Thoughts from a Student

One of our United Methodist M.Div. students posted a remarkable blog earlier this week that I want to share.  Jonathan Visitacion came to Claremont in 2008 with understandable concerns at that time (we were still under review from our accrediting bodies) about Claremont's stability and ability to educate him toward ordination.  He struggled with the decision to come to Claremont, which he so poignantly explains:

The school has always held ecumenical openness in high regard and has pushed towards the respect of all religions ever since I have attended classes. This has allowed me to be more respectful and culturally sensitive to persons of other religions, as it has been my own personal pet peeve when people from other cultures naïvely step on my toes. On my own behalf, CST has been able to show me that culture has been the key to inviting others to Christ, whether that means by reflecting on the historical Christian missions or through the community presence of Christ.

... More importantly, I believe that it is true that an inter-religious seminary [has] the potential of strengthening Christians because they are more aware of the world around them, and can affirm their own faith against a religiously/ethnically diverse school. After all, I have been here for almost two years and still believe in the salvation of Christ and the presence of God's love in the world.

I encourage you to read his post in its entirety, as it authentically conveys the lived experience of one Methodist student at Claremont.