Liturgical Christianity
Reported By: Kate Mack
Photo Courtesy: Emelia Corazza
Many students at George Fox University (GFU) do not consider themselves Quakers, yet they still choose to attend a Quaker college. While many students and faculty at GFU align themselves with Protestant views, there are some who do not. Those who are either Catholic or Orthodox at GFU live in the dichotomy between the liturgical traditions of their personal beliefs and the Protestant beliefs of the college.
“The Orthodox traditions are extremely sacramental,” explained Emelia Corazza, a student in the Orthodox community at GFU. There is a disconnect between what Corazza believes and certain things done in chapel about sacramental practices. Within both the Catholic and Orthodox traditions, the Eucharist (communion) is something that is believed to become the actual blood and body of Christ. However, as Protestants only see it as a symbol of Christ’s sacrifice, many Orthodox and Catholic Christians at GFU choose not to partake in any communion offered by the school.
Dana Robinson is a professor at GFU in the Honors Department. As a professor, her experience with Orthodoxy at GFU has been different from Corazza’s. Corazza spoke about the hesitancy of students when she tries to discuss Orthodoxy with them. Robinson, however, has a different experience when it comes to questions from students. Her students have been genuinely curious about Orthodoxy and how it differs from the more Protestant Christian denominations.
Along with those who are a part of the Orthodox church, there are also a few students on campus who are Catholic. Nicole Lindblom, a senior at GFU, has had similar experiences to Corazza when it comes to attending chapel on campus. As a Catholic, she also chooses not to partake in communion given by the chapel pastors or receive anointing by oil.
Lindblom also mentioned the difference in worship between a Catholic mass and on-campus chapels. Lindblom explained that with a professional dress code and a Catholic priest, mass is very beautiful and reflects deep reverence towards the Trinity and Christ. Due to this, chapel at GFU can feel slightly unprofessional for students who are more comfortable with liturgical practices.
Professor Ross McCullough, a Catholic professor here at GFU, has had a similar experience to Robinson. Students ask questions about Catholicism, and he has never experienced hostility for his more liturgical views.
Catholic and Orthodox students and professors have still had positive experiences at GFU, and students from Protestant backgrounds have been welcoming and curious to learn more about liturgical traditions. Anyone interested in learning more about Orthodoxy or Catholicism can visit the young adults group at St. Peter Catholic Church or even attend events planned by Orthodox students.