Faith Journey Goes to College

Second Saturday of Easter

As is the case with a lot of college students, my college years were among the least spiritual years of my life. No, I wasn't partying. I wasn't having an identity crisis. I wasn't doubting my faith. I was studying. I was a complete college nerd. I studied all the time, 12 or more hours a day, 6 days a week. I took Saturday afternoon and evening off, most of the time. I went to worship at Duke Chapel most Sunday mornings, but that was the extent of my religious life participation. I never attended a meeting of Wesley Foundation or any other campus religious group. For that matter I was never in any extra-curricular activity. I just studied all the time. Finally, during my senior year, my academic advisor noted that I had no extra-curricular activities on my transcript. He suggested that I do something, anything. I signed up fo the Graphic Arts Committee of the Student Union. It was the only committee that still had spaces open. I had no idea what the Graphic Arts Committee did. It turned out that they hung art shows in the Alumni Lounge. I did learn a little about hanging art shows.

I suppose most people would think that I really missed out on the college experience. That was not my thought at all. I have no regrets. I loved school. I loved my courses (except for a few required ones). I stood in awe of my professors. 

I was a History major. My intent was to go to Graduate School in History, eventually get a Ph.D. and then teach. I also had taken eight course in Religion, almost enough for a major. Meanwhile, we were reaching the height of the Vietnam War. My draft number was borderline. I had been anti-Vietnam War since it began. I would have been a protester, but I didn't have time. If I had been drafted, I'm not sure whether I would have gone. Both Canada and jail were too cold for me. Vietnam was too hot. I was not quite a pacifist but pretty close. 

There was one clear, safe option. Go to Divinity School, where I could get a 4-D classification and thus a deferment. I could be just as happy eventually teaching Religion as I would have been teaching history. So I went to Divinity School. 

Faithfully,

Christian