Yale – Exchange Experience Sharing

鄧浩心同學（22’ MACS, MDiv）

One of the most striking aspects of my exchange experience was the learning environment and expectations. Students were not only required to complete their readings but also actively engage with the material during discussions. While reading is undoubtedly important at DSCCC, the learning approach overseas was quite different. It was discussion-based and collaborative, moving beyond traditional lectures, note-taking, or Q&A sessions. Every student was encouraged to contribute their unique perspectives, turning the classroom into a dynamic and engaging space, much like a potluck buffet where everyone brought something special to the table.

Opening up and sharing our thoughts sometimes led to disagreements and misunderstandings, but these were embraced as part of the process. In the process, everyone’s views were valued, and we learned to appreciate the diversity of opinions. Through these experiences, I came to understand that theology, at its core, is about co-creating within God’s creation, embracing the richness of diversity and the dialogue it fosters.

To be honest, as an Asian student in an elite school, I felt intimidated at first. I constantly felt caught between the “Western and Eastern” mindsets, and no matter how hard I tried, it seemed like I was never quite enough. I gave 200% effort—completing every page of the readings, double-checking my assignments, and even preparing for class discussions in advance. Yet, as I progressed, I realized that the training I received at DSCCC had prepared me well to handle these challenges.

Over time, I came to see that my unique blend of perspectives wasn’t a weakness, it was a strength. Coming from a distinct background and carrying unique experiences, I began to understand that what I could offer was something only “I” could bring. This realization gave me the confidence to share not only my ideas but also the values and stories I carried with me from Hong Kong. Our school has always emphasized the importance of contextualization, and through this exchange experience, I truly came to understand how meaningful it is. The ability to connect my unique cultural and personal context to a broader, diverse setting not only enriched my learning but also helped me contribute in ways that were authentic and impactful. Contextualization isn’t just a concept—it’s a bridge that connects different perspectives, fostering mutual understanding and growth.

During my time at Yale, I took three courses and sat in on two additional ones. I would like to share with you some of the insights I gained from this experience.

The first course was centered on the Book of Job. Reading this text alongside American novels such as Frankenstein and the Epic of Gilgamesh proved to be a deeply enriching experience. This comparative approach revealed that the Book of Job is not solely a meditation on suffering. Instead, it delves into profound existential questions: How does a just human negotiate with God over what seems to be predetermined, what we often label as fate? How does one navigate faith when God simultaneously appears as both the abuser and the savior? Job’s narrative challenges simplistic understandings of divine justice, inviting readers into the complex and often unsettling tension between human agency and divine sovereignty.

This exploration taught me that faith is not about passive acceptance but about active engagement, a wrestling with God that allows space for doubt, questioning, and even confrontation. It is this honest negotiation that transforms the relationship between humanity and the divine, reminding us that God desires a partner, not a subordinate.

Another course I took focused on slavery and obedience. One of my primary goals in coming to America was to engage deeply with its social concerns, and this course profoundly illuminated these themes. The class helped me reinterpret passages like John 13:1, where Jesus washes His disciples’ feet, a gesture that symbolizes servitude. In this act, Jesus not only assumes the role of a slave but also subverts the power structures of His time, including Roman imperial authority and the rigid hierarchies within the religious establishment.

This act of subversion invites us to rethink the very nature of power and service. It raises questions about whether this moment was the first in history when a “thing,” like a slave, was addressed as a “person.” It suggests the possibility of a shift toward recognizing those who had been dehumanized and pushed to the margins as individuals fully embraced by divine love.

Reflecting on this, I began to consider the many marginalized groups throughout history, such as women, the disabled, those of different sexual orientations, and others, who have been excluded and oppressed. Despite societal rejection, Jesus consistently reached out to these groups during His life, demonstrating a radical love that went against the norms of His time. He welcomed those cast out by society back into God’s grace, reshaping the meaning of belonging.

Engaging with these themes has taught me that being a Christian is not just about professing faith but also about putting it into practice. Following Christ means striving to love in the face of adversity, even when love is difficult, painful, and pushes us beyond our comfort zones. The love that Jesus demonstrated is not passive or sentimental; it is transformative, sacrificial, and ultimately redemptive.

These lessons have profoundly shaped my understanding of what it means to live a life of faith. They have shown me that the Christian calling involves embracing struggles, knowing that the greatest power of love lies in its ability to heal, restore, and draw us closer to the heart of God over time.

At the end of this sharing, I would like to reflect on some social issues I encountered during my exchange experience. One prominent challenge I observed was how deeply society is divided. I accompanied Americans during the election period, which had the whole world watching anxiously. It was a time filled with uncertainty, and I could feel the tension in the air as people grappled with polarized opinions and conflicting visions for the future.

During my exchange, I also had to seek medical services, which opened my eyes to the struggles many Americans face when it comes to healthcare. I heard countless stories of people struggling with medical bills, forced to choose between their health and their financial stability. It was heartbreaking to witness such difficult realities firsthand.

I also had the opportunity to interact with the homeless community during service work. Hearing their stories made me realize how tough life is for so many people on the other side of the world. These experiences gave me a new perspective on resilience and the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

At Yale, I witnessed a powerful commitment among people to stand by their beliefs and fight for a more inclusive and just world. Some of the individuals I met shared an unwavering dedication to making society better for everyone, and through these connections, many of us became close friends. Their courage and determination constantly remind me of the struggles of my fellows in Hong Kong who are working tirelessly every day to co-create a better future.

Before I left America, I promised my friends to keep striving for a better world, guided by Christ's teachings. Under the same sky, we fight for justice, hope, and change. Borders may divide us, but our shared vision unites us. Together, our love and faith can transform the world, just as Jesus continues to transform us.