…why I wanted to get a PhD in the first place?
Perhaps it’s because I’ve spent much of today struggling with the reworking of my dissertation proposal, or possibly it’s weariness of the whole academic enterprise which seems inevitably fraught with tension and disunity, or perhaps it’s just because it’s raining, but I do find myself wondering what this is actually for. I don’t want to be a leading light in the SBL, nor do I foresee a glittering career in the universities. I do care about the bible, and particularly the Song, and I do think that maybe I have something useful to contribute to its interpretation. But I seem to have forgotten why that requires a PhD.
Would anyone like to just offer me a job instead?
Stumble It!
14 Comments
“It is the glory of kings to search out a matter”…you are fulfilling your role as a member of the royal priesthood by digging deeply into the Word of God. The discipline required for the level of biblical research and study in which you are engaged might be difficult to maintain if you were studying on your own, apart from a PhD program.
And besides that, living over here across the Atlantic makes you better appreciate a place where people can pronounce short vowels. :-)
Keep at it!
Thanks, Angie, that really helps.
And never mind appreciating short vowels, you will come back to UK which is in desperate need of all the mature and energetic Christians available and be involved, somehow, somewhere with deepening and broadening the Bible understanding (and, pray God, the Bible obedience) of the next two generations of conservative evangelicals. When, in 2050, people look at the UK and marvel at the growth of Reformed Christianity, producing vigorously evangelistic, biblically mature, worship-centred communities which care for the poor, bring people, in the knowledge of God, to true humanness, and stand in contrast to the breakdown and immaturity of the alternatives, then one of the reasons, under God, will be that PhD-ed Ros Clarke put all her energies and abilities and attainments at the service of the gospel. Completing her PhD was an act of devotion and commitment which the Lord honoured. The dissertation part of it advanced the church’s understanding of thing X. The letters after her name helped here and there.
Hang in there.
Blessings
David
Fantastically put, David. And when you’re done, Ros, you can come work with us at All Souls!!
Okay, I think I’m getting the point. Thanks, David. And Mark, I’ll be holding you to that one day!
Um….it brought you here and into a friendship with us? Lame, I know, but we like it!
Yes, that’s been a lovely side-effect. Though I hope you’d still be my friends if I weren’t a PhD student any more.
And you being there meant I could come and visit Philadelphia where I’ve never been before!
Keep at it…maybe a trip to the local grocery store for some cookies would help….
Sending a big hug to you xxx
I’m sure you’re right about the cookies!
Today my reading was in Titus, “You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine.” What I “teach” by my words and my example (to my boys, the women in my church, my friends) reflects my understanding of doctrine, and each time you have stayed with us since being at various Bible colleges you have said something which corrected a slight-but-significant doctrinal limbalance, or made me see things differently, or shown me a bigger picture, or made me think about an issue I’d never considered before. Surely the discipline of [PhD] study has forced you (and is forcing you) to think about things you wouldn’t have, and by God’s grace other Christians – like me – benefit from your hard slog!
That’s a very helpful perspective, Angharad. Thank you.
Well, I was going to comment here (which I rarely do, though I frequently enjoy your entries) and give you a little pick-me-up…but people who know you better seem to be doing a great job of it already! That said, Ros, I’ve cherished, mulled over, and learned quite a lot from the little bits of knowledge of Scripture, and especially the Song, that you’ve imparted to me both in lecture and in regular conversation. I think you are well-placed to serve the church with your academic degrees…
Thanks, Becki, that’s good to hear.
Ros, do let me add a similar note of encouragement.
I really have benefitted from the contact I’ve had with you, in conversation and latterly on-line. If we believe all we say do about the infallibility and power of the bible, it must be worth it to give our all to its study. If it’s from our creator and saviour, then how can it not be more precious than gold and if it’s more precious than gold, then you’re in the right place studying with the discipline provided by a formal programme. Our theme verse at Cornhill this year is Ez 7:10 “he set his heart to study the law of the LORD and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel”. I pray this for you.
On a lighter note: I am for the second time beginning to attempt to teach myself Hebrew with a book and CD (by a chap called John Dobson, I think, you know it?). Last time I learnt about 6 letters before I gave up; so far I’ve got a few more (up to the one that’s squarish and is pronounced “m”) plus 3 or 4 vowel pointings. I assure you a few minutes discussing Dageshes with me will convince you how little progress you make if you study informally.
Remain in the vine, many benefit from the fruit you bear,
MD