HKS vs. HDS: Harvard’s Church & State
by Margaux McDonald on October 31, 2007 in Features
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In my third year as a joint HDS/KSG student, I feel blessed (Divinity speak) for the distinctiveness of my experiences at both extraordinary schools. The rich philosophical inquisition at the Divinity School offers a calming equalizer to KSG’s hectic world of public policy problems and applications. Although the passion for learning is intense in both places, here are a few noteworthy examples of the lasting separation of church and state at Harvard.
Salutations: While a firm handshake and exchange of business cards works at KSG, the greeting of choice at the Divinity School is the almighty hug In fact, the only business card I have ever received at HDS reads “Need Prayer?? Email us and we’ll pray for you,” which proved to be a surprisingly useful tool before my first-year Stats exams. But beyond the hugging, one finds a palpable sense of family and more pleasant pace of life at HDS. Students are less hurried and deadlines are more nebulous. People are searching for meaning and God only knows, and those kinds of answers don’t come quickly …even for Harvard students.
Congregations: Nothing in my mind beats the exhilaration of a packed Forum at 6:00 P.M. My fondest KSG memories are of the times a political or cultural icon set things straight for me in that fabulous open venue. The gathering spot of choice at HDS can be equally exhilarating: our beloved Andover Chapel stirs the spirit and the mind with its fair share of soulful, as well as irreverent, activities. I can’t help but smile when I remember the live rendition of the “Vagina Monologues” performed in our charming chapel by a cast of esteemed faculty, beloved staff and bold students. Even the Dean took part in cheering on these brave women and their profane vernacular, usually unknown to such scared spaces. So be sure to check your preconceived notions at the church door - the Divinity school is shaking things up.
Libations: Despite it’s diluted yellowy tinge and watery taste, the Bud Light at Quorum Call is a big hit with impoverished KSG students, desperate for a pint of free-anything. But down the road at HDS, the drink of plenty is tea. We drink the hot beverage every Tuesday at the aptly named “Community Tea,” where faculty and students philosophize over the steamy brew. We sip it every Wednesday in Reverend Gomes’ iconic living room, where the bevie is served in delicate china, old English style. And there’s more tea on Thursday at Lowell House in its famous Master’s Quarters. There, we choose between regular and spicy chai tea (for the wild ones among us).
Exaltations: Whereas Hilary, Barack and sometimes even Mitt rate high on the list of KSG’s most revered celebrities de jour, HDS students tend to be slightly less savvy when it comes to the political frontrunners of the day. Of course, there are plenty of deities and gods to hold that special place in their hearts. But despite its Puritan roots, HDS does not always feel like a wholly divine place. The student body is incredibly diverse, hailing from a range of religious, political and cultural backgrounds. Approximately two-thirds of the group undertake a Master in Theological Studies degree - an academic endeavor; the remaining third try for a Master in Divinity degree - a professional degree and a requirement for those seeking ordination.
The magic of the HDS lies in the synergy created when such a diverse set of students comes together to share ideas and ideologies. From conservative believers to questioning agnostics and self-assured atheists, HDS is undoubtedly one of the most open-minded, inclusive and accepting communities I have ever come across. If in doubt, I highly recommend a voyage across the great Yard to check out the classes and community. Jefferson may have objected, but check it out for yourself and see if you don’t find less of a “separation” than you expected.
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