I hate tests!

Photo taken by Mandy Sweigart-Quinn

The Lord used David Ettinger’s blog today in my life. When I was studying for my Master’s in Biblical Studies, we wrote paper after paper after paper and I LOVED it!!!! Here at Westminster, we do not write papers, we take quizzes and at the end of the semester are given a final exam filled with multiple choice, fill in the blank type questions.

I absolutely hate that kind of testing! I have been really been wondering why studying God’s Word has been such a hardship for me lately, and through David’s blog I realized it is because outside of my quiet time, I am studying God’s Word to answer questions for a (knowledge) test. That is awful! This is high school and undergrad all over again!!!!!!

I am thankful for the Holy Spirit helping me to identify my issue; I need to know what to do going forward. Praise God I will no longer be taking Greek 3 and Hebrew 1 together, I will take Greek with a systematic theology course.

I have to remind myself that even if I completely bomb this final tomorrow (there is so much info covered this semester it is impossible to absorb and retain it all) that it doesn’t change who I am in Christ or change what my family and friends think of me.

I don’t know if Westminster will ever give us research and writing assignments or if it is all fact/knowledge based testing. I don’t want the next 3.5 years of my life being spent worrying about tests!

I realize this is a TOTAL first world problem! My former Hebrew professor once said to me, “confession is good for the soul.” She is right about that! I am thankful for you dear reader. I am praying that next semester I won’t be such a hermit and will connect with y’all more!!!

Lord God, thank You for convicting me and revealing to me why I am lacking peace. Help not just me but all of us to study Your Word as a form of worship. Help us to encourage believers and to share You with the lost. Thank You Lord for this reader! Stir this reader Lord to love You and Your Word more. Help us to apply Your Word Lord so that we will be a light in this dark and hurting world! Thank You Lord for this reader, bless and guide this reader today. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

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Blue Collar Theologian

My name is Mandy Sweigart-Quinn, I live in Lancaster, PA and I am a “Blue Collar Theologian.” I love Jesus! I am passionate about His Word (The Holy Bible)! I come alive when I can encourage others in their walk with Jesus (whether by writing or speaking). As a “Blue Collar Theologian” it is my aim to live/practice/work out my Christian hope with sincerity, authenticity and genuineness. As a “Blue Collar Theologian,” I strive to meet people right where they are (“Incarnational Theology”). I graduated in May 2019 from Capital Seminary and Graduate School with a Master's in Biblical Studies. I am a passionate, excited and enthusiastic person! I love flowers, sports and sunsets. Since January 2, 2018 I have had the privilege of being married to Nathan.

67 thoughts on “I hate tests!”

  3. Mandy, it does change what I think of you…nah…just kidding, you know me. Praying that you will aced all exams, multiple choice or not. I can’t imagine a divinity class not having open-ended essay (easy) questions! Trust GOD in all circumstances and concerns Mandylorian! We will pray and just pray that He will guide you as He did to those needing Him, needing what to speak and needing which among the choices is the correct answer. Blessings!

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  4. I sympathise with your dislike of tests, I hated them with a passion at university. It always seemed such a false way to assess how much someone has learned. As I read your post I was reminded of some old men of God who taught me much and were revered by others. These men often left school early to work down the pit, and never went to college, but their knowledge of God’s Word was astounding from their own personal study and prayer. From this memory I am confident that your studies are in God’s will, He will guide you through them and lead you into His purposes for you. God bless you and your family sister 🙏

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    1. Thank you for this word of encouragement, Alan! I am thankful to be studying. I am not thrilled with how this greek 2 class was structured; however, I will continue pressing on. I do miss researching and writing papers. That is why I entered seminary again!

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  5. Been there

    Not at your level of study! But when I was preaching or teaching every week it was too easy to research what you need, deliver it, and get ready for the next one.

    I was always humbled, though, as God always took me through that subject…which always knocked me about a bit as I wrestled with it.

    I’ve had the same reading with the Bible, at so many chapters each day…I eventually realised I was getting through the end of the assigned chapters, rather than just soaking up the words, and absorbing in His living word.

    Well done though for the studying though. It’s an interesting one to wrestle with isn’t it. A bit like vicars working in Sunday’s…which is supposed to be a rest day…that was fun to navigate, too – when we were in full time ministry.

    Andy B

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    1. I have been very sensitive in not allowing my studies to become/replace my quiet time. I have never before experienced not loving the Bible and wanting to study God’s Word. I hope that whatever this funk is will leave me tomorrow when this exam is submitted. This is really awful. I would not want anyone to experience this, ever! Thank you for sharing your story, Andy! That sounds VERY intense!!!!

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  6. That makes total sense, Mandy! I suppose when we study God’s word for knowledge only, and for the amount of time you’re having to do that, it would begin to seem more routine and less spiritually intimate and soulful. At least I think it would for me. I’m so glad God led you to David’s blog and used it to reveal these things to you. Praying for you and for your exams!! Love and hugs.

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    1. You are such a blessing, Aimee!!!! Keep shining your light for Christ!!!! Keep being you, authentic and open to God!!! May God continue to draw you deeper and deeper into His Word so that You can share it with others!!!! Love, hugs and blessings!!!!!

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  9. Thanks for posting this Mandy, I’m going to David’s blog also to see what I’ve missed.
    “I realized it is because outside of my quiet time, I am studying God’s Word to answer questions for a (knowledge) test. That is awful!” So true. I listened to a Bible teacher point to the importance of ‘revelation’ when reading God’s word. He said the Bible scholars around Jesus were filled with scriptural knowledge but had no revelation of God. They couldn’t recognize Jesus at all, but a ‘fisherman’ could.
    I can’t say I hate tests so much but I will be praying for you! May your knowledge come to life with revelation and excell in application! 😃
    ❤

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    1. Thank you, Lisa!!!! I appreciate you sharing this so much!!!! I emailed the student advisor and he said that most classes take finals. Another issue is this final is 30% of my grade and we covered so much material and we are asked to memorize more than is possible in a 3 month class. I am so thankful that it will be over tomorrow. I am thankful that my other classmates are as upset and frustrated as me!!!! The problem is the class and not me!!!!

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  12. I can see why you’d like essays more. I’m not a big fan of tests myself. Yes, may we study His Word as a form of worship! That is something God has been putting on my heart as of late. BTW, I mentioned you in my comments in my second to last blogpost. I was telling a friend I’m ot how much one of your blogs in particular really impacted me. I’m grateful for you, Mandy!

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    1. You are SO kind, Colleen!!!! You have encouraged my heart and I VERY much appreciate it!!! I am sitting outside on my glider studying for this Greek exam and you have really given me the boost I needed! I will check out your post. Thank you for thinking of me!!! I haven’t forgotten about Skype, I am hoping after I take my next final next week I will be able to breathe again!!!! You are important to me, Colleen! I am praying for you and your area!

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      1. No rush, Mandy. And I totally understand. Oh, and about the blogpost, it’s one you already read. A friend just commented about the blogpost after you did, and it made me think about how impactful one of your posts had been to me, so I told her about it in response. I’ll pray for you and all this studying friend. I studied Greek at one point too, and it was rough!

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  13. I relate to your dislike of tests Mandy. I pray that all goes well with your final tomorrow. May you also find peace with the tests you have got to do through this course. Although they are not your favourite thing to do remember they are just a means to an end which is completing this degree. Continue to press on dear sister, the Lord will bless your efforts.

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  14. You’re so right, Mandy. The heart is so much more important than head knowledge. The Pharisees no doubt excelled at knowing the words of the Scriptures, but Jesus rebuked their hard hearts and commended the simple people, who gave their last two pennies to God, who wept and washed His feet, who desperately needed forgiveness. Keep your heart tender towards Him and loving His Word, and He will bring to your remembrance the Scriptures you need when you need them.

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  15. Praying for your devotional time to increase and the quality too! I do hope there be papers later in your classes; would love to read your papers on here on the blog too if and when that happens!

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  18. I get it friend! Being told what to study and then have to test on it afterwards is difficult at times…thankfully God doesn’t judge these tests no matter which way they go…your heart for Him is already gotten you an A+!❤️

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  19. Oh, Mandy. I’m so sorry these last three months have been such a trial–the opposite of what a seminary education should be! With you, I’d much rather work on projects, prepare for a panel-discussion, or write a paper than take a test–especially one that requires a lot of memorization. Not all of us have that “gift!” And those who DO memorize easily aren’t necessarily good at applying what they’ve learned. May the powers-that-be realize that fact and design their courses and assessments accordingly! Meanwhile, I pray you do well on your exam and can put this uncomfortable episode behind you.

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  23. I remember going back to finish my college degree after a 14 year break. I had those dreams at night of not being able to find the classroom, showing up and finding out it was the day of final exams and I had forgot, and other equally chilling nightmares. I am not a test taker either. So I completely understand your situation my beloved!

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