LTSP

New Students, Fall 2001

Fervor for Faith

Claus Hoppe, from Pinnenberg, Germany, describes Christianity as a phenomenon that fascinates and gives meaning to life. Ironically, this seminarian had a distant relationship to the church during most of his childhood. However, through discussion and worship, religion has presented itself in a new light for him.

Claus was first revived by the Evangelische Kirchentag, a bi-yearly Christian gathering to celebrate, affirm and discuss faith in Stuttgart Germany. There he met Christians who expressed a fervor for their faith. As his interest in theology grew, Claus joined the Evangelische Kirchengemeinde Church, in Halstenbek Germany. There he became a church leader responsible for several youth groups, as well as giving lectures and sermons during worship. "It was at this time that I finally made up my mind to study theology," Claus said.

In his studies, he became aware of the importance of inter-religious understanding in society. Claus spent several months in India, and was fascinated by the plurality of different religions.

Upon his return from India, Claus enrolled at Bethel University and afterward Heidelberg University, both in Germany. Once a week, through his student congregation, he would visit women in a Heidelberg prison to counsel them. "For me that was one of the most enriching experiences I have ever had," he said.

Claus is especially interested in the different aspects of American theologies, which he hopes will broaden and enrich his theological perspective.