David Acevedo , Columbia ’ 19 , said the course provided a solid foundation for understanding the Christian worldview in an engaging and fun way . The intensity and depth went way beyond a typical Bible study , he said .
As with Christian Union Bible Courses and the leadership lecture series during the academic year , the Lake George Course on Christian Thought is another opportunity for students to break down some of theology and philosophy ’ s biggest questions , and to reference a diverse range of texts .
As Acevedo put it , “ Our understanding of the underlying theological and philosophical principles of our faith must run deep enough to [ deal with ] the countless other worldviews we encounter each and every day at school , and that we will experience for the rest of our lives .” | cu
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A God-Sized Vision
Ministry Hosts Author of ‘ Revival Stories ’ by catherine elvy , staff writer
When Timothy Dwight took over the helm of Yale College in 1795 , the institution was in a “ most ungodly state ,” beset by rampant alcohol consumption , profanity , gambling , and other vices .
Only about 10 percent of the student body affirmed faith , while others were skeptical or “ rowdies ,” according to A God-Sized Vision : Revival Stories that Stretch and Stir .
During an appearance in October at Cornell University , Collin Hansen , the book ’ s co-author , told students they need to experience a “ God-sized vision ” of revival , and he pointed to the Second Great Awakening for inspiration . “ We need more hope ,” Hansen told students involved with Christian Union ’ s ministry .
Colleges remain “ fertile soil ” for revival , said Hansen , who also spoke to students about his career in politics and about the sting of racism in the United States .
The account of Dwight , a Yale alumnus of 1769 , highlights the far-reaching impact of spiritual revitalizations on college campuses , Hansen said . “ You ’ ll know when revival comes and you see the right kind of unity ,” said Hansen , editorial director at The Gospel Coalition . “ Others will be regarded as more important than self .”
Hansen appeared twice on behalf of Christian Union ’ s ministry at Cornell as part of the organization ’ s strategic plan to offer high-caliber leadership
training to undergraduates and to emphasize the importance of a seeking God lifestyle .
During his lunchtime session , Hansen explained how an unprecedented revival at Yale emerged on the heels of the spiritual fervor that swept the country ’ s rugged frontier during the Second Great Awakening .
Revivals usually feature four key elements : remembrance , rejoicing , repentance , and resolve .
Shortly after taking charge of Yale , Dwight , a grandson of renowned theologian Jonathan Edwards ( Yale , class of 1720 ), accepted a challenge to debate the authority of Scripture with students . Dwight responded with a “ well-reasoned defense of the Bible ’ s accuracy ,” and subsequently preached a series of sermons on biblical reliability , according to A God-Sized Vision .
By 1802 , as an electrifying revival spread across Yale , about a third of students accepted Christ as their personal savior , and scores went on to enter ministry .
Hansen explained to Cornell students how revivals usually feature four key elements : remembrance , rejoicing , repentance , and resolve .
He also reflected on the theme of caring for others during his evening appearance at Cornell . That ’ s w i n t e r 2 0 1 7 : : c h r i s t i a n u n i o n . o r g
23