Comments:REL 1350 - Since this is a general education course required for all students, I expected a fair and well-organized experience. I kept up with the readings and genuinely tried to succeed, but after the first exam, the tests became increasingly unpredictable. Exam 1 was reasonable and reflected what we studied, but Exam 2, 3 and the final included questions that focused on obscure details rather than the main ideas we were guided to understand. Before Exam 2, Dr. Spinks even said something like, “This one’s going to catch you off guard.” That comment felt unnecessary — and unfortunately, it was accurate. Even students who had prepared felt confused and discouraged by the style of the tests. At times, the course felt more like an upper-level theology or seminary class than an introductory Christian Heritage course. The level of detail expected, especially on tests and quizzes, did not match what most would consider appropriate for a gen-ed requirement. There were also pop quizzes based on small details from readings, and none were dropped. Final grades weren’t rounded, even for students who were extremely close to the next letter grade. For a course that fulfills a core requirement, the grading policies felt inflexible and disheartening. The classroom environment could also be uncomfortable at times. Dr. Spinks occasionally made strange or off-topic remarks that didn’t contribute to the learning experience and sometimes made students feel uneasy. I later learned that his contract at Baylor was not renewed. That context made a lot of things make more sense in hindsight. There’s another review here that feels overly polished and doesn’t match what most students actually experienced. I’m sharing this so others can make an informed decision. I wouldn’t recommend this class with Dr. Spinks if fairness, clarity, and support are important to you.  - Grade In Class:B

Comments:REL 1350 - Dr. Spinks was by far my favorite professor I've had at Baylor. At first, I wasn’t thrilled about his strict no-tech policy, but I came to really appreciate it—it kept me fully engaged, and his passion and depth of knowledge made every lecture worth tuning into. He’s incredibly well-read and enthusiastic about what he teaches, and that energy made the classroom experience feel alive. I genuinely looked forward to each class because I knew my attention would be held the entire time, and I’d always walk away having learned something new or having built on knowledge that felt deeply relevant to my life. The workload was very reasonable—just assigned readings before each class, which we would then discuss in meaningful ways. No busy work, nothing mundane. There were four random pop quizzes throughout the semester based on the readings, which he used to keep us accountable in a fair way. Ultimately, this class helped me grow not only in my understanding of church history but also in my faith. Sadly, Dr. Spinks is now teaching at UT Austin, but I truly hope he returns to Baylor someday—I'd take another class with him in a heartbeat.  - Grade In Class:A

Comments:1350 - DO NOT LET THESE RATINGS SCARE YOU!!!! TAKE. THIS. COURSE. I took this as a sophomore in my second semester and out of all the professors I have had Dr. Spinks is the absolute best. I have never learned, or been excited to learn more in a class than this one. Sure, he is a little old school and writes on a chalkboard, doesn't allow any technology, and does paper tests, but what a breath of fresh air from the modernized college world where literally EVERYTHING is online! Dr. Spinks brings education back to its very core, where learning and understanding is the principle. I cannot stress enough how impactful this course was for me. As long as you pay attention in class, take good notes, and study for the exams, you should be more than fine.  - Grade In Class:A

Comments:REL 1350 - Dr. Spinks is a knowledgeable professor, but the way this course was handled — especially as a gen-ed — left many students frustrated and academically impacted. After a fair Exam 1, the rest of the semester took a noticeable turn. Exams became significantly harder, with averages dropping, and questions focused on obscure, often one-time details from lecture or reading. He implemented free-response pop quizzes, which he did announce — but they felt unnecessarily difficult and contributed heavily to final grades. One quiz based on a single date caused a major grade drop across the class. Despite this, no quiz grades were dropped, and no rounding was applied at the end — even if a student was just 0.1% away from the next letter grade. Review sessions lacked structure, and students were given no clear guidance on how to prepare for exams. By the second half of the semester, his disengagement was noticeable, and many students sensed a shift in tone. It was later confirmed via a vague Canvas announcement that he would be leaving Baylor — something never addressed directly with the class, even as the course grew more disorganized. This class required far more effort than expected and did not reflect the kind of structure, support, or fairness students deserve — especially from someone exiting the university. It’s clear that students noticed the shift, and the impact was real.  - Grade In Class:B

Comments:1350 - Excellent teaching. Likely the only time I have ever been in support of a no-tech class. Loves the material and teaches it well. The singular and only drawback are the pop quizzes that you get a zero in if you don't show up. Harsher attendance policy with only 2 allotted before your grade begins to drop. But very good professor, definitely an A you work for.  - Grade In Class:A

Comments:REL 1350 - I really like Dr. Spinks as a person, but I hate his tests. His "review" sessions are just people asking him questions, no review of what the test is actually over. Im in his CH class and he added pop quizzes over the ECH reading this semi. They aren't terrible but one was a specific date and almost everyone failed it, which dropped my grade a lot. His tests have trick questions or questions over things we talked about once. Other than the tests/quizzes, his actual class is honestly enjoyable. He's one of the smartest people I know and will answer questions all day if it means it'll help you succeed more. Apparently he didn't get his teaching renewed for Baylor and is going to UT now. But in case he isn't, even though I don't have the best grade he was my favorite prof. this semi and I would take him again.  - Grade In Class:C+

Comments:REL 1310 - Professor Spinks was a very chill professor that really cares about his students learning the information and doing well in his class. He could be a bit conservative at times, occasionally bringing up very controversial topics. There is no homework in his class other than the readings which could be lengthy at times. The tests were moderately hard and in order to do well you HAVE TO GO TO OFFICE HOURS and FIND A STUDY GROUP. There is a lot of critical thinking that goes into the test so if you just study your notes and understand the information really well, you will do fine. I would take his class, but if you're looking for an easy A, this class probably isn't for you.  - Grade In Class:A

Comments:1310 - I enjoyed having Dr.Spinks as a professor! He has a storytelling type of instruction. He is very helpful if you ask for help. GO TO OFFICE HOURS!!! Not only will it help build rapport but also will help give you clarity in the class. It's not an easy A, I sure did not get an A. However, the reading is not hard just a lot of it. Spinks will NOT let you fail, participate, and do your readings and he will help you out!  - Grade In Class:B

Comments:1310 - Dr.Spinks is not a professor to take for an easy A. I loved him and he made the class enjoyable. There was a lot of content to go over but he made the exams pretty manageable.  - Grade In Class:A

Comments:REL 1310 - Spinks has a unique style of teaching that incorporates a lot of information without using resources like worksheets, slideshows, or visual aids. He will put up maps or movie clips at the beginning of class sometimes but other than that you are just expected to come with your knowledge of the readings in the context of theology as a whole. I believe he is a good professor and forces students to take a new perspective when reading the bible, and his tests are pretty fair. Atleast the multiple choice tests are. I never bothered with the free response tests. Overall, he is good and passionate at what he does, and if you are attentive to your readings I think the class is about as expected as a college course can get.  - Grade In Class:A

Comments:1310 - If you're looking for an easy A this is not the professor for you. Expect going into the course that no matter how much knowledge you have of the bible, the course has a different way of viewing it. It was interesting at times, but the readings (before class) were pretty lengthy. If you took AP History courses in high school I would say this is somewhat comparable. Lots of dates to memorize and different, abstract analyses of the readings must be known. I ended with an A- which isn't bad at all, but I had other friends with other professors who had higher grades and got access to slideshow presentations whereas Spinks solely does lectures and readings for your sources. He requires you to participate in class to satisfy part of your grade requirements which was a little annoying because he didn't stick to his word as what counts as full participation. He also only does 4 tests which is a little frustrating. It's definitely possible to get an A, but it's NOT a blowoff class.  - Grade In Class:A

Comments:REL 1310 - Dr. Spinks is phenomenal. I cannot stress enough, if you want a great understanding of the Old & New Testament, and a rather easy Religion Class, TAKE HIS REL 1310 CLASS. There is barely any homework, and yet you come away knowing so much about the scriptures. Also, you will do great on the exams if you pay attention in class and take notes. That is all you have to do. And then go study them the day before the test and cook.  - Grade In Class:A

Comments:REL 1310 - Dr.Spinks is a genuine nice guy. He wants to see his students succeed and also make sure everyone understands the material. However, it is very important that you know your stuff because exams can be unpredictable. As long as you take notes and review well you'll be fine.  - Grade In Class:B

Comments:1310-29 - Dont be fooled Dr. Spinks comes off as intimidating at first but he is easily one of my favorite professors and is actually really funny and chill. He is strict on the no techonology in class rule but it really isn't that big of a deal since the class is mostly lecture/discussion. There is no homework (besides reading) or essays, just exams (3 plus the final) and he prepares you well for them (they are all multiple choice). He does offer an essay exam if you prefer to write I never took it but if you prefer that it is an option which is really nice. He actually makes you think about the material and you can tell he is very passionate about the material. I think he helped me grow in my faith and knowledge of the bible and he actually makes a lot of jokes making the class enjoyable I recomend this class a lot! Just show up and read and you will be fine  - Grade In Class:B

Comments:REL 1350 - Mr. Spinks was definitely one of my favorite professors at Baylor. He comes off intimidating at first, but is actually super chill as long as you follow the no technology rules. His tests are the same way, you get worked up for nothing because they aren\'t bad at all. Workload is reading every week and it\'s usually only a few pages a class. I highly recommend him if you want to learn a lot and not have a ton of work  - Grade In Class:A

Comments:REL 1310 - A very very passionate lecturer, but a very conservative professor too. Doesn’t want you to use computers or phones during class, and requires class participation, and will call on you if he feels you don’t speak enough. The workload is easy enough, read the passages before class, a one question, open-ended quiz every week. A midterm and a final are the only tests, and if you want to do well, go to the test review he holds before the tests. He’s very kind and will answer any questions he has. There’s not a whole lot of professors here who are genuinely caring about their subject, so I would recommend him.  - Grade In Class:A

Comments:REL 1310 - I took him when it was his first semester teaching Christian Heritage. He is a very interesting character. SOOOOOOO much reading like an excessive amount, but without it you'll die in class for the most part. Tests were very intimidating but not bad at all. I would still say to study the heck out of the material though and go to the study session the night before. He also has essay quizzes once a week which are kinda of ridiculous. You either get a 100 or an 80 or lower no chance for an A on the regular.   - Grade In Class:B