If you follow your heart in education you can arrive at something that’s very valuable and useful," says Christine Thomas, assistant professor of religious studies. "I hope to teach as much by example as by lecturing, by conveying an attitude not just of tolerance but of compassionate understanding for people."

Thomas teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in early Christianity, religion, and western civilization, religion, and archaeology.

"The world is becoming more religiously plural by the minute," she says, "and compassion and tolerance are crucial for getting along in a multicultural society."

Thomas sees herself as a guide, leading students into new areas in where they can entertain completely different views than they themselves hold.

"People often come to classes with preconceived ideas, and I want them to look at topics from another angle, another standpoint." Her goal, she adds, is to introduce them to ideas that will interest them throughout their lives.

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