Students Encounter The Prodigal God
by catherine elvy, staff writer
The parable of the Prodigal Son points to distinct forms of spiritual lostness, one marked by wanton sinfulness and another by self-righteousness, and reveals the lavish grace of God in redeeming them both.
These insights emerged when students involved with Christian Union’s ministry at the University of Pennsylvania spent a portion of their summer probing The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith, by Tim Keller. In the 2008 book, Keller highlights how Christ provides the answer to lifestyles ensnared by immorality, as well as the hidden traps of hypocritical religiosity.
{tweetme}The Penn undergraduates gathered on eight occasions as part of Christian Union’s ongoing efforts to offer ministry to students taking summer courses and working in local internships.{tweetme} Under the leadership of Ministry Director Tucker Else, students and ministry faculty also incorporated social activities, including a barbeque, throughout the summer season.
Among students, Cassandra Jobman ’21 was struck during the sessions by the overall heart of God toward His wandering children. The study of The Prodigal God helped Jobman to connect with “the Father who loves us, both when we are running away from Him in shame and when we struggle with legalistic pride.”For students who take summer courses or stay in Philadelphia for internship opportunities, Keller’s book provided a fresh look at the well-known parable found in Luke 15:11-32.
“Keller always gives an intellectual approach to a study,” said Else.
The Prodigal Son story reflects how much the Heavenly Father is excited to welcome back wayward children, Else said. According to Keller, the account particularly showcases the need for believers to engage in spiritual self-assessment.
Keller is a best-selling author, noted apologist, and the founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City. His books include: The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism and Counterfeit Gods: The Empty Promises of Money, Sex, and Power, and the Only Hope that Matters. In Prodigal God, Keller wants readers to know that the Lord actively reaches out to His children, both those who feel far from God and those who feel self-satisfied in their moralism.”
“You’ll never seek God unless He first seeks you,” wrote Keller.
Jude Dartey ’21 noted his participation in the seasonal study of Prodigal God was deeply satisfying and raised thought-provoking questions about his daily life and efforts to glorify the Lord. “Claiming to be a Christian is the easy part of Christianity, but the work truly comes in when you are aware of your everyday doings and you are always looking for ways to glorify God with your being,” said Dartey.
“This Bible study session introduced me to the idea of glorifying God.”
