St. Thomas students are challenging faith and seeking the meaning of life through the Alpha course.
“To go there and think they’re not going to judge me and be welcomed creates a bond communion,” said Raissa Musoni, a third year student. “They give you an outlook of life.”
Campus Alpha is a group that started up in January, and meets once a week for approximately eight weeks. People gather to eat free dinner, watch a video, then hold a discussion related to faith, the meaning of life, who is Jesus and more.
The courses take place every Monday at 6 p.m. in the STU chapel.
Jennifer Hanson, the leader of STU’s Campus Alpha chapter, wanted to create a place where students could come and ask their questions without being judged. She also wanted to help break down stereotypes students may apply to Christians.
Hanson first started attending the course when she married her husband. She said she didn’t understand many things related to Christianity and had a lot of unanswered questions.
“I had an amazing experience, and I learned so much,” she said. “I really loved the videos and the non-judgmental atmosphere of Alpha.”
UNB student Jessey Ariel likes attending the Alpha sessions because they appeal to his personality.
“I really try to make room to share God’s word with Christians and open discussions with non-believers,” he said. “It is important to me as I can share with Christian friends the struggles we go through with our faith and learn from each other.”
Ariel believes it’s important to have these interactive sessions on university campuses. He said it’s a space for non-believers to challenge what believers think and in that way learn more about Christianity.
Alpha courses take place on campuses across Canada and worldwide.
“I believe people come because they have a yearning to discuss life and faith,” said Hanson.
All ages and faiths are welcomed. It’s also free.
Hanson said Alpha is a great opportunity to meet people through small group discussions.
“There’s a great camaraderie and fellowship that has developed amongst the participants,” said Hanson.
Musoni really values having Alpha on St. Thomas campus because of the experience it gives her.
“What you get out of Alpha is much more important for me than what you get out from classes,” she said. “This is the thing that’ll prepare me to face the bad and the good moments in my life.”
