Page 5 - CC-Jul-Sep-2022.cdr

Literature classes can be used to I also found that I could integrate
share many stories from the Bible as faith in a language class. I particularly
Integrating there are a number of references to enjoyed having discussions on the origin
great biblical characters and events in of language when the class would
Faith in a most works of literature, especially, in explore the various theories surrounding
the great classics. When we have a good the origin of language in man. After
Literature knowledge of the Bible it is easy to much discussion, which eventually end-
recognize expressions from the Bible as ed in the realization that, there was no
writers in earlier times were very familiar concrete evidence to tell us how lang-
or a with the Bible and freely used many uage actually developed. I would focus
biblical passages or ideas to effectively on the divine source theory that states
Language express themselves in their works. that language was given to man by God
Himself. The answer to a question on
Classroom As any teacher of literature would the development of different languages
agree, there is an amazing collection of again can be traced to the incident at the
works that reflect Christian themes. Tower of Babylon when God confounded
Right from openly professing books on the plans of men by giving them different
I was 18 years old when I accepted been about sharing the good news of the Christianity such as Pilgrim's Progress to languages so that one man could not
our Lord Jesus Christ as my personal gospel with everyone. In the initial days books masking faith under various understand the instruction of another
Saviour. Although I born and brought up of my salvation my heart would ache symbolisms such as the works of C.S. man and the ambitious project of
in a Christian home, this was a turning when I looked at people around me and Lewis, these books have been my joy and building a tower reaching the heavens
point in my life. I wouldn't say that my thought of them living without Christ. As delight. Milton's Paradise Lost was had to be abandoned. This again, open-
journey of faith has been highly the years rolled by, the cares of the world another work that I enjoyed teaching ed avenues to discuss my faith journey
commendable. I have failed several dulled this ache but the desire to share students as it provided ample scope to and encourage the faith of my students.
times, slipped and stumbled on num- my faith has never gone away comp- discuss the Christian faith.
erous occasions. But through this wibbly letely. When we look at how the world is
wobbly journey of faith, I can see God's One year I was asked to teach hurtling towards a Godless, self-seeking
love enfold me. When my faith was In a most remarkable way, God “Murder in the Cathedral” by T.S. Eliot. I generation, sharing the gospel has taken
severely tested and I sat in shocked opened a way for me to share the gospel was thrilled to notice the number of on a new urgency. It is my prayer that
despair, God's love and care surrounded through my teaching career during Biblical references and needless to say I God will bless each one of us with the
me and He kept me and my family “safe which I have had the opportunity to had a truly wonderful time teaching it to discernment to grab every opportunity
in His dwelling … in the shelter of His integrate faith in both a literature and a my undergraduate class. When I look to share His word. And to all teachers of
tabernacle” (Ps. 27:5); when I was lost in language classroom. Literature classes back, I realize that almost every book language and literature – there are innu-
worldly cares, His right hand held me fast offer endless opportunities to share our that I taught opened a small door merable ways in which we can integrate
and turned my heart to Him. As Francis faith. I thank God for showing me how I through which I could slip into a faith in the lessons we teach!! May God
Thompson says in his beautiful poem, could integrate these into my lectures. discussion on the Bible or biblical values. bless us with His heart of love that will
“The Hound of Heaven”, (which is based Very often one phrase or one anecdote For instance, a paper on feminism constantly have us seeking to bring
on Psalm 139) God's majestic footsteps would trigger my evangelical conscience afforded a wonderful opportunity to people to Him.
have followed me and pulled me back to and I would immediately veer off to explain God's purpose in creating man
Him time after time. I love how the explain to my class the basis of my faith and woman and dispel many false
Psalmist has beautifully said, “Where and the faith of all Christians. I noticed notions that were being taught through
can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I during these times, that many did not those lessons. It would take too long to
flee from your presence?” (Ps 139:7) know anything about Jesus or if they did, list all the works that I have used in a
they did not know the reason for His literature class and so I have restricted Dr. Rennet Samson
Through all my ups and downs, one coming to earth. And so, I tried to give as myself to these few references. Assistant Professor of English (Retired),
Ethiraj College for Women, Chennai
of the constant thoughts in my mind has clear a picture of the gospel as I could.
ETF chalk and chai JUL-SEP 2022 06 ETF chalk and chai JUL-SEP 2022 07
l
l