I am interested in the study of theology for many reasons. I believe that it incorporates so much that is fundamental to humanity from the ethical and moral arguments to the historical and traditional teachings that form the basis of religions. This is why I have chosen to develop my interest further and study theology at university.
I enjoy the challenge of weekly essays in the 6th Form. I want to apply to universities that seek high achievers because I am motivated and driven to achieve high standards. Theology has been a subject that I have wanted to research and understand more about for some time. I have actively participated in the thought provoking debates that have arisen out of my Religious Studies courses. In class discussions I relish the opportunity of being able to express my opinion and challenge ideologies.
Ultimately, I am fascinated in why people believe in their God, religious icons and leaders and what drives people towards religion.
My interest in theology has led me to read several books by Alistair E. McGrath that include 'Historical Theology'. His books have served as an introduction to areas that I have not covered in my 'A' Level Religious Studies course and they have inspired me to read more. In particular I enjoyed 'Radical Christian Writings' by Christian Rowlands & Andrew Bradstock.
The wide range of subject matter from baptismal metamorphoses to subversive socialist and feminist themes impressed upon me that theological themes and arguments are present in every aspect of life.
During my time in the 6th Form, I have benefited from many experiences. I fulfill my 'School Service' by assisting less advanced children in Year 7 with their reading. This is a weekly required feature and it has helped to advance my inter-personal skills. I spend more than the time that I am allocated in order to increase my pupil's vocabulary and reading skills.
My work with a less advanced child helped me to bond with children during my work placement at Llangynidr County Primary School which included helping to organise the school sports day. I enjoyed encouraging and supporting the children and believe that I built up a good rapport with both teachers and children.
Another work placement took place at a firm of solicitors in a nearby town. I signed a confidentiality agreement that permitted me to be able to read cases. I was asked to provide my analysis and comments. I enjoyed methodically analysing the text and questioning anomalies I found in the evidence. I realised that there is a great deal of painstaking work and preparation involved in this work and I was inspired by the way in which asking questions could ultimately develop into a sound argument.
I am taking part in the forthcoming 6th Form Revue at Christmas. It is important to me to be a part of this because I believe that it moulds the 6th Form together and helps provide a balance between work and play. I shall be singing in front of the school because I have always been actively involved in singing. I have appeared in local pantomimes and musical productions since the age of four.
I have entered Eisteddfoddi where I have sang as a soloist and recited in both Welsh and English. I am fortunate to have enjoyed successes at the local Eisteddfod where I have been presented with a range of cups and awards for my performances. It is important to me to play a part in keeping the Welsh language alive. I am attracted to the prospect of choral singing at university and look forward to joining a choir.
My interest in history has led me to take part in a local archaelogical dig this summer where I learnt about the kind of lives that people lived in past generations. The experience taught me about the daily hardship that people endured and the relative simplicity of their lives. I believe that history and theology are inextricably linked and that the study of theology must coexist with an inherent love of history in order for it to be fully appreciated.
This personal statement was written by Betty Boop for application in 2007.
Betty Boop's Comments
This statement helped me to secure an interview and a place at Oxford University. I'm there now at Christ Church college studying Theology. Hope my statement helps others.
I have a keen desire to pursue knowledge for its own sake. Understanding how cultures work and the meanings behind even the most quotidian acts has led to my interest in subjects that have no concrete answers, and instead, give me the possibility to construct and defend arguments in a critical way. There are few things I enjoy more than reading.
400 years ago, it was accepted as universal truth that the sun orbited the earth. Now, however, as a result of Galileo's telescope, this is no longer a truth. This raises profound questions regarding the nature of truth. Will commonly accepted truths in our generation be disproven in the future? Is there such a thing as objective truth or is it.
I am interested in the study of theology for many reasons. I believe that it incorporates so much that is fundamental to humanity from the ethical and moral arguments to the historical and traditional teachings that form the basis of religions. This is why I have chosen to develop my interest further and study theology at university. I enjoy.
I find it inspiring to be in the presence of other people who are seeking understanding of themselves, and the most intense experience I can remember is when I attended a Baptism where I witnessed the transformation people would undergo. In addition to these personal experiences I have found my A-levels in Religious Studies and Philosophy to.
"When I was a childI reasoned like a child" (1 Corinthians 13:11), yet it was only as I grew older and I began to build a personal relationship with faith on an intellectual level that my religious identity began to form in earnest. It was thus that I began to understand the formative power of faith and reason in practice, being consciously aware.
From Marlowe to Plath, original texts to J K Rowling, English Literature has both grown in nature, and fascinated audiences. The beauty of Literature is that it is not limited by time or by reader, but transcends such boundaries and inspires passion. This is something I have discovered and loved about my Literature Education. My own passion.