Worship Credit: Things About Which Everyone Loves to Complain
Posted on 24. Sep, 2009 by Staff in Debate
Everyone hates worship credit. It’s a fact. Even ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics on the back of ancient pews frequently convey some sort of message about being forced to go to another cookie-cutter sermon on Raa or Set. People complain in myriad ways, from grumbling to writing letters to newspaper articles. The response is basically consistent: deal with it.
Last year at a pre-vespers, I had the honor of having a conversation with former president Dr. Richard Osborn about this subject, and he communicated the same message I had received from other authority figures. PUC depends on donations from its constituents and alumni, because they keep coming, whereas your $30000 per year ends after four years (or five or six). Most of those constituents and alumni want worship credit. Ergo, there is worship credit. Q.E.D.
It’s not all bad. It can even be enjoyable. And it can be terrible. But the fact is, it’s a requirement, and that’s how things go. Despite the many dissenters, including the occasional faculty member, some people very much enjoy Vespers and Colloquy, and are definitely correct in saying that it is our worship services that set us apart from secular colleges. Part of the cultural benefit of being an Adventist and getting healthy food, quality education, and safe environments also includes being a part of a community that tries, sometimes even successfully, to worship together.
The fact is that, at least for now, worship credit is here to stay. Feel free to complain. But because some people do get a blessing or a benefit from the services, try to do it quietly.
Tips:
- Don’t forget your ID card. If you think that required worship is silly, you’ll think it’s even sillier when you don’t get any credit for it.
- Don’t sit in the back and talk obnoxiously loudly. It’s not the speaker’s fault that we have to be there, so we should at least be respectful.
- Get your credit done as soon in the quarter as possible, or at least have a plan. You don’t want to be left with 20 credits to go with only two weeks left. Plus, if you finish early, you can either stop going, or go and simply enjoy it for what it is, rather than a requirement.
- Pre-vespers is where it’s at. Only one credit, but good food, and people you like. Do it. Make friends in lots of departments and get invited to their pre-vespers. (PS. English Department pre-vespers have the best food, and we’re not just saying that because we’re biased)
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