Grace Morris is a powerful witness for Christ in everything that she pursues. Her term as President at Ratio Christi Liberty was one of the most productive as far as membership growth and student involvement that I can recall.
Grace was truly a “hands-on” leader, who led by example and encouraged others to perform at that level, as well.
I know that her future holds great things for the advancement of God’s kingdom. She is most deserving of the coveted Legatus Christi Award!
Dighton Head,
Chapter Director at Ratio Christi Liberty
When did you come to Christ as Lord and Savior, and how did that come about?
Before I came to Christ at the age of seven, I had heard the Gospel countless of times. I was so blessed to have grown up in a strong Christian home. And though I don’t remember the specific day I came to Christ, I remember how it came about. Some random afternoon, my third-grade teacher was telling us what the Gospel was. There wasn’t anything “particularly special” about the way she described the Gospel that I hadn’t heard of before. However, I just remember this wave of realization that I was indeed a sinner and in need of a Savior. I told my mom right after school, and once we got home, we sat in my living room and I prayed to God. I asked Him to forgive me for my sins and be my Lord and Savior.
Best decision of my life.
How did you become interested in apologetics, and how did you get involved with Ratio Christi?
I became interested in apologetics not because I was fascinated with all the historical, theological, and philosophical concepts. I became interested because my faith was shaking and I desperately longed for the answers to my questions. In fifth grade, my father was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Parkinson’s disease. As the disease worsened and affected my family, my concept of God was constantly challenged. My youth group did not have a strong apologetic framework, so when I heard of this all-loving God who loved His children, it seemed contradictory. However, in the midst of my questions, God stayed close to me, and I found comfort in Him. I found a God who wasn’t afraid of my questions and even welcomed them (1 Thes. 5:21; Acts 17:11). My faith grew, and I found a good, loving God, despite what I had been through. My desperate need for answers turned into a love for theology and apologetics; it became my avenue to understanding my God and King.
Now I knew If there was such a thing as an apologetics club in college, I wanted to be involved. However, I did not know what Ratio Christi was! So, the way I found Ratio Christi was truly because I was in the “right place at the right time” (though I believe it was God’s providential hand). For context, I have always been a commuter student, and in my freshman year, I was in desperate need of community. As I was heading home from classes one day, I saw a little group on the couches. I forget exactly what they were discussing, but I remember it being an interesting apologetic discussion. I leaned against one of the brick pillars, listening in and wanting to know more about this group. I saw the Ratio Christi banner, but I was too shy to jump in and almost left. Suddenly, someone from the group spotted me and said, “You know, you can sit down and join us if you want.” I smiled and sat down with the group, and I have been involved ever since.
What impact has Ratio Christi had on your walk with God and your personal ministry?
Ratio Christi has had a tremendous impact on my life and walk with God. I have had so many opportunities to become more outspoken in my faith through things like tabling and meetings. Tabling has allowed me to learn how to articulate what I believe to others. And you know, there were times when I didn’t know the answer to something, or I felt like I didn’t say something right. However, Ratio Christi was a safe place to talk about those moments and learn how to explain it if that objection were to come up again. I have also been able to teach multiple times in my chapter. I have a passion for teaching outside of RC, so it has been amazing to take that passion and use it in my chapter.
Coming into college, I would have never pictured myself going into any kind of leadership position. In fact, I would’ve described myself more of a follower than anything else. However, Ratio Christi became a place where I could mature and become confident in my ability to lead. And too, once I was named president of our chapter, I knew I had to cling to God in that role. And through that, my dependance on God and my faith has grown. Truly every part of my faith and personal ministry has been touched by Ratio Christi, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the impact it has made on my life.
What is this RC chapter like?
We’re talkative. Very talkative! But our RC chapter is also loving, funny, welcoming, opinionated, and passionate to know and understand who God is amongst a skeptical world. It has been encouraging to see our RC chapter growing steadily over the last four years. We’re also a pretty diverse group of majors, which I like. From graphic design to nursing to theology and apologetics majors, we have it all! I really enjoy that because apologetics shouldn’t be a niche Christian discipline.
I really could go on about my chapter. They’re just great. My leadership team was fantastic, and I couldn’t have asked for a better one! They showed so much initiative, were passionate, and exemplified Christ in their actions. Our RC chapter directors are amazing as well. They truly have made a space to help students grow and feel more confident in their faith. I am grateful for the impact they have had on my life.
What were some of your favorite areas of involvement in your RC chapter?
This may not be a typical “area,” but I’ve loved all the conversations I’ve been able to have because of tabling, meetings, and events. At Liberty University’s chapter, you’re likely going to talk to professing Christians. However, I have also talked with atheists, LDS, and those with unorthodox views at Liberty. I have had so many conversations that encouraged, challenged, and prompted me to look deeper into certain parts of my faith. My favorite areas of involvement are only my favorite because of the people I have been able to connect with.
How do you envision taking the apologetics you have learned through Ratio Christi into your future endeavors?
If it’s in the Lord’s will, I plan to move in more of a teaching/ministry vocation. I would love to help people with Biblical interpretation and with understanding who the true Jesus is. Honestly, I think someone can intellectually know so much in apologetics, but if they are not representing Christ well, something is wrong. Ultimately, I want the apologetics I learned in Ratio Christi to naturally bleed into all other areas of my life, whether that be professionally or personally. I want to have an “incarnational apologetic,” as one of my chapter directors would say. And though I may no longer be involved with Ratio Christi, I feel more confident to share and defend my faith in my everyday life because of what I learned and experienced.
Would you consider coming back to work with your RC chapter, starting one at another school, or working with RC in any other capacity?
Oh, for sure! I am not sure exactly where the Lord wants me post-graduation, but I think that would be so much fun. Ratio Christi has been such a blessing in my life, and I’d love to stay involved with my chapter, start one at another school, or be connected in another capacity.
What would you say to other students who might be considering getting involved in Ratio Christi, whether they are skeptics, seekers, or believers?
One thing that a skeptic, seeker, and believer have in common is their need for community. In Ratio Christi, I have found such a loving group of people, and it has been a great place to learn about Christianity, to ask questions, and grow in my faith.
To the skeptic and seeker, know that there are people out there who have the same questions and concerns you do. I remember the weight lifted off my shoulders when I shared my doubts and concerns about my faith with someone. Ratio Christi can be that place for you. Who knows, maybe there is an answer to your question. Nevertheless, Ratio Christi is open to everyone, so go and be involved!
To the believer, we are told in Scripture that all should be ready to give a defense for the hope that we have and contend for the faith (1 Pet. 3:15; Jude 1:3-4). I know there is this common misconception that apologetics is just learning how better argue your faith and learn how to win the argument, but that is not the case. Because, once you treat a person like an argument, you’ve already lost. Apologetics at its core is an evangelistic tool that all Christians should have in their tool belt, so that you can represent Christ better. Furthermore, I know that apologetics can feel daunting. But don’t worry! RC chapters are a great place to start, whether you are well-versed in Scripture or you are just starting your walk with the Lord.
Ratio Christi is for everyone, so if you see an RC chapter, get involved! I can say it was one of the best things I did in my entire undergraduate experience.