easier but they will do whatever
is reasonable to help us learn the
subject.” Every single student in
that board room voiced the same
opinion with great enthusiasm.
There were two students who
transferred to Bryn Athyn
College, one from a large state
university and another from a
smaller state school who went on
to praise the faculty further for
their accessibility and support by
mentioning they never got such
help at their previous schools.
The College in general
has gained experience
and continues to
refine how to teach
about the New Church
faith. Young adults are
actually more open
than you might think
to new thoughts and
concepts about religion.
The students went on to say they
felt like they had a friend for life
with faculty members. Again,
they felt Bryn Athyn College was special in this respect.
I was so glad there were other Corporation members in the room
because I am not sure you would believe this experience if I did not have
other witnesses to verify the event.
• As I mentioned, we also conduct surveys on courses at the end of each
term. I think you might be surprised what course is rated the highest
in terms of student satisfaction and interest. With so many courses
offered you may think it might be a wide varying answer. The answer is
Religion 101 – also known as Rookie Religion – which is required of all
students who have not had any formal instruction about the principles
of the New Church faith.
• The surveys completed at the end of the course show that students for
the most part are pleased to be introduced to the introductory concepts
of faith. For many students, this is the first time they have received any
formal religious instruction and the experience is new for them. In no
way do I want to imply we have a pipeline of converts lining up to join
the Church, but it is an important first step to introducing the faith. The
College is blessed to have several outstanding clergy faculty members
such as the Rev. Dr. Thane Glenn, the Rev. Dr. Ray Silverman and the
Rev. Grant Schnarr, who do a great job of making this academic material
relevant to the students’ lives. Core teachings on love, marriage love,
145