Introduction
Hello colleagues, my name is Alexis Cruz Ballester. I am currently studying at this Ph.D.
program and being raised in a multicultural neighborhood, I always marveled at the diverse
festivals, traditions, and moral tenets that seamlessly coexisted. The mélange of festivals was an
exhibition of the abundant theologies around me, invoking a fascination towards religion
diversity that cascaded into my academic interests and encounters. This was the genesis of me
attraction towards Theology and Biblical Studies, a subject rooted in the very fabric of human
civilization and existence.
My deepening intrigue in this field was buttressed by my A level studies in Philosophy and
Ethics, where I was exposed to the vast moral and ethical implications of religious beliefs. These
lessons became a compelling avenue for me to explore the philosophical depth of theological
traditions, how these traditions interact with society and individuals, and the intertwined ethics
that shape social behavior.
In my quest to practically understand religion and its influence, I undertook volunteering at our
local community center. This involves organizing religious and cultural events, where cross-
cultural dialogues were encouraged. It enabled me to witness first-hand the impact religious
beliefs exert on our lives, shaping diverse perspectives, values, and attitudes in day-to-day living,
thereby validating the essence of Theology and Biblical Studies in contemporary society.
Further, my accomplishments in the debating society in my school strengthened my oral and
written communication which I believe, are crucial for articulating complex theological
concepts. Being elected as the head of the school cultural committee, I was persistent in fostering
an environment of inclusion and respect for all cultures and faiths. It cultivated in me an
appreciation for diversity and refined my leadership skills, offering me insights on managing
religious diversity in a microcosm of society like school.
Embarking on a historical journey, I undertook a personal research project exploring the
transformation of Roman paganism to Christianity during the reign of Emperor Constantine. This
focused study underlined the historical fluidity of religious beliefs and sparked my interest in
archaeology and its significance in understanding religious evolution and parallel societal
changes. To gain a more comprehensive understanding, I attended an extended online course
in comparative religion, which provided me with a sound base in identifying and analyzing the
parallels, intersections, and deviations in major world religions.
With proficient skills in critical analysis, argumentation, research, and empathy, I am well-
positioned to excel in the undergraduate degree in Theology and Biblical Studies. My
Analytical ability would enable me to dissect intricate ideologies; argumentative skills to provide
robust religious defenses, and the continuous yearn for knowledge amplifies my research
abilities, while empathy aids in understanding various religious practices from the follower’s
perspective.
My vision is to work within the framework of interfaith dialog and conflict resolution, being a
voice for religious tolerance and understanding. I see the study of theology, not just as a matter
of personal interest, but as an indispensable tool for bridging gaps in religious understanding,
resolving conflicts and constructing a harmonious society. This aspiration extends to my goal of
acquiring a role within the United Nations, focusing on peacekeeping and conflict resolution
instigated by religious misunderstanding.
To remain aligned with my goals, the Ph.D. in Biblical Studies is a clear step forward into my
personal life. The broad scope offered in your program, combined with the possibility to
specializing in areas of interest, such as Interfaith Dialogue or Religious History, aligns perfectly with my ambitions.
The cross-disciplinary approach and an environment encouraging intellectual curiosity is
excellent for furthering my understanding of this multifaceted discipline.
A critical ministry problem that needs immediate attention in today's culture is the increasing
disconnect between traditional religious teachings and the lived experiences of marginalized
communities, particularly regarding issues of sexuality, gender identity, and racial justice, which
can lead to alienation and a lack of inclusivity within religious spaces, hindering outreach and
authentic connection with diverse populations.
Skepticism towards the bible is another barrier to biblical authority is that some people don’t
think it can be trusted. They think it’s not reliable and it’s not true, so they are not going to obey
what it says. Perhaps they think the text was corrupted or changed over the centuries. Or that is it
gets the historical details wrong or that we don’t have the right books. After careful investigation
of the Bible, I have concluded that there are good reasons the Bible can be trusted and there are
good responses to these objections. But apologetics are an important part of building confidence
in biblical authority.
Misunderstanding Freedom is an along the way in our broader culture and many Christians have
adopted a flawed understanding of freedom. Our culture says freedom is the ability to do
whatever you want to do, whenever you want to do it, without constraint. But this is not freedom,
It’s slavery. Freedom is more than just the satisfaction of our desires. If there is a God and there
Is and He defines reality, and He does, then true freedom means living according to God’s good
design and commands.
As Paul puts it so well in Galatians 5:1; 13, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand
firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery You, my brothers
and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve
one another humbly in love.
In conclusion, my fascination for understanding religious diversity, my academic engagements,
and the overall experiences profoundly resonate with my ambition to pursue my Ph.D. in Biblical
Studies embracing the depth of this program, I look forward to embarking on an
Enriching journey of religious exploration, contributing to the diversity of the university, and
utilizing my gained wisdom in bringing harmony to a diverse world. With a quenchless thirst for
understanding the profound mysteries of religion and faith, I am excited to navigate through
countless dialogues, debates, and discourses marking my journey in the Ph.D. in Biblical Studies.
Welcome Alexis! This is a great program! You will love it!