Bible and Religion - Student Profile - Darnell Neff

Darnell Neff
Freshman, Bible and Religion
North Newton, Kan.

What drew you to Hesston College?
The biblical studies program, without a doubt. It has many good introductory courses to different areas of theology and I appreciate the Anabaptist perspective. Some of my friends in seminary were surprised at the types of classes I could take immediately and said we covered a lot of subjects they were only then addressing.

What attracts you to the study of religion?
It seems to me that any Christian has an obligation to study his or her faith. Some feel that this path of study isn't applicable to real life, but I disagree. Your view of God and the Bible has an enormous effect on how you practice ethics, discipleship, and worship. Serious study always raises difficult questions, and I won't claim to have resolved all of them for myself, but the experience is rewarding.

How challenging are the academics in the Bible and Religion program?
Most of the classes cover material at a swift rate and engage the students in the learning process. The work load in classes like Biblical Literature is high, compared to other classes, and most courses have difficult projects like the inductive Bible studies. Though I personally haven't found it very challenging to get good grades, the questions raised by the classes can definitely shake your worldview if you're willing to take them seriously.

What is your favorite Bible course? Why is it your favorite?
So far, I think I will say Faith and Discipleship. It is more comprehensive than some of the other courses without losing the depth of study. Close behind it is Peacemaking and Justice, but when I entered that class I had already studied the subject extensively. Many of my friends who were looking at the issues for the first time have liked it better than others. My favorite unit of study is definitely I Corinthians in Psalms and Epistles; it was the first time I studied a book at that level of depth.

Did you find opportunities for learning experiences outside the classroom?
There have been many options available, yes. The one I enjoy most, however, is the fact that my fellow students are capable and willing to discuss the issues brought up in class more extensively than class time allows. I have had thought-provoking discussions at lunch, in hallways, etc. I also appreciate that many of the Pastoral Ministries students are older and thus have life experience to add to the discussion.

What are the professors like in the Bible department?
Marion Bontrager and Michele Hershberger were essentially the reason I chose to come to Hesston in the first place. They're both very well-versed in their subjects and the current issues of the day. It is significant to me that they care more about their students learning and having their lives changed than just getting through a curriculum. I'm glad they're open to discussions outside of class; I've talked with both of them extensively on issues completely unrelated to the subjects.

What are some of your most memorable moments as a student at Hesston?
Doing the conservation weekend skits is definitely something that will stay with me. How many times do you get to mess around with sock puppets, stomp on your own jacket, generally make a fool out of yourself, and then have people cheer for you? Alumni will know what I'm talking about? and anyone who comes in 2006-07 will probably get to see the sequel.

What are your plans for after Hesston?
As of writing this, I am still undecided. One of the reasons I chose Hesston was so I could get an education I would value regardless of where I might go or if I changed my field of study. It is very likely I'll transfer to a four-year university, or possibly even take seminary courses. Speaking long-term, I would like to become a writer.