University events related to gnosticism, homosexuality, and New Age

[adamhovey1988]

Okay, so I want to clarify, that there are Christian clubs and activities on campus. Anyway, one of the things we are REQUIRED to go to are called “ICE” events (ICE is a really bad acronym that I don’t want to begin to try to spell it out in full). Anyway, somethings their purposes are rather benign (like learning about geology), other times they have titles like “gay safe zone”. (We can chose which ones we want to go to, but the ones involving religion are not usually sympathetic to Christianity). Anyway, they are doing one on the Book of Revelation (my favourite book of the Bible, my favourite verse being Revelation 21:4), and I looked up the speaker, Dr. Elaine Pagels. Turns out, she seems to be (correct me if I am wrong sympathetic to gnosticism). Not an ICE event, but there is a Lutheran Pastor at the university that does New Age type stuff, and there are ads all over the university for it. I am crying right now, because I feel like our Christianity is being forced to adapt to the culture. I don’t want New Age pastors, I don’t want Gnostic interpretations of the Book of Revelation, I want God. University students are impressionable (I am older than most of them, but not so much that I look out of place), and this is the time they are searching for truth. How do you find truth when those that are supposed to bring it (like a Christian pastor, for instance) are leading you to something that contradicts Christ? I go to a publicly funded university, so this baffles me.

 

[Murmurs]

I have a huge amount of sympathy for you and students all over the US (and UK, and surely elsewhere), in your position. One thing I would say though is that university is a place for everyone to be exposed to new ideas. Truth, to anyone in a university, is, quite frankly, relative. That there is a higher Truth is surely not entirely forgotten by many, but it’s a place to explore different ways of viewing it (or sometimes turning away from it).

No one should accept them at face value, without thinking about them (though sadly many do). I have no idea what Dr Pagels is like as a speaker but while her research is certainly very very interesting from an Early-Christian-history perspective.

If one is a reader who is desperate to take offence at scholarly inquiry, then one should go ahead and take offence. But really, just go, listen, you might hear something really fascinating I would treat it like any lecture: take notes if you like, ask questions, and accept nothing said as being Gospel truth (no pun intended).

More broadly, I very much feel your pain. I guess public universities don’t have an obligation to bring students towards (or indeed away from) Christ, and I imagine the people (more senior students, or members of staff) who make the invitations tend to invite those they are interested in hearing. It’s what I did when I ran student societies anyway!

Is there a Catholic group on campus? Either an official one or just a bunch of people you have seen going to Mass? You’re very free to form your own society or group, surely, if you see a lack. If there are any members of staff who have a kind of pastoral responsibility, ask them about events/groups for Catholics (though probably without suggesting that Lutheran pastors will lead people away from the Truth; that’s not very in keeping with the ecumenical spirit!). What church do you attend? Is it the university chaplaincy or a local parish? Maybe ask the priest there as well, because presumably he will know of things happening locally and I highly doubt you’re the only serious Catholic at the university!

For compulsory events - I say you should go along, grit your teeth. Maybe at least there’ll be some wonderful new potential friends or something! Don’t be afraid of being challenged; that is why (I hope) you went to university at all. But nor should you be afraid of standing up for what you believe in.

I know I’m really good at writing rather a lot of drivel, but hopefully something in the above is helpful I will pray that you soon find something suited to your spiritual needs

God bless you

 

[ComplineSanFran]

Anyway, they are doing one on the Book of Revelation (my favourite book of the Bible, my favourite verse being Revelation 21:4), and I looked up the speaker, Dr. Elaine Pagels. Turns out, she seems to be (correct me if I am wrong sympathetic to gnosticism).

Dr Pagels is a very well respected scholar. Her field of expertise has been the Gnostic Gospels along with other early Church history. I don’t think you will find her being an advocate for the practice of gnosticism but rather a provider of scholarly knowledge. You are very fortunate to have the opportunity to hear her in person. She will go down in history for her work.

I remember when I was in University, I took some courses that were studies of different parts of the Bible. I was stunned to find it all academic. It was history and textual analysis and interpretation. I realized then that there is a HUGE difference between academic study of religion (and texts) and studies for the purpose of spiritual learning. Two very different things.If you can keep them separate in your mind, and go into both with an openness and willingness to learn, you will be much better for it. Really.