I was watching a NOVA special on Einstein when I heard that he had said:

It’s nothing short of a miracle that the modern methods of instruction have not yet entirely strangled useful curiosity; for this delicate plant, aside from stimulation, stands mainly in need of freedom.

Einstein goes on to say:

It is a very grave mistake to think that the enjoyment of seeing and searching can be promoted by means of coercion and a sense of duty.

I would conclude from this that the challenge before the student is to maintain a sense of wonder and delight at what he learns. This would be true whether studying physics, literature, sociology, or theology.