What Every Theologian Needs

Hello,

Every theologian needs an Emily Haskin…

As a seminarian and the Head of Bible at my work, I spend a lot of my time reading theological books, studying scripture, and writing academic papers. One problem I have is what to do with the information often flooding my mind. Theology is only truly as good as our ability to understand and respond to it. One pitfall I am susceptible to is what I would call “philosophizing.” Which is just another way to say “thinking abstractly enough to avoid practical problems inherent to the topic at hand.” This is why having Emily as my wife has been invaluable. She is intelligent yet practical, and she is unafraid to ask difficult clarifying questions. In fact, she seems to have a knack for pressing directly on the issues I have not thought through thoroughly. Sometimes this can infuriate or deflate me in the moment, but it always ends up being helpful. Her questions and even resistance at points force me to define what I am thinking in simplified and straight-forward language, oftentimes unlocking or unraveling the concept I am wrestling with. These moments have a grounding effect on everything I am studying. Emily is often God’s conduit to bring my academic studies to the real world. This is why I believe every theologian needs an Emily in their life. Even if it is a brother/sister/parent/friend and not a spouse, everyone studying deep things of our infinitely complex God needs a sounding board to help simplify and clarify what could easily stay in the abstract.

All this to say, thank you Father for such an undeserved gift in giving me such an incredible wife who can be your tool for edification in my life and studies!

-NR