As of next year, I will be graduating with a degree in Christian literature from the English Department at Liberty University. In my degree, I have taken courses in topics such as theology and Medieval art, while from my Major, I have studied other areas such as Tolkien and Lewis as well as English literature in general,
Previously, I was thinking about doing a master's in literature. I wished to obtain this degree to begin teaching English courses at the college level. For now, however, I've altered my path.
For graduate studies, I wish to start with Liberty University's Master of Arts in Biblical languages from the John Rawlings School of Divinity. I wish to be involved in the planting of a liturgical low-church evangelical church in the Knoxville area. In general, I think God is calling me to this. The church will hold to the Thirty-Nine Articles of the Church of England.
After my master's program, though, I may return to either English or history for a Ph.D. Longterm, I wish to be a university professor. At the moment, I probably lean toward history (though I'm open to either). My Ph.D. will probably have a specialization in the Medieval/Crusades era.
Anyways, that's somewhat of an update on where I am currently. If I continue this new path that I now am leaning towards, I think that it will be beneficial to me for several reasons.
1. With a bachelor's in English, I will have learned higher grammar, composition, and about literature in general. Indeed, all of these qualities have sharpened me as a novelist who wishes to get some of my books published in the near future. Studying English literature has taught me more about prose, poetry, and drama. I have read from some of the greatest writers in history such as Geoffrey Chaucer, William Shakespeare, and Jane Austen. Although many people read the writers from the past without majoring in English, English majors are taught to properly analyze and interpret literature. In many ways, I believe that English majors make the best writers.
2. With a master's in Biblical languages, this would give me the opportunity to help my pastoral aspirations by understanding Biblical Hebrew and Koine Greek. Indeed, I also have a significant interest in the world of the first century, the literary aspects of the New Testament, and the study of early Christianity. The importance of Biblical languages cannot be overstated. For those especially interested in the New Testament, for example, it allows Biblical scholars to study the scriptures in their original languages, without replying upon another person's translation. Outside the Bible, knowledge of Hebrew and Greek can also benefit those studying historical documents from other writers of ancient times such as Josephus, Philo, and the works of early Christianity.
3. If I should end up getting a Ph.D. in history with a specialization in Medieval Times, this would provide me the option to teach history for academia---a desire that I began at least as early as the age of fifteen. Over the years, I felt conflicted between the study of theology and history. I'm grateful, however, that Liberty allows those who study Biblical Studies/Biblical languages to be admitted into the doctorate in history. Furthermore, around 2019, I started to wonder if I should major in English rather than in history (part of my inclination towards English was due in part to the influence of J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, and Michael Shaara on my writings). Indeed, many novelists often major in either history or English, and for those who write historical fiction, there is debate about what major is better. Since Liberty does not currently offer a Ph.D. in English, it's hard to say what the future will hold. I'm definitely open to graduate studies in either English literature or history. Personally, I wish that history and English literature were seen more as one discipline (as they used to be) rather than two. I'm a huge fan of historical fiction, which is usually what I write, and this genre borders significantly on both.
Interestingly enough, with a master's in Biblical languages and a master's thesis on early Christianity (my choice of topic), I will be a historian of the first century (if I do the thesis). Personally, I'm unsure yet whether or not I will do the thesis should I do this program. Likewise, if I should end up doing a Ph.D. in Medieval history then I will also be a historian of the Age of Chivalry. It would also mean that I'm I would be somewhat theologian (though arguably, more of a Biblical scholar as theology is more philosophical). As someone who has always found the study of early Christianity to be inspirational, knowing Hebrew and Greek would aid me in instructing others about its expansion throughout the Roman Empire.
All of that said, I will begin a master's degree in divinity school as of next year. I appreciate all prayers for my benefit. Knowing the Biblical languages of the scriptures is not only important for theological debates over the meaning of baptism or church government, but defending the faith in a world that is increasingly hostile to Christianity.
