In my latest reading of The Search for God at Harvard
(copyright 1991), Ari Goldman talks about the dearth of Christian
spirituality at Harvard Divinity School, as people sought to avoid
offending those from non-Christian religions. He says that the chapel
at HDS focused largely on left-wing political causes. Goldman also
discusses the spirituality of people he knew at the divinity school, who
believed that they found spirituality in relationships with others, in
language, and in life. While I did not identify much with the students'
spirituality, I did identify with their stories, particularly because
they were searching for community and meaning in life.
So why did I
have a hard time identifying with the students' spirituality? Well, I
mentioned finding spirituality in relationships with others, in
language, and in life. Regarding relationships, I have a hard time
connecting with people. On language, maybe I identify with that a
little bit more, since I interact with God by seeking to understand the
words of the Bible. Regarding life, I struggle to believe in God
despite life being tough; only occasionally do I feel that I'm having a
spiritual experience in the course of day-to-day life.
What do I
think about the state of Christian spirituality at Harvard Divinity
School? Was my experience at Harvard Divinity School like that of Ari
Goldman? There was still a desire to avoid offending people, but there
were also more evangelical students attending than was probably the case
when Goldman went there, plus there were some evangelical professors.
And I'd say that, in classes, there was much discussion about Christian
biblical interpretation, beliefs, and spirituality, but I wouldn't be
surprised if that was also the case (on some level) when Goldman went to
HDS.
Regarding the chapel, I went a few times and did not care
for it. I don't remember much talk about leftist political ideology at
the chapel services, as Goldman narrates, but rather New Agey-like
sermons. I remember one speaker paraphrasing Romans 8:38-39 by saying
that nothing will separate us from the love of the earth. When I
attended chapel about a year later, I liked it much more. Students who
won a preaching contest were preaching, and I thought that their sermons
were really down-to-earth and God-centric. I especially enjoyed one
sermon by a Jewish lady about her thoughts on Jesus and his message of
inclusion.