Learning to Think Deeply and Critically: ORU’s Sophia Packiam Discusses Her Growth through Biblical Literature
Sophia Packiam
Hometown: Colorado Springs
Major: Biblical Literature
Some categorize theology in a narrow way. They hear the word “theology,” and they
limit their thinking to “pastoring,” “church leadership,” or “life in the ministry.”
Yes, it can be these things, but theology is also something that’s deeper and more
transformative. As a biblical literature major, ORU’s Sophia Packiam spends her time
studying, interpreting, and researching the Bible. But in this focus, there’s nothing
narrow or limited because for Sophia, biblical literature is preparing her to think,
question, and express herself.
“I chose biblical literature,” Sophia said, “because it's a very foundational major in reading the Bible and understanding theology, church history, and biblical languages. I’m learning how to study and interpret very intelligent people, which has made me a better communicator and a more critical thinker. Much of my homework is reading, researching, and writing, and through this, I’m developing my mental muscle for explaining text, applying knowledge, and discussing important issues.”
"...I want to reach those who intentionally reject the Gospel or who struggle with questions of faith. Some people have a hard time accepting God, and biblical literature has prepared me to talk to these people on an intellectual level.”
Meeting People in Their Head
Classroom discussions are an important part of biblical literature’s teaching method; thus, for students like Sophia, finding one’s voice is essential. Sophia says that her classwork has prepared her to speak on things she’s passionate about. It’s also given her the courage and the knowledge to talk to people who might not agree with her.
“When talking about the Gospel,” Sophia said, “most of us try to meet people at the heart. But sometimes, you have to meet them in their head. People of faith talk about reaching those who don't know God, but I want to reach those who intentionally reject the Gospel or who struggle with questions of faith. Some people have a hard time accepting God, and biblical literature has prepared me to talk to these people on an intellectual level.”
Meeting people “in the head” requires a depth of knowledge that goes beyond surface reading and narrow thinking. Deeply and critically … this is how Sophia’s learning to think as a biblical literature major, which is stretching her intellectually. As part of her major, Sophia is also studying various philosophers, their ideas, and the application of these ideas to faith.
“We’ve studied thinkers like Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and G.K. Chesterton,” Sophia said. “Our professors want us to learn how to think critically and to understand the way philosophy impacts the reading of the Gospels. We examine existential questions like “How did everything begin?” and “What does everything mean?” We learn why people ask these questions, and then we look to the Bible for answers. So we’re learning to use philosophy as part of apologetics.”
Asking Questions, Growing Faith
For Sophia, thinking deeply about the Bible isn’t just an intellectual pursuit; it’s also a pursuit built upon well-asked questions. As a student, Sophia describes the ORU culture as “a culture of people who are trying to pursue the Lord,” but in this culture, she believes it’s important for everyone to engage in conversations and to ask good questions. Asking questions, she says, is a way for believers to push deeper into their faith.
“The students at ORU,” Sophia said, “support and care for one another. This campus has a passion for spreading the light of God, and everyone here is walking out their faith. But for us to keep growing in our faith, a genuine curiosity is needed. I think it's important for Christians to ask questions because it shows they understand the person of God. It helps to understand Scripture and gives rootedness to faith if non-believers try to poke holes. There’s always an answer out there, and we can all trust God to handle the questions we have.”
To learn more about how you can develop as a leader, please visit oru.edu.
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ORU is a Christian, Spirit-empowered, interdenominational university in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with 15 years of consecutive enrollment growth. Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ORU offers over 150 majors, minors, concentrations, and pre-professional programs at the bachelor’s level, ranging from business and engineering to nursing, ministry, and more. Under the leadership of President Dr. William Wilson, ORU is preparing students from all 50 states and 151 nations (from 2019 to 2023) to be whole leaders for the whole world.
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