Charles, I agree with your comments about teaching. I think that some scholars “get away with” not really having an interest in teaching, but teaching is the primary reason that I have pursued my own journey into academia. My passion for a particular research interest came a little later and that gave me excitement for research as well. I think my friend is more like me. He is excited about teaching (and I think he would be an outstanding educator!), but not sure about the research part yet.

Based on my own experience, my theory is that the idea of pursuing intensive research will seem more exciting once you find a primary research interest (and perhaps some secondary ones). That helps you sift out the noise of the vast array of possible research avenues and each one’s never-ending abyss of secondary literature that no human could ever hope to master. Instead, you can keep focused and stay interested.

One thing I would add. It’s not enough for someone to have the proper intellectual ability for academics–they must also love teaching. There is a large research component, but at the end of the day the students pay the bills in most institutions.

An excellent academic is someone who combines high intellect, engaging personality, ability to teach well and inspire passion in their students for the material.

I might disagree a bit with Claude. I received a business degree and an M.Div before doing ANE studies. Almost every North American PhD program starts from the ground level and you do three or four years of classes and get an M.A. in the process. Also, I’m glad that I received a diverse education. I think it makes me a better educator.

One last thing about how to choose a school. At the end of the day the decision centers upon who you want to study under. It’s the potential teachers and supervisors that matter, not the brand name of the institution.

Keep up the great blogging!

Your words of advice to your friend were very good. It is important that we decide early what path our academic education should take. An early decision helps us decide what school to attend, what courses to take, and what books to read.

Like you, my passion was to make the Old Testament accessible to people who had a hard time understanding the first section of the Bible. So, early in my studies, I decided to major in the Old Testament. Then, while in graduate school, I decided to focus on Old Testament History. Today, I am glad I made that decision.

I hope your advice will be helpful to your friend.

Claude Mariottini