christian union universities
Leadership Lectures
Ministry Hosts Distinguished Speakers in Fall Semester by catherine elvy , staff writer c h r i s t i a n u n i o n : : t h e m a g a z i n e
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In the fall semester , the leadership lecture series for Christian Union ’ s ministry at Yale University centered on the themes of encountering God and testing faith .
In response , students said they were moved as they reflected on the truths imparted by a succession of scholars and speakers with high-caliber credentials .
Jason Entgelmeier , Yale ’ 17 , is the president of Christian Union ’ s ministry at Yale .
Jason Entgelmeier , ’ 17 , student president of Christian Union ’ s ministry at Yale , noted the leadership lecture series opened the semester with a thought-provoking look at what is involved with pursuing God at Yale , and subsequent sessions examined practical aspects of walking out Christian faith and the importance of a deep commitment to Jesus Christ .
Yale alumnus Greg Phelan offered powerful insights on the challenging subject of God and human suffering . On December 2 , the assistant professor of economics at Williams College probed injustice and Christ ’ s abundant grace in the midst of agonies .
“ Suffering can keep us from believing the claims of the Bible and following God ,” said Phelan ( Yale ’ 07 , PhD ’ 14 ).
The Psalms point to the twin realities of worldly afflictions , as well as the opportunities to understand them via heavenly perspectives . “ There are real injustices in the world ,” said Phelan .
Still , Scriptures are full of insights for dealing with life ’ s difficulties . “ The Psalms are in the Bible to show us what to do when we are suffering and angry ,” said Phelan , a former proprietary trader .
Christ ’ s death on the cross points to godly responses to adversity and suffering . Jesus walked out a “ perfect life in compete and total obedience ” to His Heavenly Father , but , nonetheless , experienced earthly rejection , accusations , and unparalleled afflictions , Phelan said .
Students should allow the “ risen savior to roll away the stone of your anger .”
John Hartley , a doctoral candidate and research fellow of the Yale Center for Faith and Culture , unpacked whether individuals who hold exclusive beliefs , especially regarding the veracity of Scriptures , can engage in constructive dialogues , especially in settings ripe with opportunities for conflict .
“ These processes tend to confront and put us on edge ,” Hartley told students during an October gathering . “ Is religious exclusivism really viable in these types of conversations ?”
More importantly , Hartley asked students to consider the appropriateness of typical human responses – such as attacking , defending , changing the subject , and the like – when encountering conflicts involving core beliefs .
“ The practices you are developing now are forming the way that whatever religious beliefs you have will be expressed ,” Hartley said .
As well , Christians should consider whether they are patient , gracious , and understanding to fellow believers , but not so with non-Christians . “ How thick is your moral expression ?” Hartley asked , rhetorically . “ Do you relate to people ?”