Madison Carlson
Asbury University Scholarship Essay
Christian community is something that is so unlike what the world would expect. When Christians come together to serve and honor God, all differences should be put aside, rather than becoming a reason for conflict. I love that at Asbury, people hold the same conviction. No matter what we may agree or disagree on, we all still serve the same wonderful God, and that is enough to bind us all together in love.
Growing up, I remember always asking my mom what the different denominations meant and why Christians had to have so many. I was confused at the time because to me it was simple. We all love Jesus and love each other, so why were we so split? I didn’t see the point in arguing over minor interpretations in the Bible when we have a major and foundational goal to…show more content… One of my fears when looking at Christian colleges was the denomination and what people believed on the “minors.” Issues like the position of women in ministry or speaking in tongues and gifts of the spirit, for example. I don’t speak in tongues but I know some people who do. I’m not a feminist, but my mother has modelled women in ministry as she is an ordained Wesleyan Methodist preacher from Australia. I was uncertain about being a minority on an issue or feeling alienated or marginalized, but this quote from Stanley Jones reminds me that I don’t need to worry about that, especially within the classrooms of Asbury University. I have confidence that this institution will guide me on a straight path into a beautiful mix of the differences that matter among a loving body of Christ. As I Corinthians 12:27-31 says so concisely, “You are the body of Christ and individual members of it…I will show you the excellent way.” I have a peace that we are all working for a greater purpose than just ourselves as we, in the words of E. Stanley Jones, ‘resolve within our fellowship to love and unite to
