and enters their ears, then I see the eyebrows raise, the head nods and the consistent answer for some reason is: “Good, we need more of that.”

Really? We need more theology majors? Do people say that about other majors? I have never heard anyone say we need more political science majors. And why is it good? Are there college majors that are bad? I guess that reply is better than, “You’re wasting your time,” or “Ha, why not major in mythology?” I know people do not want to be rude or start an argument (especially if they want something from me). Yet, why say we need more of that?

1. People assume that when you say theology you automatically mean “Christian theology” which is not true. Theology is the study of religion, and every major religion has a theology. 
2. They also assume that when you study theology you believe in the very thing you study, which is not necessarily true. Critical thinking skills are important in any field. Usually, if people give a second response to my original answer it is derived from assumption #1 and #2 which is, “Oh, so your going to be a pastor!” Not every theology major is a pastor. I’m not even sure why people think we need more pastors. Is there a shortage of churches in St. Charles? If anything I think people need a clear, consistent and concise view of exactly what specific religions are meant and attempt to do. 

People are looking for stability, security, meaning, hope, morality, etc., and for thousands of years people have found those things in religion. I will admit that I affirm absolute truth, objective morality, God’s substitutionary atonement for humanity’s depravity and much, much more that would be consistent with orthodox Christianity. But when you say “Christian,” that means a lot of different things for a lot of different people. And for many, that is when the conversation about religion ends, if not before. If I could change that, then studying theology would be worth it.