Devotion - Thursday, April 24

As you have been reading your textbooks and preparing for exams, I have been reading a book about the status of religious engagement in the university setting.  The Book is titled No Longer Invisible: Religion in University Education.

Near the end, there is a discussion of what it is that actually takes place in the classroom.  The old model would tell us that the professor dispassionately presents information, which the students absorb.  "Information" is the content of the course being taught.  

But try as she might, the professor cannot completely and totally shield her own convictions and preferences.  These seep into the exchanges which occur during those three hours that you and she interact.  By the end of the term, "Formation" has come into to the mix.  The content of the course (we would all hope) has an impact on the student.

We all need to be prepared to reflect upon the formation associated with the information and to realize that the latter can never be delivered without the former coming along for the ride.

You speak with me often about these things.  You reveal a disinterest in "useless bits of information."  But your eyes light up when you discover the classes in which your view of the world is strengthened, or even undermined, or called upon to change, or even complicated in some way.  What you learn is to make a difference in your life.

And it does.  And it will.

When you come to LCM we are real clear about the "difference" we hope to make.  It is a challenge for your professors to be as clear about such matters.  But know that it happens.  AND realize that they are as committed to helping you grow and develop and find your mark in the world.  They just aren't as free to speak of such things.  Your gift to them could be to acknowledge how they have not only shared information but aided your formation.  Think of "How", and tell them.  You could approach them by saying, "I have sat in your class all term, and I am grateful.  Now that that is over, might you be willing to share with me what it is about this subject that makes it so important in your life?"

Something more happens to you during these four years than getting a degree.  You are molded and formed and guided.  Be aware of all the forces doing that and be reflective on the impact each is having.

Good luck with exams.  God will be with you.