Here’s a new perspective: Why not study theology?

By Angelo Kurbanali

Catholic theologian

Have you ever thought about studying theology? Theology, or “God-talk,” according to the late Fr Gustavo Gutierrez OP, is more accessible than ever before. If you want to deepen your love for God, consider this idea: theology might be for you.

Theology is a lot more than what we learn in First Communion and Confirmation catechesis. Theologians often define theology as “faith-seeking understanding,” and since we try to deepen our understanding in many other fields of study, we should not treat our faith any differently. Christianity enjoys 2,000 years of history, after all.

Today, the spirit of theology feels different than it did over 60 years ago, with the advent of the Second Vatican Council. Theology expanded from being mainly European men in Roman collars and zucchettos. Theology, especially Caribbean theology, has since included lay women and men, the marginalised, the poor, and the descendants of the destructive, oppressive systems of African enslavement and Indian indentureship.

Today, theology finds the freedom to re-present the Word of God in relevant, digestible ways (in a word: inculturation), with the same renewal and creativity that animated Pentecost. Theology’s role is to remind the Church that every day is Pentecost, and your theological expression is proof the Holy Spirit is active.

We all follow the same Christ, but many times the expression of our Christianity looks wildly different. Therein lies the beauty of the Body of Christ. Jesus asks for our authenticity, not homogeneity—your personal, theological engagement shares the Good News in today’s world, and the Holy Spirit helps you express it in ways only you can.

There are undeniable personal benefits to studying theology—making more sense out of life and of human suffering, experiencing self-fulfilment, and overall happiness.

But studying theology does not automatically guarantee that you become a holy person. It does guarantee, however, you discover more substance in your Christian experience, to the point where you can almost certainly open yourself to God’s offer of transforming love, friendship, mercy, and grace in ways you might not have previously known.

Beyond your individual experiences, your theological expression can help bring faith to many. You might bring Holy Spirit fire to youth ministry, you might lead a Catholic youth band to inspire thousands, or you might bring pipe-borne water to a rural community—studying theology produces spiritual and physical outcomes.

I am a professional theologian, and though my voice is one among many, I can say that you find God in the details. Besides the benefits listed earlier, theology has helped me to live a more balanced life, finding the extraordinariness of God in countless, ordinary ways.

Like a fellow theologian, Fr Stephan Alexander, said in an August 2020 issue of The Catholic News, there is a difference between knowing about Jesus, and knowing Jesus. Theology helps me get to know Jesus (and know about Jesus, too). Studying theology helps us to serve God and our Caribbean people faithfully.

Thankfully, living in Trinidad & Tobago blesses us with affordable opportunities to study theology at the Theological Institute of the Seminary of Saint John Vianney and the Uganda Martyrs (SJVUM), in partnership with The University of the West Indies (UWI).

SJVUM’s doors are open to absolutely anyone, whether you are a university student or not, but if you happen to be at UWI, you’re only one step away from doing a theology class, in-person or online.

SJVUM’s WhatsApp number is 356-3821 and its landline is 662-4983.

You owe it to yourself to deepen your understanding of this mystery we call ‘faith’. Only God’s grace awaits. I hope to see you in a theology space soon.