It is almost an academic tradition that college and university life should shake your faith in things you once believed in. That may even include your faith in God and in spirituality. But there are encouraging signs that more students are looking for spiritual answers to the challenges of higher learning. In some cases they are putting intellectualism and materialism to the test and finding them wanting.
What can Christian Science organizations at universities and colleges offer during a time of spiritual ferment? Are they places where you can raise questions fearlessly and find answers? Can you find mutual support there as well as a larger commitment to understanding and loving others in the academic community? Consider the experiences of some past and present college organization members.
Julio Rivas T. (Texas): I grew up in Los Angeles, but I went through my entire teens not knowing any young Christian Scientists. I didn't know how a young Christian Scientist behaved— whether they were "normal." In high school, I always wondered, "How do you combine being good and being cool?" I was always torn, because I liked being cool! (Not that I was!) At the same time, every Sunday I'd go to Sunday School, and we'd talk about spiritual things. And they were very close to my heart, but they always sort of slapped me in the face—mentally, that is.
