Academics at MBC
Religion Graduates
MBC Student Organizations you participated in:
- Mary Baldwin College (MBC) Performing Dance Group
- MBC Senate Proxy
- MBC Christian Student Union (CSU) President/Treasurer
- Kuumba Players
- Cynthia Haldenby Tyson Leadership Series Graduate
- MBC Ethics Bowl (VFIC) Team Member
- MBC Panel on Diversity and Inclusive Community (Panel Member)
- MBC Inter-Club Council
- Alpha Lambda Delta
- Omicron Delta Kappa
- Phi Beta Kappa
Hello! My name is Christian B. Peele and in May 2005 I proudly graduated from Mary Baldwin College with a BA in religion. Before I became an MBC student, ‘majoring in religion’ never crossed my mind – not even once! I indeed a person of faith and I loved learning about God, but studying religion for four years straight? I didn’t even know such a thing was possible! Thankfully, my MBC path led me to study religion – this was a life-changing decision that literally changed the ways I understand the world around me.
During my sophomore year of college I took my first religion course. I enrolled in the course hoping for an ‘easy A’ and a quick fulfillment of a general education requirement. I gained so much more! The course surprised me and captivated me. The course material was so full – incorporating different themes and disciplines like anthropology, sociology, history, and even science! I was also fascinated by the fact that the course material was not far removed from the realities of life – the course was not a lofty, academic exercise that lacked a sense of practical application. Rather, the course spoke to the inextricable link between faith and daily living. By taking more courses in religion, and eventually pursuing a religion major, I learned a great deal about the beauty and truth of faith, the meaning of culture, and myself!
Majoring in religion was a great experience because of the available classes, but also because of the available faculty. The Department of Philosophy and Religion is made up of a very strong, brilliant group of scholars. The professors are stunningly brilliant – their writings and words always challenged me to think more deeply about my studies. Yet, they were also kind and readily available whenever I needed answers to an academic question or even advice about my future. I was blessed to build a relationship of trust with the faculty of the department. I trusted their wisdom, their guidance, and their chastisements. My major in religion was enhanced by the fact that I was able to learn and glean from many wonderful mentors.
I am now a student at Duke Divinity School where I’m pursuing my Master of Divinity degree. I am having the time of my life! From sun-up to sun-down, I am constantly reading, discussing, and/or writing about my passions – faith and culture. Due to the solid and broad foundation I gained through my major at MBC, I felt well prepared to begin graduate studies. My major introduced me to a world filled with endless possibilities that I now continue to explore! While majoring in religion at MBC, I was challenged to read Kantian philosophy, write about the relationship between science and religion, think about the existence or non-existence of race, and even discuss the intricate details of the book of Mark. Each experience challenged me to grow as a student and as a person of faith, and that same motivation still fuels me today.
Christian Brooke Peele ’05 (PEG)
Full-Time Student / Public Speaker (Teaching/Preaching)
