Being a Christian in Oxford, for me, was like having my eyes opened for the first time (I know, I know – cliché, forgive me). Even though I was a Christian before coming to uni, there was so much I was missing out on both theologically and relationally. In the midst of a second lockdown and an encroaching feeling of near-constant fifth week blues, there are plenty of ways in which we, as Christians or non-Christians, can still build community and be encouraged in the universal (yes, universal) grace and hope offered by Jesus.
Straight away, college Christian Union (CU) became a home away from home for me, it was the first time I got involved in a group with people my age who shared my faith. Fellowship, copious amounts of soup and Bible studies with some now good friends. Big love to Keble CU. By comparison, my home youth group consisted of around 6 people, 4 of which were myself and my siblings! Make use of this aspect of uni life and surround yourself with a tight community – you only get to do it once (even though it feels a lot different online).
However, we all know (or have heard) that an Oxford term is a bit of slog sometimes. It’s probably the hardest thing you’ve done in your life so far! Having a group of committed Christians as friends to have a chat or offer encouragement and prayer can be the deciding factor between you getting through a particularly tough week or not. This is where the church community really saves student lives. Joining St. Ebbes for Sunday services and student nights was one of the best decisions I made in my first year of university, giving me access to refreshingly theological teaching – founded on scripture, though the extent of difference here depends on the nature of your church at home (or if you’re not Christian, the nature of your preconceptions). There is no better way to connect with the word of God than to hear it faithfully and genuinely preached. At first, I was a bit bemused by the more traditional hymns, but trust and believe, they grow on you.
Obviously, church is much harder to engage with online for lots of us, but if you’re interested in this cool community it might be a great place to find out more and be encouraged by God’s word. Maybe take the chance to anonymously view services online, with no pressure (St. Ebbes livestreams their services on their YouTube here, for example). Online services does not disrupt the notion that we can have an eternal relationship with God, one predicated on grace, not our works or ‘good behaviour’. Whatever our past, Jesus’ death on the cross has marvellously paid for our transgressions, now and forever. It is an amazing truth, and one that at least deserves to be investigated – because if it is true, then it is life-altering.
Student night, well… student night does what is says on the tin, really. It usually consists of loads of hot food (a moment of silence for the death of this feature at the hands of COVID), a short talk and then bible study with groups that you stay with for the whole year. This includes groups for internationals, so don’t be afraid to get involved! Many of Oxford’s churches will host specific events for international students – St. Ebbes host a vibrant international student bible study called iFocus that coincides with student night, for instance (information on other groups/churches can readily be found online). It is genuinely such a great opportunity to chat about how your week is going and what you need prayer for, and to sink your pearly whites (that is, teeth, for those of you not fluent in bangers and mash English) into some scripture. This is definitely something you don’t want to miss out on. Church is your best friend, when things are good or bad, because that’s where you find a community that values love and fellowship above the self-centricity of the world we live in, a feature that is excessively stressed in the academic environments of Oxford. I’d wager little else at uni can offer the same experience.
One last shameless plug would have to be The Search™. Run on Monday nights, usually at Costa Coffee but I’m afraid the right honourable SARS-CoV-2 has once again finessed your opportunity to experience this authentically. You can find it on zoom now, albeit with the disappointing lack of Costa beverages and the usual plethora of delectable treats. Either way, a great place to discuss any questions you might have about faith or the Bible. Personally, I met a theologian named Neil Martin when I went last year. He explained the synthesis and intellectual coherence of the bible to me in a way no one had ever taken the time to do, which was an amazing encouragement at a time when learning about doctrine was usually an arduous task for me. Anyone is welcome to check it out, alone or with friends. Do consider coming along with your (burning) questions, it might just make a huge difference to your life!
Notwithstanding the social, physical and mental tolls that term can exact, the aspects of Christian life I’ve briefly looked at here have the potential to inspire enduring hope in this *unprecedented* time. Even simply being a Christian is difficult in any university. Everyone is obsessed with an individualistic and gratifying lifestyle, an enticing lifestyle that usually stands apart from what a Christian might practice. So, get stuck in. A relationship with Jesus has unparalleled potential to fill you with peace, confidence and ability; give everything over to something greater than yourself, to something that has power over everything you can conceive of.
Take this chance to be secure in the promises of grace that God offers, despite all of our shortcomings and shame. This is the unbelievable promise of Christianity: salvation and eternal life, all of it undeserved, so as to serve His purpose and those around us – true of whatever background, family, culture or country you come from. Amazing news, unlike any other.
I know we’re in lockdown again now, but Christians have a hope unlike any other during such times. The words of Isaiah 41:10 serve as a huge encouragement to us, as they address an imperfect population in peril.
“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Though meant for the Israelites some 2700 years ago, we can draw comfort from this verse given the unchanging nature of God, and our privilege to cultivate an eternal bond with Him through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, as long as we believe. Now, we can apply this sentiment to our lives: every nation, tribe and tongue.