A Pathway to Cultural Understanding – Phil Enns (MTS 1993)

Like many undergraduate students, Phil Enns’ professional career wasn’t immediately clear. He wandered between Philosophy and Religious Studies courses before pursuing a master's degree in Philosophy at the University of Waterloo. “While I did enjoy what I was studying, I didn’t have the flexibility to pursue the religious connections I was making,” he remarked. In search of a personal connection to his work, Phil connected with Jim Reimer, Professor of Theology at Conrad Grebel University College. “Jim introduced me to Grebel’s Master of Theological Studies (MTS) program, and I immediately knew that was what I was looking for.” As an MTS student, Phil was able to engage in conversations analyzing the differences between cultures and religions, something that greatly benefited him in his international work after graduation. 

Through a wide range of course topics like Mennonite Literature with Hildi Froese Tiessen, Ephesians with Tom Yoder Neufeld, and Modern Theology with Jim Reimer, Phil became well-acquainted with fellow classmates and broadened his cultural understanding in an engaging and supportive environment. “There was always something relevant and interesting to learn and discuss,” he said. “I appreciated those professors emphasizing their differing learning approaches in each of those classes, which taught me the necessity of having different methods of not only analyzing course material, but day-to-day life, and how to articulate those findings.”  

With the support of the Toronto Mennonite Theological Center (TMTC), then administered by Grebel at the University of Toronto, Phil continued to expand upon his cultural perspectives. “The TMTC Muslim-Mennonite Dialogue exchange program took my life in a direction I never would have predicted, leading me to teach Philosophy at an Islamic university in Indonesia.” Phil noted that his MTS degree also helped him respect and celebrate the differences between Muslims and Christians. “Those differences led me to a shared understanding of what it means to be human and how to pursue relationships that promote peace and justice in our communities,” he added. Phil continued sharing his experiences garnered from the MTS program in his other international work - he also taught Reformed Theology in Nigeria and was a university administrator in Kazakhstan.

Phil’s connection to TMTC was a key component of his personal growth; he remarked that TMTC helped him form lifelong relationships and explore different parts of the world. “In life, it is very easy to become siloed and only listen to familiar voices. At TMTC, I was constantly hearing from my colleagues in very different disciplines and perspectives. I have not had comparable circumstances since finishing my doctorate, which makes me appreciate just how special TMTC was.”  

Phil and his wife Lori are still active members of the Grebel and Mennonite communities; their daughter Sara lives at Grebel and the family has attended the Waterloo North Mennonite Church between academic postings. Phil is currently living in Thailand and is the Dean of Academic Affairs at Parami University, an institution focused on providing higher education for young people in Myanmar.

By Jiho Mercer