A couple of weeks ago I posted a quote from unChristian. My friend Mike left a super insightful comment that I am posting here so that more folks can see it.

I just picked up this book last night and am 3 chapters in. As I read the comments/data in these chapters, it made me think the authors did their research at Prescott College. I am in a class this quarter that spends the majority of the time in the field on backpacking/rafting/climbing trips. This setting allows for good conversation around the campfire each night. On each trip, at some point, the conversation eventually makes its way to spirituality and I usually get to hear stories about my classmates negative experiences with Christians and Christianity. Christians are too judgmental, I went to camp and the counselors kept pushing me to become born again, I had a friend who said he was a Christian and he smoked more pot than I did, etc.

It has been a struggle to find my place in the group. I want people to know Jesus and how he has changed my life, but I don’t want to be labeled with all the negative connotations that seem to be associated with Christians. So far, I’ve focused on loving my classmates and in the process have built some friendships and heard some interesting/sad stories. I am looking forward to read the chapter that talks about homosexuality. It should be interesting. I have a friend at school who is gay and have been forced to deal with all my preconceived stereotypes and am learning to love him for who he is. One thing I am learning is that loving people is hard!!

And I thought the hardest part of going back to school was going to be writing papers.

Thanks Mike.