Myoung-Ho Sin is a doctoral student at the Graduate Theological Union in the department of Theology and Ethics, with a focus on environmental ethics and religion. He received both his ThM and MDiv...
Building a Sustainable Future
I believe theology should go beyond its traditional boundaries by seeking dialogue with other fields and across faith traditions in order to find interdisciplinary solutions to the challenges of the twenty-first century.
After graduating from schools in Germany (engineering) and Korea (MDiv and ThM), I felt that I should deepen my theological studies on a third continent, by studying in the United States. I had lived in the Bay area previously, and it had always been my goal to come back one day. I love the weather, the opportunities, the people, and the diversity.
When I first heard about the Graduate Theological Union, with all its member schools and academic centers, I immediately knew that this would be the perfect place for me. The GTU provides a unique place of interreligious and interdisciplinary studies. I was especially excited to have opportunity to take classes through both the GTU’s Center for Theology and Natural Sciences (CTNS) as well as at the University of California, Berkeley (UCB).
I believe theology should go beyond its traditional boundaries by seeking dialogue with other fields and across faith traditions in order to find interdisciplinary solutions to the challenges of the twenty-first century. I am convinced that finding common ground between economy, ecology, and science is possible, and that religion can serve in bringing together people from different countries, industry sectors, and academic fields. I am very thankful that the professors, students, and employees at the GTU share the idea of serving society and making the world a little better.
For me, the GTU’s affiliation with the UCB offers a great opportunity to work with and learn from top scholars in the world. The transition to a non-fossil based society might be the greatest and most complex challenge that we and our children will have to face, because it will require sacrifices and contributions from all of us. The professors and students at UCB are aware of this and open to conversation and collaboration with the GTU. All of this makes the GTU a place where we can make a significant difference for a cleaner, healthier, and more just future.
I would like to end with a quote that helps me stay motivated: “It is not your fault that the world is what it is. It would only be your fault if she stays that way.”