Master of Arts

I have some major news. That is that I graduated from Biola University earning my M.A. in Christian Apologetics.

Apologetics is the particular field of theology concerned with defending the faith. The concept is most directly referenced in the New Testament by the Apostle Peter where he writes, "always be prepared to make a defense (apologia in Greek) to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15). At Biola University, the program begins with a foundation of biblical studies and theology and then offers the student the freedom to study various areas of interest. In particular, I studied historical theology (the history and development of Christian thought) more indepth and touched on topics relating to worldviews, culture, the emerging church, and intellectual/spiritual formation.

Historical Theology was particularly important to me because of my desire to promote Christian unity, thus, my interest in rediscovering our common ground in various Christian traditions and understanding where we have diverged. Other than that I was interested in the interaction of Christianity and Culture and, along with that, the need for Christians themselves to have a balanced approach to spirituality that includes a robust use of the mind.

The idea that faith can be reasonable rather than pitiable, realistic rather than fantastic, knowledge-based rather than make-believe, this is what led me to study Apologetics at Biola. It all started at a lecture I attended as an undergrad at Azusa Pacific University. J. P. Moreland was discussing his book, Love Your God With All Your Mind, one of the pivotal books of my life. In it Moreland expounds the need to restore the life of the mind to the Christian church. (You may want to check out his newest book, The God Question: An Invitation to a Life of Meaning).

It turned out that Moreland was highly respected in Christian academia and he taught at Biola along with a list of other distinguished scholars and authors. So, on the advice of a friend, I decided to go to a school that not only had a unique, top-notch program but also professors I would want to study under and be exposed to in person.

I pursued this degree, not with any vocational goals in mind, but really for personal enrichment, out of my own intellectual curiosities, and to become the kind of thinking Christian that Moreland was espousing. I believe I achieved those goals, not by getting a degree but by having a challenging educational experience. My knowledge, understanding and thinking have certainly been sharpened. And my resolve has been tested. The challenges have not been few, nor have the rewards. I have perservered and reached the goal.

It was a sacred honor to walk into commencement with my cap, gown and hood. I am not one to be comfortable with adulation. But when they presented the graduating class of 2008, though I started to clap for the other graduates, I had to stop myself short. It seemed only good and appropriate for me to stand there and receive praise in recognition of my accomplishment. I had the distinct pleasure of knowing that the title "master of arts" was mine. Even so, I hold it humbly, knowing the One who gave me the faculty of mind, the depth of character, the motivation, strength and determination to press on, and knowing the way my wife, family and friends have supported me along the way.

What's next? I don't know. I don't plan to do post-graduate work, at least not for a while. Beyond that, I'll be taking time for some soul-searching and thinking and praying and conversation. Out of all that a plan will arise, along with a new chapter of life. In the meantime, I have a great, rewarding job where I get to make a difference in people's lives every week. I plan to do my job with excellence. Other than that I plan to record some of the music I've been writing the past couple of years. So it should be an interesting Winter.

Thanks for reading,
Shawn