Summit Ministries

Wow, it's hard to believe nearly three weeks of Summit Semester have passed already! So much has happened, and I have finally begun to feel a steady routine settling in. Classes continue to provide thrill, excitement, and slight anxiety; you never know when Dr. Bauman will call on you to provide an impromptu answer in defense of your belief, or take a side in a controversial dilemma. In many aspects, I feel as if I am gaining a plethora of new knowledge (mostly in realizing what I don't know - thanks Dr. Bauman), although I can't help feeling a tad overwhelmed. Most of my positions and beliefs regarding politics, theology, morals, and even life in general, are being mercilessly challenged and criticized, and I am constantly left searching deeper for truth. I find myself considering viewpoints I both affirm and oppose in a new light. I have come to the realization that this "quest for truth" is not an endpoint, but a journey I will be traveling the rest of my life.

Our current class discussions include libertarianism, the relationship (or lack thereof), between philosophy and theology, and Sir Philip Sidney. We're also continuing to define art and a "cultivation of the inner life." However, the discussions that fascinated me the most were of war and terrorism in politics. Even though I remain quite ignorant on many policy considerations, I have furthered my passion for pursuing personal knowledge on the issues, and have a long list of books to read once I get home to Virginia.

Of course there is more to this semester than reading and debating; I have thoroughly enjoyed staying active in many ways: running in the morning, basketball and volleyball, and hiking (in all of which, the light-up Santa is fervently included). All the physical and mental exercise leaves everyone with quite an appetite, but thankfully Naomi and Charissa are amazing in the kitchen and have yet to provide a disappointing meal! Last week during work crews, I experienced the kitchen duty - an exhausting, but fun and rewarding chore. It seems that most of what happens here provides worthwhile results after a good, hard work. I am so excited to see what God will unfold for me over the next two months.