By Dr. Brian Shelton ’89
When Jesus instructs his followers to love the Lord with all their mind (Mark 12:30), Christian colleges take this seriously as part of shaping of the whole person. The 1890 Bulletin from the grand opening of Asbury University captures this: “While we give prominence to the religious, we give equal prominence to thorough mental training.”
All professors of theology love to introduce students to fascinating ways to think about God. The wonder of his being as Trinity, the warmth of his attributes, and the joy of his providence are sentiments that resonate with minds that seek to know God better.
Studying theology ought to foster humility—especially intellectual humility—so that students are coached to have faith and to deepen it even when it is inexplicable. This is the classic “faith seeking understanding” described by Augustine: “I believe, in order to understand; and I understand, the better to believe” (Sermon 43:9). In many ways, my teaching is simply an intersection of students’ learning journey with the perpetuation of my own.
The study of theology invites students to deepen their faith while developing the intellectual humility to seek greater understanding of God.
As a historical theologian, I thrive in unfolding the storied history of God’s people for students—from early church worship to the medieval mystical pursuit of God to the Reformation rejuvenation of a doctrine of salvation.
As Wesley Scholar in Residence, I like to share the passionate pioneering of John Wesley and early Methodists in their encounter with culture and society. A recent Asbury theology study tour to Italy was a banner 20th occasion of my leading student groups abroad, where places become tangible, experiential, and iconic anchors for great ideas from church history.
Theology strengthens and shapes learners’ lives. This is true for future ministers who gain skills for pastoring or leading, as for students across all majors who gain exposure to bible, theology, and Christian history. Our hope is that the School of Christian Studies prepares lives of faithful service for the future of the church, all the while teaching to know Christ better.
With a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, Asbury students learn from faculty who are experts in their fields, care deeply about their students, and approach their disciplines from a Christ-centered perspective. That combination of academic excellence, personal investment and Christian formation creates an environment where students are known, challenged and equipped for lives of faithful service.
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