Faith Connections

A Community of Learning:

Maryville College believes that spiritual exploration and growth are just as important as academic, professional, and emotional growth, both for the college years and beyond. Founded by Rev. Isaac Anderson, a Presbyterian minister, we live out our connection to the Presbyterian Church (USA) in many ways, both in and out of the classroom. The Presbyterian tradition encourages service, stresses humility, and promotes growth in faith and understanding throughout each of our lives. The Presbyterian connection is alive at Maryville College, in a way that invites all students to become more thoughtful about their own traditions. Through that connection, we hope to nurture integrity between the faith we speak and the lives we live.

Sharing with curiosity and respect:

The MC Statement of Purpose says, “The College believes that it must listen attentively to all human voices so that it may hear the call of God no matter how God may speak.” Thus students, faculty, and staff from all religious backgrounds, or none, are welcomed as part of our community. An important aspect of community life is sharing perspectives and learning about one another’s traditions. This culture of sharing happens informally over meals or in residence halls, programmatically through the Center for Campus Ministry programs, and academically through classroom study.

A rich and varied religious life:

The practice of faith and learning at Maryville College connects scholarship, worship, and community, by giving each student a place to explore, a place to grow and a place to commit. A variety of student religious groups, as well as weekly worship on Tuesdays at 1:15pm, and other programs of the Center for Campus Ministry offer ways for students to explore and grow in their faith throughout the college years. Students also attend local congregations as a way to find a spiritual home away from home.

Exploration in the classroom:

Maryville’s core curriculum includes classes that help students increase their knowledge of the Christian tradition and of the diversity of the world’s cultures and religions. Through courses such as Biblical Studies and World Cultures, as well as travel and service-learning opportunities, students stretch their capacities of understanding religious traditions, both close to home and far away.

 

For more information about the Presbyterian Church (USA) or information about the relationship between Maryville College and the Church, please refer to the the Church’s website and the College’s statement on Faith and Learning.