Volume 101 Issue 07

The Collegian Walla Walla University

Volume 101

Issue 07

10 Nov 2016

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Faith in academia

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week in forecast

Humor

14 Culture

dear reader,

Editor-in-chief Matthew Moran

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I would like to thank you for participating in our election series conversations. I hope you were entertained, intrigued, and, most importantly, informed with our attempt to present an equal representation of the candidates. The past few days have been difficult for many Americans to come to grips with. The polls, the news, and the popular sentiments seemed to indicate that Hillary would easily win. However, the silent majority has spoken and, whether you like it or not, Trump has become our next commander in chief. Election night was an emotional rollercoaster but I hope that all of us will be able to come together as one nation to work together for the improvement of America.

Personally, I am pleased by Trump’s change in rhetoric in his victory speech and I hope this will continue into the future. I believe people are fed up with the way the government has been run and I believe people feel that it is time for a change—a movement—to occur. Regardless of how you might personally feel, I hope we can unite to support our newly elected president to make America great. Honestly, I am

perspective

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BOOKFANS

Table of Contents | 2 Letters to the Editor | 3 News | 5 Week in Forecast| 6

editor-in-chief Matthew Moran

layout designers Anna-Marie Vargas Claudia Curtis Geoffrey Lopes

assistant editor Abigail Wissink

news writers Kyler Alvord Lauren Epperson

Head layout editor Fränk Ramirez Head Copy editor Sophia Rich Life editor Micah Hall backpage editor

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frightened and simultaneously tantalized by the possibilities for the future of our great nation. I hope you can join my sentiments as we move forward respectfully, supportively, and prayerfully.

As we move forward, The Collegian will continue striving to be the platform for student thought and discussion while ensuring that both liberal and conservative views are equally represented. Since we recognize that this is a difficult task to complete, we welcome your feedback and input in regards to anything that we publish.

You can also contact our writers if you have any specific concerns regarding their specific pieces, since I only oversee the development and writing process of the feature.

Speaking of the feature, we are excited to be discussing the implications of faith (specifically the Christian faith) playing a role in an academic environment. How do people of faith deal with the dangers of a highly skeptical, academic environment?

Is it possible to consolidate faith and academia? What is the job of an academic institution like Walla Walla University when it comes to maintaining an open academic environment and an environment where faith in God can flourish and grow?

Copy Editors Katherine Beckner Lindsey Luna food editor Mason Neil feature editors Brandon Pierce Michael Jensen Ysabela Ramirez Bryndilynn Goodlyn humor writer Micah Hall religion writer Vixie Bailey Cartoonist Emmanuel Perry

life

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Feature | 7 Devotional & NAD Observations | 10 Opinion & Column | 11 Religion & ACA | 12

opinion writer Yvanna Hammen-Alvarez Joshua Huh columnists Joni Harris & Emily Huso

These are the questions that we would like to entertain this week in conjunction with the conversations we had in CommUnity and the conversations we will have with Marilynne Robinson. As a person of faith studying in a highly academic environment, I am excited to offer our view on this difficult topic.

This week we are presenting two responses to Mark Charles’ CommUnity speech. Although we recognize that it has been a few weeks since he began his highly controversial discussion, we wanted to ensure that both positive and negative reviews in regards to his CommUnity presentation were represented. I encourage you to interact with these reviews and send us your thoughts. We desire to continue the valuable conversation he started in order to move towards a more unified campus and a more educated and accepting community.

If you have any comments, questions, advertisements, or contributions, you can email me at matthew.moran@wallawalla. edu or aswwu.collegian@gmail.com. Thank you for reading The Collegian. As always, enjoy and IPFY (i.e. I’m praying for you) every day!

LINDSEY LUNA

Humor & Creative Writing | 13 Fashion & Culture | 14 Science | 15 Sunny Side Up | 16

If you are interested in contributing to The Collegian, speak with one of our illustrious staff members. The Collegian is enhanced by regularly incorporating a wide range of campus perspectives.

Devotional writer Christina Moran Fashion writer Angelica Chan Culture/travel writer Darling Su ACA/SM Editor Stephanie Septembre Science writer Jordan Brooks

Cover Credit: ASWWU The Collegian is the official publication of ASWWU. Its views and opinions are not necessarily the official stance of Walla Walla University or its administration, faculty, staff, or students. Questions, letters, and comments can be sent to aswwu. collegian@wallawalla.edu or matthew.moran@wallawalla.edu. This issue was completed at 2:00 A.M. on Thursday, November 10, 2016.

Creative writing editor Mac Ford global service writer Daniel Villarreal Office Manager AnneMarie Vixie

The Collegian | Volume 101, Issue 07 | 204 S. College Avenue, College Place, WA 99324

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LETTERS TO EDITOR CONTEXT

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ON CREATING A COMMON MEMORY RAYMOND RAMIREZ Contributing Writer

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listened with interest to Mark Charles’ presentation at Walla Walla University. In the distant past, I might have been called a “half-breed,” for my genetic pool is a near equal blend of Native American and Spanish. As a young girl, my mother and her brothers participated in the Indian dances of the local Pueblo tribe. Unaware of my Indian roots, I loved to read about the American Indian from the time I was a little boy.

In the sixth grade I read "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee," which chronicled the demise of each major American Indian tribe. The battles between American Indian tribes and the early Americans represented a clash of civilizations and cultures: the roaming buffalo/horse culture and the industrial/agricultural culture. Later the roaming cowboy/cattle herder and the farmer would face a similar clash. We cannot reverse time. Some seek now to perpetuate the myth of the “noble savage.” But American Indians and their way of life, like that of all human civilizations, have both noble and ignoble qualities.

Into my college years at Walla Walla University, I felt sorry for the Indian’s tragic plight in the modern world. My perspective broadened as I learned more of the American story and came to appreciate the genius of a government of, by, and for the people. I wished that the Indian would assimilate as my parents’ forefathers and I had done. In any historical analysis, however, multiple perspectives exist. Charles speaks to one perspective that includes a set of grievances. He attempts to provide a historical argument for his views by referring to the “Doctrine of Discovery”, that he concludes is a driving force behind both the destruction of the American Indian culture and the enslavement of African Americans.

His Overreach and Misapplication of the “Doctrine of Discovery” Today’s modern culture demonizes “white people” and Christians. Mark Charles claims that the American Indians were victims of the “Doctrine of Discovery,” established by five papal edicts issued to European “countries.”

Charles paraphrased the edicts as directing that if countries are not ruled

by Christian rulers, they can be taken because “the inhabitants were inhuman.”

The edict that he quoted, however, did not actually speak to the inhumanness of the inhabitants. He also suggested that the "Doctrine of Discovery" allowed European countries to invade, colonize, and enslave African lands.

The 1452 edict was directed at the Islamic Arabs and pagans and had no directive toward the yet un-discovered Americas. During the time of the first four papal edicts, the New World had not been discovered. The 1493 edict did address the Americas, but it only authorized Spain, not the countries of Europe to possess land, as he suggests.

However, Columbus sailed “West” because Queen Isabella financed him to discover an alternative route to China and India to avoid costly tariffs of the Middle Eastern trade routes. Columbus thought he had found such a passage, naming the inhabitants he encountered “Indians.” There was no “Christian” mission to discover, take, and enslave pursuant a papal bull.

Following the papal bulls referenced, the Reformation took root in response to Catholicism’s corruption.

With Protestantism taking root, it is unreasonable to conclude that Europeans acted at the direction of papal edicts. Charles gives too much credit to these papal edicts.

The Mayflower sailed over 100 years after the last papal edict Charles references. Its passengers, and those who followed, did not sail to the Americas because of any of the papal edicts, which he argued established the “Doctrine

of Discovery.” Instead, many sailed to escape religious persecution.

Additionally, papal bulls did not establish slavery. Slavery has been a part of human history. During the period of the papal bulls discussed, the Islamic slave traders from the seventh to the 20th century captured Europeans and enslaved them in the Middle East, and the African slave trade was run through the Middle Eastern slave markets.

Slavery was even a common practice among pre-Columbian indigenous peoples of the Americas. Importantly, slavery is not unique to the Western Europeans, Christians, and businessmen who came to the Americas.

The Trauma of Change The one constant on this earth is change. Every generation in America has been traumatized by displacement and change. New immigrant classes have displaced older, established immigrants. We have seen rural agrarian societies give way to industrial societies which in turn have given way to technological societies. Some take on the attitude of victimization and bitterness. Others resign themselves to the change, anticipate it, or even embrace it.

Mark Charles believes airing grievances will create a common memory to form a community.

However, airing grievances will not bring reconciliation, but will instead create attitudes of victimization, guilt, resentment, and ultimately division. We do not associate with individuals whom we believe have caused our suffering, nor do we associate with those who accuse us of wrongdoing. This breeds resentment.

The conquest-driven “historical trauma” Charles refers to did not arrive with the American invasion of American Indian lands. The American Indians themselves practiced it. In an interview by Dinesh D’Souza, Charmaine White Face, a spokesperson

for the Teton Sioux Nation Treaty Council argues that the Black Hills should be returned to the Sioux “Nation”. However, D’Souza asked: If the United States gave it back to the Sioux Nation, would the Sioux turn and give the Black Hills back to the Cheyenne, from whom they took the land? Flustered, White Face explained that long before the white man arrived, there were “dominant” tribes, and the Sioux tribe was one of them.

What made them “dominant?” How is that any different from the dawn of the European invasion? Today, the European invasion has become a world invasion, since people from all nations of the earth now take residence here.

Mark Charles says he has found that most Americans are not racist. He suggests, on the other hand, that our form of government is systemically racist and argues that we must change the system. He ignores the fact that every two years in this country we have an opportunity for a revolution through our electoral process, a form of government designedly making change possible. He also ignores the fact that this country and the institutions he seeks to tear down have given him a unique place in history in which he can speak freely and demand to be treated equally by those who have "conquered" his people.

Finding Healing and Forming True Community In Dallas Willard’s "Renovation of the Heart," he explains that Jesus came to start a revolution. This revolution does not occur with the formation of social institutions and laws that impose “good” behavior through institutional power; Jesus’ revolution is one of the heart from which all action springs. In Luke 6, Jesus admonished to be careful what we store in our hearts, for out of the abundance of our heart the mouth

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CONTEXT LETTERS FROM EDITOR

CONT. FROM PAGE 3 speaks. In Mathew 23, Jesus tells us to... ..."First clean the inside of the cup and saucer that the outside may be clean also.” Goodness does not arise from a mountain of regulation, but from a cultivation of good thoughts which form good character. Adventism has long maintained that we cannot legislate morality; instead, we should seek to change the hearts and minds of people.

To address the systemic racism Mark Charles believes exists, he proposes that we should create a “common memory” which in turn will create community. In support, he quotes: “Where common memory is lacking, where people do not share

in the same past, there can be no real community. Where community is to be formed, common memory must be created.” In applying this quote, Mark Charles suggests that “white people” should get together with American Indians to form a common memory by hearing their grievances, their historical trauma. This is a misapplication of the concept this quote promotes.

We cannot create common memory out of a past uncommon to all. To create a common memory, we must create memories today that form the foundation of community tomorrow.

Articulating a grievance instead creates an us versus them wall of division.

Moreover, in airing their grievances,

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Today’s generation of Americans had nothing to do with what occurred 150 years ago. Additionally, today’s Americans come from all over the world. It is inappropriate to suggest that because they are Americans, they should bear some measure of guilt and remorse and expect to be traumatized by the grievances aired.

I, for example, see myself as an American, integrated and assimilated into the society at large. Though I appreciate my cultural heritage, I do not see myself as an American Indian or Mexican with divided loyalties.

My loyalties are to American ideals

that formed this great nation and the opportunities it has afforded me.

Although I have American Indian roots, and my forefathers may have had grievances, somewhere along the way these grievances were forgiven or forgotten. They didn’t pass their grievance along to me, but instead encouraged me to love and enjoy the country they claimed as their own. I maintain that I am all the better for it.

Forgiveness paved the way for me: if grievance is to be shared, it should be in a spirit of forgiveness to create space for friendship and community.

WHY MARK CHARLES WAS RIGHT katie pekar Contributing Writer

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ollowing Mark Charles’ CommUnity presentation, I heard comments ranging from “we already knew this” to “that wasn’t us” to “yeah, but I’m not racist.” With emotions ranging from disgust to blatant dismissal, we as a campus responded to the statement that America is inherently racist with a resounding denunciation.

Yet less than two weeks later, we have elected Donald Trump to be our President. Trump is a man who has been sued by the Department of Justice for discrimination against blacks,1 asked that we build a wall dividing us from our Mexican neighbors,2 wants to block Muslim immigration,3 has denounced Somali refugees,4 and has called Latino immigrants “criminals and rapists.”5 This is the man who denied the validity of President Obama’s citizenship. The man who says we must send the “bad hombres” back to Mexico. And this man will be our next president.

It seems clear to me that Mark Charles was right to say that we are a country deeply rooted in racism. From our constitution to our supreme court, we are a country built on the oppression

of our non-white brothers and sisters.

I hear you saying to me again, “But I’m not racist.” I hear you saying, “I didn’t vote for him!” And I say back to all of us—what have we as white Americans done to prevent the mistreatment of Native Americans, blacks, Hispanics, Asian-Americans, and refugees? How have we actively advocated for the rights of our silenced fellow Americans?

According to Mark Charles, the silence of good white Americans is as damaging as blatant racism. He stated from our podium that while Trump was blatantly racist, his opponent Hillary Clinton was just as racist—albeit much more quietly. I believe this statement— whether you agree or disagree with the specifics—speaks to a larger issue in the United States: we of privilege are unwilling to advocate for the oppressed.

Walla Walla University, this must change.

Desmond Tutu, a South African civil rights activist said, “If you are silent in the face of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.” These words were true as we listened to Mark Charles and denied our culpability in the persistent oppression of non-White Americans, and it is true the day after we have elected a man endorsed by the KKK to be the President of the United States.6 Now more than ever it is not

good enough to not be racist. It is not good enough to say we have heard this before. And it is not good enough to say that our generation has not committed those crimes.

If you sit in a position of privilege—if you are white, if you hold U.S. citizenship, if you are a man, if you are heteronormative, if you are able-bodied, if you are from an upper socioeconomic class, or if you are any combination thereof—you must speak out against injustice. Because if you do not, you too have silently chosen to align yourself with a country built on the oppression of minorities.

1 https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/

inside-the-governments-racial-bias-caseagainst-donald-trumps-company-and-howhe-fought-it/2016/01/23/fb90163e-bfbe11e5-bcda-62a36b394160_story.html 2 http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/donaldtrump-i-would-force-mexico-build-borderwall 3 https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/postpolitics/wp/2015/12/07/donald-trump-callsfor-total-and-complete-shutdown-of-muslimsentering-the-united-states/ 4 http://www.newsweek.com/us-electiondonald-trump-comments-somalirefugees-517917 5 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/9outrageous-things-donald-trump-has-saidabout-latinos_us_55e483a1e4b0c818f618904b 6 http://www.npr. org/2016/11/02/500352353/kkk-paperendorses-trump-campaign-calls-outletrepulsive

NEWS CONTEXT

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MY EXPERIENCE IN THE

SAKOWIN CAMP T

Mason Neil Contributing Writer

his past weekend I had the privilege of visiting the Oceti Sakowin camp near where the Dakota Access Pipeline will cross the Missouri River on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation. Before arriving I knew close to nothing about the controversy surrounding the Dakota Access Pipe Line, as few news agencies have reported fairly or accurately on the matter. I kept my expectations at a minimum and instead tried to go to the camp with an attitude of humility and a desire to learn. The experience ended up teaching me much more than I could have originally anticipated.

Right from the start, people were eager to welcome us to the camp and make us feel at home. Though we brought more than enough supplies to be self-sufficient, my friend and I were both invited to join

groups for communal meals several times.

For one meal we shared a bowl of bison stew from a traditional kitchen just across from our campsite. Later, we joined the two-spirit camp where food was passed around the fire and people shared positive and encouraging stories. Almost every other tent seemed to be passing out hot coffee to help combat the cold North Dakota weather. Wherever we went people were eager to share and support each other.

This attitude of community and love made the heavy government presence seem particularly odd. Throughout our stay at the Oceti Sakowin camp a surveillance plane was circling the area, despite it being a no-fly zone. Drones and helicopters were also sighted frequently making passes over the camp, and could be heard throughout the night. I talked with multiple people who had been sprayed with mace or shot with rubber bullets just days prior to our arrival.

These were some of the sweetest people I have ever talked to and I can’t imagine any of them acting in a way that would provoke

@MASON NEIL

the violence with which they were treated at the hands of the government. Often, when they were attacked, they had been standing peacefully on public land without any weapons and posing no threat.

There is clearly a disconnect between the peaceful decorum of the Oceti Sakowin camp and the harsh treatment they have received from the police and the National Guard. This worries me, and I see it as a product of a common mistake that can have grave effects. In an age when we make decisions at a rapid pace, we often fail to fully understand who and what we are dealing with before we make judgements. Neglecting to inform ourselves about the issues around us can have large repercussions that may harm lives, including our own.

I am saddened and disillusioned by the actions of the U.S. government in Cannon Ball, North Dakota. I would like to give the local police force as well as the National Guard the benefit of the doubt and believe that they do not fully understand the desires

of the people they are attacking. If they did, then the way in which they are treating the people in the Oceti Sakowin camp reveals a greater malice that does not belong in any democratic government that claims to represent its people. However, I think either possibility demonstrates a failure on the part of the U.S. government to execute proper democracy and justice. This is a huge opportunity to change the way we have continually treated Native Americans, and I hope that the government realizes this before our chance has passed.

MURDOCK CONFERENCE

2016 A

Matthew Moran Contributing Writer

group of eight undergraduate Walla Walla University students and their professors had the opportunity to attend the Murdock College Science Research Conference. Each fall, over 400 attendants representing 31 schools gather together to share their research and receive inspiration from the research of other colleagues. The program opened with oral presentations which featured a wide-array of topics such as “Developing Materials for the Purification of Natural Gas” and “Blakely Island Deer, the Island Rule, and Developmental Heterochrony.”

My personal favorite research presentations were the development

of a new additional test for diagnosis of prostate cancer and the MRI of fluorine-tagged micelles to aid in curing inoperable brain cancer.

Many of the research projects were revolutionary visions for making the next step possible in the scientific community. The poster sessions were held right after the oral presentations; they featured a room of students who posed in front of their research posters ready to talk to any professors or students who asked questions regarding their research.

This was where Walla Walla University students and their professors were able to share their research with the scientific community. Overall, it was exciting to see undergraduate students like us come up with scientifically researched solutions for real-life problems. I was honored to attend with my colleagues and professors Kirt Onthank, David Cowles, and Janice

McKenzie. I left inspired and excited for the many possibilities of scientific research in making our world a better place.

Direct action principles posted clearly throughout the camp.

Walla Walla University Research Poster Presentations: “Where Do All the Isopods Go? A Population Study of Pentidotea resecata” Sarah Anderson and Faith Hunnicutt with Dr. David Cowles “The Effect of Zingiber off icinale on T-cell Proliferation in Mice” Jodi Callwood and Matthew Moran with Dr. Joan Redd “Octopuses on Acid: mRNA Expression and Ocean Acidification” Monica Culler and Katherine Pekar with Dr. Kirt Onthank “Extracellular Melanin for Neuronal Protection from Oxidative Stress” Jonathan Lindsey with Dr. Janice McKenzie “Optimizing Parameters for Electrospinning Polyurethane Nanofiber Scaffolds for the Application of Neural Tissue Engineering” Natalie Wolske with Dr. Janice McKenzie

WEEK IN FORECAST FRIDAY

THURSDAY

SATURDAY

nov 10

nov 11

nov 12

67th Annual Warren Miller Film: Here, There, & Everywhere 7 p.m. Cordiner Hall at Whitman College

Veteran’s Day Parade 11 a.m. Main Street, Walla Walla

Marilynne Robinson Discussion 10:30 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.

University Church

Little Women: The Broadway Musical 8 p.m. Village Hall

Marilynne Robinson Essay Reading 6 p.m. University Church IMPACT by BSCF 9:15 p.m. SAC

SUNDAY

TUESDAY

Little Women: The Broadway Musical 8 p.m. Village Hall

coming up Wednesday, Nov 16 ArtWalla’s Fall Creative Network 5:30-7 p.m. ArtEscape Studios Saturday, Nov 19 Quartetto Gelato Concert 7-8:30 p.m. Gesa Power House Theatre

nov 13

nov 14

Nov 19-27 Thanksgiving Break!

ASWWU Spiritual/Blue Mountain Valley Church Workbee!

10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

46576 Mission Road, Pendleton, OR.

Walla Walla Symphony presents: Vienna Boys Choir 7 p.m. Cordiner Hall at Whitman College

Thursday, Dec 1 After Hour 7:30-9 p.m.

8 p.m. ADM 117

Little Women: The Broadway Musical 2 p.m. Village Hall

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R E H HIG N O I T A C EDU IS ACADEMIA EXCOMMUNICATING FAITH?

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lection season is over and you are probably either heartbroken, overjoyed, shocked, or indifferent about the results (or a combination thereof 1). However, despite our differences in how we may feel about the elections, I think one thing we can all collectively agree on is that we are at least glad that it’s over.

Close your eyes and take a deep breath.

written by:

YsaBela ramirez Feature Editor

Daniel villarreal Global-Service Writer

Matthew Moran Editor-in-Chief

bryndilynn goodlin Feature Editor

Ok, now that we have put that behind us, let’s move on to more important things in life—such as the subject of faith in a rigorous academic environment. In a world that is becoming more and more focused on the secular, an important question comes up: Does faith really belong in a rigorous academic environment? If not, is it right for schools such as our own to be teaching it as such an integral part of their curriculum?

Is there a way for them to teach about faith without actually teaching faith? On the other hand, if faith does belong in a rigorous academic environment, in what ways and how much should be included? Also, what is its value? These are some of the questions that we seek to tackle in this article.

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Academia is defined as the “environment or community concerned with the pursuit of research, education, and scholarship.”2 From a more Adventist standpoint, true academia and true education can be defined as something more than “pursuing a certain course of study.”3 Rather, from the viewpoint of Ellen White, true academia is the environment where there is a “harmonious development of the physical, the mental, and the spiritual powers.”4 Throughout this section, we will use faith as a loose, generic term because some scholars are opposed to the belief in scriptures (the Bible) while others believe the study of religion in higher education should be completely outlawed. We would also like to point out that we have deliberately associated religion with Christianity as this is the most universally attacked worldview in terms of American academia.

Arguments Against Faith in Academics There is no shortage of academics who believe that faith should not be part of the curriculum of higher education institutions. Modern reasoning for the separation between academia and faith is often argued from a scientific perspective. However, advocates for this separation are not limited to the scientific realm. They view faith and science as incompatible and fundamentally opposed to each other, and claim that everyone must choose between the two.

This, however, was not always the case.

Many world-class universities were Christian when they were founded. Harvard was named after a Christian minister, Yale was started by a clergyman, Princeton was originally Presbyterian, and Oxford was created by several religious leaders. During the 19th century however, the religious identity of these institutions began to disappear.

Enlightenment ideas, characterized by naturalistic views, began to spread through these universities and overtook traditional theistic values. These ideas gained momentum after the end of the Enlightenment and prevailed as a characteristic of higher

education through the 19th and 20th century, creating a strong opposition towards religion in academia.

One concern is the lack of academic freedom in religious institutions for the faculty and the students. Christian universities that force their faculty to comply with the set of beliefs of its denomination may handicap the process of learning. If a fundamental view is held to be true, ideas that don't conform to the accepted truths or beliefs, or that directly oppose them may be shunned. Even though the Joint Statement on Rights and Freedoms of Students and the Statement of Principles on Academic Freedom and Tenure5 protect students' and professors' freedom of thought, it cannot prevent discrimination.

Daniel Dennett, a Usonian6 philosopher, believed religion provides an excuse to avoid thinking about complex issues. He says, “we have to stop honoring people for stopping thinking.” The dismissal of critical thinking for religious beliefs are a primary concern for academics. If such concerns come to fruition, people will make decisions based in their religious beliefs rather than

in a careful analysis of the problem at hand.

Issues like abortion, immigration, war, distribution of wealth, and advancements in science and medicine, to mention a few, are complex issues that cannot be weighted solely on religious standards.

Arguments For Faith in Academics What role is faith supposed to play in a rigorous academic environment? Abraham Joseph Heschel weighs in his “two cents” to this discussion in the following dichotomy: “The worship of reason is arrogance and betrays a lack of intelligence.

The rejection of reason is cowardice and betrays a lack of faith.” 7 In other words, if a rigorous academic environment is only based upon reason and reason alone, academia won’t exemplify true intelligence in regards to the condition of human existence. Heschel seems to express concern over environments that worship reason and the attempt to reason out everything.

However, he admits that a total neglect of reason doesn’t lead to faith but, rather, leads to destruction and chaos. Thus, a rigorous academic environment needs to find a delicate balance between reason and faith.

“

The worship of reason is arrogance and betrays a lack of intelligence. The rejection of reason is cowardice and betrays a lack of faith.”

ASWWU

Ellen White seems to concur with the involvement of both faith and academics; however, White seems to suggest an extremely intimate relationship between academics and faith. In fact, she suggests that true education is founded in God and God alone. The first “object of education” is to “direct our minds to [God’s] own revelation of Himself.”8 Thus, White places a high emphasis on the study of the Scriptures. She criticizes the “prevailing systems of education” where “human philosophy had taken the place of divine revelation.”

She criticizes the seeking of an “education apart from Him” and the aspiration to seek “illumination apart from the Light, and existence without the Life.”9 Thus, regard-

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less of the student’s course of study, true education is to prepare the student not only for the “joy of service in this world” but, also, for the “higher joy of wider service in the world to come.”10 Hence, White places faith at the center of academics and true education.

What Does Faith Offer Academia?

The academic enterprise concerns itself largely with the pursuit of truth or fact as found in scientific or philosophical proofs, seeking to gain a better understanding of the world as it is. Faith, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, is a “strong belief in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual conviction rather than proof.”

So, if academia is based primarily on proofs and faith is a belief without proof, what does faith have to offer the academic enterprise? Are they not fundamentally opposed to one another and therefore incompatible?

I would propose that faith contributes to academia precisely because it operates from the perspective that not everything can be known.

Academics operate from the premise that access to truth is attainable—that humans can discover and understand all there is to be understood. The problem is that there are things that simply cannot be understood definitively. C.S. Lewis recognizes the difficulty of attaining knowledge of reality in his essay “Myth became Fact.”

"As thinkers we are cut off from what we think about[… ]The more lucidly we think, the more we are cut off: the more deeply we enter into reality, the less we can think. You cannot study pleasure in the moment of the nuptial embrace, nor repentance while repenting, nor analyze the nature of humor while roaring with laughter."11 Academia does not often trouble itself with the distinction between a knowledge of and understanding of reality. The danger of this is that it conflates the gathering and interpretation of data with an un-

derstanding of reality and asks that their interpretation be the end of our questions on a matter. We can see this throughout our culture. We try to decide the importance of the presence of a father in a child’s life through studies; we explain love with chemical reactions; and determine the value of human life through science.

“

Faith does not close the doors to critical thinking, skepticism, and creativity-it opens them.”

Faith does not buy into this, but encourages a person to think more deeply on issues, saying these questions cannot be answered with empirical data. Flannery O’Connor calls this a “healthy Christian skepticism,” for O’Connor, faith says “wait, don’t bite on this, get a wider picture, continue to read.”12 I recognize that religion has, in the past been used to shut down intellectual and scientific advancement but I do not think this is a reason to shut faith and religion from the halls of academia— not when it can be such a powerful tool to encourage critical thinking, skepticism, and creativity.

Faith says, "Wait! There is more to the world than you can see, or even understand." It opens the door to a world of unknowns and says, "Go. Explore. See what you can find. See what you can understand.

See what you can know. Recognize the inadequacy of your own intellect, be skeptical of your own ideas and understanding, and think critically of the ideas posed by others.

Faith says reality cannot be boxed neatly by data and names, and thus invites people to think outside the box—to approach knowledge creatively.

It is only fair to recognize that certain segments of academia have, in recent history, acknowledged the difficulty—even impossibility—of accessing any kind of true knowledge or understanding of our world. Post-modern deconstructionist theorists posited that there is no final Truth, only numerous truths that may or may not conflict with each other. This idea was first described in as many words by the philosopher Jacques Derrida in the 1960s; however, a creeping suspicion that a knowledge of reality cannot be attained had been percolating for decades. William Butler Yeats expressed his fear of this in his poem “The Second Coming” published in 1919: “Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold; Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world.”

Not a cheery picture.

You see the modernist skepticism opens the door into an abyss of nothingness where one is left screaming for answers and groping for truth when neither exist. Faith opens the door into everything. It invites you to search, explore, create, and experience. It allows you to approach the study of reality with intellectual honesty—knowing that you cannot know everything but confident that there is something to know.

Faith does not close the doors to critical thinking, skepticism, and creativity-it opens them.

So, as Flannery O’Connor says, I encourage you to “learn what you can, but cultivate Christian skepticism. It will keep you free-not free to do anything you please, but free to be formed by something larger than your own intellect or the intellects of those around you.”13

But mostly shocked? I don’t think anyone saw this one coming. https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/academia 3 http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&bookCode=TEd&pagenumber=9 4 http://www.whiteestate.org/books/ed/ed1.html 5 https://www.aaup.org/academic-freedom-students-and-professors-and-political-discrimination 6 A term developed by Frank Lloyd Wright to refer to citizens of the United States.

7 Heschel. God in Search of Man: A Philosophy of Judaism. 20.

8 http://www.whiteestate.org/books/ed/ed1.html 9 http://www.whiteestate.org/books/ed/ed8.html 10 http://www.whiteestate.org/books/ed/ed1.html 11 C.S. Lewis, God in the dock: essays on theology and ethics. (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co, 2014), page 57.

12 The Habit of Being: Letters of Flannery O’Connor, edited by Sally Fitzgerald (New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 1979), pages 476-78.

13 Ibid 1 2

Further Reading “Waking Toward Wakefulness: How Humanities Shape Us” by Ginger Ketting-Weller Westwind: The Journal of Walla Walla University Check out this interview of Dan Lamberton, English Professor at Walla Walla University, to learn more about the relationship between faith and academics from the viewpoint of a professor at Walla Walla University. Here, he discusses the importance of continuing a strong tradition of teaching the humanities within Seventh-day Adventist higher education and the importance of maintaining an interest in pursuing academic excellence even in regards to faith and belief. https://issuu.com/wallawallau/docs/westwind_summer_2010/12

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PERSPECTIVE DEVOTIONAL

HEARTBREAK Christina Moran Devotional Writer

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et’s face it... being heartbroken sucks. It is by far the worst feeling in the world. This statement may be stretching it, but nonetheless, it really hurts. Whether this feeling is the result of breaking up with a significant other, being rejected by someone you really care about, or even greatly disappointing your parents, it’s always such a terrible giant to tackle. It’s emotionally draining.

Even the comfort of friends won’t strip away depressed thoughts or take away the pain. The presence of friends are merely momentary distractions. And at the end of the day, when it’s just me and my thoughts for company, I helplessly drown in pure hopelessness.

While we will probably experience a total of two to three heartbreaks in our lifetime, God has heartbreaks everyday, for every person living on this planet.

We are all His children, His creation.

And everyday when we neglect the study of His word or fail to spend at least five minutes talking to Him each day, He sees us going about life. He sees us smiling, but He knows that underneath we hide our pains and our feelings of loneliness. He longs for us to go to Him, “for [His] yoke is easy, and [His] burden is light.”1 He wants us to realize that if we go to Him, we will find our true source of happiness.

It seems to me that God allows us to go through these heartbreaks so we may have a small glimpse of what He goes through everyday. He goes through heartbreak after heartbreak from our

constant rejections from His gentle callings. Don’t get me wrong, He doesn’t impose heartbreaks on us intentionally.

It is our choice to pick and choose whoever we want to fall in love with.

The ability to feel is a blessing in and of itself. God made us to be emotional creatures, in which He would be the one who would fill the hole in our hearts.

When I was heartbroken, I remember realizing how alone I was and how sad I became. In that moment, I gave God a chance. I let Him be my Love. And He gave me happiness beyond compare. It seems weird to have a relationship with Someone who I have never tangibly seen. But “[n]ature […] testif[ies] of God's love” (9), and because “God is love,” we can say that nature is a manifestation of God’s love for me and you!2,3 When you

NAD OBSERVATIONS ZACKARY BRENES Contributing Writer

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etween the dates of Wednesday, Oct. 26, and Tuesday, Nov. 1, I had the privilege of attending the yearend meetings of the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists in Silver Springs, MD. I was cordially invited to attend as a voting member, where I represented the students of Walla Walla University diligently, and to the best of my abilities. It was a fascinating experience—being in a room with loads of Adventist big wigs, all doing their part to make our church a more hospitable place.

I was skeptical when I arrived.

It has been rough, as of late, to be a member of the Seventh-day Adventist church, especially when so much focus has been put on a topic that mainly has to do with blatant inequality.

Our church leadership on a General

Conference level has decided that even though women can be pastors, women shouldn’t be allowed to hold high office in the church (conference or union president). Now you might agree with them, and I respect your opinion, but that is absolutely preposterous to me. If there was some biblical standard where any member of the Godhead made it specifically known that women should not be in ministry, I suppose that I would concede. However, when the church is seemingly re-enforcing a glass ceiling because they can, that gets my blood boiling. This topic was brought up and debated, and I learned a lot about the climate of the North American Division.

The North American Division of SDAs is the church that I want to belong to. In my observations, it seemed to me that every last one of the people in that room (give or take a couple), are just as frustrated as we are, if not

more frustrated, about these seemingly ridiculous issues. I want you all to know that there was a lot of talk about why people are leaving the church, and they know that if they don’t shape-up, no one will be left. Which brings me to the meaningful part of this account— not only do they realize that we need to change, they are actively pursuing solutions. That brings me a lot of hope.

Hearing presidents and pastors from all over the U.S. and Canada talk about their desires to just preach love and understanding, and get away from all of this messy politicking, was very hopeful to me, and that is what I’d like you all to know. There is change on the horizon, and I would encourage you to not give up hope. Even if you just have a thread of attachment left, I’d encourage you to wait and see what could be in store.

I don't want to be a part of something where I go to church, listen to a nice sermon about God’s love, and that’s it.

are heartbroken, and you feel valueless, just remember that you are loved by Him who is constantly chasing after you.

1 Matthew 11:30 NIV 2 1 John 4:8 3 White, Ellen G. Steps to Christ. Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1908.

I want to be a part of something where I feel like I’m actually working towards a goal—a unified mission—to make this world a better place for its time remaining.

To conclude, I would like to tell everyone how awesome Dan Jackson (NAD President) is. He is the embodiment of “walk softly and carry a big stick”. He’s calm and collected until it’s time to lay down the law, and then he lays it out with a certain level of savagery that I never realized could come from a church-worker.

It’s fantastic. He makes known his convictions, but he also sees a bigger picture at play, and as a leader, one can learn a lot from him.

Did the NAD pay me to say these very honest things about them? No. By no means is this an official statement of the NAD, only the humble account of a participating ASWWU President.

THE STAFF IS BLOCK

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Frank Ramirez Head Layout Editor

Micah Hall Life Editor & Humor Writer

Kyler Alvord News Writer

Yvanna Yvanna Hammen-Alvarez hammen-alvarez Opinion Writer

I have two messages to Drew Sihotang communicate to you all.

Vixie Bailey Religion Writer

Opinion Writer

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ately I’ve done research on what Christina Moran girls thought of chivalry (aka I’ve Devotional Writer overheard conversations, and talked to girls). While a lot of girls are all for it and appreciate it with a full heart, there amount Chan of girls that en are still a goodAngelica Fashion whenWriter guys act with ter find it offensive decency and respect. They feel offended because they feel that the act of opening Mac Ford a door for someone is a diss of “Hey, & for you you’re weak—ICreative need toWriting do this Contribution Editor er because you’re not able to.” I’ve asked several guys what they think when they’re performing acts of chivalry and Katherine the sameBeckner way: It’s not a les they all answer Copy saying Editor that ladies are demeaning action weak, but rather that they are wanting to show respect to the ladies by doing something nice for them.

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Abigail Wissink Assistant Editor

OPINION/COLUMN PERSPECTIVE

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WHY CHIVALRY SHOULDN’T DIE

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Matthew Moran Editor-in-Chief

Geoffrey Lopes Layout Designer

Religion Writer

he did what I witnessed a girl do (open the opposite door and verbally reject the act), how would you feel? Wouldn’t we get on his case for being so rude and rejecting the selfless conduct that you portrayed? Well, if we’re all equals it should work the same way when a guy is being chivalrous to us.

Now for the gents.

Ladies: Please, please let’s show appreciation, or at the very least, Joni Harris Emily Huso acknowledgment of acts of chivalry.

Columnist Columnist It’s not anti-woman, it’s not sexist, and it’s not an insult. We females tend to complain and complain about how men Darling Su don’t respect we’re & Travel Mason Neil us and how poorlyCulture Food Writer Gentlemen: Please, please don’t get treated.

Let me ask you something: Writer discouraged. Some of us (including How do you expect to be respected if myself ) have not recognized or thanked you won’t respect a guy? Of course, you you when you all have done something can open your own door! You are totally Daniel Villarreal Jordan Brooks Global Service Science capable.

That &is not the question.

Being& Technice. I apologize for that. I do want to Global Humanitarian Writer thank you guys for being so nice and a gentleman and showing chivalry is an Engineering Writer respectful and wanting to show that act of respect towards the counterpart; to us through these acts of kindness. it is a loving, civil act that should be Claudia Curtis Now I’m not saying that ladies are all reciprocated Lindsay Lunawith at least a “thank Layout Designer Copyor Editor in the wrong. I want to make that clear. you” a smile or simply accepting the If you guys want to know what your act. Let’s switch the roles now. If you lady friends think of chivalry, just ask. opened a door for a guy (not traditional, That way, if the lady happens to not but there’s nothing wrong withMichael it), and Jenson Brandon Pierce Feature Writer

Feature Writer

AnneMarie Vixie Office Manager

Cody Wilson Social Media & Photographer

appreciate chivalry, you know what she would rather you do. That’s part of respect too: respecting others’ wishes.

Also, keep doing what you’re doing for those you feel you don’t need to ask.

Truly, a lot of us are so thankful and it makes us feel very special and we appreciate it. Just remember, not every woman is going to love it, but many will and do. Sometimes if we don’t show that we appreciate it, it’s just because we’re shy—not always because we dislike it.

In conclusion, respect is the moral here. Let’s respect each other in appreciation and thankfulness for these nice gentlemen. Let’s respect each other in appreciation for ladies that are happy to accept chivalry and those that would rather not. Thank you, and have a lovely day!

BE THERE OR BE SQUARE! Bryndi Goodlyn Feature Writer

joni harris Column Writer

emily huso Column Writer Pulitzer Prize-winning author Marilynne Robinson will be here Nov. 11 and 12.

Here are just 16 reasons for you to attend her presentations:

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urder is not something she had done, and this is amiable.

uthor is her profession. And she dern frickin good at it.

eviewers have said that “Marilynne Robinson is so powerful a writer that she can reshape how we read.” We concur. 1

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owa Writers’ Workshop, one of the top creative writing programs in the

country, is where she is currently teaching.

Her novels "Gilead," "Home," and "Lila" are all centered around an Iowa town as well.

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iterature is what she creates, and it’s spell-binding.

ou can get her autograph if you come.

That could be worth money someday, kids.

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ovelist is just one of the many hats Robinson wears. She’s also a prolific essayist, public speaker, professor, and commentator on political and theological concerns.

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onfiction is another genre she’s mastered. Robinson has written five nonfiction books, including "The Givenness of Things," which came out just last year.

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cstatic is how we should all be feeling right about now. I mean, Robinson is a legend. She’s spoken at some of the best schools in the world, including Harvard and Oxford, and now she’s coming here, to our school. Get excited, people!

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everend Ames is one of the main characters in her trilogy. Ames is described as “a beautiful old man.” He is that and so much more. Reverend Ames will make you think, but in a good way, just like Marilynne Robinson will!

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bama chose to interview this lady because she is THAT smart and wise and intelligent. You can listen to their conversation here: itunes.com/nybooks

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ever is when you’ll regret reading Marilynne Robinson’s books.

orry is what you’ll be someday if you miss Robinson’s talks.

rder is maybe too strong a word. Put it this way, we strongly encourage you to attend Robinson’s presentations because...

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o one should miss out on this oncein-a-blue-moon chance to hear this incredible woman speak.

rown University, yeah, she went there, AND graduated magna cum laude

daho is where she grew up. So, she’s basically one of us. But obviously better.

1 Athitakis, Mark. Chicago Sun-Times.

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PERSPECTIVE RELIGION/ACA

BATMAN, JESUS, AND ME VIXIE BAILEY Religion Writer

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atman. What image does that word bring up? If it is some dude in glorified yoga pants, an unnecessary cape, pointy ears, and a shirt that makes him look like he stole someone’s abs, then we are on the same page. Almost. I tend to go back to the rich playboy that is his alter ego, Bruce Wayne. I stop there and think, “What on earth?” Here Bruce is with unlimited money and influence and he builds the bat cave (although I might do that too if I were rich…), then goes after meaningless encounters and big parties. If you need Batman, he’s there fighting for you; but after that he leaves, and all the world is left with is a selfish, rich player.

Not all superheroes are exactly

like that, but most of them are similar.

Superman saves you and then goes back to small town USA and Lois Lane. Iron Man rescues New York City and then goes back to his mansion. Spiderman helps you out and then goes back to being Peter Parker. There is nothing more to them.

So what does this have to do with religion? Well I’m so glad you asked.

I’ve heard Jesus compared to a superhero, and I am here to protest.

Jesus. What image does that word bring up? If it’s a man teaching, healing, and loving the masses, then we are on the same page. Almost. I tend to go back to the cross, and when I do, I stop there and think, “What on earth?” Here is Jesus, the Creator of the universe on some dinky little planet dying for people that hate him. You need Him and He is there fighting for you, you think you

don’t need Him, and He’s still working on your behalf.

Rarely in a superhero movie do you see the protagonist setting the villain free. Let’s face it: that would be lame.

Like really? You just saved the world from this person and now you are going to just give up everything so they can be free? But this is what Jesus did. “He was despised and rejected by men… and with His wounds we are healed.”1 We hated Him, but he gave himself so we could live. Batman, when faced with the possibility of the public hating him didn’t leave his home for 10 years.2 Jesus knew we would hate him and gave up everything.

Jesus isn’t a superhero because he doesn’t stop at saving the day; He doesn’t give up until he has saved your life. He doesn’t leave after rescuing you; He says “I am with you always.”3

Next time someone says that Jesus is a superhero you can remind them that He’s not. He’s SO much cooler than that. He’s the real Savior of the universe.

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”4

1 Isaiah 51: 3, 5, ESV 2 Watch the beginning of The Dark Knight Rises for this reference.

3 Matthew 28:20, ESV 4 Romans 5:8, NIV

STUDYING ABROAD: WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS? stephanie septembre ACA/SM Contributor

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pain, Argentina, France—chances are, you know someone who has spent a year abroad in one of these popular ACA destinations. But did you know that Adventist Colleges Abroad isn’t your only option? WWU has connections with two other major study abroad programs: Middlebury and Best Semester.

If you are familiar with the Oxford program, then you are familiar with Middlebury. For over two decades, students have being utilizing Middlebury to study at Oxford University while still enrolled through WWU. However, what few people know is that the Middlebury language program provides study opportunities in 14 additional countries at over 40

universities. Walla Walla University students are eligible to study at all these locations and receive credit for their coursework. These programs, with the exception of Oxford and India, are specifically language programs, and their aim is to immerse the student completely. Students are required to take a language pledge before they start classes stating that the student will only speak the language they are studying.

No English allowed.

The other program Walla Walla University is affiliated with is through the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. Though not Adventist, participant schools promote a Christian worldview and encourage their students to be active in the Christian community. Best Semester also has an Oxford program, which includes a summer school option Middlebury doesn’t offer. Other international

programs include Australia, Costa Rica, Uganda, and Jordan, and students may also choose from domestic programs located in Nashville, Los Angeles, or Washington, D.C. These programs, unlike Middlebury and ACA, provide less emphasis on language, and each program has a particular focus; for example, the Uganda program is tailored to junior and senior social work majors, Los Angeles is for those interested in film, and Washington, D.C. is all about public policy.

When weighing in on your options, there are a few things to consider. ACA is by far the cheapest of the programs; Middlebury may cost well over $30,000 for a year while the most expensive ACA program hovers near $20,000.

Best Semester is not cheap either; programs range anywhere from $12,000 to $17,000 for only a semester. None of its programs, with the exception of

PEXELS

Oxford, continue for an entire year either. However, Best Semester offers an extremely unique opportunity for students wanting to study abroad but not wanting to study a language, and Middlebury is known for the high quality of its immersion programs.

Those who qualify for subsidy should also continue to receive financial aid as they will still be enrolled through WWU while studying abroad.

If you are at all interested in any of these programs, do some additional research. Program details are all listed online and WWU’s Humanities director, Dan Lamberton, will be able to provide you with additional details and contact information. While traditional programs through ACA may still be the best option for you, it certainly doesn’t hurt to be aware of what is available.

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HUMOR/COLLEGIAN WISDOM/CREATIVE WRITING LIFE

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HOW TO BUY CANDLES FOR YOUR MOM micah hall Humor Writer

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his week, my family came from Portland to visit me. They heard I was playing the title character in Little Women: The Broadway Musical and they wanted to support me.1 The day before my family arrived, I found myself looking at candles in some of Walla Walla’s finest small businesses.

While looking at candles, I realized my mother really likes candles.2 Buying a candle at this candle emporium3 would be an excellent gesture and hopefully a good way of repaying my mom for the rug I wanted to ask her to buy me.

This candle-buying process was not easy, but it was necessary. In order to help all of you more efficiently get your mother generic gifts, I have created an easy-tofollow guide to help you on your way.

Step 1: Find a store that sells candles.

Candles are sold at a variety of specialty stores. They are also sold at Walmart. If you love your mom, you will go to one of these fancy candle-specific stores and not a bad store like Walmart.4 Step 2: Look at the candles and choose the best one.

There are many types of candles. The best

candles are wood-wick candles. They have wooden wicks. These wicks crackle as they burn and look super cool. They also smell good. If you love your mom, you will find her a good wood-wick candle instead of a lame and uncool fabric-wick candle.5 Step 3: Check the price on the candle you have chosen.

Look at the bottom of the butt-kicking wood-wick candle you found for your mom.

Oh no. It is like $30. That is ridiculous for just a dumb candle.

Unfortunately, it is too late to go back to one of the lame candles. You have already chosen this great wood-wick candle. You also can’t spend $30. Just put the candle back on the shelf. Make sure to note where you found the candle so you can remember that spot later.

Step 4: Tell your mom to visit you.

Call your mom and tell her to visit you.

Moms love visiting, so this step should be easy.

Step 5: Show your mom the fancy candle in the fancy candle shop.

When your mom visits, take her to the fancy candle shop and show her the candle. Then say, “Mom, I saw this candle and thought of you.”

Your mother will immediately think, “Wow, my child was thinking of me when they saw this candle. I should buy it.”

Then your mom will buy the candle for

herself with all of her disposable income.

Step 6: Ask your mom to buy you lunch.

Now that you have successfully given your mother the gift of a candle, you deserve a treat. Ask your mom to buy you lunch.

This will make her happy6 and it will be the reward you deserve for getting your mom a candle.

Empirical evidence would suggest they also wanted to buy me a rug. Thanks, mom.

While typing that sentence, I realized I only know of three things my mother likes: candles, lotion, and buying me rugs.

3 I was visiting (insert store name) on (insert street name).

Note to editors: somehow I forgot both the location and name of this business despite visiting more than once.

4 One little-known advantage to Walmart candles is that they are made by children in foreign countries and this gives them a very tender feel. This also makes them too sad to buy for your mom.

5 If you get your mom a lame candle, other moms will make fun of her.

6 Moms love spending money on their children.

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COLLEGIAN WISDOM AOL’s “You’ve Got Mail” Guy Now Drives for Uber CW editors have no quip; weren’t alive in the 80s Canada’s Immigration Website Crashed on Election Night What a surprise, eh?

Fire Service Called Every 19 Seconds on Guy Fawkes Night Firemen always remember the fifth of November Colorado City Uses Toilet Paper to Help Repair Cracked Roads Someone’s gotta fill those cracks Toblerone Changes Format, Makes Chocolate Triangles Smaller There is no funny angle on this LINDSEY LUNA

FEATURED WRITER: LINDSEY LUNA mac ford Creative Writing Editor

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indsey is a sophomore English major who has a talent for finding poetry in everyday life. Her writing is thoughtful and introspective, and her poem “the fiery tree” has a particularly meaningful backstory.

Lindsey writes, “I was at Rooks Park visiting one Sabbath afternoon, and amidst dull colored and green trees, there was this tiny tree that gleamed with brilliant red leaves.

I am from New England—a place where people will go on vacations in the fall just to see all the pretty colors. The few trees

that Walla Walla has don't even slightly compare to the magnanimous beauty of New Hampshire in the fall. It's funny how my eyes find ways to make even the simplest of things in this new town I call home seem familiar and welcoming.”

the fiery tree by lindsey jane

taking root by lindsey jane

it was the only red tree in the park it stood out to me like a fiery pillar – – a burning bush reminding me what it’s like to be home. i felt like moses – dreaming about the promised land.

i contemplated this tree deeply when I saw it – covered in moss, it found life atop a trunk that was not its own – up from the brokenness of its foundation it has taken root – to become a brand new beautiful tree – i’d like to think that’s exactly what happened to me.

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LIFE FASHION/CULTURE

EASY OUTFIT FORMULAS FOR FALL ANGELICA CHAN Fashion Writer

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s the weather gets cooler, it’s easy to “fall” into that “jeans and t-shirt” rut.

You know those days—the ones where you roll out of bed after hitting the snooze button too many times, stumble to your closet, and have no idea what to wear?

Sometimes you’re forced to decide between getting to your first class on time and looking like you didn’t just roll out of bed.

With more tests just around the corner, students everywhere are caring less about their OOTDs (outfit of the day) and more about passing that chemistry final. No one can be faulted for that.

However, with a simple outfit formula, it is extraordinarily easy to throw on an adorable look in less than thirty seconds and still pass your exam. No more staring at your closet hoping a coordinated outfit will magically put itself together—you probably have more pressing things to be doing with your time. So just remember these casual outfit formulas and you’ll be out the door on time for that 8 a.m. class looking presentable.

1. Vest + Jeans + Boots I see this outfit combination on campus almost daily, and it looks super cute on everyone. The vest and boots will last you for several seasons, if you go with a quality item

over quantity. Plus, ankle boots are a staple for fall.

2. Oversized Sweater + Jeggings + Scarf + Flats This is perfect for any fall day, especially one on which you can curl up with a good book. Start with a pair of jeggings, which will be more comfortable than jeans because of their elasticized waist, and throw on an oversized sweater in an autumnal color. Add a plaid scarf for fun and some loafers for an academic vibe.

3. Flannel + Jeans + Riding Boots Would it be a fall outfit article if I didn’t include at least one flannel? Start with dark wash jeans for a more polished look, then add your favorite flannel. You can wear it as

its own shirt, layer it over a tank top, or tie it around your waist for a more casual look.

Flannels come in tons of different cuts and colors, making them the perfect versatile shirt for fall. Riding boots keep the look polished, but you can also pair them with some knit socks for an adorably cozy look.

Bonus beauty tip for anyone this applies to: Brightly colored lipstick can be key to looking put-together with minimal effort. If you want to have some makeup on but don’t have time to do a full face, try applying a bold lip color. This will trick people into thinking you spent a lot of time on your makeup and can help you feel more confident throughout the day. Plus, the minimal makeup with bold lip look is totally in style.

NATIONAL PARKS ROAD TRIP: PACIFIC NORTHWEST darling su Culture Writer

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ashington state, nicknamed the “Evergreen State” has an astounding diversity when it comes to natural beauty. It is the best place to be for outdoor enthusiasts who love to hike, camp, bike, and do outdoorsy stuff. These stunning national and state parks offer sights you won’t soon forget.

Here is a list of national and state parks in Washington state that will make you feel lucky to live in the PNW. 1. Olympic National Park. This is the fifth most visited park in the United States.

Located just a few hours from Seattle, visitors can explore a variety of sights within

one park, from glacier-capped mountains, to rainforests, waterfalls, and beaches. One road surrounds the park, and a drive around the entire park takes nearly six full hours (with no stops).1 2. North Cascades National Park. It competes with Yosemite and Glacier with its mountains, glaciers, wildflowers, raging rivers and the total package. If you go to the North Cascades, you need to be prepared to do several day hikes and understand that most all of them will be "around" the park as the area is the combination of the national park, a national forest, and two national recreational areas. There are several things unique about North Cascades, but Diablo Lake and its amazing color certainly stands out.

PIXABAY

3. Mount Rainier National Park. Some say Mount Rainier is the most magical mountain in America. At 14,411 feet, it is a popular peak for climbing, with more than 10,000 attempts per year—half of which are successful.2 Tip: the 93 mile Wonderland Trail travels around Mount Rainier, which allows you to view the mountain from all sides.

4. Cape Disappointment State Park. Cape Disappointment is a 1,882-acre camping park3 on the Long Beach Peninsula, fronted by the Pacific Ocean and looking into the mouth of the Columbia River. There is nothing disappointing about this state park (it earned its name when Captain John Meares failed to cross the river bar in 1788).

Not only is the park rich in history, it is

home to several hiking trails, campgrounds, and beaches.

5. San Juan Island National Monument.

Created in 2013, this is one of the newest parks in Washington, with its main goal to protect marine biodiversity in the northern Puget Sound. Over 400 islands make up San Juan; some are blanketed with lush rainforest while others are barren spires of rock. The varied habitats support a diversity of wildlife, including back-tailed deer, mink, river otters, and many species of birds.

1 https://rootsrated.com/stories/8-reasons-explore-olympicnational-park 2 http://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/ washington/mount-rainier-national-park 3 http://parks.state.wa.us/486/Cape-Disappointment

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IS BLOCK

SCIENCE LIFE

TRUTH IS REPRODUCIBLE jordan brooks Science Writer

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cientific progress is founded in knowledge gained from experiments. Theoretically, experiments are objective observations that reveal phenomena that happen independent of the researcher. For this reason, an experiment done by one researcher should be able to be reproduced by another researcher.

In simple terms, if I claim sliced apples turn brown when exposed to air, then this phenomenon should be readily observed by another person who slices an apple and exposes it to air. Not only should it be observed by everyone else, but its validity is not vindicated until more people corroborate this finding. Reproducibility is one of the pillars on which science stands, and without it the “facts” generated by science would lack credibility and usefulness in technology and furthering knowledge because they would be inconsistent with what is actually observed. Unfortunately, we are in the midst of a scientific era where the standard of reproducibility is not effectively upheld.

In May 2016, a survey conducted by Nature found that approximately 90% of the 1,576 researchers surveyed had major

concerns with current levels of reproducibility.

[1] In addition, 70% of the researchers said they had tried and failed to reproduce a peer’s experimental results and 50% of the researchers said they couldn’t even reproduce their own results that had been previously published.[1] The researchers surveyed represent the complete spectrum of science including chemistry, earth science, biology & medicine, physics & engineering, and more.

[1] Because almost all areas of science are included and such a high percentage of failure to replicate data exists, this revelation is being referred to as a crisis.

In 2015, Glenn Begley and John Ioannidis published an article discussing the current causes and concerns surrounding irreproducibility.[2] They claim that the cause is a systemic failure to uphold good scientific practice motivated by the desperation to publish or perish.[2] In the current scientific model, researchers are assigned worth based on their publications, not necessarily the quality of their data. This is partly because assigning “quality” to data is incredibly difficult, especially because the data presented is new and exploring the fringes of what we understand. In other words, new data doesn’t have anything to be compared directly against. Because of the insecurity of new

data, it is imperative to have new results corroborated such that the quality of findings can be appraised, but in the publish or perish paradigm there is minimal incentive for researchers to replicate already published results.

As a way of more clearly defining the problem, Marcus Munafo, a biological psychologist, explains that exposing new ideas and knowledge often lacks robustness and reproducibility.[1] Munafo states, “We want to be discovering new things but not generating too many false leads.”[1] It is not that every piece of data needs to be reproduced, but rather it would behoove laboratories everywhere to increase the quality and traceability of their data in order to limit the time, money, and effort spent chasing rabbits. Irakli Loladze, a mathematical biologist, estimates that take steps to ensure an ease in reproducibility could increase the time spent on a project by 30%. Loladze poignantly makes his point by saying, “Reproducibility, is like brushing your teeth, it is good for you but it takes time and effort. Once you learn it, it becomes a habit.”

[1] Interestingly, 90% of those surveyed rank “More robust experimental design”, “better statistics”, and “better mentorship” as the top ways to start to tackle the crisis with

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reproducibility. [1] While it would seemingly benefit scientific societies and journals to incentivize a culture of science emphasizing reproducibility, it is individualistically empowering that researchers see better mentorship, training with statistics, and deeply thinking about experimental design can all improve the situation.

It is an understood practice in economics that growth needs to be moderated such that maintains a slow but steady climb. It appears that we are discovering this idea applies to science as well. With an abundance of research taking place and the rate of scientific discovery at an all-time high, perhaps the moderator of reproducibility ought to be more intentionally instilled the way science is organized. More incentives to check old work, greater emphasis on the importance of mentorship, and more thoroughly created and reported experimental designs seem to be the next steps. It is neat to publish something, but it can be world-changing to publish something that is change.

[1] http://www.nature.com/news/1-500-scientists-lift-the-lid-on-reproducibility-1.19970 [2] Begley, C. G. & Ioannidis, J. P. (2015). "Reproducibility in Science: Improving the Standard for Basic and Preclinical Research". Circulation Research. 116 (1): 116–126. doi:10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.114.303819.

PMID 25552691.

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KANYE WEST CONTEXT

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DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME IS THE REAL MVP lauren wahlen Backpage Writer

I

’m such a fan of Ben Franklin right meow. How he convinced our country (besides Arizona and some random islands) to get on board with the whole daylight savings time dealio is beyond me 1. Sure, it sucks in spring,2 but it isn’t spring now so we’re good to goooo. Way to go, Bennyboy. 3 I needed more time in my day because, for some unknown reason, I always wait till the last minute to get anything done. Like, I finished my senior research project on the day of graduation.4 Maybe I function best under pressure, or maybe I’m just broken inside. Either way, I always seem to tell myself that if I could just have one extra hour in the day then I’d have all A’s and call my mom more often and do yoga in the morning. But then we did get an

extra hour this week, and what did I do?

I woke up and my watch said 11:30, and I was like hey not bad, I’m up before noon!

But then I looked at my phone and it said 10:30 and I was like well I can’t get up before 11 on a Sunday, so I went back to

Hillary Signed up for a formal lesson in dabbing. Browsed Urban Dictionary and debated whether or not she should work the phrase “America’s gon be lit, fam” somewhere in her victory speech.

May have reorganized her pantsuits to calm her nerves.

Trump Wrote down all the offensive terms he could think of for women as well as minorities. Added some gold legos to his model of Trump Wall in his study. Yelled more than necessary.

sleep till noon. It was a glorious waste of time.

However, I can’t imagine our presidential candidates sleeping in with doomsday so close. Here’s what I think they did with their extra hour: Gare-bear Listened to "Started From the Bottom," forgetting the fact that he is still... mostly at the bottom.

Stein Asked herself why she’s still running for president instead of getting her old band back together. Considered starting an Insta account for her cats (no shade intended, I lowkey want to do this as well but I would hate myself if my cat ever got more followers than me. I know she’s more popular than me, but I don’t wanna see it in black and white).

1 Like, we aren’t using the metric system just cuz...we don’t wanna.

2 I don’t recommend this. It’s hard to have fun at a grad party when all you can think about is that the majority of males on campus either agree or strongly agree that “husbands should handle the family’s funds.”

3 I worked midnight to 4 a.m. last spring and I felt the minimum-waged light leave my eyes as I realized that I had to re-live an hour of my shift all over again.

4 Sooo I thought that Ben Franklin was the inventor of DST, but according to Yahoo Answers5 he just joked about it one time and doesn’t deserve the credit? But since he brought it up before anyone else I think it counts, even if it was in the form in an ultra-lame joke. Plus, he’s on the $100 bill so he wins in my book. If you wanna know more about this subject feel free to research but I have better things to do with my time #TWD 5 Yahoo Answers is way more reliable than your teachers want you to think. I used it for literally every school paper I’ve ever written and I still got into grad school. You’ll be fine.

VERBATIM

CONFESSIONS

“Everyone looks through people’s windows. I do!”

-Professor Kellie Bond “The people living below me play loud music all the time, so to get them back we stick all our junk mail from previous tenants in their mailbox. They’re always super confused.”

Sincerely, passive aggressiveness at it’s finest.

“A computer is a high-speed moron.”

-Andrew Dresslar

“I don’t think Leonardo DiCaprio is attractive.”

Sincerely, I don’t blame Rose for letting go.

“Can we call it something other than ‘ball hair’?”

-Professor David Crawford on what to call the hairstyle little women wear to a fancy party.

As per usual, email me at lauren.wahlen@wallawalla.edu if you hear any faculty/staff say something that makes you really glad you were actually paying attention in class.

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