The Perspective of an Outsider
In a discussion with a non-Christian who has been at this college a while, I was struck when he said that Rochester was not Christian anymore. Somewhat surprised by the statement, I followed it up. "It's just not the same," he said. "the atmosphere, the environment... people's attitudes... I don't know,". While I would not go so far myself, I have to note that irony, as how many times it is the non-Christians who see through the pseudo-spiritual and pseudo-Christian fronts, and challenge us to be consistent to the message of the Cross and of Christ, and how perceptive they seem, especially when things are off course.
Aquinas
Aquinas
posted by an analytical college student | 8:09 AM
6 Comments:
That is quite the indictment. But, is the indictment true? What makes Rochester Christian versus non-Christian? My faith is not always perfect, nor is anyone who attends or is on staff, but I am still Christian. Activities and programs, such as assembly, House of God, IMAGE, prayer meetings, accountability groups, conversations, and teaching all reflect Christianity to the nth degree. Certain things have changed, some for the good, some for the worse since I got here a year ago. But, I would not go as far as to say Rochester is no longer Christian. I do not fault "the outsider" for remaining outside if they are constantly privy to blatant hypocrisy and outright falsehood. But, I doubt this is the case and it feels like an excuse to not step into a faith that is perfect who's adherents are, from the outset, not going to be (and lack the ability to be until Christ returns). All that to say, I believe Rochester is a Christian institution. It may not be the same and it may not fit everyone's liking, but it is Christian.
Interestingly enough, though I don't agree with the person who says RC is not a Xtian institution, I'm considering a House of God panel for next Fall with only people who are not Christians who can give an outsider's perspective of Christianity and why they've chosen not to follow Christ in their own lives. Keep an eye out.
Calvin, that sounds like a sterling idea for a panel discussion, I look forward to seeing it.
On the topic at hand, like I said, I would not go as far as he, but there are some things I would like to say. First, I would not be so quick to wave off the observations of an outsider, with speculation and preconceived decisions about his ulterior motives. Usually it is when we neglect to confront ourselves that we most need to re-examine things. A number of students on this blog and elsewhere have already expressed deep concern over the direction of this college. With further reflection, I have supposed it should not be surprising that others are beginning to pick up on this as well.
Second, I am very interested to hear what you believe makes a college, or an academic institution Christian. Programs? Conversations perhaps?
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I suppose, this goes to the question of music, too. What makes music "sacred" or "secular?" It's an unfair question we've created for ourselves. Steven Curtis Chapman is no more spiritual than Iron & Wine. I suppose what makes our college "sacred" versus "secular" is always going to come down to the individual. There are groups of individuals who seek to coax and guide the spiritual direction of the school for each year. Each of these people are highly committed believers. It is then up to the individuals to whom these "initiatives" (for lack of a much better word I can't think of right now) to respond. I was speaking one of those spiritual leaders yesterday and they were voicing some frustrations about how difficult it is to find out what students need spiritually from day-to-day. What worked last year doesn't necessarily work this year. As I stated earlier, there are many things you can point to that would suppose this is a Christian environment. But, all "acts" or "good works" aside, the ultimate element would have to be the individuals and how they act in community that supposes a Christians environment. Not everyone here is a Christian. Clearly. But, the majority are and since Christianity in America is generally realized as a "personal relationship with Jesus" (a terribly un-theological concept, but how faith is actualized in our region of the world)its going to come down to an individual basis.
It's been a while, but I thought I'd let you know that the next House of God (November 12th) is titled "LOST: a candid conversation with those outside the church about those inside the church." Hope to see you there.
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