Theological students and graduates spoke about their prospects after studying

What does a theologian do?

Theologian is an expert on religious heritage. He explores the history and philosophy of religion, analyzes historical sources, and evaluates various religious associations.

To work in the profession, it is necessary to know the basics of practical and systematic theology, understand the history of religions, dogmatic and comparative theology, as well as canon law. You can obtain the relevant skills through professional retraining courses. Training is carried out remotely on the basis of existing higher or secondary vocational education.

Job responsibilities

A theologian studies religious worldviews. His activities are related to the presentation and transmission of the principles of Christian philosophy. He studies fundamental systematic theology, apologetics, the theory and practice of worship, and church law.

The responsibilities of specialists vary depending on where they work. A theologian can conduct research activities or teach theology, history of religions, foundations of Orthodox culture, or theology in various educational institutions.

Experts with extensive knowledge and analytical skills can work as security specialists and identify destructive cults and sects.

Specialists in the field of theology also act as authors of scientific papers, write articles for the media, and translate religious sources from Church Slavonic into Russian.

Career and salary

Theologians work in public and religious organizations, museums, archives and specialized publishing houses.

Jobs in the profession can be found within the Orthodox diocese. An employee of the Russian Orthodox Church may act as a press secretary or accompany pilgrims to churches and monasteries.

The average salary is 20,000 rubles per month and depends on the place of work. Employees of parishes and churches earn the least. The income of Sunday school and university teachers depends on the number of hours, pay and experience.

Where to study?

At the International Academy of Expertise and Evaluation you can obtain the profession of a theologian in 3 months on the basis of higher or secondary vocational education:

• One of the most affordable prices in Russia
• Fully distance learning from the comfort of your home
• Diploma of professional retraining of the established form
• Certificate of compliance with professional standards worth 10,000 rubles. For a present!
• Valid license for educational activities
• More than 10,000 graduates from 85 constituent entities of the Russian Federation.

You can find out more details and apply for training here: https://theology.maeo.rf

Theological students and graduates spoke about their prospects after studying

The Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation advocates increasing the number of theologians in the country.
Minister of Education Olga Vasilyeva promised to allocate 632 places for this area in the next academic year. This figure is double the current one: in the 2016/17 academic year, 279 places were allocated for theology in undergraduate studies, 180 in master’s programs, and 16 in postgraduate studies. This is by no means a new phenomenon for Russia. The first department of theology at a secular university appeared back in 1994 - at Omsk State University. Since 1992, this specialty has been actively promoted by the Orthodox St. Tikhon's Humanitarian University. In total, there are currently 45 departments of theology in Russia.

But when it comes to expanding theological education, quite logical questions arise: what do theologians do and will they be in demand in the labor market, where almost every second person is an “economist” or “lawyer”. Students and theological graduates themselves told RIA Novosti whether bribes are taken at departments of theology and what prospects open up after studying.

Ekaterina Kuznetsova 1st year student of the Department of Theology of the Russian State Social University (RGSU)

— Personally, I had no doubts about the place of admission, because of the other options, this, in my opinion, is the most unusual and original. My parents reacted positively to my choice; they did not fully understand the meaning of this profession. Although relatives, on the contrary, were negative. They consider this profession unpromising.

I have no doubts about the prospects of the theologian profession. I think it's just the opposite. The Russian Orthodox Church is separated from the state, but its influence has always been great. I believe she is the most wealthy and influential social institution.

Specifically, at my university there is not much pressure in terms of studying. But, for example, in theological seminaries they ask more strictly, and there are more subjects there.

The ideal option after graduation is to get a job in the Russian Orthodox Church. If it doesn’t work out, then teach in Sunday schools, schools with a religious bias, or simply in a school where there is such a subject.

Bribes are not accepted or offered at the theology department. Yes, this is of no use. Handing over items is not difficult even for those who do not understand.

Students from other faculties, it seems to me, are even a little afraid of us. And only those who do not see and do not recognize other professions besides their own laugh.

Artyom Malyshev graduated from the Faculty of Theology of PSTGU in 2021

— In material terms, being a theologian is now hardly promising. Perhaps it was promising in previous times. I even heard the following phrase: “If you want to study theology, forget about money.”

After I attended the open day, I decided to enter the Faculty of Theology. Then, in 2010, he was introduced to the prospective applicants by Archpriest Nikolai Emelyanov. My parents reacted very favorably to my decision to enter PSTGU. I had no doubts when entering, and I also had no doubts during my studies.

Every year, the “heliport of spiritual learning”—our theological faculty—opened up and revealed itself to me in even richer colors. It is difficult to study with us, just as it is at any decent university where studying is necessary. The knowledge has so far been useful for my own self-development; in the future I hope to serve God and the Church by studying scientific theology.

Margarita Nikiforova graduate of theology major at Pyatigorsk State Linguistic University (PSLU) in 2014

— In principle, nothing influenced my choice of place of study, because I initially wanted to enter PSLU. And when I saw theology in the brochure that was given to all applicants, I decided that I would apply for this particular field. For some reason, I internally felt that I would go there. As a result, I was hired on a budget.

My parents were not very happy that I entered PSLU. My whole family are atheists, so they didn’t understand why this specialty was needed at all. Over time, everyone got used to it and some family members even came to God. To be honest, it's not all about my specialty. Of course, we had conversations with dad and mom, they are very educated people and they have their own point of view on this matter.

When I entered the department of Orthodox theology, I knew absolutely nothing about religion, about God. I remember during the first lesson, Sergei Ivanovich Daraev - a very smart man - began asking us questions about religion. And then I told him: “Sergey Ivanovich, forgive me, I’m so ashamed in front of you and my classmates, but I don’t know anything about this.” In the process of studying, I began to discover some things for myself. I began to read a lot on the topic of religion, began to go to church and take communion. I came to God, and I am very grateful to all my teachers for opening up a new world for me and changing my worldview.

There was a moment in my studies when I missed several theology classes with Father Dmitry Monichev (our teacher). From the middle of the semester I stopped going to them. At the end of the semester he says, “You have so many absences, what should I do with you?” I answer that I don't know. Father Dmitry unexpectedly adds: “Okay, I’ll give you a high five.” - "For what? I'm lazy! Give me at least a “four” so that I can get a scholarship,” I beg. And he says: “No, I’ll give you a “five” so that you will be ashamed.” I felt very ashamed in front of him, because he was a clergyman and taught a very serious subject. My conscience tormented me so much that I never missed a single class from him, and in general I tried not to miss classes. He taught me a lesson that I will remember all my life.

Nobody demanded or gave bribes, at least in our country. Everyone walked towards each other. Any question can be solved - the main thing is to teach it and come and take it. In four years of study, I didn’t give a single bribe, honestly! In general, in the case of theology, it seems to me that this is something inapplicable.

Studying was fun at some times and hard at others. Somewhere there were tears, somewhere there was joy, everything was like with all students. We led a busy student life. For example, we went to Moscow for prayer stands, went on various excursions, and went into nature. The theology department is very friendly, despite the fact that there are areas of “Islamic theology” and “Orthodox theology”. All students are very friendly with each other. Students from other faculties treated us differently, but we were not particularly interested in their opinions. Someone called us “pious”, someone, on the contrary, was interested, someone came to us for Easter - we celebrated it every year at the faculty, like Kurban Bayram.

After university, unfortunately, I was unable to connect myself with my specialty and went to work in the tourism sector. Now I have my own travel agency. But I still like to have conversations on religious topics, communicate with students and graduates of the department. We support each other, calling ourselves “spiritual brothers and sisters.”

The experience, the knowledge that I gained here, it seems to me, will be useful in everything and always. With this knowledge, life is very easy for me, I can give people advice when they ask. I can build a family based on Orthodox canons. I believe that the specialty is very multidisciplinary - it covers not only theology. We studied a lot of history, Hebrew, ancient Greek and Old Church Slavonic. This is all very interesting, and everything was very memorable. If I could turn back time, I would undoubtedly choose theology again.

Priest John Ignatov graduated from the Department of Theology of Ryazan State University named after S.A. Yesenin in 2009

— I chose this direction because it studies theology and provides the opportunity to graduate from a prestigious state university. It was interesting to study. But it’s hardly difficult, since already from school I wanted to devote my service to God.

I went to do this, hoping in advance that the Lord would call me to serve at the Throne. Now I am the rector of two churches, the head of the diocesan department and commission, and the director of the school. So, secular-theological education was very useful to me.

As for the attitude of the rest of the teaching-student corporation, there was complete mutual understanding and respect. If we encountered skepticism from experienced teachers or students, then after communicating with us it would go away. By the way, our group was chosen as the best graduate of the university that year. So I think it's a matter of socialization rather than direction.

Interpretation of the term

Let's first find out what Wikipedia tells us about what theology is and how to understand it.
This term is of Greek origin, and it consists of two words: “Theo” - God and “logos” - word or knowledge. It turns out that a scientific discipline studies questions of God, religion and, in general, everything spiritual.

For many, such a judgment seems wild at first glance, but as soon as you touch this branch of knowledge, everything will immediately fall into place.

If we give a more precise definition of what theology is, we can say that it is a science that deals with the systematic presentation and interpretation of a certain doctrine about God or religion.

The dogmas, history, origin and features of the practical application of a particular belief are studied.

Note! It is worth remembering that theology is a field of knowledge different from the philosophy of religion or religious studies. The last two subjects imply a dry presentation of facts, as well as unbiased criticism. That is, if there are visible refutations in one place or another of divinity, they are taken into account. But theology is a science where the presentation of knowledge is carried out in accordance with generally accepted forms of worship of God.

Great Schism

The division of Christianity in the early Middle Ages into Orthodoxy and Catholicism became the impetus for the formation of a new science for the study of Holy Dogma.
This became the “new theology”, the tasks of which are aimed at studying the New Testament within the framework of Catholicism.

It should be noted that this area of ​​knowledge is still not defined as a separate school or science. After all, as we know, Catholicism is a movement in Christianity, which is characterized by severity and uncompromisingness.

Therefore, within the framework of the new branch of science, it is not customary to ask unnecessary questions - the truths set out in the Bible are looked at as the only true dogma.

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In a broad sense

Since Wikipedia gives us a very “dry” concept, we decided to expand it by learning in more detail all the intricacies of the discipline in question.
It can be identified as the study of nature and everything that surrounds us from a critical, yet divine point of view.

The essence of its presentation is that God is present in absolutely everything that surrounds us - in physical objects, in natural phenomena, in our experiences, thoughts and actions, even in paranormal phenomena.

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The study of this discipline at universities was previously carried out within the framework of certain subjects - philosophy of religion, neuropsychology and religious studies. More recently, a faculty called “Theology” has appeared, training in which involves attending a theological seminary.

It is worth clearly understanding that this science studies the nature, foundations and dogmas of religion. There is no place here to refute anything, but there is a place for criticism. It is not guided by exact facts or formulas, but by the arguments, evidence and laws of God.

Elevating this teaching to the rank of science will allow modern confessors and their followers to more accurately interpret religion, understand its essence, origin and purpose.

Perhaps some facts that we were previously forced to believe in will be reversed, and new ones will appear. But the foundation will remain unshakable - everything that surrounds us is saturated with the energy of the Almighty.

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