Thinking Through Faith at a Deeper Level
Christian Union Course Gives Tejeda ’ 18 Comfort , Perspective by tom campisi , managing editor
It was an incredibly hard summer for Julissa Tejeda , a civil engineering major at Columbia University .
Her father passed away in June , and she spent most of her time helping to plan his funeral and taking care of the family ’ s financial affairs .
The Bronx , New York native had signed up for Christian Union ’ s annual Lake George Course on Christian Thought , but didn ’ t feel emotionally up to it . As she begins her senior year at Columbia , however , Tejeda is glad that she decided to attend the 12-day course with seven other students at Christian Union ’ s retreat center in Lake George , New York .
The course , held in mid-August , was led by Jesse Peterson , a Christian Union ministry fellow at Columbia . Featured topics included : Faith and Reason ; Biblical Exegesis ; Meta-Ethics ; The Meaning of Life ; Death and Afterlife in the Bible ; Creation ; and Vice-Regency .
“ The Lake George Course on Christian Thought provides the most theologically and philosophically minded students with a means to engage with one another as peers ,” said Peterson . “ They become excited once it starts and they meet students from other campuses who enjoy thinking through faith at a deeper level .”
Spending nearly two weeks with other students from top universities in a peaceful , scenic setting and engaging with an intellectually-rich curriculum was a welcomed respite for Tejeda .
“ I ’ m so grateful that I had the chance to leave New York City and be alone with God through Christian community ,” she said . “ I was able to re-focus on my senior year .”
The highlight of her time in Lake George was engaging in dialogue that was fostered by studying some of life ’ s most provocative topics . Tejeda recalled how a negative experience in a local church a few years earlier had left her fearful of asking questions to leadership as she wrestled with doctrinal questions .
“ At Lake George , I felt comfortable admitting my doubts ,” she said . “ And I felt encouraged to ask questions . I wasn ’ t afraid , because all of the conversations were marked with love and genuine curiosity .”
Tejeda , who is active in the Christian community at Columbia , said she is better equipped theologically and more confident as she begins her senior year .
“ I ’ m not afraid of uncertainty or doubts anymore . Because I yearn to truly know Jesus , it is my duty to ask questions . Since everything I do should be done to the glory of God , it is important for me to ask questions in respect to my studies and future career . I should aspire to Julissa Tejeda , Columbia ’ 18 , was do all things to the best grateful to attend the Christian of my ability .”
Worldview Course in August .
Attending the Lake George Course on Christian Thought also helped Tejeda experience reflection and healing following the passing of her dad , Felix Tejeda , who died of lung cancer on June 18 . She was thankful for conversations about grief and moving forward with Robert Muni , a Stanford University sophomore who lost his father in high school .
“ The time I spent at Lake George was the first time I was really alone with my feelings . It allowed me to contemplate the reality of my dad ’ s absence , as well as the implications of living without him ,” she said . “ I found comfort in community , the warm atmosphere of the house , and nature .”
Studying with like-minded students and bonding through recreational activities also proved to be a blessing .
“ As someone who loves nature , it was great to play basketball and volleyball , as well as go kayaking and hiking ,” she said . “ Overall , it felt like we were a family of nine , a multicultural Brady Brunch .” | cu
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