In this blog post, I will summarize my high school reflections on the universe and humanity, my involvement in a Christian study group, examples of my consideration and cooperation, and my academic and career plans after entering college.
Academic Experiences and Reflections
During high school, I spent a great deal of time deeply reflecting on the theme of the “universe.” I viewed the universe not merely as a physical entity, but as the origin of Earth and the root that explains the birth of humanity and all species; questioning human existence and meaning within that context became my greatest academic interest.
Through much contemplation, I developed my own view of the universe, my worldview, and my perspective on humanity. As they say, the late teens are a time when one’s personality and values are formed; I engaged in intense reflection to define myself from my own perspective, and as a result, a benevolent “religion” naturally took its place at the center of my values.
My journey toward accepting religion and God did not begin with a simple emotional decision, but rather with an interest in scientific evidence and logic. As I came to view the natural laws of the universe not as the result of chance but as the product of creation, I sought out books to support this idea, began by thoroughly studying the Bible, and compared the Old and New Testaments. Through the Bible, I encountered the Christian explanation of the origin of the world and established my own worldview.
Rather than simply reflecting on my own, studying with friends who shared similar interests through a campus study group was also a significant experience. We ran the study group by meeting weekly to select a topic, reading excerpts from relevant passages, and discussing them. Through this process, I learned to listen to my friends’ diverse opinions to avoid becoming trapped in my own logic.
I also maintained an attitude of seeking common ground between science and religion rather than making an unconditional choice. I believed that respecting creationism and the Bible while leaving room for dialogue with scientific advancements represented a true fusion of modern and religious thought, and this perspective influenced my overall approach to learning.
Major Campus Activities and Reflections
The most meaningful activity I participated in on campus was organizing a Christian study group where we conducted Bible study alongside logical doctrinal learning. We started as a small study group, but as the number of interested participants grew and our activities deepened, we began to pursue formal, systematic learning.
Unlike typical prayer groups, our small group focused on exploring the value, history, and logic of Christianity. We would set broad themes such as “When did religion originate?”, “What role has religion played in human history?”, and “How should idolatry be interpreted?”, and then delve deeply into these issues over several sessions through a process of gathering materials, breaking down topics, discussing them, and reaching conclusions.
To facilitate in-depth learning, we created a small bookshelf for our group, which we called the “Christian Study.” Although the space was limited, we gathered books on Christian history, truth, and worldview and referred to them as needed. This was an effort to supplement the limited resources available at the school library, and the process of gathering materials ourselves was an integral part of the learning experience.
Among the books we read, ‘A Fascinating Journey Through Christian History’ was helpful for beginners in understanding the historical flow of Christianity and encountering lesser-known figures. This book broadened our understanding by connecting world historical events with Christian history. We then held a discussion centered on John Stott’s ‘The Basic Truths of Christianity’. When addressing controversial topics such as indulgences and idolatry, the book’s explanations and the “Questions for Discussion” section were invaluable in organizing our conversation.
The process of researching materials and refining our arguments while preparing for the discussion fostered critical thinking and collaboration skills, rather than mere memorization. By creating discussion questions based on every sentence in the book and practicing supporting our arguments with evidence, we had the opportunity to strengthen our academic approach.
Writing about examples of consideration, sharing, and cooperation, along with reflections
Although our small group focused on academic reflection—so much so that we adopted the subtitle “Christians for Intellectuals”—we also valued time spent sharing warmth and connection with one another. Among these, the most meaningful activity was preparing for the annual graduation party. While we usually focused on discussions and research, we pooled our resources to prepare a grand celebration specifically for sending off our graduates.
We established a tradition at the graduation party of writing messages on a rolling paper to convey our feelings to one another, and pooling funds to present graduation gowns and rings as gifts. The gowns were custom-made suits, and the rings were plain bands with the same pattern, symbolizing a sense of belonging and serving as a memento. While these gifts might have seemed somewhat extravagant to an outsider, what made them possible was the sharing, cooperation, and practical efforts among our members.
We were able to prepare the formal attire at a reasonable cost thanks to practical assistance based on my family’s experience in the manufacturing industry, and in the case of the rings, it was the result of small group members scouring shops in the Jongno area to find a partner vendor. Through this process, I experienced firsthand the power of cooperation and how small acts can create great meaning for a community.
Above all, the gift—prepared with mutual affection and consideration at its core—conveyed a meaning far greater than that of a mere object to the graduate, and that experience provided me with a practical lesson on the results that sharing and cooperation can yield within a community.
Efforts and Preparation Related to Motivation for Application and Career Plans
My motivation for applying to the Department of Christian Studies at Soongsil University stems from a desire to academically explore Christian truths and contribute to their advancement. Among the various roles I could take on for the development of the church and humanity, I have chosen the path of a scholar dedicated to the continuous study of Christian truths.
To me, religion is not merely an act of faith but a field of study worthy of academic inquiry. I intend to interpret Christianity and explore its truths from a dual perspective: as both a subject experiencing religion from within and an object observing it from the outside. To achieve this goal, academic training beyond the undergraduate level is essential, and I plan to prepare for graduate school and pursue master’s and doctoral research.
My role models are intellectual religious figures such as John Stott. To emulate him, I intend to continue various preparations, including reading, completing coursework, and gaining external experience. At the university, I will solidify my theoretical foundation through more systematic academic training and develop the ability to apply this knowledge to real-world situations through field experience.
Translating academic inquiry into action is also a crucial part of my plan. I aim to gain practical experience through overseas volunteer work, such as serving as a KOICA volunteer, and I intend to assist refugees and engage in anti-war activism in regions suffering from war and civil conflict. My ultimate goal is to connect my academic reflections with social action through humanitarian activities in conflict zones such as Israel, Iraq, and Africa.
Ultimately, I aspire to become an intellectual who broadens the understanding of Christian truth by combining academic research with practical fieldwork, thereby contributing to the prosperity of humanity. I view my studies in college and my future career plans as step-by-step preparations toward that goal.
