I attended an evangelical Christian university on the outskirts of suburban Los Angeles and by the time of my graduation was neither evangelical nor Christian.

The quote "I attended an evangelical Christian university on the outskirts of suburban Los Angeles and by the time of my graduation was neither evangelical nor Christian" is from Daniel Mallory Ortberg, a writer and editor known for his work on topics related to religion, identity, and faith. In this statement, Ortberg reflects on his personal journey through his time at an evangelical Christian institution, noting how his beliefs shifted significantly during his time there. By the time of his graduation, he found that his views had changed to the point where he no longer identified with the faith that initially shaped his college experience.

Ortberg’s comment highlights a period of personal transformation, where his time at a religious university led him to question and ultimately move away from the evangelical faith. The phrase "neither evangelical nor Christian" suggests a profound shift in Ortberg’s identity and worldview, emphasizing the internal evolution that can happen during one's formative years, particularly in the context of higher education. His experience reveals the complex relationship between faith, institutional education, and personal beliefs.

The origin of the quote is rooted in Ortberg’s time at an evangelical Christian university in Los Angeles. As he navigated the academic and spiritual environment of the institution, he underwent a process of questioning his beliefs, leading him to identify as neither evangelical nor Christian by the time he graduated. This personal journey speaks to the broader theme of self-discovery and the impact of education and environment on an individual's spiritual and philosophical development.

Ultimately, the quote underscores the idea that education and exposure to diverse ideas can lead to personal growth and changes in belief systems. Ortberg’s experience suggests that universities—even those with a particular religious focus—can be places where students explore and redefine their identities, making it possible to leave behind old beliefs in favor of a new understanding of the world.