Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. — Hebrews 1:14
Every August, the Harvard Crimson surveys the incoming freshmen class, providing a remarkable window into their perspectives and beliefs. 78% of the Harvard College Class of 2025 participated last year and results continue to chronicle a steady decline in Christian faith. If you scroll across the bar graph you will see that 42% of the class of 2017 identified as Protestant or Catholic. Just nine years later, the percentage stands at 31%. Even then, the “faith” of many first-years is tenuous at best. For non-Christian teens, Barna’s extensive survey of Gen Z (2018) was revealing and helpful. 29% said that the problem of evil is a major barrier to faith. Other common hurdles: Christians are hypocrites (23%), science refutes too much of the Bible (20%), I don’t believe in fairy tales (19%), there are too many injustices in the history of Christianity (15%), I used to go to church but it’s just not important to me anymore (12%), and I had a bad experience at church/with a Christian (6%). I can only imagine how these numbers have moved since then with stumbling blocks getting even bulkier following years of social and political tumult (with a pandemic as the backdrop).
Such trends are rather discouraging and we may be tempted to retreat and recede. It is better to count our blessings. One grace still stands tall above any other. The gospel is the megaphone through which God has spoken and is still speaking today (Hebrews 1)! Whether our audience is able to fully comprehend the gravitas of the gospel is beyond our control and pay grade, but what we know is that we have been called to share this good news with everyone. And so, by God’s grace and with your partnership, we will gather next week with 35 students for our annual Pre Retreat. In the spirit of 2 Corinthians 4 and 5, pray that “we will not lose heart” but we will lean into the “spirit of faith” we have in Christ and we will welcome the Class of 2026.
Welcome Sheri Casali, Ana Yee, and Astrid Rios!
Thank you for praying for our staffing needs on the women’s side of the aisle. I am so grateful to announce that Sheri Casali will be joining us (previously serving at Brown) and Ana Yee (2022) and Astrid Rios (finishing her Mdiv at GCTS) will be serving in a part-time way (each teaching one Bible course with mentorship).
Prayer Requests
- Please pray that God’s love will be poured afresh into our hearts as we gather to seek the Lord on our Pre-Retreat and prepare to befriend many (Romans 5:5).
- The Class of 2026! Pray that many find a healthy faith community and that the Lord would bless our efforts to that end.
- Full Bible courses as we dig into Hebrews this fall.
Thank you so much for your prayers.
Don Weiss
Ministry Director
Christian Union Gloria
Please note: if you would like to receive regular updates on how to pray for Christian Union's work at Harvard, please email prayer@christianunion.org.
