Breakdown/breakthrough

Posted by admin on Apr 13, 2010 in Issues & Ideas | 0 comments

We are creatures of habit. We are steeped in the faulty assumption that our faults, our weaknesses and our problems are somebody else’s responsibility. We cannot seem to escape the blame game. And if we come to TWU with a strong faith and leave with a shattered one, we believe that this institution is at fault. We are wrong.

I am not mocking those who have felt spiritually challenged within these walls. I recognize how intimidating it can be to face the world of university academics, aggressively persuasive professors, and endless devil’s-advocate discussions. My faith was shaken as I have proceeded through the classrooms of RNT and Northwest; but it was never destroyed.

Many of us were raised in what could be termed a “sheltered existence.” Sure, very few of us enjoyed picture-perfect families and lives devoid of difficulty, but let’s be honest: how many controversial subjects were actually brought into our churches growing up? How many truly shocking statements echoed from the pulpit?

Yes, apathy is a solution. It is a natural response to become defensive when confronted with eloquent arguments that clash with our personal values. It is easier to avoid topics that could carry us to uncomfortable conclusions and to refuse to wrestle with anything that could weaken our resolve.

However, life is defined through struggle. C.S. Lewis writes, “You never know how much you really believe something until its truth or falsehood becomes a matter of life and death to you.” Ok, so we’re not talking about life and death, but the point remains.

Faith does not preclude the presence of doubt; faith requires it. We are either moving forward or falling behind—we cannot stay in one place. I, for one, do not wish to be a spoon-fed follower of God. I do not wish to blindly accept my family’s beliefs as my own. I do not wish to be someone who backs down when the hard questions are asked.

I wish to be a person identified by a sincere, authentic, vibrant faith that has been exposed to every qualm, every uncertainty, every possibility, and come out stronger on the other side. TWU is the best possible environment to provide this foundation. Of course, some classes are guaranteed to bring overt theology into the classroom. How can you legitimately compare history or psychology with RELS?

Regardless, we need to stop thinking from such dualistic, fractured perspectives and understand the nuances of bringing God into every classroom. Our worldview informs our every interaction with others. Every time a professor welcomes a fresh angle or invites discussion on an issue out of the mainstream, we are growing as learners, as Christians and as human beings. After all, one of the explicit aims of our education is to become critical thinkers.

I would seriously question the knowledge of the scholar who crumbles under any analysis. I would seriously question the faith of the Christian who crumbles under any dispute. Let us embrace the chance we’ve been offered to study in a place where academic freedom is indeed limitless and faith exploration is supported by a community of people committed to the truth. Let us never look back.