SCJ reflects on studies

Since 2012, Fr. Vien Nguyen, SCJ, has been a post-graduate student in scripture studies at the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkley, Calif. On break, he wrote the following:

Two years of biblical studies passed by quickly! One question that I often have asked myself during this time is what have I learned?

First, I have learned to delve into the vast and rich world of biblical studies, not only familiarizing myself with biblical texts, but also with history and the various methods and approaches of biblical interpretation. Yet even with all of this, it is humbling to realize that I still have so much to learn in order to be considered competent in this field.

Second, I have learned that discipline is the name of the game. I like to use my friend’s motto whenever I sit down to write: “A good paper begins with your butt.” (Translation: Sit down and write!). The motto is crude but so true.

Third, I have learned to be patient with myself. There were days when I accomplished much with my reading and writing, and there were days when I easily gave in to procrastination and distraction — especially with difficult subjects like biblical languages. After two years of learning Koine Greek, I can still proudly say, “It’s all Greek to me!”

I will complete my requirements for the STL program next semester, which means I am at the point in the program where I will have to begin working on my thesis. This summer, therefore, is a good time for me to present my thesis proposal to the faculty at the Jesuit School of Theology (JST). As for the thesis, I am greatly interested in the work of the 20th century Russian literary critic and theorist Mikhail Bakhtin, especially his literary theories on dialogism, polyphony, and heteroglossia. The aim of the thesis is to apply Bakhtin’s theories in reading and interpreting biblical texts.

Any student can attest to the reality that we students look forward to weekends, not so much to party, drink, or barhop, but to take needed time for recreation and renewal. Personally, on most weekends I help out at local parishes, whether with youth groups, retreats, marriage preparation classes, or Masses. Lately, I got involved regularly in retreat ministry, which I found to be both fulfilling and time consuming. I am fully aware that my studies are my top priority, so as much as I have enjoyed it, I have been saying “not now” to retreat requests.

Living outside the community has its merits and challenges. One of the challenges is the lack of daily interaction with community members and the dynamic rhythm of community life. To fill this gap, I interact with other JST students for social interaction, prayer, and support.

Let us keep each other in prayer.

-Fr. Vien Nguyen, SCJ