Eine Bachelorarbeit als Offenbarung
What significance does temple theology have for the understanding of musical worship? TSC student Melina Frey explored this question in her bachelor’s thesis. She experienced this as a broadening of her academic horizons and as «work for the heart» that profoundly changed her attitude toward worship.
What do sanctuaries and animal sacrifices mean to us today?
Temple theology describes the place where God is present. In her bachelor’s thesis, Melina examined how this was the case in different periods of the Bible: in the Garden of Eden, in the Tabernacle, in Solomon’s Temple, in Jesus Christ, and in the Christian community. The Old Testament deals with sanctuaries, priests, and animal sacrifices. All concepts that have become foreign to us. Nevertheless, the topic is very relevant for Christians today, as Melina says: «Peter revisits many cultic concepts: living stones, holy priesthood, spiritual sacrifices. He addresses the community with them. That’s when it becomes relevant for us.»
Why do we sing “Your blood makes me clean”?
Melina describes her greatest revelation as the realization that the encounter with God in worship is only made possible through Jesus Christ. «Blood had to be shed in the temple so that purification could take place and we could enter into the presence of God. Jesus made us clean through his blood on the cross,» she explains. Those who understand this connection can also better understand the line «your blood makes me clean» from the popular worship song «I Come Courageously Before the Throne.» «Then we cannot help but fall into worship and become part of the heavenly worship service,» Melina believes.
Through her bachelor’s thesis, Melina has also rediscovered the importance of preaching in worship. «Music is a medium that is very well suited for preaching – within the congregation, we encourage, admonish, and edify one another; through music, we reach other people with the good news of Jesus Christ.» This is precisely why Melina advocates for upholding communal singing. It has a great unifying power – even if one sings off-key or reluctantly.
New insights from the bachelor thesis
Looking back on the intensive time she spent working on her bachelor’s thesis, Melina feels immense gratitude. There were few lows, but plenty of new insights. Her attitude toward worship has changed profoundly and lastingly. «I learned a tremendous amount for my worship practice and my relationship with God. By studying the Old Testament, I can see how significant what Jesus did for all of us is.»
For the tsc student, the completion of the bachelor thesis is an important step on the way to completing her bachelor’s degree«Theology & Music»Melina is expected to finish her studies in 2024. In the academic year 2023/24 she will still be taking the study module «Preaching Practice», but is already working asYouth Pastorin the FEG Baden-Wettingen.
TSC student Melina Frey gained a better understanding of musical praise while writing her bachelor’s thesis.
«Blood had to be shed in the temple so that purification could take place and we could enter into the presence of God. Jesus made us clean through his blood on the cross.»
Melina Frey, tsc student
«I learned a lot for my worship practice and my relationship with God.»
Melina Frey, tsc student
TSC study programs & continuing education
- BATheology & Education(3 years, Bachelor’s degree) – the versatile theological and pedagogical basic trainin
- BATheology & Music(3 years, Bachelor's degree) – the combination of theological and musical studies that is
- BATheology & Education(3 years, Bachelor’s degree) – the versatile theological and pedagogical basic training.
- BATheology & Music(3 years, Bachelor's degree) – the combination of theological and musical studies that is unique in the German-speaking world.
- TSC annual course(1 year, certificate of participation) – popular as an orientation or preparatory year. Worship focus optional.
- CAS programs(1 year, Certificate of Advanced Studies) from the Institute for Leadership and Community Development.
- GenerationPLUS Academy(2- or 3-day courses, CAS possible) – Further training opportunities for the second half of life
- Online courses(1 or 2 semesters, proof of achievement) – can be individually taken for personal further education.
Interested?
- What's it like to study at TSC? And would it be something for you? You can find out during free trial days . The next dates are: Tue./Wed. 21/22.10.25 | Fri./Sat. 06/07.03.26 | Tue./Wed. 05/06.05.26
- You can get concise information about the study program via online video conference during the trial sessions . The next dates are: Tue. 23.09.2025 | Thu. 20.11.2025 | Tue. 17.02.26 | Wed. 22.04.26 | Tue. 19.05.26, 6 – 7 p.m.
- Inconvenient dates? No problem! Simply contact study advisor René Wälty and schedule an appointment for your personalized trial day or consultation.