As a theologian in the twenty first century it is a privilege to be part of a long tradition of learning in the Christian church. Augustine formulated the approach of thousands through the centuries with the words, credo ut intelligam ("I believe in order to understand"). Anselm of Canterbury expressed the same attitude with the statement, fides quaereus intellectum ("faith seeking understanding").
This passage from Scripture has always been a great encouragement to me:
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:1-2, NIV).