One of the greatest minds of not only the Medieval era but also the history of humanity, Thomas Aquinas, a name that is esteemed both in secular and sacred history, asserted that theology is the “queen of sciences.” This impressive axiom can least be ignored and is not irrelevant in the present context. The Scripture contains the Word of God. In this Word several subjects have been enunciated. The Bible embodies, for instance; History, Science, Mathematics, Law, Economics, Theology, Ethics and the list goes beyond. Aquinas, therefore, plainly did not formulate theology as the “queen of sciences.” Doubtless, after having perused the Scripture and seeing the immensity involved, he emerged with such a profound epithet.
It is learnt that during the Medieval and early phase of Modern periods, the best minds were required to study theology. Why? The word of God, undoubtedly, is deep and profound. Therefore, the best minds were required to comprehend it.
Almost a millennium prior to Aquinas, St. Augustine, a theologian of unequal stature, changed the course of Christendom. History affirms that he wrote books in such profusion that it is improbable that one can complete his voluminous publications.
In the twentieth century and now, what Albert Einstein is to science, Karl Barth is to theology. They say that Barth had discoursed very nearly every subject under the sun. This speculation about Barth may not be a fallacious notion for behind this assertion stands his Church Dogmatics in fourteen volumes. The index to these volumes is a volume in itself. Without doubt, he possessed an indomitable mind. Perhaps, God used an ingenious mind like Barth to manifest His ways.
In our contemporary context, precisely in Nagaland, the trend is the other way round. For so long we have demeaned the “queen of sciences.” It is not uncommon to witness a Naga family whereby the finest mind is sent for Science, the second in order is booked for Art, the third who is within the domain of mediocrity is reserved for Theology.
In addition, when one encounters failure entirely in other disciplines, pursuing theological study becomes the topnotch option under the caption “calling.” Failure, time and again, has been masked with an alibi of one’s calling. Every failure, however, is not a calling if the matter/excuse is unveiled. We have bargained the “queen of sciences” but theology is not for compromise because to put it plainly, it is the study of God in Jesus Christ. And God, indubitably, wants the best mind to fathom Himself.
For quite some time, we have been crying over the spilt milk. The time has come for us to wake up and rectify the error. To let the transformation take its course in our land, the present stratification needs to be reversed without further delay. In sum, I believe the transformation is not beyond reach, but its occurrence hinges on how we tackle the “queen of sciences.”
It is learnt that during the Medieval and early phase of Modern periods, the best minds were required to study theology. Why? The word of God, undoubtedly, is deep and profound. Therefore, the best minds were required to comprehend it.
Almost a millennium prior to Aquinas, St. Augustine, a theologian of unequal stature, changed the course of Christendom. History affirms that he wrote books in such profusion that it is improbable that one can complete his voluminous publications.
In the twentieth century and now, what Albert Einstein is to science, Karl Barth is to theology. They say that Barth had discoursed very nearly every subject under the sun. This speculation about Barth may not be a fallacious notion for behind this assertion stands his Church Dogmatics in fourteen volumes. The index to these volumes is a volume in itself. Without doubt, he possessed an indomitable mind. Perhaps, God used an ingenious mind like Barth to manifest His ways.
In our contemporary context, precisely in Nagaland, the trend is the other way round. For so long we have demeaned the “queen of sciences.” It is not uncommon to witness a Naga family whereby the finest mind is sent for Science, the second in order is booked for Art, the third who is within the domain of mediocrity is reserved for Theology.
In addition, when one encounters failure entirely in other disciplines, pursuing theological study becomes the topnotch option under the caption “calling.” Failure, time and again, has been masked with an alibi of one’s calling. Every failure, however, is not a calling if the matter/excuse is unveiled. We have bargained the “queen of sciences” but theology is not for compromise because to put it plainly, it is the study of God in Jesus Christ. And God, indubitably, wants the best mind to fathom Himself.
For quite some time, we have been crying over the spilt milk. The time has come for us to wake up and rectify the error. To let the transformation take its course in our land, the present stratification needs to be reversed without further delay. In sum, I believe the transformation is not beyond reach, but its occurrence hinges on how we tackle the “queen of sciences.”
