|
Nowadays, a theology degree opens a great number of opportunities to its possessors. An individual having an online theology degree through the respective program receives a more thorough and deep understanding of the notion of religion. By obtaining an online theology degree an individual has a chance not only to become a leader of some religious community. Besides, he or she can also become a teacher of religion. As you can see, obtaining an online religious degree a person can either choose a purely academic road as a teacher or one may decide to take a theological, parochial road as a clergy. In fact it doesn't matter what way an individual will choose, the major thing here is that a person will receive a clearer viewpoint on the position of the religion in the past, present and future aspects of the world. If you think about the destination of any religion, you will quickly understand that such religious systems as Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and other religious greatly affect the lives of hundreds, thousands and even millions of people. Various kinds of religions play probably a major role in foundation and building of new communities as well as nations. Religion influences the cultural, political and social life inside each country. The major responsibility of all religions is to find wise answers to the most difficult questions about human existence, appearance and a purpose of each person in life. Religions are strong enough to offer soundness, guidance, support and protection to millions of people. Religions possess immense power to create and unite communities through common rituals and beliefs. Exactly because of such strength almost all religions have existed for hundreds and even thousands of years. When an individual obtains an online theology degree he or she receives an excellent opportunity to start working on the job position of a clergy member. The role the latter plays in the life of the whole community or a religious sect is significantly great. Beside playing the role of a spiritual and religious leader, a person is also thought to make a good teacher and interpreter of traditions and of course of faith. The major responsibility of a clergy member is leading in prayer; delivering sermons; creating and leading religious services of various kinds; reading abstracts from sacred texts, for instance, from the Bible or Torah as well as the Koran; officiating different ceremonies including funerals and weddings; administering the sacraments; counseling of those people who need moral or religious support; accomplishing clergy visits to the bereaved or sick people with the intention of offering comfort. Sometimes it may also happen that a clergy member will be required to work on the expansion of membership in the particular congregation as well as to solicit donations. This is necessary in order to maintain religious facilities and different sorts of activities. It is, however, not that easy to make a career of a good leader in any religious community. First of all, an individual willing to become a respected religious clergy needs to possess the air of confidence and motivation. Secondly, it is necessary to have an open heart to listening to other people; the ability to comfort the others as well as sometimes to make quick true decisions. In addition, the profession of a spiritual leader requires from a person the capability to work under pressure as well as to stick to the community's principles of life and moral standards. The latter is rather natural and easy if a person truly believes in what he or she preaches to other people. As you can see, the profession of a religious clergy is not just a profession. It shouldn’t be the means for earning money or making a great career in a religious community, but this should be a way of life. People serving in a church are not actors, they live their lives there. And other people come to church and also start believing in what a religious clergy teaches them. So, a spiritual leader should be ready to spend irregular and longer hours in the community. The job of a religious clergy is not at all exhausting; on the contrary, many people confess that despite spending much time at their working places they consider it to be a satisfying and rewarding career at the end of the day. Probably, one of the major reasons for it is that one has an opportunity to help and support other people. And what can make a person happier than his ability to make others happy? In order to become a religious clergy it is not enough to have only the desire to do it. So, an individual is required to obtain specific education. Speaking about the educational requirements for entry level into the clergy it has to be mentioned that one’s future education in this field greatly depends on the degree level a person would like to earn. The greater part of clergy members have received a bachelor's degree in the field of theology, religion or liberal arts. Besides, your future education depends on the religion you are going to deal with. So, it will be just perfect to consult your religious leaders concerning particular entrance requirements. Thus, in order to obtain a catholic priesthood, an individual must earn a 4-year online Theology degree from any accredited university or college. After obtaining an online Theology degree a person may earn a Master’s degree in Divinity. In addition, an individual is welcome to visit particular "theologates" or theological seminaries. It has to be emphasized that the Catholic Church advises to ordained priests to use the advantages of obtaining a continuing education in psychology, sociology and other forms of social sciences. This education is very important as religious leaders have to communicate with other people much, many of whom are really difficult to come in contact with as well as to find mutual understanding. By means of completing online theology degree programs and religious studies courses, an individual receives a wonderful opportunity to obtain a degree in a more independent and flexible surrounding. It is highly preferable to consider such online degrees in theology as the Associate of Arts in General Studies, the Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies, the Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies, the Bachelor of Arts in Theological Studies. In addition, a willing person may cover certificate courses including Christian Ministry Certificate and Bible Certificate. In order to receive licensure and certification, the ordination of clergy is usually accomplished via the religious institution itself. But, it has to be mentioned that this may differ on dependence on the denomination and religion. Some specific measures are usually taken with the intention of separating a clergy from an amateur. Only having the ordination an individual as a religious leader receives a full right to officially lead congregations as well as to conduct different religious services. Let us speak at least about one university offering an online theology degree. Miami Christian University is one of the most popular and honored Christian universities. Its major intention is to give the students all the necessary knowledge for religious vocations as ministers, professionals, or amateurs in the field of theology. Miami Christian University offers such degrees in Theology as: - Associate of Arts in Theology - AA degree (60 credits are required) - Bachelor of Arts in Theology - BA degree (120 credits are required) - Master of Arts in Theology - MA degree (100-page Thesis and 24 credits are required) - Doctor of Philosophy in Theology - Ph.D. degree (250-page Dissertation and 36 credits are required) There are also non-degree-granting Certificate Programs which intend to meet the interests of ministry candidates or the requirements of agencies which deal with these candidates. Missionary candidates may take a one-year program in Old Testament or New Testament Studies. As for the campus ministry candidates they may complete courses in Bible theology while having covered already training from their supporting agencies. Though Miami Christian University does not give license or ordination to ministers, it has a parent church, the Christ Life Center, which gives ministerial license and ordination certification. fredthemovie.com
Related Articles -
online, theology, degree,
|
