When I entered Saint Louis University as a freshman in the fall of 2019, I had no idea what to expect. Since the 8th grade, I knew I wanted to study political science. I wanted nothing to do with math or natural sciences, so that eliminated half of the potential majors.
That fall I took my first “academic” theology class ever, “Theological Foundations.” I’d gone to public school K-12, but had a strong faith background from 10 years of Sunday School and attending youth ministry. I was expecting the usual listing off of the sacraments, memorizing Bible verses, or reciting prayers. What I got in return was a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith and the tools to attack big questions with complex answers. The main part of that class which drew me in was Liberation theology, a theological approach that engages in socio-economic analyses and emphasizes the liberation of the oppressed. We focused on the core concerns of marginalized communities in Latin America in need of social, political or economic equality and justice during the Communist revolutions. This showed me how theology has expanded beyond the church setting and could be applied to other aspects of life.
Theology excited me, and was a class I consistently looked forward to. It helped me to unravel questions about life that I couldn’t ask in any of the other subjects I was taking. Second semester of freshman year, I decided to add theology as a minor, but was quickly convinced over the summer to bump it up to a major.
Here are three ways you can benefit from majoring in theology, from a theology student herself:
1. It challenges students.
I think theology is the perfect subject to pair with any major, regardless of if you are religious or not. The subject of theology challenges students to utilize critical thinking, skilled writing, abstract reasoning and logical analysis skills that are relevant for jobs which value adaptability and creativity. The subject forces you to look at complex issues from different perspectives, and you must take into account the historical context of religious texts, cultural backgrounds and political forces behind church teachings.
2. It makes you a better person.
Every major, from sociology to pre-medicine, can benefit from the ethical and moral education that comes from studying theology. One will learn how to interact with others from different backgrounds and how to respect the dignity and self worth of others. Studying theology gives you the potential to foster respect and tolerance based on knowledge rather than making assumptions. Whether you come to the subject with a faith background or not, the subject matter will still be intellectually engaging and challenge your assumptions.
3. It helps you to understand the human experience.
One of the most valuable things I’ve learned is to understand how religious convictions shape us ethically as responsible members of the human community. This knowledge adds to what I’m learning in my political science courses, allowing me to better understand the backgrounds of certain countries, how religion plays into politics and how to better understand the moral and ethical ways I can contribute to the political environment around me.
Not to mention, Saint Louis University’s theology department has some of the most dedicated, scholarly professors I’ve ever had the pleasure of taking a class with. They will challenge you, yet respect your ideals, and aren’t afraid to delve into the “messy” conversations that come with religion.
If you are interested in pursuing a major or minor in theology, reach out to Dr. Lori Baron, the coordinator of Undergraduate Studies for the Department of Theological Studies. Her information can be found on SLU’s Theological Studies website.