Volume 98, Issue 22

Walla Walla University

the

Collegian 1 May 2014 | Volume 98 | Issue 22

#THECOLLEGIAN

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Grant Perdew Editor-In-Chief

Henning Guldhammer, Walla Walla University Church executive pastor, recently spoke at the University Church on faith and the spiritual life. Several powerful points were made in this sermon. First, when it comes to spirituality, nothing is proven. Second, though absolute certainty is impossible, faithfulness is still on the table. Third, and most importantly, doubt can strengthen beliefs. It seems to me that the idea of doubt is often pushed aside in our religious institutions.

Growing up so certain in our own Adventist beliefs may lead us to ask: “What is the point of learning about other beliefs if my church has the Truth?” But the “truth” is that other beliefs may be just as helpful in guiding others’ lives as your beliefs are in guiding your life, and that learning about those beliefs can help you better connect with those people.

When a person grows up in the “Adventist bubble,” or any bubble, it can be easy to depreciate the people living outside of that community in the rest of the world who belong to different cultures and hold different religious beliefs. We even often ignore them or the usefulness of their beliefs. The term “ethnocentrism” describes a way of seeing one’s own culture or values as superior than others, which can happen when we ignore others’ beliefs or write them off.

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Perspective

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photo by erick juarez

News| Contributor | Portland Update #thecollegian | Calendar

ACA/SM | Column | Opinion | Snapshots Diversions

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Grant Perdew

Assistant Editor Nathan Stratte

Head Layout Editor Alix Harris

Head Copy Editor

Lauren Heathcock

Head Photo Editor

Kurtis Lamberton

News Editor

Carolyn Green

Feature Editors

Opinion Editors

Carlton Henkes Rebecca Williams Andrew Woodruff

Fashion Editor

Alyssa Hartwick

Sports Editor

Grayson Andregg

Religion Editor John Lubke

health & Outdoors Editor Justin Mock

Diversions Editor

Eric Weber Brooklynn Larson Katie Pekar Brandon Torkelsen

Travel Editor Jon Mack

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Layout Designers

Joe Hughes

Andralyn Iwasa Samantha Schnell Ian Smith Jenna Thomas

Food EDitor

Copy Editors

Science & Technology Editor

Andrea Johnson

Culture Editor

Timothy Barbosa

Rachel Blake Jassica Choi Carly Leggitt

Backword Editor

Staff Writers

Rachel Logan

Creative Writing Editor Rachel Blake

Columnists

Madeleine Boyson Micah Hall

Lester Biggs Savannah Kisling Lauren Lewis

Distribution Manager Mark Roesler

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In this religion special issue, our aim is to give an overview of the broad world of religions in just 24 pages. We briefly discuss Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and more, sharing their origins and beliefs as well as providing voices to share perspective on each of these broad belief categories.

In our feature, led by John Lubke and Brandon Torkelsen, we share contributions from Paul Dybdahl, Ben Ramey, Najat Mounir, and Brooke Hodgert.

Additionally, in this issue of The Collegian, Opinion Editor Andrew Woodruff shares his personal religious belief and Jeremy Mendenhall contributes a story about recreation and the Sabbath.

There is much more diverse content within these pages, and it is my goal that the perspectives included here promote discussion and are viewed with an open mind. I hope you are challenged by the information and voices you read and are inspired to discuss what you believe and how it affects and guides your life. Namaste, Shabbat Shalom, and As-salamu alaykum.

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Religion: Common Threads

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Culture | Food | Travel Fashion | Science Outdoors | BackWord

If you are interested in contributing to The Collegian, contact our page editors or the editor-in-chief at aswwu.collegian@wallawalla.edu. The Collegian is boosted by regularly incorporating a wide range of student perspectives.

Cover Credit: Creative Commons, Instagram user shirleydamian4, ASWWU Photo, Instagram user oticramo, Kidproject.org 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 grant.perdew@wallawalla.edu. This issue was completed at 2 a.m. on 1 May 2014.

For information about advertising, please contact aswwu.ads@wallawalla.edu.

The Collegian | Volume 98, Issue 22 | 204 S. College Avenue College Place, WA 99324 | collegian.wallawalla.edu

CONTEXT NEWS | 3

The Gatsby Gala // Savannah Kisling

president. “People don't simply sit at a table, eat in the dining hall, then leave — they walk around, take pictures, socialize, and enjoy live music in the rotunda hall.”

Staff Writer ASWWU’s upcoming Gatsby Gala is bringing back the Roaring ’20s with style.

The night, based on the historical period draped in luxury and extravagance, is one of ASWWU’s biggest social events of the year, with some of its proceeds going to the “To Build A Home” project.

“The ASWWU Banquet is the annual classy ‘let’s dress up’ event of the year!” said Nancy Patiño, ASWWU social vice

“If you're uncomfortable going by yourself, then ask someone! You still have time!”

The last day to get tickets is this Tuesday, May 6. Prices are $20 for single tickets and $30 for two. If you’re intimidated to attend because you haven’t yet found a date, don’t let that stop you from flaunting your flapper dress or pinstripe suit.

“If you're uncomfortable going by yourself, then ask someone! You still have time! But there’s nothing wrong with going with friends. Women attend these events in herds, and men should feel comfortable doing the same thing because that will allow them to socialize with all the single ladies at the event,” said Patiño.

The Gatsby Gala is Saturday, May 10, at 8:30 p.m. at the Walla Walla Fairground’s Pavilion.

Staff Writer

This year’s ASWWU senate has been working around the clock to create and administer new bills that will make changes on this campus.

The year, senate has done many things to help make student life more enjoyable and easier. The bills range over a broad array of topics, such as a bill which opened the library last quarter on the Saturday night before finals so students could get some late night studying in, helping to fund a trip for the “To Build a Home” project, updating governing documents, and adding whiteboards to the biology study room. They even help with personal projects, especially those that are student run, like the recently filmed short film The Way.

Timeline of RELIGIOUS HISTORY

Old Business G.L. 21 — Kate Heinrich for Faculty Senate

What has ASWWU Senate Been doing? // Lester biggs

SENATE UPDATE

In addition, senate funds campus improvement. “A really big bill last year was the new eco-friendly water bottle fillers that were installed over the summer,” said Meske 3rd floor senator, Karina Gomez. Projects like these are exactly what senate wants to do in order to meet the needs of students.

As far as general progress goes, Phil Duclos, ASWWU EVP says, “this year, senate has been working to revise the governing documents of ASWWU. We have passed bills to update the Bylaws, Judiciary Manual, and Media Board Manual so far, and will be working to update the Elections Manual and Personnel Manual as well.”

The good news is that senate loves to hear from students or staff/faculty who have great ideas about things they want to see happen on campus. One of these is the library’s idea to have a librarian present at The Atlas at different hours to help students with research. Though senate didn’t come up with the idea, they are supporting it and helping to spread the word.

Some recent bills, initiated last week are a revised Judiciary Manual and the Media Board Manual. A bill passed last week that gave more responsibility to senators when it came to their sponsored bills, requiring that the senator sees the bill through to completion.

Senate meetings are open to all, and meet in the WEC every Thursday night at 9 p.m.

During this time all 26 senators get together to discuss issues that they believe are important to students on campus. If you can’t make it to the senate meetings, there are other opportunities for students to voice their opinions. “This year, senate started Senate Listens, for which 1-3 senators will, every week, be somewhere on campus, ready to listen to all of our constituents’ ideas for bills, concerns, etc.,” said Gomez. In addition, you can always email your district’s email with your ideas or opinions.

This timeline gives an overview of key events in the four most common religions in the world: Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Many of these dates have to do with major religious events and, therefore, may or may not be entirely historically accurate. There is, of course, internal or scholarly disagreement over exact dates, but in those cases the more commonly accepted or official church date is used.

G.L. 22 — Senate Procedural Rules Revision G.L. 23 — Elections Manual Revision

Senate is continually seeking ways to improve student life. We encourage you to talk to your senators about any suggestions, comments, or ideas.

Visitors are welcome!

Join us at 9 p.m. on Thursdays in WEC 217.

CONTEXT NEWS | 4

Wolves: rebranded // Carolyn Green News Editor The Walla Walla University Wolves have been rebranded. The new Wolves logo was unveiled by Jodi Wagner, WWU vice president for university relations and advancement, and Eric Weber, ASWWU marketing vice president, on April 29 at a campus-wide CommUnity.

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CURRENTLY OPEN

ASWWU POSITIONS

The rebranding of the athletics department has been taking place throughout the 2013–2014 school year.

The previous Wolves’ logo was outdated, and the athletics department wanted something that would represent the students of WWU more accurately.

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When the need for rebranding was recognized, Wagner nominated a team of students and staff to start the rebranding process. “We wanted a logo that had a collegiate look, but also stuck to our University’s core values,” said Eric Weber, ASWWU marketing vice president.

a logo for them, a logo they can be proud of,” said Weber.

During winter quarter of this year, this committee met several times, going over designs for the new logo, critiquing them, and finally deciding on the one they thought best represented the students of WWU.

Initial reaction to the new logo has been largely positive, with good response to the new shades of WWU’s orange and green, collegiate block lettering, and the prominently displayed wolf.

By going through this rebranding process, the school hopes to raise interest in the athletic department and attendance at Wolves’ athletic events.

“Throughout the whole process we’ve been thinking about the students. This is

A t l a s B a ri s t as Executive Secretary He a d P h o to E di t o r P h o t o g ra ph e r/ E d i t o r V i de o g r a ph e r / E d i t o r O u t do o rs M an a g e r W e b T e a m Me m b e r F u n dr a i s i n g T e a m M e m b e r Spi ri t u a l T e am M e m b e r A s s i s t a n t t o th e M a r k e t i n g V P A s s i s t a n t t o th e E x e c u t i v e V P M a r k e t i n g G ra p h i c D e s i g n e r s Se n a t e Se c re t a r y T r e a d Sh e d Ma n a g e r Mountain Ash Editor M a s k E di t o r Financial Controller Atlas Manager

God creates the universe as we know it, and on the 6th day of His week-long creation, creates Adam, the first man, and Eve, the first woman.

3370 BCE

Adam dies.

May 5–10 A modern invitation of the Gospel for the contemporary man and woman focusing on the boxes that encompass our understanding of God and the greater reality we live in.

Monday night Wednesday night Jesse Churchill Jefrey Bockmann Tuesday @ CommUnity Eddy Darisme & Natalie Dorland Tuesday night Anthony Lyder

Thursday night Adan Rodarte & Justin Walker Friday night Randy Folkenberg Saturday night Rob Folkenberg

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Head Head Head Head Head Head

P e r s p e c t i v e Ed it or F e a t u r e E d i t ors Life Editor News Editor Copy Editor L a y o u t E d i t or

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Journalists* Re l i g i o n W r i t e r * Opinion Writers* Food Writer* Back Page Writer* Diversions Writer* Culture Writer* Fashion Writer* Travel/Local Attractions Writer*

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Sc ien c e/Tec h W rit er* Sp ort s W rit er* L ay ou t Desig n ers C op y E d it ors W eb C on t en t Man ag er Prom ot ion /Soc ial Med ia Man ag er O f f ic e Man ag er Dist rib u t ion Man ag er

Inter ested?

Fill out an application at as.wallawalla.edu and email it with your résumé and cover letter to aswwu@wallawalla.edu. * Su bmit w ritin g sample

A world-wide flood destroys all life on earth except for Noah, his family, and all the animals he was able to fit into his Ark.

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CONTEXT

My Great Disappointment // jeremy mendenhall Contributor

To my fellow university students: Two weeks ago I had a friend tell me of his “Sabbath-day disappointment.” He and his friends were tossing a ball around on the old Rogers Field next to the WEC and were asked by Campus Security to relocate.

Somewhat surprised that there was a policy regarding proper Sabbath lawn usage, they went looking for another location to enjoy their Sabbath afternoon. Was this an isolated incident? Apparently not. There are others who have experienced this as well. The Sabbath has become, for some students, a day of disappointment.

“Is playing Grand Theft Auto in one’s dorm room the better option?”

Upon enrolling, students are expected to remain in harmony with the values of WWU at all times. This means that sports are not to be played on the Sabbath. What qualifies as a sport may vary, but the bottom line is that if it looks like a recreational activity then you may be asked to relocate. But exactly what areas are off limits?

After speaking to three different security personnel, it seems this currently only applies to the WEC track and fields (both in the WEC block and the Rogers Field across the street). According to Campus Security, signs have been posted at these locations informing students of the closed Sabbath hours.

Although some of these signs are small, faded, and in desperate need of being replaced, they are still enough to inform students (like

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myself, who was completely unaware) that those areas are off-limits.

Although I understand WWU not wanting to endorse sport-like activites on the Sabbath, is forcing Sabbath obedience the best option? Most of the students here are active 18 to 20-year-olds who need to get outside and release their energy in positive, constructive ways. Sure, they could simply go to a public park, but not every student here has a vehicle. Aside from this, closing recreation fields on campus will not address the internal issues of proper Sabbath observance.

Establishing policies can regulate behavior, but it will do no good in helping students understand the reasons behind the policies.

Feeling trapped, my friend informed me that he would simply stay inside and play video games all day if he wasn’t able to use the outside recreational areas on campus.

Is playing Grand Theft Auto in one’s dorm room the better option?

There also remains the question as to why are some areas are closed while others are not.

Security is enforcing policies established by the campus, so their actions are not arbitrary regarding which areas are closed. Two different security personnel informed me that they are not regulating behavior outside of the WEC areas. This means students lounging on the grass around campus or tossing a ball around in the Centennial Green are just fine and have no reason to worry about having to relocate.

However, on the opposite end of the spectrum, not enforcing closed policies becomes highly problematic. For instance, one of the security personnel mentioned a group of non-students who had decided to use the open fields to play loud and vulgar music while sun-bathing with hardly any clothes on.

These kinds of activities are challenging when deciding whether or not to simply close down an entire area. If areas remain

Abraham, an Islamic prophet and Christian example of faith, lives and dies.

open, then just about anyone and everyone can use them without any regard for the values we endorse as Seventh-day Adventists.

But sliding down that slippery slope could potentially mean closing down the entire campus. This issue is not as clear cut as it appears to be.

Regardless, as a Seventh-day Adventist institution for higher learning, Walla Walla University has a responsibility to bring all campus policies in harmony with the Seventh-day Adventist denomination. Where do we draw the line between appropriate and inappropriate Sabbath activities? Likewise, is the best option available one that closes down entire sections of the campus?

Personally, I am disappointed that any of my friends would be asked by this University to remove themselves. This is their home ... and mine as well. Though their view of the Sabbath and mine may not be in complete harmony, I do not believe enforcing restrictions will bring them closer to Christ.

Hopefully an open forum will provide students and faculty a chance to discuss this further; but until then, students should listen to Campus Security if asked to relocate.

After all, they are just doing their job.

CONTRIBUTOR | 5

8 Jokes Only Nursing Students Will Get Rachel Liem 1. Nursing diagnosis for student nurses: Excessive stress related to chronic exams secondary to nursing school, as manifested by uncontrolled coffee consumption, extreme exhaustion, and hysteria.

2. Deck the halls with beta blockers, olol olol olol olol olol olol olol olol.

3. Blood is red, cyanosis is blue; I get tachycardia when I think of you.

4. While that answer is correct, it’s not the “most” correct answer.

5. Order: Caffeine PO Q4H PRN. 6. Hey girl, are you a pulmonary embolism? Cause you’re making me breathless.

7. Diabetes — give it an inch and it will take a foot.

8. May your cup runneth over, unless it’s that urine specimen cup you’re trying to hand to me.

Campus Ministries

“You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.

Hear my prayer, Lord; listen to my cry for mercy.

When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me.”

— Psalm 86:5–7

Prayer is a beautiful thing. It is an opportunity to sculpt the praises and burdens in our hearts into a comprehensible conversation with the Majesty of the universe. Prayer is the channel through which we connect with our Savior and Lord. Do we take time to sculpt? Do we reflect and connect? Don't forget, the Prayer House is a place to do this.

— Rachael Coon

1500 BCE

The oldest of Hindu scripture, the Rig Veda, one of the Four Vedas, is composed.

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#thecollegian

480 BCE

The Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, is born in Kapilavastu, on the border of what is now Nepal and India. Jainism is also founded around this time.

@eric_yeagley94

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@ittybittyeileen

900–300

The 11 Upanishads, also Hindu scriptures, are written, which include the major ideas of reincarnation and karma.

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450 BCE

The Buddha is enlightened and gives his first sermon.

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week in forecast 1 may Thursday

2 may Friday

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ASWWU Midterm Late Night Breakfast 10 p.m.

Alaska Room

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Vespers: Elder James Black 8 p.m.

University Church

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Berean Fellowship 10:30 a.m.

FAC Circle Church 11:07 a.m.

CTC Black Box Faculty/Staff Spring Potluck Picnic 1:15 p.m.

ADM Front Lawn

International Tuba Day

Save the Rhino Day

sunday

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4 may

Star Wars Day Lilac Bloomsday Run

Piano Vespers 7:30 p.m.

University Church World Press Freedom Day

5 may monday

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6 may tuesday

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ASWWU

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InTents: Jesse Churchill 7 p.m.

Kretschmar Lawn ACA Session Application Deadline Autumn Registration opens for Sophomores Cinco de Mayo APPROX.

405 BCE

The Buddha dies, and the first Buddhist Council, a meeting of 500 monks, forms the Buddhist canon and commits it to memory.

7 may wednesday

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InTents: Natalie Dorland & Eddie Darisme 11 a.m.

University Church InTents: Anthony Lyder 7 p.m.

Kretschmar Lawn

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InTents: Jefrey Bockmann 7 p.m.

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National Teacher Day

272 BCE

Emperor Ashoka becomes the first Buddhist king and spreads Buddhism far and wide.

250 BCE

The third Buddhist Council meets, resulting in the Great Schism, resulting from disagreement over who can attain enlightenment.

The schism results in the formation of the Theravada and Mahayana sects, the two main current forms of Buddhism.

PERSPECTIVE COLUMN/SM | 8

I haven’t finished thinking yet // madeleine boyson

Columnist

The most spiritual experience I ever had was at Red Rocks Amphitheater. Please, don’t dismiss this as part of the trappings of a young, inexperienced college kid with no grasp of the world’s real beauty. It’s true the few circumstances that lend my soul to heights unreached by sermons, altar calls, or religious debates include musical gatherings in which a thousand people raise their collective voice in ecstatic harmony.* The visceral pulsing of a crowd in song is a powerful thing.

I grew up in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. I attended the same parochial school grades kindergarten through grade 12, and my family spent Saturdays at the Adventist church down the road. And somehow, though I’ve ended up here at Walla Walla University, yet another (exceptional) Adventist institution, I’ve found myself unsubscribing — slowly at first, now more rapidly and fervently — from the Seventhday Adventist faith; in truth, from all Christian faith.

I deeply respect and admire those among us who have cultivated a strong and thoughtful belief in SDA doctrine, and those who facilitate an SDA community steeped in love, acceptance, and open-mindedness.

I have found, however, that religion in its strictest sense (religion as the body of persons practicing a particular set of beliefs and practices) provided me with (among other positive and negative effects) grief, guilt, and oppression. Conversely, I’ve garnered a deep desire to seek out those who, regardless of religious affiliation, maintain tolerance, respect, and open communication with their fellow beings. And right now, Christianity just isn’t doing it for me.

I’ve had the opportunity to take a class called Topics in World Religious Thought this quarter, and we recently finished our

200 BCE

section on Buddhism. Life is suffering (dukka); suffering is caused by desire (tanha); as the Buddhist dhamma goes. I’m prone to wonder, perhaps the way Carl Jung did, if religion is not a method of communing with a deity, but rather, a simple explanation for the removal, the relief of and from suffering.

The Buddha did say to never believe something unless it agrees with your own common sense. I haven’t finished wondering, and I certainly haven’t finished thinking.

The arms-wide, head-flinging, joyous uproar I felt at Red Rocks was a moment in which I was removed from the suffering of the world. In many ways, the emotions one feels while flinging off the oppression that permeates life in so many forms is a deep kind of spirituality. And I must admit, one may have spirituality without having religion.

My reasons for exiting the Seventh-day Adventist faith constitute philosophy with which I alone must reconcile, and I cannot address all pertinent issues in a 500-word column. But what does come to mind when I think about “what I believe,” is, of all things, a quote often attributed to Charles Bukowski:** “For those who believe in God, most of the big questions are answered. But for those of us who can’t readily accept the God formula, the big answers don’t remain stone-written. We adjust to new conditions and discoveries. We are pliable. Love need not be a command nor faith a dictum. ... We are here to unlearn the teachings of the church, state, and our educational system. ... We are here to kill war. We are here to laugh at the odds and live our lives so well that Death will tremble to take us.”

I’m just not finished thinking. * Mumford and Sons will do that to you. ** Though never quite proven where from.

Unexpected Travels // Clarissa constantinescu

Pohnpei

Every year at WWU, we have a dedication vespers for student missionaries heading out the next school year. After hearing the stories and watching my friends abroad, I felt a tugging at my heart. I thought to myself, “Wow, that would be really cool to go to those places and do all those things!” But, I pushed down the feeling almost as quickly as it had come to me. I just wanted to do my three last years of school. I didn’t have time for that.

With only a few weeks left in spring quarter, I got a call from my parents saying that they were coming up to Walla Walla to talk to me.

As we sat in the girls’ dorm lobby, my parents explained to me that they were short on funds and needed a year to save up for me to continue my education. They suggested that I go as a student missionary. “No, I don’t want to!” was my immediate reply.

photo by tom miller

The next couple of days were sort of a blur.

After some struggles in Student Financial Services, I trudged over to the Student Missions office. Jeanne greeted me with excitement and very helpfully encouraged me to talk to other student missionaries. I had to find a place I could go on short notice, and since a spanishspeaking country was impossible without a visa, we looked at the islands. Before I knew it, I had been accepted to be the kindergarten teacher in Pohnpei. I spent six weeks after school studying abroad in Spain. A mere nine hours after arriving back home in Oregon, I was on my way to Hawaii for orientation. At the meetings, I was amazed by how many people were there, dedicating a year of their lives to serve others.

This year has been both the toughest year of my life and the most amazing I have ever experienced. Some days I just can’t help but cry because I am so frustrated. I’m trying to teach four-, five-, and six-year-olds how to read in their second language when many of them

Hinduism evolves into sectarian groups, with Vaishnavism (Vishnu worship) and Shaivism (Shiva worship) becoming the first sects of Indian religion.

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photo by clarissa constantinescu

don’t even understand everything I am saying!

I’m sweating almost constantly and have giant cockroaches pop out of nowhere and scurry across the floor. But right now, there is no place I would rather be than Pohnpei, Micronesia.

Becoming a student missionary wasn’t what I wanted to do, but I am so incredibly glad that God led me in this direction. I have made lifelong friends and have learned to trust and depend on God more. He really knew what He was doing when He sent me here.

God has my future all planned out. Sometimes it’s frustrating not knowing what is ahead in my life, but I need to learn to rely on Him to lead me in the right direction. It sometimes feels like God is taking my hand and leading me down a pitch-black pathway. Sometimes I shake off His hand because I want to go my own way, and I end up tripping and falling. Yet, God is always there to pick me up and take my hand again to lead me in the right direction. That is something I struggle with every day. I try to take matters into my own hands, and sometimes I get impatient and go ahead of myself.

“God, the one and only — I’ll wait as long as he says. Everything I need comes from him, so why not? He’s solid rock under my feet, breathing room for my soul, and impregnable castle: I’m set for life.” — Psalm 62:1–2, MSG

The Buddhist Pali Canon is created.

PERSPECTIVE OPINION | 9

I am an atheist. To be more exact, I am an agnostic-atheist. I admit that there is no empirical way of proving or disproving God’s existence and that I do not know the answer (agnostic). However, I believe God does not exist in a similar way to others believing God does exist. “So why are you here?” It’s usually the first question I receive as soon as I’ve told an acquaintance that I am atheist.

It’s not the philosophical why-are-we-here, either. Understandably, it’s not a bad question, but it has nothing to do with my religious views. In short, SDA subsidy is why I am here.

The pastor’s kid subsidy makes attending an Adventist school more financially feasible than most non-Adventist schools. It’s that simple.

In both cases you’re left with the decision of how transparent you want to be with strangers about a very personal and controversial matter.

Do I tell people I’m just not religious? Do I tell people I’m not into organized religion but I’m still spiritual? Do I just stick with the agnostic part? For many, this tangle of how to present one’s beliefs often means becoming a “closet atheist.” Yes, there are philosophical closets too.

Carlton Henkes

Opinion Editor I recently had a conversation with a friend who declares himself an apologist. Immediately I lit up, prepared for a juicy tête-á-tête. My fondest memories from high school involved long evening discussions at our apologetics club, which met in a Barnes and Noble parking lot. A rugged group of equally inquisitive and bearded friends, we spent countless hours exploring the meaning of life and the nature of love. It was a lot like Plato’s Symposium — just without the alcohol.

peaceful and loving? In the January 23 Collegian article “Is Christianity Necessary?,” Benjamin Ramey explains, “Atheists can produce a life of compassion just as well as Christians.” He goes on to say that atheistic compassion can be even more impressive than Christian compassion since it is not prompted by obligation or reward.

Unfortunately, this doesn’t do it for me either. As James 2:26 points out, “Faith without works is dead,” but what about works without faith? Am I able to justify living righteously and lovingly without having faith in something bigger than myself?

Almost daily I toy with the notion of becoming a full-blown atheist. How would this change who I am?

Excitedly, I interviewed my new apologist friend on the purpose of religious faith. What is it for? He explained that he is a Christian largely because he believes that Christ’s teachings are the most pure representation of how we can live peacefully and lovingly here on Earth. And I agree. In my literary experience, Christ is the greatest example of love and peace available to mankind.

To begin with, I would have to deny all supernatural phenomena. (There goes my last hope of ever meeting a unicorn.) For sheer practicality, I would have to believe that the physical world exists and that I exist. I would have to reprogram my intake of information, first accepting only what I am able to see, smell, feel, taste, and touch, and then whatever is printed in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Now it’s time to create morality.

But shockingly, this just doesn’t do it for me.

Why do I need someone to tell me how to be

I already have a deeply rooted desire to be good.

But without the belief in a spiritual conscience, I

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Jesus, founder of Christianity and a Muslim prophet, is born.

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would have to attribute this desire to the fact that I was raised in a certain culture. What I perceive as “good” is simply defined by that culture. Being raised in a different culture may mean that I would perceive stoning prostitutes to be “good.” Or another culture, where getting “stoned” is good.

Ultimately, I would have to be the final authority on the nature of my goodness.

Just as I would have to invent my own morality, I would have to create my own self-worth. I would have to arbitrarily decide that my existence is better than my nonexistence. That regardless of this speck of a planet, the universe is better off with me in it.

Then I would have to decide that the existence of others is better than their nonexistence. Naturally, I would formulate a lifestyle to avoid conflict with others in order to protect myself. To reach the Golden Rule, I would have to project my subjectively devised worth onto my fellow Homo sapiens, and decide that since I do not enjoy pain I should avoid causing pain to these other sentient beings.

I can decide to believe that some unseen higher intelligence gives worth to myself and the universe, or I can decide that I give worth to myself and to the universe that I perceive. Despite the differing camps, we all can agree that human beings have worth, regardless of that worth’s origin.

Jesus begins His ministry.

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Fastest land animal relative to body size is a mite.

Crestfallen cheetahs quickly recover from the ego blow.

Pornographic website promises to plant a tree for every 100 views.

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The need for belief //

I think that everyone believes in a power bigger than themselves. Yet for atheists around the world, that higher power is not seen as a being or eternal force. For me, I love music and stargazing and thinking about how huge this universe really is. The infinitesimal probability I would be here by chance makes me feel blessed and lucky to be alive. My most fulfilling experiences of spiritual awe and humility have happened while looking up to the heavens.

WISDOM

Rainforests returning rapidly.

Star Wars VII cast announced.

“Still dead, I am.”

— Yoda

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100+ sickened with suspected food poisoning at Food Safety Summit.

World Health Organization warns of post-antibiotic age full of superbugs.

C

Opinion Editor

collegian

C

Woodruff

But what is it like to be an atheist on an Adventist campus? Well frankly, it’s not a huge part of my day. There’s no huge atheist sticker on my book bag and I don’t sport T-shirts saying I belong to a “non-prophet organization.” I don’t wear my atheism on my sleeve; in fact, I tend to refrain from telling anyone unless specifically asked about my beliefs. Yet on a campus where so many are Adventist, it doesn’t come up much. I suppose that being an atheist on a religious campus in many ways is similar to being LGBT on a religious campus.

I am often asked what I base morality on if not on God. I base my morality on a variety of beliefs, opinions, feelings, and perspectives. My motto is something like: Don’t be a jerk, help people, and don’t do harm to others. I mean, it’s pretty basic stuff. My morals do not change on a whim. I don’t hurt people just because it seems easier without a deity looking over my shoulder, keeping my conscience in check. I just want to be a good guy. When I die I want people to say, “Hey, that Andrew, he was a good man.” I strive to be moral because I want to be moral, not because I need to be.

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WHYAndrew AM I HERE? //

“Now you respect us!”

— Food Safety Summit

W.H.O.’s a germaphobe now?

Jesus is crucified.

SNAPSHOTS

WELCOME BACK BASH

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photo by aswwu photo

photo by timothy torres

313

Edict of Milan establishes official toleration of Christianity.

photo by carlton henkes

325

Nicean council meets and officially establishes the divinity of Christ.

350

Gupta Dynasty controls India; Buddhism and art flourishes, at the expense of Hinduism.

photo by vitaliy krivoruk

PERSPECTIVE DIVERSIONS | 11

Eric Weber

Diversions Editor & Pontificator

not another school //

I like to think of myself as a fairly well-rounded person, physically and intellectually. I love to travel, and have spent time living and studying in another country, learning its culture and values. This experience has changed my life — I look at the world differently now. I see the world through a different lens. It’s as if I’ve been introduced to a new color or a new flavor; it’s something I’ll always remember. This experience has also made me question a lot of things that we as SDAs do and practice.

For instance: mission trips. Now hear me out; I am all for Let’s-Change-the-World-One-Spring-Break-Mission-Trip-At-A-Time, but are we giving these communities what they really need? Don’t get me wrong. I think we do a lot of great things: medical missions, the “To Build A Home” project, and Mission Mozambique are all projects that are making huge impacts around the world. However, I think it’s ridiculous and frankly laughable that we just assume we know what’s best for these cultures.

I really want to know who decides these things. Is it like every other decision made in this church? A bunch of middle-aged white guys sitting in a room, eating Nutty Bars and crackin’ jokes about Obamacare? It wouldn’t surprise me. I’m definitely not saying that every high school mission trip we went on was for nothing. What I am saying is I wouldn’t be surprised if some of the schools/churches we built are being used as barns, or worse — nondenominational medical clinics.

I’m not going to let the nice Spring weather stand in between me and a weekend spent in bed.

Eat like nobody’s watching.

380

Christianity made official religion of the Roman Empire.

570

Muhammad is born in Mecca.

610

Muhammad receives his first vision.

FEATURE 12

Religion: Common Threads

BY JOHN LUBKE & BRANDON TORKELSEN

The study of world religions is a massive field; a field of study by which I’m fascinated.

Religious beliefs tend to be one of the most prominent identifiers of differences between groups and individuals. In this special issue, however, I wanted to pay more attention to the common threads that exist in the world’s diverse spectrum of religious traditions. There is a richness to the study of the unique aspects of each tradition, but I feel strongly that there is power in paying attention to the beliefs we share — these are the things that could draw us together. Humanity seems unified in its fascination with the following questions: Where do we come from? Why are we here?

What is our purpose? How should we live?

What happens after we die? How do we deal with suffering?

The potential answers come from all parts of the globe, and all parts of history. Humanity struggles with these questions, and all pursue truth — everyone participates. And the theme I’ve found most common is one of love and peace. This of course leads to more questions, but I encourage you to take a look at the communities all around us, to read a bit about where the rest of the world comes from, and hopefully you’ll find that God’s children really aren’t so different from one another after all.

Each person on a spiritual quest may worship a particular god or follow a particular path or religion

But just as the different Hindu gods and goddesses all represent different aspects of Brahman, so different religions are all valid ways to approach a single spiritual reality.

It is better to allow each person to follow their own religion than try to convert them from one religion to another.

Hinduism

NIRVANA

Birthday: 1700 B.C.E.

Hometown: Indus Valley, India (North of present-day Mumbai) Favorite Books: The Four Vedas, The Mahabharata, and The Bhagavad Gita Deity: The Trimurti of Brahma (creator), Vishnu (preserver), and Shiva (destroyer) Major Beliefs: Brahman (the fundamental reality of the universe), Atman (true self, becomes identical with Brahman), Karma, Samsara (cycle of rebirth) Prominent Figures: Sri Ramachandra, Sri Krishna, Arjuna, Mahatma Gandhi, George Harrison Related to: Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism can all trace their roots back to Hinduism.

Thank them for: The Yoga Sutras, Diwali (Festival of Lights), Holi (Festival of Colors), the concept of karma, Mahatma Gandhi, radical non-violence Did you know? While Hinduism is polytheistic, most branches accept that there is a supreme, principle trinity

Muhammad receives his first vision.

Only the illimitable Permanent Is here. A Peace stupendous, featureless, still.

Replaces all, — what once was I, in It A silent unnamed emptiness content Either to fade in the Unknowable Or thrill with the luminous seas of the Infinite.

— Sri Aurobindo (1872–1950), Hindu poet and author

that is above the other gods.

610

All is abolished but the mute Alone.

The mind from thought released, the heart from grief, Grow inexistent now beyond belief; There is no I, no Nature, known-unknown.

The city, a shadow picture without tone, Floats, quivers unreal; forms without relief Flow, a cinema’s vacant shapes; like a reef Foundering in shoreless gulfs the world is done.

630

Muslims occupy Mecca after Muhammad gains victory over the Quraysh, the priestly class.

632

Muhammad dies after a prolonged illness. His father-in-law, Abu Bakr, is elected as caliph, or successor.

FEATURE 13

Using words — in prayer, or discussion — creates clutter in our mind.

Thinking and reading silently just create more words in our heads.

Buddhism Birthday: 400 B.C.E. Hometown: Ganges Valley, India (Near present-day Delhi)

When we strive to find answers and insight, our desire clouds the mind.

Favorite Books: The Pali Canon, Tripitaka Deity: None — Focuses on Nirvana, the end of suffering

If we are to discover our Buddha nature, we must empty our minds of all these things.

Major Beliefs: The Middle Way, The Eight-fold Path, All life is sacred, Dharma (cosmic law and order) Prominent Figure: Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama), Dalai Lama, Jack Kerouac Related to: Confucianism and Taoism

With an empty mind, insight and understanding will come to us without words.

Divisions: Theravada Buddhism, Mahayana Buddhism, Vajrayana (Tibetan) Buddhism Thank them for: The Dalai Lama, The Middle Way, Mandalas

SHARING A BATHROOM WITH BUDDHISTS

Did you know? Buddhism doesn’t provide much in theology, but instead addresses a philosophy of life. The Four Noble Truths mirror the methodology of diagnosis and treatment carried out by modern physicians — diagnosing problems, and pursuing healing.

BY PAUL DYBDAHL

After my sophomore year at Walla Walla College, I moved to Thailand for a year to work as a volunteer for the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA).

I worked in the Phanat Nikhom Refugee Camp, but lived in the nearby town of Gohpoh, where I rented a room in the home of an extended Thai family. Like most Thais, they were Buddhists.

The home was small by our standards, but there were two Thai-style bathrooms, shared by 10 of us. I ate the food that was made for the family, mingled with the kids, and, as my Thai improved, talked with the adults.

I watched the matriarch of the family make daily offerings at the Buddha pedestal by the kitchen. Near my room was the holiest spot in the house. It was a small worship room filled with various Buddhist images where family

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members could go to meditate or pray. Over time, I learned what it was like to live as an average Buddhist family in a predominantly Buddhist nation. And I was surprised.

Buddhism teaches that one ought to live life free from desire. One should treat others with loving-kindness and equanimity, extending compassion and radiating benevolence toward all other conscious beings. There should be a profound respect for life. One should not commit adultery and should avoid intoxicants. These are only some of the many Buddhist ideals.

But the family I lived with (and grew to love) only sometimes lived out these ideals.

Money and possessions seemed to be a key focus. Alcohol was frequently consumed.

One of the family members slept around.

The Caliph Uthman compiles the Quran from materials collected or memorized by companions of Muhammad.

700

Several times I was awakened at night by loud shouts as various family members argued. During my year there, family strife caused three people to move out. Then, one son who had been gone came home, a shell of his former self because of his drug use.

Where was the loving-kindness? Where was the self-control? Where was the freedom from desire? Where was the harmony taught by the Buddha?

someone were to come and live in my house (or share a dorm room with me) for a year — eating with me, consuming media with me, listening to me talk, and even sharing a bathroom with me — what would they come to believe about Christianity based on my example? At the end of their time with me, would they be able to see the Christian principles of forgiveness, generosity, faith, hope, and love lived out in my life?”

And then came a rather disturbing thought. It went something like this: “If

Adi Shakara, a Hindu philosopher and theologian, is born. He founded the non-dualist Adviata sub-school of Vedanta. Shankara taught that unity with the supreme being, Brahman, could not exist within dualism.

732

Muslims, after entering Arabia, Egypt, Spain, and India successfully, are defeated in France

by Charles Martel at the Battle of Tours.

FEATURE 14

judaism

God has no physical or mental attributes that we can describe, as these cannot exist outside His oneness.

God is all-powerful, because there can be nothing over which He does not have control.

Birthday: 2000 B.C.E.

Hometown: Canaan (Near present-day Jerusalem) Favorite Books: The Torah, The Talmud

God has a unity and nature unlike anything that we can comprehend.

Deity: Yahweh (the one God) Major Beliefs: The covenant with the one true God. Prominent Figure: Abraham, Moses, David, Moses Mendelssohn, Shabbatai Levi, Mark Zuckerberg Related to: Christianity, Islam, Zoroastrianism

God is infinite, because we cannot imagine any limits to His presence and power.

Divisions: Orthodox, Reform, Conservative

God is eternal, because we cannot conceive of a time at which He did not exist.

Thank them for: A rich, powerful picture of a God who loves, Passover, Messianic Hope, Kosher Foods

Th from Musl

Did you know?: Judaism is a religion and a nationality; a person can be one, the other, or both.

YHWH is the greatest god; His power is supreme, universal, and eternal.

Islam

Birthday: 610 C.E.

Hometown: Mecca/Medina, Saudi Arabia Favorite Books: The Quran, The Hadith of Muhammad

Becacuse He is omnipotent He needs no subordinates.

Deity: Allah Major Beliefs: The Five Pillars of Islam, Ka’ba No other being can countermand His wishes.

Prominent Figure: The Prophet Muhammad, Moses, Abu Bakir, Ali ibn Abi Talib

Even events that harm His people — the Israelites — are orchestrated by Him.

Related to: Judaism, Christianity, and Zoroastrianism Divisions: Sunni, Shi’a, Sufi Thank them for: Trigonometry, Book of Optics, First institutions for the care of the mentally ill

Both the evil and good of the world are part of His plan.

Did you know?: The concept of jihad (struggle) refers mostly to the internal battle against evil; the “lesser jihad” refers to the external battle against evil and a process involving numerous steps to avoid unnecessary violence.

There are no other gods but YHWH.

742

Buddhism becomes the state religion of Japan, and the emperor orders a temple be built in every province.

845

Chinese emperor suppresses Buddhism.

1054

Isla subm and is an herse her li like a with that not exper their bliss is im lives thou a blin

Great schism occurs between eastern and western Christians over ecclesiological and theological disputes. The Roman Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox Church are the results.

FEATURE 15

SPEAKING FOR ISLAM

BY NAJAT MOUNIR

The following transcription of verse from the Quran is a representation of the Muslim’s belief or creed:

Verse 2:177: “The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and [so have] the believers. All of them have believed in Allah and His angels and His books and His messengers, [saying], ‘We make no distinction between any of His messengers.’ And they say, ‘We hear and we obey. [We seek] Your forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the [final] destination.”

who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle.

Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.”

Verse 2:177 of Surat Al Baquara is a summary of the behavior expected from every Muslim worthy to be called that:

In other words, a Muslim believes that the creator is the One who created everything in the heavens, on Earth, and in between. The Muslim believes that since Adam and Eve’s fall from grace, God has been sending messengers to mankind to prompt them to return to the right path, and therefore, Muslims believe in all the messengers mentioned in the Old and the New Testaments. Muslims, however, do not believe that Jesus is God or the son of God, because the Quran — believed to

“Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and

By looking for His guidance in every matter.

How do we live a life that pleases God?

We can use the mind God gave us to reason His will.

All of those things are from shari’a, the path to good living.

1095

Pope Urban II proclaims the first Crusade.

We can ask for the opinion of our fellow believers.

All of these things come from God.

1099

be the unadulterated, unchanged word of God revealed to the Prophet Muhammad by the angel Gabriel over a period of 23 years — specifically states that God did not beget, nor was He begotten.

Muslims like me denounce violence and the killing of innocent people. In the Quran, God compares one who kills one soul without due justice to one who has killed all people on Earth, and one who saves a life to one who saves all people on Earth.

Verse 2:213 is also worthy of mention as in it God refers to the oneness of the human nation.

We can consult the Quran for His word.

We can look to the Prophet for example.

God guides us with shari’a.

European crusaders take Jerusalem from the Muslims. Within a hundred years, however, the Muslims, under the direction of Saladin, defeat the crusaders and take back the Holy Land.

I, personally, found that throughout my travels in Europe and the United States, I have been able to relate to people of different religions because in my heart I know that God loves us all, and because I, personally, am incapable of seeing into people’s hearts to know who is good and who is evil.

FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM

Islam. The word’s meaning refers to submission and surrender to God’s will and to His decree for our life. A Muslim is an individual who has submitted him/ herself to God and accepts His will for his/ her life, resting in total assurance that God, like a loving father, is ultimately concerned with his/her well being. Muslims believe that the soul or spirit is of concern, not the body. Therefore, a person may experience physical pain on Earth, but their good deeds earn them everlasting bliss in the hereafter. The hereafter is what is important, since no matter how long one lives on Earth, death is inevitable, and a thousand years compared to eternity is but a blink of the eye.

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PROFESSION OF FAITH

PRAYER

ALMSGIVING

FASTING

PILGRIMAGE TO MECCA

Angkor Wat, the largest known religious complex ever built, is completed in Angkor, Cambodia for purposes of Hindu worship.

FEATURE 16

christianity

There is a lack of justice and peace in kingdoms ruled by humans.

God promised to fulfill our hopes for justice and peace at the end of time, in a kingdom He rules.

Birthday: 30 C.E. Hometown: Jerusalem Favorite Books: The Bible

Jesus has taught and shown us how to experience the forgiveness, peace, and justice that God promised.

Deity: The Triune God Major Beliefs:Trinity, Eucharist, Baptism Prominent Figure: Jesus, St. Paul, St. Peter, Martin Luther, Gregory I the Great, Cyril I Lucaris Connected to: Judaism, Islam, and Zoroastrianism

Jesus’s ministry therefore marks the beginning of the kingdom of God; the beginning of the end.

Divisions: Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant Thank them for: Much of western culture, systematic theology, individualism, sacraments Did you know?: There are over 10,000 divisions in Protestant Christianity alone.

BY BROOKE HODGERT

From what people have asked me thus far, the most prominent confusion people express to me is about confession, communion,

12TH

century

Buddhism wanes in India, becoming virtually extinct. photos by andrea johnson

and prayer. First of all, the priest cannot forgive us for our sins! He can provide us with penance and guidance, for if there is no change in habits there is no real shame for our actions. In Catholicism, if you are in mortal sin (unforgiven nor repentant of your sin) you should not take the body or blood of Christ because it is selfish to allow such a holy and beautiful being into your body.

That leads me to my next point. When I say the body and blood of Christ, I am talking about communion. Once the Priest has blessed the bread and the wine, it is 100 percent the living body and blood of Christ (read Mark 14:22–24 and Luke 22:14–20).

Lastly, when a Catholic prays to a saint, this is called intercession. It is true that the saints and those in Heaven can hear our prayers and intercede them to God. We do not worship any saint, only God, and hold Mother Mary to a very high standard because she is the mother of Jesus. I love my faith very much, and enjoy learning about others, too!

1299

The first Ottoman state is founded in Anatolia, Turkey.

BY

My abou at St broug type: on co Finle book and o hard my w and d failin

In of Joh durin glory one a comp

W believ Refor that a replac God, you d conve

CATHOLIC CONFESSION If there ever was an ultimate challenge of my faith, coming to Walla Walla University would be it, at least so far. Surprisingly though, it has also made me stronger and more knowledgeable in my Catholic religion.

Daily challenges I face here are being without a community who worship and believe exactly as me 24/7, people misunderstanding why I believe what I believe, and lack of encouragement towards my faith. What I enjoy, however, is the curiosity and questions directed towards me, people asking me to take them to church, and explaining to them why I follow the traditions of this beautiful faith. Catholicism is a complicated religion with many components. It is universal as well, which means I could go to Portugal right now and hear the same message I would hear if I went to Germany.

A

Th of th Refor corre salvat that subst

Fo doctr But w Adve peopl in he an at Jesus, with as on

Fai toget dialed

15TH

century

Buddhism grows stronger in Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand.

FEATURE 17

A UNIVERSAL PRIORITY

BY BENJAMIN RAMEY My prophecy senses failed to alert me about the man who approached my table at Starbucks. He was a Catholic, and he brought friends. They were an evangelical type: Christ centered, aggressive, and focused on conversion; the kind of Catholics Mark Finley rightfully “warned”1 us about in his book Studying Together. I was unprepared and outmatched from the start but I fought hard as they threw question after question my way. I stuck to my Adventist principles and defended them as best as I could, only failing to prevail in one subject — unity.

In the seventeenth chapter of the Gospel of John, Jesus prays for all believers. He says during this prayer, “I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one ... May they be brought to complete unity” (NIV).

What did he say? Unity? Between all believers?

The Great Schism and the Reformation destroyed the common institution that all Christians were once a part of. It then replaced it with, “We all believe in the same God, but you don’t belong in my church since you don’t accept all our doctrines.” And the conversation stopped there.

There were two prominent schools of thought regarding unity during the Reformation. John Calvin taught that correct doctrine entitled only the elect to salvation, while Desiderius Erasmus wrote that peace and concord are the sum and substance of Christianity.2 For any religious group to come together, doctrine must be put aside at some level.

But we are left with a problem. I, like any Adventist-theologian-to-be, don’t want people believing in a God that burns people in hell for something like premarital sex. It’s an atrocious and destructive theology. But Jesus, our ultimate guide and source, pleads with God to help the believers stay together as one.

Faith groups should be able to come together to help those in need. We get so dialed in on the importance of the orthodox

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belief’s role in salvation that we forget people have physical needs. Seven hundred sixty eight million people do not have access to clean drinking water,3 while we are busy worrying about whether Sabbath is on Saturday or Sunday. Conflict is easy to create, but no one can blame you for spreading a social gospel based on a genuine interest in the welfare of others.

It doesn’t matter if we are Buddhist, Hindu, Catholic, or Taoist, as long as we are focused in on creating a better world for one another — a world free from oppression, prejudice, and hunger. It’s a hope and a mission everyone can share and take part in. And it’s our hope as Christians.

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISM Birthday: 1863 C.E. Hometown: Battle Creek, Mich.

Favorite Books: The Bible, Writings of Ellen White Deity: The Triune God Major Beliefs: Seventh-day Sabbath, Health Message, Conditional Immortality Prominent Figure: Ellen and James White, Joseph Bates, J.N. Andrews Connected to: Christianity, specifically Methodism Thank them for: Big Franks, Loma Linda Medical Center Did you know?: In spite of popular belief, some Adventists CAN dance.

1. “Studying Together” by Mark Finely, p. 122.

2. Exploiting Erasmus: The Erasmian Legacy and Religious Change in Early Modern England” by Gregory D. Dodds, p. 45.

3. Http://www.unicefusa.org/work/water/.

There is only one God.

But Christians experience God in three ways

God, the Father of Jesus, who sent Him to the world that He had created.

Jesus, the Son of God, who came to the world to bring God’s kingdom.

The Holy Spirit, who is with Christians now that Jesus has returned to His Father

These three (Father, Son, and Spirit) are completely united in what they do, even though each one has a particular role.

God knows everything that exists.

The future hasn’t happened yet, so it doesn’t exist.

Therefore, the future is still open to change.

We can influence what the future becomes by our prayers and actions today.

God is both three and one — a trinity of divinity.

Ottoman Empire is united by Mehmet the Conquerer, who conquered Constantinople and brought an end to the Orthodox Christian Byzantine Empire.

1478

The Spanish Inquisition, an organization to violently ensure orthodoxy, was founded by Ferdinand and Isabella, the Spanish king and queen who later sent Columbus to the new world.

1517

Martin Luther posts his 95 theses, an event widely regarded as the catalyst for the Protestant Reformation.

LIFE

CULTUR E| 18 CULTURE

date of the week // TimOTHy barbosa

Culture Editor

Salumiere Cesario might be a normal grocery store for a snooty Italian living in the Walla Walla Valley, but for a broke college student, this could be a classy but informal date. Though the Salumiere Cesario is a gourmet grocery store, you can stop by and enjoy a gourmet lunch or snack as well. And while you wait, there’s nothing like breaking the ice like some classic Gruyere.

Really trying to impress that special someone?

Do some research and pair that Manchego or Fontina val d’Aosta with a French batard and some black truffle salt, then put it together for a meal yourself. Do it.

upcoming events

songs for spring

Walla Walla University Harp Ensemble St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

May 1, 12:15–1:15 p.m.

Admission — By Donation This event will be a showcase of harps in tandem. The concert’s proceeds and donations will go to support the ASWWU fundraiser.

Visiting Writers Reading Series: Ivan Doig Maxey Auditorium, Whitman College

May 1, 7 p.m.

Admission — Free This series brings established and emerging writers to share work with our community. Doig is a three-time National bestseller, recipient of six Pacific Northwest Booksellers Awards, and the recipient of a lifetime “Distinguished Achievement” award by the Western Literature Association.

SpringStage Dance Concert Harper Joy Theatre

photo by salumiere cesario

May 2–3, 8 p.m.

Admission — Free Come celebrate spring with Whitman. New choreography by Renée Archibald, Peter de Grasse, and students.

“Slow Down” EMBRZ

wallapopUP Opening Gala Drumheller Building

aswwu video vimeo.com/aswwu

“We Don’t Eat” James Vincent McMorrow (Adventure Club Remix)

May 2, 6–9 p.m.

Admission — Free

Running from May 2 to 25, the wallapopUP art exhibition brings light and creative beauty to the Drumheller building storefront. Learn more online at www.wallapopup.com.

“Yolanda be Cool” We Speak no Americano

Such Sweet Thunder Gesa Power House Theatre Freshen up. The deadline to ask that someone to the Gatsby Gala is May 6. Or go with friends!

Thursdays at 9:37 p.m.

1526-1858

Muslim Mughal Dynasty rules India.

May 3, 7:30–8:30 p.m.

Student Admission — $9

Catch this single performance of Duke Ellington’s suite, a tribute to the works of Shakespeare. WWCC students will introduce each jazz piece with excerpts from the Shakespearean works that inspired it.

1611

King James Bible produced.

1729

“Lisztomania” Phoenix John Wesley leads the beginnings of Methodism.

LIFE FOOD | 19

The Food Fiend presents

japchae Andrea Johnson Food Editor

ood f u w

japchae

#w

photos by andrea johnson

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This week’s #wwufood winner is @BATHTUBSLEAK. Your homeade pretzels are perfect. Enjoy your free drink at The Atlas! To enter for next week, hashtag photos on Instagram with #wwufood or email submissions to andrea.johnson@wallawalla.edu. The photo must be yours and you must have been personally involved with the creation of the food or drink.

½ cup mushrooms, sliced

This week, I was inspired by my good friend, Jassica Choi. Jassica invited me to dinner where she would be preparing Korean food and I decided I wanted to help. I immediately went on foodgawker.com and searched for Korean vegetarian dishes. Not wanting to bite off more than I could chew, I narrowed it down to a noodle dish, Japchae, which essentially means “mix of vegetables.” Jassica came over to help me make a grocery list and also showed me an awesome food blog: beyondkimchee.com. The blog has a hefty section of Korean food, amidst other sections like “vegetarian,” “Asian,” and “easy and simple.” You definitely want to check it out.

We gathered our inspiration from the blog’s Asparagus Mushroom Japchae recipe,1 because ASPARAGUS IS IN SEASON, YAY! But, we tweaked the ingredients and instructions to fit our style. We hope you like what we’ve done with the recipe!

1. http://tinyurl.com/asparagus-mushroom-japchae.

1½ cup fresh spinach

1 medium carrot, peeled and cut into strips

3–4 asparagus stalks, cut into 2-inch lengths

½ red bell pepper, cut into strips 2–3 green onion stalks, thinly sliced

¼ cup powdered sugar

2 tsp. sesame oil

6–7 oz. glass noodles

4–5 tbsp. soy sauce

½ cup firm tofu, cubed

4 tbsp. sugar

2 garlic cloves

oil for sautéing

Greece regains independence from Ottomans.

1836

In a medium pot, bring water to a boil and blanch the mushrooms, spinach, and asparagus for 5–10 seconds; drain and rinse with cool water immediately; set aside. Cook noodles according to package directions, drain and set aside. While water is coming to a boil, fry tofu until golden; remove from heat and set aside. In a large frying pan, sauté garlic, peppers, and carrots until just tender, about a minute.

Add remaining ingredients except the noodles. Once all ingredients are cooked and hot, add noodles, tossing as gently as possible, so as not the break the noodles. Taste for seasoning, adding soy sauce and/ or sugar if necessary. Remove from heat; serve warm.

The Hindu mystic Ramakrishna is born.

He became famous for interpreting all the world's religions as fundamentally the same, as equally valid paths to the same goal.

1857

India revolts against the British.

LIFE TRAVEL | 20

How To Be An Annoying Tourist // Jon Mack

We have all been tourists at one point in our lives, and there is a certain essence that comes with the territory. Most of the time, you never hear someone say, “Oh I just love it when a tourist (fill in the blank).” That is because tourists are typically selfish, unobservant, and too American. This week in the Travel section, I have outlined five annoying things that typical tourists do that we should improve to transform the future generation of tourists.

Only Speak English Many people fail to realize that English isn’t spoken everywhere in the world. Yes, you may find individuals who speak it and speak it well, but it is rude to travel to another country and expect that everyone you come in contact with speaks your language. Embrace it, and try to learn a few phrases in their language be f ore you embark on your journey.

Locals love it when you try.

Neglect Foot Traffic Patterns In many countries there are unspoken rules of foot traffic.

Sometimes they are even posted on signs. Some countries may say that the left side of a sidewalk is for those who just want to stroll, and the right side is for people who are in a hurry, or vice versa. The same principal applies to stairs and escalators. Be observant, courteous, and mind other people.

DESTINATION OF THE WEEK:

Take Pictures with iPads Stop it. Your pictures will be terrible. Not only flickr user pete rocks will your pictures be terrible, but your iPad ruins the pictures of everyone around you.

Tourists hold their giant iPads high into the sky in an attempt to take a sub-par photo, only to block the views of everyone around them. Stop it, please. photo by

Talk Loudly in Public Spaces

Religion: Greek Orthodox Church Famous for: the first Olympic games, democracy, being the “Cradle of Western Civilization,” not having a king, incredible old ruins, and the theatre

1869

item of the week

Extra Electronic Storage: Nothing is worse than the realization that you won’t have enough space to store your memories. Pack accordingly.

Population: Over 3 million

Shinto is reinstated as the national religion of Japan.

photo by areatexas . com

In many cultures it is considered rude to not whisper in public places such as buses, metro/train systems, shopping centers, or coffee shops. Sure, people talk, but they don’t speak above a normal tone. It is easy to be on a bus and see a famous landmark

photo by asktube . com

ATHENS, GREECE

1868

and declare to the entire world that you see (fill in the blank). Most of the people on the bus or train see it every day and don’t care.

Keep your loud comments to yourself.

photo by yetesoft . com

photo by purefilmcreative . com

Once abroad, it is easy to find yourself searching for Internet because your smartphone isn’t as smart as it photo by rfi . fr once was. Store owners find it really obnoxious and rude for you to stand outside their restaurant and use their Internet simply because you ate there the day prior and know the password.

Everyone knows what you’re up to and nobody appreciates you disturbing the atmosphere/view of the restaurant. Pay for it, or don’t use it.

photo of the week Want to see your adventure photos here in The Collegian? Just hashtag them #WWUTRAVEL and your adventure may make a guest appearance right here in the Travel section!

Mooch Wi-Fi

rd . com photo by melbou rnespo kenwo

Travel Editor

photo by instagram user oticramo

Mohandas Gandhi, the Hindu civil rights activist, pacifist, and social reformer is born.

1918

Ottoman Empire falls.

1945

Religious freedom instated in Japan, with no official religion.

LIFE

kimonos photo by s . yimg . com

turbans

(Red) Choies | $11.31

photo by ebay user sydney 20130315

(Silver) ASOS | $11. 29

India splits into Pakistan and India due to Hindu-Muslim conflicts.

These modern-day Harem pants are a much-improved version of the original baggy-crotched Arabic trousers. They are so great for warm days because of their light and loose fit — perfect for the upcoming summer months!

photo by imgracade . com

photo by urbanoutfitters . com

(yellow) River Island | $80

photo by forever 21. com

borrowed trends from

photo by polyvore . com

1947

(pink) H&M | $39.95

(women’s) Forever 21 | $22.80 (men’s) Urban Outfitters | $54

The customary head wear, worn mainly by men in Asia and the Middle East, has hit the runway.

The trend has ironically been adopted into women’s fashion.

A turban can be a fun and exotic accessory to complete the look for those with an adventurous sense of style.

for WWU Students and Faculty

1945-60s

Islam spreads to the West with migrants from Asia, Africa, and India.

harem pants

photo by hapciumadam . deviantart . com /

photo by elle . gr

Fashion Editor

The traditional Japanese garment, literally translated to “thing to wear,” has found its way into recent fashion. The modern adaptions look perfect to throw over a pair of highwaisted shorts and a tucked-in tee.

photo by champagneandchignons . com /

Alyssa Hartwick

photo by pinterest . com

AROUND THE WORLD

FASHION | 21

LIFE SCIENCE | 22

World Religions and the Easter Bunny // Joe Hughes

Science & Tech Editor The theme this week, dear readers, is world religions. In this spirit, I will be crunching some numbers regarding core doctrinal pillars of one of the world’s greatest religious figures: the Easter bunny. But first, some history.

Most of what we know about the Easter bunny comes to us from Things the Pope Made Up, Vol. 3. That’s right; there is no biblical account of the Easter bunny. The Easter bunny started life in 13th-century Germany as the symbol of the fertility goddess Eostra. In the 15th century, Pope Innocent XI realized that people would be much easier to sway into Catholicism if they got to keep their culture. So, the Catholic church slowly rebranded all the native fertility symbols into symbols of the Resurrection.

As a rather fantastic side effect, they also created a rabbit that lays plastic eggs filled with chocolate that children gather up and eat.

This is a rather impressive feat by today’s standards of genetic engineering (a mammal laying plastic eggs filled with chocolate, that is), and also a rather strange human reaction to this phenomenon: A magic animal that has no business laying eggs in the first

1959

place pushes something plastic and filled with e s ugh chocolate out of its reproductive organs b y j o e h s g and hides it for our children to find, r a w i n d and somehow, everyone is okay with this.

Alright, that’s enough history and whatnot; let’s do some numbers.

Today we are going to find out how the Easter bunnies lay and distribute all those eggs.

Some assumptions: only American and European Christian children get eggs, one bunny per continental region (AmeriBunny and EuroBunny), and eight eggs per child. The Internet tells me that there are 2.18 billion Christians in the world right now, and that 36.5% of them live in the Americas and 25.8% of them live in Europe (which, for the purposes of this article, does not contain Russia). Once we know the number of children, we can divide by 2.2 to get the number of households.

To find the number of children we can use the fact that children are 1/3 the size of a human and just divide the total number of people by 3.

The Dalai Lama, Tibetan Buddhism’s spiritual leader, is exiled from Tibet after China invades Tibet and suppresses Buddhism.

In the Americas, there are 267 million Christian children who live in around 121 million homes and need a total of 2.14 billion Easter eggs delivered to them. To find out how fast AmeriBunny will have to go, we need to know how far apart those houses a r e. T h e Americas h ave a combined land area of 16.4 million square miles. Much of that area is in northern Canada and near Greenland. This area is only home to polar bears, which AmeriBunny has stopped delivering to after a rather unfortunate accident involving a narwhal and a large net.

a disproportionate fraction of our planet’s resources, but AmeriBunny is often too busy blowing up things and invading other religious symbols’ territories to make comment.

Alright, so we know that these rabbits are going very, very fast. We also know that the shock wave from going mach 66,000 probably sets the atmosphere on fire and destroys everything in its path. But the things that concern us right now are: 1. How fast are these rabbits laying eggs? and 2. Why are male rabbits are laying eggs in the first place? As for that second one, I’m not a biologist. I’m actually surprised that rabbits can lay eggs at all.

As for the first question, in order for AmeriBunny to lay all those eggs in a mere 24 hours, he will have to lay one every 40 microseconds. That’s 2,500 eggs per blink.

This may seem a very short time to be laid, but that’s really just arbitrary prior expectations.

The eggs also have to be going pretty fast — muzzle velocity for AmeriBunny is just under 3,900 mph. If you work out the mass flow rate, you’re looking at 1,237 kg/s, about 1050 times more than a fire hose. The resulting force from this torrent of egg is 240 short tons, or about nine Boeing 747 engines or 40 African elephants. So, if correctly harnessed, AmeriBunny could lift two Boeing 747 jets going the opposite direction, an elephant, and a small Apatosaurus.

This leaves us with 12.3 million square miles, if we assume everyone lies on a grid, we get the mean distance between houses to be 10.9 miles. AmeriBunny’s total trip is 1.22 billion miles long (about the distance you’d need to go to the sun and back six times). Assuming he does this all in 24 hours, he will have to go 50.8 million miles per hour. In Europe, things are more sensible. Because Europe is both smaller and denser than Have a bonkers question? Have a serious the Americas, EuroBunny has to travel question? Want to talk about cats in space? Send a mere 910 thousand miles per hour in me questions on anything as serious as electron order to deliver the 1.49 billion eggs spin or as silly as frosting-covered rabbits on pogo to the 187 million children who live sticks and I'll do my best. in 85 million houses. EuroBunny has made it clear that he thinks his American — Joe (joseph.hughes@wallawalla.edu) cousin is foolish, rash, and consumes

Got a question?

1989

First woman ordained in an apostolic-succession church (the Episcopals).

LIFE OUTDOORS | 23

five items for keeping it simple in nature // Justin mock Health & Outdoors Editor

As an outdoor enthusiast, I love going to the REI flagship store in Seattle. I love walking among the store’s multiple floors, looking at everything from backpacks, bottles, and bikes to jackets, shoes, kayaks,

and carabiners. They have down jackets made from duck feathers AND from goose feathers, more styles of hiking boots than anyone could need, and many different models and colors of Vibram FiveFingers.

If it relates to outdoor activities (besides hunting and fishing), they have it. All this useful, high-quality gear leaves me wishing I had more. I start thinking I could really use another jacket in a different style made for a slightly different temperature range.

So, over the past few years, I have been building up an outdoor gear inventory.

Every so often, I buy one more piece of outdoor gear like a backpack, a jacket, or a pair of Vibrams, adding it to my collection.

Pretty recently, I was even able to fulfill one of my outdoor-gear dreams and purchase a stand-up paddleboard. It’s a good feeling to work towards a piece of gear and finally be able to get it. Still, even with that feeling of

1. the faithful backpack 2. nalgene waterbottle Every outdoor enthusiast needs a backpack. I’m not talking about your everyday school backpack, but a backpack that will faithfully carry your items on long day hikes; a backpack that won’t complain if it gets dirty. A backpack like this can help keep things simple by making sure that what you have stays organized. When I hike, I like to have a backpack so that my hands are free and I don’t have to carry my jacket or water bottle. For longer hikes I use a backpack that has a waist belt, which helps keep the weight off of my shoulders. All you really need is a backpack that is comfortable and big enough to carry what you need for the day.

5. a hammock One piece of outdoor gear that may be the most helpful in enjoying the beauty and simplicity of nature is a hammock. There is just something amazing about sleeping off the ground. This last summer, while I was studying General Biology at Rosario, my friends and I would spend Friday nights sleeping in hammocks. I used an ENO Double Nest, which gave me a bit more room, as well as the ability to wrap the sides over my face if there was any rainfall.

Even though a hammock isn’t a necessary item, photo by kidproject . org in my opinion, it is another great way to enjoy the calming simplicity of nature.

1991

Persian Gulf War: Al-Qaeda forms.

This popular brand of bottle has become so common among college students that it seems there may be more students with them than without.

This style of bottle was made even more popular when ASWWU gave out hundreds of them to WWU students who attended Barn Party this past fall.

These colorful, plastic cylinders definitely help keep things simple.

They are durable, they don’t leak, and they hold a full liter of water.

They may not have any special features, but they can be slipped into any backpack, providing H­2O for hours. photo by www.store.nalgene.com

satisfaction, I’ve begun to realize that my materialistic desire for more outdoor gear can taint the thing I find most beautiful and spiritual about nature: its simplicity. At the beginning of this year, I wrote about the spiritual side of being in nature and how it is a God-given escape from a world of metal, glass, and concrete. With this in mind, I wanted to share five outdoor gear items that have helped me appreciate the simplicity of nature.

3. the right shoes

4. hard shell jacket

Various factions of outdoor people argue about the true definition of the “right” shoes.

There are thousands of Some find strength and security different jackets in thousands of in larger, boot-style shoes with colors from hundreds of brands, their high ankle supports and but one type of jacket that helps tough soles. On the other end keep the outdoors simple is a of the spectrum are the people hard outer shell. These jackets who believe in hardly wearing photo by www.ontariofishingforums.com are made with a thin layer of any shoes at all. The truth is, the “right” shoe synthetic material that keeps wind and is personal. I really enjoy hiking in Vibram water out. Because they are so thin, a hard FiveFingers whenever possible. They allow me shell is easy to stuff in the corners of your to feel the ground under my feet and help me backpack, only to be brought out when maintain a mindset of simplicity. most needed, and it is However, you have to find the super lightweight. A hard shoe that’s right for you. What shell may not be the only type of shoe keeps you safe, makes jacket you will need, but you feel the most comfortable, they keep things simple by and helps you enjoy the nature providing a layer that you around you rather than focusing photo by www.vibramfivefingers.com know will keep you dry. on your feet? This is the kind of shoe for you.

art and photo contest: the outdoors through my eyes With so many talented people on campus, I wanted to try and provide another avenue for students to express themselves. That is the reason for “The Outdoors Through My Eyes” art and photo contest. Here are the parameters:

•

Students may enter using photography or any art medium of their choice.

•

The art project must express what the outdoors looks like through the eyes of the artist who made it.

•

The top three works will be featured in the Health and Outdoor section of The Collegian.

•

The number-one work will receive a $15 gift card to a place of their choice.

•

All entries must be emailed to me (justin.mock@wallawalla.edu) either as a photo or scan by Sunday, May 11, at noon. Special arrangements can be made for projects that can’t be emailed.

2010

U.S. combat mission in Iraq officially ends.

photo by ryan marais

back

word

can't we all just get along? // I think it’s interesting (code for: not interesting at all, but actually ridiculous) that there is a constant battle in the Church. Millennials against baby boomers, liberals against conservatives, Ellen White supporters against Ellen White skeptics.

Almost everybody in the Seventh-day Adventist Church can pick sides on these issues — and usually, people do. “My name is Rachel. I’m a liberal millennial who doesn’t believe so much emphasis should be put on Ellen White’s teachings.”

We pick our stances on our beliefs and then we are quick to defend them. We are likely to point out all the reasons we are right and how you should think like we do.

(Because, obviously, we are right. Always.)

There’s nothing like a heated Facebook post to convince all your friends to convert to your belief system.

Why do we act this way? Why are we so eager to become exclusive in our beliefs — choosing our battles and then fighting them against anyone who opposes? I think this is one of the biggest problems in the Church:

verbatim “Let’s say I invest in my future, you know. I buy a graveyard.”

We let our opposing beliefs separate us instead of unite us. News flash: God loves diversity.

How do I know? Look around! There are thousands of different varieties of everything, from plants to bugs to flowers to fruits to people. There are hundreds of different cultures, thousands of different beliefs, and billions of different people. Are we really so naïve that we think we are the only group that has it figured out? I mean, really?

For 2,000 years, people have been translating, retranslating, and trying to figure out what the Bible means. Hundreds of denominations have been formed based on the Holy Book, and every one of them thinks it is right. Don’t they? Nobody joins a religion and says: “This probably isn’t accurate. But ….” You join a religion because you believe in it. So here we are, 2,000 years later, and we are one of those religions. We are one of many groups that has faithfully studied the Bible and tried to find the truth in it. We have found what we think the truth is, so we portioned off and named ourselves “Seventh-day Adventists.” We are the Remnant. We are the only ones who are right. Join us or you’ll be sorry.

Rachel

Logan BackWord Editor

Can we just talk about how naïve that sounds? We are the only ones that have it figured out? Nobody else has figured out anything that we haven’t? Aren’t we the very religion that predicted the coming of Christ twice, even though Jesus specifically says in that Bible that even He doesn’t know the day or the hour that He will come again?

(Matthew 24:36, Mark 13:32. It’s in the Bible twice, in case we missed it during the first read through.) I’m not trying to say this to make fun of the early Adventists or condemn them for making mistakes — I’m saying it to prove that we, the Remnant, already messed up before, when we were certain that we were right. Don’t you think it’s possible we’ve messed up again?

I’m not here to point out the specific places I think that Adventist beliefs have gone astray. The reason I’m writing this is to talk about diversity, again, and our determined nature to make everyone be the same. Why are we wasting our time trying to shove our personal beliefs on everyone and fight anyone who thinks differently? If you are a “Good Adventist,” then you believe the end is near. The Second Coming is imminently upon us. If this is true, then we are wasting

If you were to convert to another religion, what would it be and why?

“Evolution. I’m an engineer and a lot of stuff makes sense when it’s scientifically based.”

— Isaac Lopez, junior, engineer

— Qin Ma on economics

“The technical difference between superheroes and explosives is very very small.”

— Dr. Ekkens

"Should we be Napolean or Stalin today?"

— Monty Buell

"We keep running into Dan Lamberton in our pajamas."

— Rachel Logan

Have something funny to report?

Email me at: Rachel.Logan@wallawalla.edu

“I wouldn't. I grew up Adventist and nothing else seems right.”

— Kelly Torres, junior, health science

“Nothing! I went to every church in Walla Walla looking for love and I didn’t find it until I came here.”

time arguing. Stop arguing. Stop it now. It doesn’t matter if your pewmate is liberal and you are conservative. It doesn’t matter that I like drums in church and you like the organ.

It doesn’t matter that you’re straight and the person next to you is gay.

I don’t know what the right religion is. Do I think that Seventh-day Adventism has a lot of it figured out? Of course, or I wouldn’t be a member. Do I think we have it all figured out?

Absolutely not. So trying to change everyone to believe exactly like we do is absurd. Judging people for not conforming to our specific beliefs is ridiculous. If you believe in the Bible, then you know God says: “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven” (Luke 6:37).

God is telling you to stop pointing fingers and love. Stop being exclusive and be inclusive. God is a God of love. When God comes again, I don’t want to have Jesus look at me and ask why I was so determined to be right, and so determined to separate myself from those who believe differently. I want Him to look at me and say: Child, thank you for loving all my children.

Confession As an SM there are a lot of pressures to be nice and follow certain expectations. Some days I wonder what they’d do if they caught me smoking, and weigh the pros and cons of buying a pack of smokes.

Sincerely, Chickening Out

— Rusty Koll

“Islam. They have such dedication. They pray five times a day and seem to have strong commitment that other religions don’t have.”

— Brian O., junior, engineering

To submit anonymous confessions, type: wwuconfessions.tumblr.com into your browser and click the Ask Me Anything button at the top.