Embracing the Spirit of Inquiry
This past weekend, I had the pleasure of reconnecting with a fellow alumnus from Wheaton College, a Christian institution in Illinois founded in 1860. As we reminisced about our time at the college, he shared a humorous anecdote about a chance encounter with Hudson T. Armerding, our beloved college president, affectionately known as “Hud.”
A Legacy of Questioning
Dr. Armerding confided in my friend that our 1969 graduating class was, in his words, the “worst.” I must admit that I take pride in this distinction, as I believe it reflects our class’s propensity for challenging the status quo and seeking truth. We were not satisfied with superficial answers and instead probed deeper, often to the chagrin of the administration.
Seeking Answers, Seeking Truth
At its core, our inquisitive nature was driven by a hunger for authenticity. We didn’t attend college merely to accumulate knowledge; we came with questions, seeking to understand the complexities of the world around us. This attitude, while sometimes tumultuous, was essential to our growth and development.
The Value of Inquiry
Many of our professors would attest that our class was among the most engaging and thought-provoking. When students ask questions, it indicates a desire for understanding and a willingness to think critically. This process of inquiry fosters a deeper ownership of values and truths, leading to a more profound impact on the world.
Faith and Doubt
As Oswald Chambers so aptly put it, our faith is not merely a passive acceptance, but rather a dynamic process of struggle and questioning. Even doubt can be a legitimate step in the journey of faith, as it demonstrates our willingness to grapple with the complexities of our beliefs. God welcomes our questions, for they demonstrate our desire to know Him more intimately.
A Legacy of Revival
It is intriguing to note that our “worst” class coincided with the dawn of a significant spiritual revival in our generation. Similarly, today’s college freshmen are increasingly dissatisfied with the status quo, seeking answers to life’s profound questions.
The Power of Inquiry
So I ask you: Do you leverage your questions to draw closer to God? Do you embrace the spirit of inquiry, recognizing that it is a vital component of your faith journey? By doing so, you may just find yourself at the forefront of a spiritual awakening.
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