Students about Gerry and his courses
All of my students have made the work of preparing and teaching worthwhile and a pleasure. The following are excerpts from correspondence from some showing appreciation and even some praise. On occasion there were questions and criticism tho, letting me know I still have a lot to learn.
Thank you for the warm and gracious way in which you have guided us through these thorny issues. I think that the sign of a successful course is the conduct of the students after class concludes. Your students gather in the lounge to continue discussing the issues that you have raised in class. Such stimulation and engagement is rare. Thank you for allowing me to be part of the experience.You have given me the gift of your learning and insights. I can never be able to repay you for that.
Bob and I would like to tell you how much we have enjoyed being in your Spiritually class. I feel we have bonded with you and also with our delightful classmates. I could have read Tolle at home but not gotten a fraction of the insight you and the class brought out for me.
Your class today was particularly interesting. The fellow classmates engaged me in conversation after class and that is exactly what these classes at the Academy should be. Congratulations!.
Every topic you bring up is so philosophical how can you NOT raise questions??
We need to stop believing in believing and instead, as you emphasize in your course, start trusting. I think trust may be the overarching theme of the book you should write.
These lessons which I have just read are an enormous amount to absorb.
A favorite text of mine - from Thomas that is Gnostic influenced - is Jesus' saying that "Those who seek should not stop seeking until they find." That is what goes on in your courses.
I recall the depth and wealth of info in your ALL (Academy) courses on "Our Christian Roots".
That was a great class today and a fine ending to a semester of continued discovery. When a class, or a play or a book or a piece of music ends and you are sorry its over and long for more, you know you have found a treasure. ... I got the sense this morning that many in the class have been transformed by such moments of enlightenment in your class.
My response was:
I can't get over it the impact it did make on practically all present. As you said, it was like that feeling: "Don't let it end!" The 'unexpected moments' while doing research - I must say - are my times of enlightenment too. I am glad I could share some of it with the class. It has been a very valuable semester.
And like all great teachers, your presentation does not become static.
One of the main themes that comes through in your classes is simplicity.
Your lectures are very rich. Judging by the feedback this morning, You are making a big impact on people who Spong calls "Christians in exile."
I responded: The feedback on Truth and Christianity was surprisingly strong. It indicates so clearly what people have missed and were the clergy - as representing church - have been and are still often failing. People deserve to know even it weakens the "dogma". Serving the truth is more important.
You are correct that you are opening the eyes of your students to new possibilities.
I have now taken this class several times, and I always come away refreshed with new and challenging insights into my journey to higher consciousness (or whatever is going on).
I can’t let the summer get too far on without expressing my appreciation for the classes I had with you this spring in the Academy of Life Long Learning. I have had a lot of teachers in my lifetime—many of they very good—but I can’t remember any who invited such open feedback from the class, were better prepared, more enthusiastic about their material or resourced their students any better. Or more opinionated! It worked wonderfully for me and I thank you.
Until I took your first "Exploration" course, I never thought much about it. Thanks to you and your courses I now feel more clear and positively inspired by Jesus and God. I am fascinated by the Jesus you have introduced me to.
And about EXPLORING EARLY CHRISTIAN ROOTS: Absolutely first rate! ... you filled in many gaps.
I have never had a teacher who responded to students (at least some) the way you do.
I thoroughly enjoy your class because it is a challenge and forces us to scrutinize all these dogmas. It is very nice to be able to be open and questioning.
I feel electrically charged in your class: Inspiring, peaceful, exciting, etc., etc.,
I doubt that there is a class on Gnosticism in the entire country or world that has so many people voluntarily registered for it. This is a great testament to you.
Today's class was outstanding - you were in super "form"! Very clear and enthusiastic - you just get better as you go along.
I must tell you, again, how much your classes have influenced me. You are so smart and well prepared in class that it is a pleasure being there and learning. The only complaint I have is that the classes are never long enough!
Thank you. Your class was an extraordinarily good experience. Thank you for your clarity of thought and openness of mind. We all benefitted greatly.
By the way, I truly enjoy "rootseeker" ... Very nice work...
You have provided a very impressive and comprehensive source of information for us.
I LOVE this class...to question ones faith and emerge whole but changed from the process, to me, is the very essence of using the gifts God gave us. Thanks for helping this process along.
Your classes and these books have helped me to find my path and define my beliefs.
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