On August 28, 2023, I sat in the arena in the PLC at Grove City College. The room was filled with 600 other freshmen. As we waited for the introductory presentation, we talked with each other. For the first time in my life, I met Anglicans, Presbyterians, and even a few Lutherans. This was my first encounter with the theologically diverse Christian community of Grove City College, which creates an environment where Christians from all denominations can come closer to God.
Before coming to GCC, I had only been exposed to two strands of Christianity: informal non-denominational Christianity and Catholicism. Four years ago, my family started attending an informal church in South Florida. The congregation welcomed us in and encouraged us to develop our faith. Surrounded by the people of this church, my heart was converted to God. While informal, this church is very effective at preaching the gospel. Currently, they are the fourteenth fastest-growing church in the nation. With my heart now turned toward God and his church, my mind still wanted more. I dived into philosophy and theology and found myself aligning with the Catholic tradition more and more. After many conversations with leaders in both the non-denominational church where I came to faith and the local Catholic Church, I decided to join the Catholic Church in August of 2022. I started to lean into my newfound Catholic faith. Before coming to Grove City College, I had never met a faithful Presbyterian, Anglican, or Lutheran. I was theologically isolated with little to no knowledge of other traditions other than the ones I had encountered.
That changed when I came to Grove City College. Within days of arriving on campus, I counted people from many denominations among my friends. I found myself in faith conversations frequently. The day after moving in, six other freshmen and I crowded into my dorm room to debate the veneration of Mary. Every Monday I have lunch with a Reformed friend and we cover all kinds of issues like dispensationalism, the 5 solas, and church history. At a campus like Grove City, these conversations are not forced; rather, they happen spontaneously. Another time, when my committee was planning for an SGA event, we started talking about the mountains of Colorado. Eventually, we ended up with the question: what makes a valid marriage? Such conversations have been a treasure trove of knowledge for me. During every conversation, I learn something new, and my respect for my peers increases. I am grateful to everyone who has entertained my debates.
Prior to coming to Grove City College, I had never attended a church that wasn’t Catholic or non-denominational. Thankfully, that has changed. My friends and acquaintances have invited me to their churches, and I have joined them. One Sunday in September, I was invited to a local Anglican Church. I was shocked to see how similar the Anglican liturgy is to the Catholic mass. At some points, it was word-for-word the same. I walked away with a new appreciation for Anglicanism. Then in November, a co-worker invited me to attend an Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Naturally, I went, and again, I was blown away. That church service was the most reverent non-liturgical service I have ever seen. Over the last six months, my faith has been enriched by learning from Protestant Christians, those outside of my own Catholic tradition.
Yet the best part of Grove City’s theological diversity is that it raises important questions. During conversations, I find myself facing questions I have never considered before. Talking to people with different perspectives will give you new insights into Christianity. The most productive conversations you will have are not debates, but investigations where everyone involved seeks truth together. Explaining our beliefs to other Christians and hearing their viewpoints forces us to think. We need to break down our views to their first principles. As we discover more about these principles, our faith is challenged, refined, and strengthened. Better yet, you don’t need to be opinionated to do this. All you need is a humble and inquisitive mind.
Engaging with other Christians has made me better. Truly, one of Grove City College’s greatest strengths is its theological diversity. Take advantage of it as much as you can. Talking to others from different traditions will force you to consider new ideas. Your preconceptions will be challenged. Do not be afraid; every discussion is a chance to come closer to the truth. Remember, Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” When you find truth, you find God.
