Summit Ministries

By Kelly Ann Hogan

"Keep your feet firmly on the ground." This quote was written to me in my signed copy of Relativism, a book Dr. Frank Beckwith wrote. The past couple days at Summit have revolved heavily around this idea. Another important subject emphasized in the seminar is Dr. Noebel's popular quote, "Ideas have consequences." Why? Because an idea can affect not only your generation, but future generations. As Christians facing these crazy ideas, it's important to keep your feet firmly planted on the Rock.

The first day, I really didn't know what to expect. I knew it was going to be intense, but not to what extent. I was in for a bit of a shock! The first day lectures were good and very informative. Day one was the calm before the storm. Starting day two, it all broke loose and the professors didn't, and probably won't, hold back.

Already our faith has been challenged in so many ways; all day we sat through intense debates and long lectures. Relativism, morality, the origin of sin, and more subjects have been spewed across the table and at our faces. But through it all, I really can't complain. It has been amazing to pick the brains of the professors. They are intensely smart and intelligent. This kind of challenge is what I came here for. I came to not only to watch the sunrise on Red Mountain after a hard hike, or to hike Pikes Peak, but I came to be instructed, stretched, and strengthened in my faith. I came to learn how to engage an ornery professor, who thinks I am arrogant and stupid, respectfully, and knowledgably without having to quote or use just the Bible for everything.

Today was one of the most intense lectures. The professor was playing devil's advocate, and I was overwhelmed during parts of the lecture. I couldn't believe how fast the professor changed subjects and nailed each student who brought up an argument. Absolutely crazy! But I know it will be completely rewarding. I just have to get thought the grilling part first.

I could go on for pages on just the lectures, but there have been some other amazing experiences in addition to classroom time. Today Amanda (my good friend who came to Summit with me) and I hiked Red Mountain at 6am. It was amazing to witness God's nature; to see and feel the glory of it all. We are trying to get used to the altitude, so we can make it to the summit to Pike's Peak on Sunday. We have climed Red Mountain twice, and are already feeling improvement!! Yay!! We plan on hiking as much as possible before the big hike on Sunday. I am so exhilarated with the majesty of the mountains here. I think it's amazing people can look at this ornate gift of beauty and believe it all came from pond scum. Missing the Glory of God may be the most awful thing, even if you don't realize what you are missing.

So far I am really enjoying the Summit. I am so thankful for the opportunity to do this! I can't wait to start putting this new knowledge into practice! I will defiantly be taking the big notebook full of lecture notes to college in the fall!!