It takes so much work to go out of town. Leave lesson plans for the sub, take the dogs to the kennel, pack, get books on CD from the library, load my iPod with great music, and pack some healthy snacks. Friday, with a big cup of coffee, I headed out with Matilda (my GPS who speaks with an Australian accent). The drive to Nashville was just beautiful. Fall colors, crisp, cool weather. A great uninterrupted opportunity to think and pray.
After a good night’s sleep, I went to the Open House at the Divinity school. Since this is my second seminary visit, I have something to compare now. It was great to help me clarify what I am looking for. Their theme of the day was incorporating arts with theology, but I was disappointed that with such an emphasis on this, they don’t have any opportunities to participate in the arts – aside from an art history class or jumping into the rigorous music program in the Blair School of Music.
The first session was in the art room which is a small gallery. I don’t know anything about art, but these were pretty disturbing pieces. There was one with teddy bears with their heads and limbs chopped off, painted by a holocaust survivor. We had to walk around and look at each piece and share our reflections with the group. Most people talked about the pain and brokenness that was displayed. Kind of a downer to start the day.
In the next session, they shared some of the Divinity School field trip activities which included visiting the botanical gardens and protesting against the death penalty at the state prison. One student shared that she was inspired to come to Vanderbilt because of the work of James Lawson, who was expelled from Vanderbilt back in 1960 for leading students in non-violence activities in the civil rights movement. The entire Divinity School faculty threatened to resign if they didn’t rescind the expulsion. The medical faculty joined them in this, and the university had no other choice, but to rescind it. Lawson transferred to Boston College, but eventually returned to Vanderbilt as a faculty member and was given an honorary degree as well as the Distinguished Alumnus award. In the 2006 graduation ceremony, the school officially apologized to him.
Another student on the panel had been an orphan in Uganda and was recruited to come to the United States as a singer in the African Children’s Choir, which is an organization that has changed the lives of some of Africa’s neediest, most vulnerable children, through scholarships and the opportunity to tour with the choir.
There was a panel of professors who discussed how they incorporate the arts into their classes. One teaches a class on pop music and theology. He talked about playing gigs in a band throughout his college days. When he was a Methodist minister in Louisville, their church made professional quality recordings for local bands as an outreach activity for the church.
In the afternoon, we had a chance to sit down with some current students. While the official theme of the day was the arts, I felt that the theme of protest was more pervasive. In my conversation with a representative from the second career women’s group I told her that politically and theologically, I generally fall just to the left of the center and that I wondered if I would be one of the most conservative people there. She said, “Yes, you probably will be.” As the one who is usually the rebel from the left in a room full of conservatives, I believe this is the first time I have ever been the one to the right of the group.
More thinking and praying on the way home. I support all of the causes that we heard about throughout the day, but am more comfortable with getting involved in ministering to the needs of a community than in non-violent protesting. I was outside of my comfort zone at Vanderbilt, but am open to God’s leading. I don’t know if that means that I am not committed to my beliefs or if it just means that I live out my faith in a different way. Either way, my direction in this will be something that I thoughtfully and prayerfully consider.
well said – the folks at vandy sound like caricatures of liberals – well at least ya’ll didnt join hands and sing cumbaya.
Carl -don’t mock singing Kum Ba Ya – my students know that my dream is for all the children of the world to hold hands and sing it in peace and harmony! We actually joke about that in class all the time.
I didn’t see them as being caricatures, just that they see the issues and have a passion for them in a different way than I do. David and I used to have many discussions about the death penalty. Being in law enforcement, he was for it, and I was against it, but aside from having those types of discussions and taking the con side in a high school debate, I never did anything about that view, and nothing as confrontational as protesting. Some of the healing that has occurred at the university in terms of racial and gender equality is truly inspiring. I was glad to have the opportunity to experience the powerful work they are doing there, just not sure that it was the best fit for me personally.
Very interesting to hear about your Vanderbilt visit. It sound like a very social gospel orinetation like we had it the 60s. It was interesitng to hear your take on your being just left of the conservatives. That is usually where I find myslef, but clearly that would put you in another category at Vanderbilt.
As my dear friend says, research, reasearch research. This was still a valuable experience. Blessings as you continue your search.
Thanks Marcie. Yes, each visit has not only been informative, but also inspirational!
Isn’t it great to have such a broad spectrum of people though? Makes everyone think (hopefully!).
~Fauniel
Yes, I love having interactions with people on the right and the left to take in a diverse perspective. But, ultimately the decision will be based on which way God leads me!
If you are called to attend a non-Vanderbilt place of study, I’ll lend you my 20 year old sweatshirts with “Why do we kill people who kill people to teach people that killing people is wrong?” for those times you feel a need to protest. The only times I wear them now is to attend a death penalty vigil when an execution is scheduled. (One of them has a roach hole and I probably did sing Kum Ba Ya in it).
Listen, keep listening, beloved Heather. The path you choose will be right for you. I believe that.
I remember that shirt!! That’s great.
Thanks so much. I treasure your love and support.