_ lJon lIof/uml _ J)(", Hollund Trends in faith: - I>,,,, lIol/all(/ renewed growth and commitment Like an inner quietness, a sense of serenity permeates the atmosphere of Hard ing, always there; understated but present. Where lies the source of this spiritual quietude? Perhaps it lies in the very nature of Harding, perhaps in the students, probably somewhere in the intertwining of the two. The spiritual emphasis of Harding could be viewed from two angles. In many ways life was much easier living in a Christian environment. When problems arose it was easier to make the right decision because many others were having the same problems . It was the decision the spiritual mind wanted to make and the world had very little influence over it. At Harding, the majority of the students were not put in a place where they had to make hard and tempting decisions. Spiritual Life Committee Chairman, Gregg York stated, "There are very few places in the world that one can go where he wouldn ' t be faced with constant hard choices between right and wrong." Life in a Christian environment can also be too easy. When a student went home for a weekend vacation or holiday he sometimes found himself shocked at the ways of the world. He had to reestablish his views and take care not to yield to temptation through weakness of an unexerci sed spiritual muscle. There were many opportunities for spiritual growth at Harding. For students who came from public schools, Bible class was a pleasant new experience. Through daily Bible class everyone had a set study time for learning more about God's word. Club devotionals taught valuable lessons in planning and executing of devotionals. Campaigns provided a perfect opportunity for some students to teach others about Christ. Talents and·abilities as yet uncovered were explored and expanded through the intensive fellowship and daily study. Students were enthusiastic about saving souls. Jonathan Cloud reflected on this by saying, "You can find a concentration of students basically willing to commit themselves to the community and to the world in the campaigns for Christ." The S.A. Spirtual Life Committee was especially active. They sponsored special seminars like the Prayer Enrichment Seminar conducted by Albert Lemmons. Fellowships helped to create a new unity among the student body . Some students began attending area congregations for Sunday worship services instead of the College Church of Christ. They liked the smaller congregations because they could get to know more of the members and felt more of a personal belonging. Jess Bucy stated, "At the very beginning of school our attendance at the College church was definitely up the first two or three meeting times compared to what it was the year before. But, w5-'do have other congregations and I think now some of the people are going there. " There seemed to be a growing awareness that spiritual growth could not be attained only by sharing in worship. Many felt and exp ressed the need for a personal relationship with God. Karen Surber noted, "I think there are a great deal of students who don't understand thier commitment. Yet, I see a great upheaval in wanting to learn more." Nineteen hundred eighty-one marked a special year in the importance and up-bu ilding of Harding University student's spiritual lives. Dr. Ganus observed, "Our students have a greater spiritual dedication this year and are more interested in doing good for others. Their hearts are right and they have a deeper spiritual meaning in their lives." - Suzanne Johnston 27 Spirtual Life
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