Ratio Christi at Crandall University is pleased to award our ministry’s honorary Legatus Christi certificate to Jonah Hanley!

Jonah recently graduated from Crandall University with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology. He’s been involved in the Ratio Christi club on campus since the start of his studies and has spent the past two years serving as the club’s Vice-President.

It brought much pleasure to RC at CU’s Chapter Director, Cody Guitard, to award Jonah the Legatus Christi certificate at his graduation. “It’s been great having Jonah in the Ratio Christi club these last several years,” says Cody. “I’ve always appreciated the level of calm and thoughtfulness he brings to any conversation, and it’s been a privilege to see him grow in his understanding and ability to share and defend the faith.”

Jonah was kind enough to answer some questions for us as he reflected on his time as a Ratio Christi student and his reception of the Legatus Christi certificate.

1 – When did you come to Christ as Lord and Saviour, and how did that come about?

I was born and raised in a Christian home and came to Christ at a very young age. My mom and I were reading a children’s Bible (a common occurrence in my younger years), and I asked if I could give my life to the Lord. Throughout middle and high school, I claimed Christ but struggled to embody Him. When I graduated high school and left for university in Nova Scotia, I began to take my faith seriously. Since then, I have truly begun to follow Christ.

2 – How did you become interested in apologetics, and how did you get involved with Ratio Christi?

After I transferred to Crandall, one of my highest priorities was to get established in a Christian friend group. In that search, I met Evan Carr (another Legatus Christi recipient). Being one of the first people I met at Crandall (via an online English class at the beginning of my first semester), Evan’s invite to Ratio Christi was one I could not resist. I had never heard of apologetics before my conversation with Evan, but his description was enough to convince me to try it out. A club teaching students how to share and defend the Christian faith… sign me up!

3 – What impact has the Ratio Christi ministry on your campus had on your walk with God and your personal ministry?

Ratio Christi at Crandall University has taught me many intricate details about the scriptures. Though I felt firm in my faith upon joining the club, the meetings and discussions I participated in taught me about the importance of context when reading biblical texts. These added layers of knowledge about familiar biblical passages deepened their meaning and helped me grow closer to Jesus (the One each of the passages point to).

4 – What does receiving the Legatus Christi certificate mean to you?

Receiving the Legatus Christi certificate was a huge honour! In my time at Crandall, I only knew of one other student who received the honour.  As I received the certificate, I got to do so alongside of two of my best friends (Evan Carr and Ben Wilson) who also received it. Serving with them as student officers for Ratio Christi at Crandall University is one of the fondest memories of my university years. 

5 – How do you envision taking the apologetics you have learned through Ratio Christi into your future endeavors?

My time spent at Ratio Christi has boosted my confidence to speak to others about Christ. Moving into wherever God leads me next, I feel more prepared to speak of His goodness and share with others why I believe what I believe.

6 – What would you say to other students who might be considering getting involved in Ratio Christi, whether they be skeptics, seekers, or believers?

As with most things, it is worth giving something new a try. For skeptics, I challenge you to find evidence to back your claims and bring them to a meeting to discuss. The only thing I ask of you is that you come with an open mind, just in case the Word of God has an answer to your arguments. For seekers, come with your doubts, your questions, and your honest feelings. Ratio Christi is a great way to grow the seed of faith planted in your heart! And for believers, I would challenge you to come regardless of how much you know about the Christian faith. Faith further develops in community. Even if you don’t learn anything from attending the discussions (though I’m sure you will learn something), your encouragement and knowledge can be a valuable resource to other believers who aren’t as firm in their beliefs.

Congratulations, Jonah!

It’s always exciting to see passionate students like Jonah go through our campus ministries and come out the other end ready to be effective ambassadors of Christ in the world. Students like him are the reason Ratio Christi awards the Legatus Christi certificate. Congratulations, Jonah!

Please keep Jonah in your prayers as he continues to love and serve God and others with all his mind.