Life as a full-time college student can be hectic. It can be hard enough to balance taking 12-18 credits, working a job and socializing, but many students here at Southern Utah University add religious activities onto the pile. For those that are members of or interested in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Institute of Religion offers various classes and socials to fill this role.
The Institute is an educational system that the church has set up for young adults to learn more about the LDS faith and its doctrine. It provides a space to meet other young adults, ages 18-30, who share their religious values.
Institute was first started in Moscow, Idaho, where J. Wyley Sessions taught the first class in 1926. Now, there are almost 2,700 locations, but not all reside next to campuses like the one here in Cedar City. In some areas, Institute is taught in classrooms, church buildings, homes or even office buildings.
Some may think that Institute is just for members of the Church. The truth is that Institute, attended by over 350,000 students across the world, is intended for both members and those simply looking to understand the religion. SUU student Tanna Marshall said, “It is a place where I can feel God and be around people who I can relate to and share my thoughts.”
With over 1,500 students enrolled in Cedar City’s Institute, the church needs teachers to instruct and give counsel.
One such teacher, John Banks, has been a seminary and Institute teacher for 38 years.
“I get the joy of associating with great young adults and learning more about Jesus Christ from these students just as much as they learn from me,” Banks said.
The instructors at the Institute teach full-time so that their attention is on their students.
“I hope they feel the love of the Savior and that their testimonies are strengthened,” said Banks. “If they can walk away from here saying, ‘I am loved, and I know I am loved by my teacher and by the Savior,’ that’s the key.”
The Institute offers various classes to meet the needs of those attending. Twenty options are offered here in Cedar City, ranging from Teachings and Doctrine of the Book of Mormon to Parables of Jesus Christ, while there are also classes on topics like dealing with mental health.
Additionally, there are seminars for couples, those who have served LDS missions and those between 24 and 30 years old. Each Sunday evening, there is also a devotional — a short sermon — at the Institute at 6 p.m. that is open to anyone who wants to attend.
Along with their courses, the Institute regularly holds activities and events that are intended for young adults to meet new friends and have a fun, healthy social life. Anyone is invited to attend.
“I felt a sense of community and belonging,” Alex Baker, an SUU student not currently enrolled in Institute, said of the activities.
Some of the events the Institute has hosted include a spring formal dance, waffle days at the end of each semester and an interfaith fair where different religions gather to have great food and get to know each other better.
“Come try us. Come give it a try,” said Banks. “We want to make sure everyone feels like they belong here.”
Whether you are looking for new friends, wanting to come closer to Jesus Christ or participate in a social activity, Institute is always a welcome option.
Author: Jack Paul
Photos: John Banks and Courtesy of Institute of Religion
Editor: Kale Nelson
life@suunews.net
This article was originally published in the March 2024 edition of the University Journal.
