Concordia University, St. Paul’s theme of the year for its 133rd academic year is “Walk in the Light,” drawn from 1 John 1:7. Each year, the theme provides a focus for the university in chapel worship, academic work, and life together as a community.
In a paper on 1 John 1, Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing, the Edwin F. and Esther L. Laatsch Chair of Old Testament Studies, reflects on the historical context in which John wrote the words that form CSP’s theme of the year.
It was a time when most people were religious and as the message of Christ spread through the Roman Empire, people came into the church, believing that they were Christians in spite of the fact that they were still holding tightly to many of the beliefs from their old religions and philosophies. The line between religion and Christianity and between who was a real Christian and who just sounded like one was becoming blurred. Even at this early age, Christianity was in danger of becoming one more dish on the Roman smorgasbord of religions; pick whatever you like or mix and match.
John didn’t testify about Jesus because he thought his message was palatable, or relevant. He wasn’t promoting a path to self-actualization. He wasn’t sharing principles for leading a successful life. He didn’t say, “Everyone, listen up! I’ve spent time with a spiritual guru named Jesus. And then, we had a book club. And we’ve discovered some key principles for connecting to the divine. And we believe these principles will help you achieve your dreams and live a healthy life. So we’re hosting a seminar, and we’d love for you to come.” No, John said, “We were with Jesus. You crucified him. But God raised him from the dead. And we are eyewitnesses. We believe that he has died for our sins, and that he is the true King of the world. And we believe it because he rose from the dead, and told us to.”
“‘Walk in the Light’ is a powerful theme,” says the Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich, President of Concordia St. Paul. “Jesus is the Light of the world. He is the saving light amidst the darkness of this world. God calls His people to receive this light by faith and then live in it, free to love and serve their neighbors in their vocations.”
