Students and faculty travel to Lanier Theological Library in Houston, Texas

BY CAMRYN MANNING Staff Writer

Professors Dr. Jeremy Greer, Dr. Scott Duvall and Dr. Matt Douglass brought students to Lanier Theological Library in Houston, Texas, on Feb. 11 for a day of worshipful study.

The library houses various original collections of notable scholars and artifacts, including the Lanier Dead Sea Scroll Fragment.

Junior Karli Latture didn’t hesitate to join the trip. “It was a no-brainer,” Latture said. “A weekend off campus in a beautiful library filled with resources of all kinds was nothing short of intriguing.”

Junior Katelyn Brown is native to Houston and loved the opportunity. “I got to experience one of my favorite places back home with some of my favorite people,” Brown said.

The picturesque location captured the hearts of the students. “I think one of my favorite memories has to be when we approached the library,” Latture said. “It was as if we were all transported somewhere else, like something out of a movie.”

Senior Levi Dade appreciated that much of Lanier’s decor had theological significance.

“In essence, it was [the class] Bible Survey in an art form,” Dade said. “Someone who could not read could follow the art and get the basic message of the Bible, thus the basic message of salvation.”

Most of the day at the library consisted of study. “I got to learn about projects being worked on, whether they were lessons for class, essays or theses,” Brown said. “I loved having these conversations. It was fun to work alongside students and professors who care as much as I do about pursuing academic excellence for the glory of Christ.”

Many students enjoyed the studious environment at Lanier, including junior Grace Googe.

“I saved up some projects for this trip because of the library’s aesthetic atmosphere,” Googe said. “We had a different work environment from Ouachita. That alone was beneficial, whether you were a Christian studies major or not. I got to sit by the fireplace and read part of a counseling book about integrating faith in the therapy room. It was neat to study in that environment for sure.”

At the day’s end, the group met in the chapel for prayer and sang together. “Marveling at the captivating biblical murals and singing the Doxology, there was a worshipful moment I’m grateful we experienced together,” Brown said.

Dade appreciated the community of the group. “Even though Lanier is a very special place, this trip was memorable for me because of the people I was with, my OBU family,” Dade said. “It would not have been the same without them. It gave me a deeper appreciation for them as well as for my relationship with Dr. Greer, Dr. Douglass and Dr. Duvall.”

Googe also enjoyed the connection formed based on the desire to learn more about theological principles. “It was significant to be doing something different I wouldn’t normally do and spending time with people I normally don’t spend time with,” Googe said. “We were all coming with a common purpose. I really liked getting to connect with people that I don’t get to be around as much.”

There were many lessons learned on the trip. “Turning off my phone for hours at a time made me realize how much I use it,” Googe said. “I turned off my phone for six to seven hours, and I got stuff done that usually would take a week.”

Latture realized on the trip that her learning had just begun. “Often, I feel as though I don’t know where to start when it comes to theology,” Latture said. “This weekend taught me that I just have to start. I’m never going to learn all there is to learn, but I can start by taking advantage of the resources I have.”