Alpha, the back-to-basics course

By Davor Stier

Kraainem (06 June 2006).- When my wife Veronica told me about Alpha, my first instinctive reaction was a rather cold "Thanks, but probably not". I frequently work late hours; Wednesday is one of the few days in the week we can have dinner together, and, after all, I already know the basic notions of Christianity.
Wisely, Veronica didn't argue with me. But she didn't give up, either. She waited until the following Wednesday, and then she reminded me that was Alpha day. She'd take care of the kids, and I was free to go. And I went.
I mean, I did have the basic notions of Christianity. And I do go to Sunday mass and pray with the kids every day before bedtime. Still, even if I was initially reluctant to admit it, I was aware that my faith was becoming a question of routine rather than substance. Then, although I knew nothing about Alpha, I decided it was worth giving a try.
I retained some level of skepticism regarding Alpha, and my first impressions of the course were mixed. The social part (dinner and coffee) was fine, and the lectures by Nicky Gumble were quite convincing and to the point. It was the last part of the evening, the group discussion, which made me feel a little bit uncomfortable. I was not used to speak about my faith in public. Even listening to others, how they love Christ and embrace the Gospel, provoked in me a weird sense of unease.
However, Wednesday after Wednesday, that feeling turned into acceptance, and then even admiration for those who, in the group discussion, transmitted the joy of being Christians. Then I started to understand how much I was scared of really following Christ and putting my life into His hands.
Yes, Alpha is an introduction to Christianity. It's a back-to-basis course. And, it was exactly what I needed.