With his advanced degrees, he was able to secure full tuition and a $400 annual living allowance. Union Theological Seminary prided itself on a "progressive outlook." Its professors publicly called for Christian unity, lobbied for international peace and discouraged the use of "imperialist force" in the various crises that were occurring worldwide. Among the lecturers was Harry Emerson Fosdick who challenged traditional Christian beliefs such as the bodily resurrection of Christ. While still at the seminary, Sung set aside much of his Christian faith and chanted Buddhist sutras, studied mysticism, investigated the theosophic societies and other sects that were found in New York. He translated Laozi's Tao Te Ching, into English and pondered if Laozi's teachings might be for him. Sung later wrote, “My soul wandered in a wilderness.” During Christmas break in 1926, Sung attended an evangelistic meeting with fellow students and unexpectedly saw fifteen year old evangelist Uldine Utley give the presentation. Feeling Utley had awakened something within his soul, Sung returned four more times to hear her preach. "Even I, a proud man, was moved by her," said Sung. The Gospel message of Jesus Christ was delivered clearly and persuasively. Sung was determined to discover for himself the power that motivated the young evangelist.