Does reading the Old Testament feel daunting? If you’ve ever tried and felt confused, you’re not alone.
Rev Dr Jenny Corcoran has taught at St Augustine’s College of Theology for five years. Here, she explains why so many students start out feeling uncertain, and what changes once you get stuck in.
Meet Rev Dr Jenny Corcoran
“I love standing up in the classroom and helping people engage with the Old Testament, so I now only teach the Old Testament. I’m very aware that people are often less familiar with it; they feel they may be ill-equipped or inexperienced,” says Jenny.
You might be studying theology later in life, or haven’t studied scripture before, and it’s easy to assume everyone in your lecture knows more than you do, but Jenny’s experience says otherwise.
“To be able to sit with the class, open up texts, help them explore and engage with it, and have fun with the class, show them they can do these things, and see the lights go on, is just such a privilege and such a gift.”
Interpreting the Old Testament in different ways
Studying theology at St Augustine’s isn’t about finding one right answer. Jenny’s lectures bring together students from all kinds of backgrounds, ages and life experiences, and she sees that as a bonus, not a challenge.
“At St Augustine’s, we draw students from a wide variety of backgrounds. If I’m lecturing on the Old Testament, I can’t assume that everyone’s going to have the same interpretation of the text.
“Students need to be able to explore more than one perspective or interpretation of a text, and be able to ask what it means. The hope is that by doing this, every student is invited into the conversation.”
If you’re worried you’ll get something wrong, Jenny’s teaching style should put you at ease.
What changes when you study theology?
Grades aren’t a reflection of your spiritual development – it’s more about changing your relationship with God.
“As a theology lecturer, one of the things that I have been known to say to my students is that in a lot of ways, your mark doesn’t matter. Don’t get me wrong, I hope my students pass, and it’s always nice to read something interesting when I’m marking essays, but the number at the top of the page is just that – a number.
“What I really want to know is how that student has changed.
“What have they discovered about themselves?
“How has their relationship with God changed through their studies?”
Helping you develop deeper theological thinking
“At the moment, I’m in the middle of marking assignments. It’s such a joy to see the way people have clearly learnt and engaged, and done extra reading as well. They’ve developed their thinking, and they’re able to put that into the assignment, to see that it is such a joy.”
For Jenny, that’s the real sign a student is progressing.
Experience theology study for yourself
Interested what Jenny’s classes are really like? Come along and see for yourself. Our taster days let you sit in on lectures, meet our tutors, and get a feel for our student community.
Whether you’re weighing up undergraduate or postgraduate theology courses, considering Ministry Training, or want to learn more before you commit, a taster day is a relaxed way to start.
