Among blood-drinking Satan worshippers, some seniors consider dvinity school and ministry
By: Hector Ramos-Ramos
Issue date: 10/31/08 Section: Features
Macalester College doesn't seem like a breeding ground for budding pastors. For years, the Princeton Review has consistently ranked Macalester as one of America's least God-fearing schools. Though there are a variety of faith-centered organizations on campus seeking to vitalize a religious community, I think anyone would be hard-pressed to say that the average Macalester student considers what Jesus or Mohammad would do before any particularly troublesome endeavor.
A skeptical attitude towards organized religion may be a symptom of a left-leaning campus dynamic, but also a healthy result of unbridled inquiry. Still, there are many students who try to make sense of a complicated world not by throwing away theism, but by seeking to keep it alive and relevant in this new century. Some students even wish to follow this by becoming ministers of their faith.
"My faith is an important part of who I am," Sara Schultz '09 said. Schultz, who was raised in a liberal Lutheran household, recently visited some of the country's most prestigious divinity schools in order to learn more about what it means to be a clergy person, a line of work she thinks she may pursue.
As a child, she was strongly influenced by parents, whose ideals mirror many that Macalester considers important part of its ethos.
"My father, who is a Lutheran, taught me how Christianity was a religion of acceptance and how all people had a right to practice their faith while carrying on their lifestyle as they wished," Schultz said.
She is a proud believer in Lutheranism's potential as a force for unity against hatred, particularly in a time when Christianity is banded about for disparate and often contentious agendas. Yet, she conceded that she does not wish to emphasize differences between Christians.
"I am not one of those people who define their Christianity defensively by stressing how it is not like the type espoused by people using religion to justify unkind or exclusionary positions," she said.
A skeptical attitude towards organized religion may be a symptom of a left-leaning campus dynamic, but also a healthy result of unbridled inquiry. Still, there are many students who try to make sense of a complicated world not by throwing away theism, but by seeking to keep it alive and relevant in this new century. Some students even wish to follow this by becoming ministers of their faith.
"My faith is an important part of who I am," Sara Schultz '09 said. Schultz, who was raised in a liberal Lutheran household, recently visited some of the country's most prestigious divinity schools in order to learn more about what it means to be a clergy person, a line of work she thinks she may pursue.
As a child, she was strongly influenced by parents, whose ideals mirror many that Macalester considers important part of its ethos.
"My father, who is a Lutheran, taught me how Christianity was a religion of acceptance and how all people had a right to practice their faith while carrying on their lifestyle as they wished," Schultz said.
She is a proud believer in Lutheranism's potential as a force for unity against hatred, particularly in a time when Christianity is banded about for disparate and often contentious agendas. Yet, she conceded that she does not wish to emphasize differences between Christians.
"I am not one of those people who define their Christianity defensively by stressing how it is not like the type espoused by people using religion to justify unkind or exclusionary positions," she said.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 6
Tommy
posted 10/31/08 @ 1:57 PM CST
Wow, this article really captured the spirit of Macalester's conflicted relationship with religion. I am impressed.
Kabir
posted 10/31/08 @ 9:00 PM CST
A brilliant piece of journalism! Ramos-Ramos delivers yet another stunning article that offers tremendous insight into the Macalester social dynamic. Whether it's post-graduation anxiety or religion on campus, Ramos-Ramos has become the most trusted contributor to this fine publication. (Continued…)
Mac Community Member
posted 11/01/08 @ 9:40 PM CST
"Kabir" must be out of his mind. This article is just another piece of the usual garbage the Mac Weekly throws out with shocking consistency. I wish Ramos-Ramos the best of luck in his divinity studies or whatever he pursues - as long as he stays away from journalism. (Continued…)
Yolorenz
posted 11/03/08 @ 12:48 PM CST
Dear Community Member and Another Community Member,
Your commentary on the 'consistent garbage' produced by such wunderkinds as Ramos Ramos Ramos Ramos Ramos is much appreciated. (Continued…)
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