John Wilson,
Department of Physics and Astronomy,
Georgia State University
[Oct.1,2012]
In my position as a Christian and an instructor at a state university, I ask myself, “What do I have to offer students that non-believing professors cannot offer?” It brings to mind what Dr. Rae Mellichamp, Emeritus Professor of Management Science at the University of Alabama, expressed as one of the goals of the ministry of Faculty Commons. Every student deserves to know at least one college professor who has a Christian world view.
In Rae’s book, Ministering in the Secular University, I found many helpful tips, beginning with guidelines for identifying oneself as a Christian. To do that, I personally present a power point about myself that includes my hobbies and interests, and I include a picture of my church.
We may not always know how much our efforts accomplish. However, a recent conversation with one of my students showed me that at least for some students, it is important and it helps them take away a positive view of the classes we teach.
Class Memories
The conversation occurred on the final exam day in an integrated science class for early childhood education majors. The last lingering student finally turned in the exam. As this student was leaving I commented that I hoped the class had been an enjoyable one, adding “I tried to make it fun.”
The student stopped dead in his tracks. I waited for his response, fearing it was not going to be all that glowing. To my relief he said, “Yes sir, it was fun! And do you know which day I enjoyed the most? The time you were talking about conservation of energy. You said that you believe God created all the energy in the universe. I was really glad to know that one of my professors believes that there is a God and that He created things. That was the best day I had during this class.”
Encouraging Students
A bit stunned, I thanked him for those kind words. And I wished him well in his future pursuits. For me this confirmed that at least one of my students left class knowing that he had been in a science class with a Christian instructor.
I have had other similar experiences with former students that I have encountered while walking around our campus. I believe that our Christian students feel better about their college experience knowing that some of their instructors and professors have a Christian world view, including science professors.
Participation in the Christian Faculty Forum on our campus has given me added courage to let my students learn who I am as a person. I have been prompted to express in class that science and Christianity are not necessarily in conflict with each other. That viewpoint is not always given a public hearing today. I have chosen to use the platform I have as a scientist and a follower of Jesus Christ where God has placed me.
(c) John Wilson 2012