Since its formation in 1843, the Free Church of Scotland has equipped thousands of men and women for ministry in Scotland and aboard, through what is now Edinburgh Theological Seminary. One of our own is currently studying Theology (BA) there and so to mark the 175th anniversary this year, this month we ask James Hosie to share his thoughts on his first semester.
Why did you decide to study theology?
Since last September I have been a full-time student at ETS. My experience there has changed my life in so many ways. I was attracted to the course out of an interest in theology; especially Reformed theology in the past few years. I have also been interested in full-time ministry and God willing I do want to do this someday.
I applied in a somewhat unconventional way while I was staying with my grandparents in America during the summer. While I was there I attended a small Reformed Baptist church in Massachusetts. They were very supportive of me while I was considering studying theology; they allowed me to preach a short message from Romans for ten minutes, as well as lead the congregational prayer.
What do you like about ETS?
I love ETS for the standard has been incredibly high! I never experienced anyt
hing like it at the secular university I attended in Dundee. The standard is something that took some getting used to, but the criticism has been constructive and I have greatly benefited from it. I have greatly enjoyed and appreciated the lectures – especially Old Testament – as they discuss matters from a believing perspective.
The students and lecturers there are very pleasant and would always acknowledge you when we meet. More importantly, they are honest with feedback which means I know where I have been going wrong and where to improve. It has especially improved my exegesis of texts, which are now closer to what you would perhaps read in a devotional or Biblical theology book. It is a great privilege to bring out the beauty of God’s Word in such a way that one sees its depths and its doctrinal and practical significance.
What’s been your favourite module?
My favourite module has been Old Testament. The emphasis has been on Biblical theology so far. Biblical theology involves looking at Scripture as a long story, as opposed to systematic theology which is the organisation of doctrine at a more abstract level. I have come to appreciate the beauty of Scripture that way. Seeing Adam as a type of Jesus Christ, Eden as a temple and the purpose of Adam and Eve extending that temple over the entire earth, entering the resurrected state is stunning. Then seeing Jesus as the Adam who did obey and who was the One who entred the resurrection because of that obedience. It does move the heart greatly. Oh the depths of God’s wisdom!
What’s been the biggest challenge?
The experience has challenged me greatly. I can say that it has been the hardest thing I have ever done in my life; mentally, spiritually, and physically. Waking up at 5:30am to get into the busy Waverly Station by 9am has been particularly tough. 
But it has strengthened my faith. There have been times when I have experienced spells of anxiety on the train. I often feel a sense of despair while on the train generated by the passengers, for they don’t know Jesus Christ and one can feel that despair by observing their behaviour. I’d meditate on the gospel and ask God to remove the anxiety, and He has. He has been there with me during the travelling and He has matured me. Commuting on a daily basis can be difficult, but it has made me appreciate life more. I am not as arrogant as I once was and I don’t take things for granted as much.
What’s next?
I am hoping to go into ministry one day. I appreciated the short experience I had preaching in America and leading the congregational prayer, and also counselling other students at ETS. My reading of the Puritans and their insistence on practical application of Scripture has helped me immensely. My obsession of the Puritans has also taught me how to pastor souls. Though, of course head-knowledge needs to be applied, which is challenging.
It is a great gift of God that I can study at ETS and He has made me more holy during the experience, more like His glorious Son, Jesus Christ.
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James Hosie is a Dundonian student at Edinburgh Theological Seminary and a recent graduate of Sociology from Abertay University. He is also a member at St.Peter’s Free Church.
January 2018
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