Iam a Chinese student who is learning about Christianity in a systematical context for the first time. I’m a freshman at Harding, but I’m still in the ESL classes and am currently taking BNEW 111, taught by instructor of Bible Gary Jackson.
I believe I am the most active student in the class, as I’m learning a lot that I have never learned before. I’ve learned the difference between the Christian faith, Catholic faith and Orthodox faith, and more specifically the differences in how they worship. I remember asking a question about the Crusades, and being informed that though they believed their work to be in the name of God, it was still a terrible sin that God will punish. I learned a lot about these kinds of in-depth situations because of Mr. Jackson’s willingness to have several discussions in order to provide me with a better understanding of Christianity. I am very appreciative of his help.
Because Harding is a faith-based university, these kinds of qualities in teachers are common; they are willing to help students for any occasion. Some of them invite us to their home to have dinner, where there are plenty of Christian activities such as Bible studies to help students in their understanding of God outside of the classroom. Harding staff are always ready to help you improve your English as well. I feel their warm-hearted care, which is beginning to make me think about the cores of Christianity, concerning how and why it is different from other religions. My conclusions are the following:
The distinction between Christianity and other religions is that followers have a good tutor, a fellowship with their peers and they are thankful.
First, Jesus, the tutor, unlike other religions’, is not a domineering person. Even the lowest people can receive and understand his wisdom. In Mark 1:29-34, Jesus cured many patients’ illnesses and those patients were the poor and lowly. Jesus said to the scribes “they that are whole have no need of a physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” Every one has access to this wisdom if they want, so that makes Christianity much more personal.
Second, there is good fellowship with their peers. To refer to this, Acts 2:43-47 provides some insight, where they have partnership with one another and share their feelings with each other, as we often do today.
Finally, and most importantly, is thankfulness. In my point of view, this is the main principle of Christianity, including hymns, prayer and the Lord’s Supper. I remember once I was in a Bible study with my host family, and they said we should be thankful to everyone; our parents and friends, even our enemies, because we may be unaware of their disadvantages, and I completely agree with this statement.
As someone who has never learned systematically about Christianity before, it is my hope that there are others that I may teach in the way that Mr. Jackson has taught me, and that others will also feel encouraged to continue to teach me.
