What We Care About

Knowing

Above all, the task of humanity is to know God and to know self.  The Reformation theologians that started the Protestant movement hundreds of years ago believed this; so do we; so does Christianity. But it is not only religion that seeks this. As Stephen Hawking puts it in A Briefer History of Time, the goal of science is to construct a complete, unified theory to describe the whole Universe... "We live in a strange and wonderful universe. It's age, size, violence and beauty require extraordinary imagination to appreciate. The place we humans hold within this vast cosmos can seem pretty insignificant; and so we try to make sense of it all and see how we fit in." Hawking may not be looking for 'God', but he's looking to know ultimate things. Whether you are a theologian, a scientist, a musician or whatever - if you are a member of the human race - "you crave an understanding of the underlying order of the world" (Hawking).

Christianity and RUF believe that right knowledge of God (or theology) is foundational to this quest. We believe that this knowledge is attainable to anyone who desires it - through the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament and the spiritual work of the Holy Spirit in revealing the truths of the faith. This is why RUF values the study of God's Word (Scripture). We also believe that right knowledge of self is found in Scripture and by applying it to life within community. To put it simply: the biblical story of Creation, Fall from Paradise, Redemption, and Re-Creation at the End of all things by the work of the Trinitarian God makes the most sense of life.

Growing

We believe that spiritual growth happens when a person encounters the gospel of Jesus Christ. This gospel is made known in Scripture. Its made real in our lives by the work of the Holy Spirit. It also transforms individual people that once did not know God to those whose highest delight and joy is Christ himself. This gospel further shapes people into a community that genuinely cares for one another and cares for others who are in need. RUF desires to grow into the gospel and grow out from the gospel.

Serving

We believe that intentional service to each other, the campus community and our world goes hand-in-hand with the gospel. RUF is compelled by the mind-boggling and culture-shattering mission of our Lord Jesus Christ who "came not to be served but to serve". The Infinite and Holy God walked among us and served. Because of this RUF is involved in several planned service projects and missions throughout the year. Each month we partner with a local church to serve people living in motels along Aurora Avenue, and we take a spring break missions trip to the Yakama reservation in eastern Washington. Ultimately it is our desire to be those who serve daily where we are placed - the UW campus.