Eric Butticaz, journalism student

Like other theory students, Eric decided to embark on a career in journalism after completing his degree in September 2012 at the FTSR. He began studying theory out of personal interest, with the aim of acquiring the keys and tools needed to understand the biblical texts, without needing a mediator between the texts and himself. His vocation for journalism came later. During the 2011 federal election period, he began to follow, tweet, post and chat on various social networks. It was then that his vocation to be a journalist and reader in his own right was born, so that others could find their enjoyment in information.

During his studies in theology, he acquired a number of useful skills for his future career. The hermeneutical tools used in the history of Christianity and the biblical sciences enable him to compare different positions and formulate critical analyses. On the other hand, practical theory has enabled him to develop human skills, particularly in the field of economics. Paying attention to the interviewee and being able to transcribe and understand what the other person is feeling are essential tools. Through workshops in practical theory and, in particular, homiletics courses, he has learnt to produce and convey a discourse that is both constructed and precise.

To be a journalist, you have to be curious and flexible-minded. The transition from theory to journalism requires a rethink of the tools acquired during a university education. These tools remain the same, and the many parallels between the sociology of discourse, exegesis in the NT and other narratological tools are all assets for the historian who wishes to embark on a career in journalism.

Journalism is a world of news, analysis and reflection. In its own way, theory also uses investigative methods. It may seem paradoxical to consider biblical texts as such to be so topical. For Eric, however, the relevance of theology lies in the continuity of its reflection, which was begun almost 2000 years ago by the first exegesisists. With the updating, ongoing dialogue and re-contextualisation of approaches to theory (Afro-American theory, liberation theory, feminist theory, etc.), the fields of study have expanded.), the fields of study of theology are still relevant today. In addition, the multi-disciplinary contribution of the sciences of religion, archaeology, palaeoarchaeology and other disciplines provides theology with new tools and methods, opening the way to new research perspectives. However, theory still has to meet a major challenge: to continue to speak out both prophetically and critically about the world.