Sixteen students from Calvin College left behind the freezing winds of GrandRapids, Michigan to attend class in tropical Hawaii—and the weather doesn’t seem to be bothering them.
For nearly 20 years, Dr. William K. Stob has had no problem filling his "Religions and Cultures of the Pacific" course, which is offered to both students and alumni. This unique elective includes a two-week excursion overseas, learning firsthand from university scholars about Buddhism, Shintoism, and Mormonism.
"This course offers students a chance to expand their horizons," said Stob, a former Dean of Students at the college. "That’s what education is all about: expanding your minds and your perspective."
The beginnings of this course were initiated while Stob was visiting family in Honolulu, where his son-in-law pastored a church. The island ambiance and unique blend of religions really made an impression, he said, commenting on how a Buddhist Temple, a Shinto Shrine, and a vast population of Mormons isn’t something he was used to seeing in the Midwest. He decided to do some exploration into the idea of building a course around the theme of religions and cultures of the Pacific.
Starting at the University of Hawaii, he proposed the said course to their religion department and received a willingness to assist by providing a handful of faculty lectures about Buddhism and Shintoism.
Next, he drove out to Laie to pitch the course to BYU-Hawaii.
"When I made my initial proposal to BYU-Hawaii," he said, "I sensed a bit of skepticism because I think in the back of their heads they were wondering if I had a hidden agenda—I mean here comes this group of students and professors from Calvin College wanting to know a bit about Mormonism. I think it seemed like a kind of roll reversal."
But, according to Stob, it wasn’t long before a strong relationship was built.
"We became fast friends even though theologically I’m miles apart from Mormonism,or Buddhism and Shinto for that matter. But that’s not the point. I wanted to expose my students to cultures which were different than theirs and religions which were different than theirs. I think that is what education is all about."
After meeting professors Lance Chase and Max Stanton, the exchange became permanent. Brother Chase has since passed away, but Stanton continues to organize the faculty members that lecture to these students about Mormon doctrine and the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Pacific.
"The lectures that we’ve had from your professors, or your 'uncles,' have been really interesting," said Krista Krygsman, a senior from GrandRapidsmajoring in art education. "We asked a lot of questions. One thing I absolutely love about Calvin is they invite every student to question.It has strengthened my faith, giving me more assurance. It seems to me that the students here look very grounded. They seem to know why they’re here. They have direction."
Another student shared his thoughts about the lectures.
"I’m the type of guy who likes reasoning and logic," said D. Devries,a chemistry major from Wisconsin. "I was impressed with the way ProfessorKeith Lane gave his lecture and answered all my questions. He had good practical answers; many answers that most Evangelical Christians would agree with."
Stob commented on his desire to continue this experience for many years to come.
"The experience is very satisfactory. It always has been. At the end of this trip, these kids will take home an appreciation of the various religions and cultures that they have discovered here."