Personal Relationships Are More Important Than Politics
Today, I wrote a check to Campus Crusade for Christ, an organization that believes that I am contributing to the decay of society. However, personal relationships are more important than politics. And it is only through personal relationships that any substantive change can take place.
The decision to write the check came about a couple weeks ago when a former student sent me a note asking if I would support his upcoming trip to East Asia. In a private note that accompanied his more formal request for support, he wrote that “I have seen how Christ’s love has changed my life and the lives of students here at Schoolcraft College.” His formal letter explained how he will have the opportunity to share the love of Christ while building personal relationships with other students whom he will encounter during his travels.
My former student explained that he has “seen how Christ’s love has changed my life and the lives of students here at Schoolcraft College.” I have seen the same thing as I have worked closely with him and other such students in my classes.
I have many of the same doubts about the leadership and political message advocated by Campus Crusade for Christ that I developed when I first encountered the organization more than 30 years ago when I was a student at Michigan State University. Yet, I have also seen how the lives of individual students who struggle with their Christian faith are improved while trying to incorporate Christ’s message into their daily affairs.
Although I follow the Buddha Dhamma in the Theravada Tradition, I take comfort in the words of His Holiness the Dalai Lama when he teaches that “We cannot say that one religion is best. I am a Buddhist but I can’t say Buddhism is the best religion. It depends on a person’s perception of what is best for him.” This understanding allows me to both disagree with the political positions taken by Campus Crusade for Christ and to be able to support my former student in what should prove to be a wonderful educational experience that will facilitate much personal growth.
Even though my former student believes that his is the right path, he is like most Christians whom I encounter on an individual basis. He desires to share his deep faith with others but tries not to impose it on them. He leads by his quiet example.
My former student is not like the prominent Christian minister who has been grabbing headlines this Easter weekend by advocating a hate filled message against Muslims. The student’s preparations to study and to travel and to quietly share his faith will never capture the attention of the media, but that is not the point of his efforts. He desires to quietly touch lives on an individual level. And whether he does this as a Christian or a Buddhist or whatever path is best for him, his efforts are worth supporting. Compassion breeds compassion in others. Non-violence, like violence, in mimetic.
In his private note to me, he wrote that “I truly am thankful for our relationship and I consider it a privilege to have been one of your students. I have learned a great amount from you and I would be truly honored to receive your blessings and support.” I too, am thankful for our relationship and look forward to being his prayer partner as he continues on his path. Furthermore, I am equally honored to have received his blessing and support.
- –Steven L. Berg, PhD
Bob Czuprynski 
christa 
Diamond Vinson 
Sam Hays 
Beth Vonck 
Glenn Sunshine
This post really has me thinking Dr. Berg. Your primary point is a profound one. I recently revisited my position on “The Religion Issue”, and this post has come at a perfect time to temper some of my more radical sentiments. Thank you.