LESSONS FROM OUR LESSONS
06-26-2020
Now that the academic year has come to a close, the co-editors of The Herald were interested in learning what first year students learned. We delve into how students have been transformed by their coursework, and how they have been enlightened by their newfound knowledge. We invited students to come together in a round table discussion to share their experiences as new seminarians. We hope you will be able to relate to their theological explorations and discoveries, as we learned much through this timely discourse.
Our distinguished panelists today include: (See the attached pictures)
On Academics:
For starters, we wanted to know, of all of the choices available for higher education, why they chose to attend seminary.
"Still a hunger. Still a thirst. Still a desire to do
more, to learn more, to be the version of me that
I thought God said that I had the right to be.”
Click here to hear more.
****
On Self:
The path of the seminarian is an academic route but a personal journey as well. Therefore, we wanted to know what students learned about themselves in the process.
“Mostly, that I’m not crazy…
I can now say that due to systemic oppression
and American chattel is why I be smacking white
girls who touch my hair.”
Click here to hear more.
****
On Faith:
As new information is presented, it may shake or even shatter the foundation that one stood on before arriving at seminary. Was their faith formed, informed or even transformed by learning anything new?
“I can sing gospels songs and old slave hymns by myself…”
Click here to hear more.
****
On Vocation:
Russian playwright, Anton Chekhov, said “Knowledge is of no value unless you put it into practice.” It is important that students contemplated and responded to how they could or would put what they’ve learned into practice.
“What I’ve learned I want to give to the students
who are going to be ministers in the future.”
Click here to hear more.
****
On Worldview:
The United States is in turmoil. Recent events have led to trauma, years of wounds never quite healing, and then being repeated reopened with each black body that has needlessly and cruelly suffered.
“The concept of grace cannot be a cheap grace.”
Click here to hear more.
****
In conclusion:
Learning is gained and shared. Proverbs 23:12 advises, “Apply your mind to instruction and your ear to words of knowledge.” As we wrapped up the discussion, we wanted to hear from our panelists what words of knowledge they might pass on to new students if they had the opportunity.
“This environment will accept you for you…
Come as you are. Come raw. Be you.”
To listen to the entire interview, click here.
On behalf of The Herald thank you, our panelists, for your thoughtful and insightful responses. And we look forward to seeing where God takes you in the years ahead. We have learned so much from you, and we hope that you, our audience, did too.
Look for more round table discussions as we invite students to share their overall lessons and experiences at McCormick Theological Seminary. Look for The Herald on Facebook and like us, and follow us on Instagram.
Kenith Bergeron, MTS student
Blake Collins, MDIV student
Danushka Dilshan, MTS student
Doralice Gardner, MDIV student
Brandon Price, MDIV student
Elexis Wilson, MDIV student