Happy New Year! Those of you who know me personally may have heard the news by now, but I've decided that I'm no longer intending to pursue further theological education or a career in the academy, at least for now. There are several reasons behind this, but primarily it's because it's not in the best interests of my family. To pursue a PhD would take me 8 or 9 years, during which my wife would have to support the family. On top of that I'd be graduating in a field with very few jobs and an abundance of qualified applicants. At the end of the day I could have put my family through a lot of hardship and not gotten a job.
Additionally, things are going very well at my job. I'm a statistical programmer for Ipsos USA Public Affairs. I enjoy my job and have a great boss. We also do research that matters, not just the kind that helps corporations make money. As many have said about pursuing a professorship in theology or biblical studies, 'if you can imagine yourself doing anything else, do that.' So I'm going to take that advice. I think, too, that my location in the 'normal' working world will have a positive impact on my theology too, but more on that another time.
This blog definitely won't end, nor will I stop my studies, so if you've been a loyal reader (I think there are a few of you out there!), no fear; this blog isn't going anywhere. In fact, it will have a more defined role in my life, as I imagine it will become my primary outlet for my thinking and learning. Additionally, while I haven't been writing much over the past two years, it doesn't mean I haven't been thinking. There are some exciting new directions that I want to pursue, so this blog will get a makeover and I want to begin pursuing a new way of doing theology. But more on that another time. :)
Additionally, things are going very well at my job. I'm a statistical programmer for Ipsos USA Public Affairs. I enjoy my job and have a great boss. We also do research that matters, not just the kind that helps corporations make money. As many have said about pursuing a professorship in theology or biblical studies, 'if you can imagine yourself doing anything else, do that.' So I'm going to take that advice. I think, too, that my location in the 'normal' working world will have a positive impact on my theology too, but more on that another time.
This blog definitely won't end, nor will I stop my studies, so if you've been a loyal reader (I think there are a few of you out there!), no fear; this blog isn't going anywhere. In fact, it will have a more defined role in my life, as I imagine it will become my primary outlet for my thinking and learning. Additionally, while I haven't been writing much over the past two years, it doesn't mean I haven't been thinking. There are some exciting new directions that I want to pursue, so this blog will get a makeover and I want to begin pursuing a new way of doing theology. But more on that another time. :)
I'm glad you'll be keeping this blog going. I'm really wanting to pick mine up again, but it's been hard to find the time. Perhaps like you, I don't really have a 'theological outlet,' so I really should use the blog for that means.
ReplyDeleteThanks Danny. I'd love to see you pick it back up again too. Now that I'm getting back into it I'm really enjoying it.
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