Christian Union: The Magazine Summer 2018

PRINCETON

COLUMBIA

Minister Of Music

The Lion And the Lynx

Christian Union the magazine :: summer 2018

Seeking God on Campus Christian Union Universities’ Updates page 16

Special Feature Section: Prayer and Revival Fire Christian Union New York: Cities Conference Report The Spiritual Climate on Campus: News from some of the nation’s leading universities

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table of contents

volume xvii issue ii

Christian Union

the maga zine :: summer 2018 16

in e ach issue Letter from the CEO / 3 Q and A / 8 Stewardship News / 33

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6 Prayer and Revival Fire

summer 2 01 8 fe at ure sec t ion Q and A with George Otis, Jr. / 8 Christian Union Day and Night / 11 Prayer that Brought Revival, by J. Edwin Orr / 12

16 From the University to the City

ChristianUnion.org Twitter.com/ChristianUnion Facebook.com/Christian.Union

The Lion and the Lynx (Columbia) / 18 Minister of Music (Princeton) / 20 chris tian union univer sities

This magazine is published by Christian Union, an independent Christian ministry.

chris tian union cities New York Christian Union / 34

cover photo: University of Pennsylvania students (left to right) Noah McQueen ’21, Carson Marr ’20, and Isaiah Smith ’21

updat e s fr om l e ading univer si t ie s Science for Youth Ministry (Brown) :: Faculty Roundtable (Columbia) :: Crying out in the Wilderness (Dartmouth) :: A Big Voice on Campus (Penn) :: Jesus in the Courtroom (Yale) ::

News-in-Brief from each university, and more

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Photo Credit: Cody Min

36 The Spiritual Climate on Campus

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Yale / 22 Cornell / 24 Harvard / 25 Penn / 27 Dartmouth / 28 Harvard Law / 30 Brown / 31

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Christian Union T H E

M A G A Z I N E

volume xvii issue ii summer 2018 editor-in-chief

executive editor

Matthew Bennett

Lorri Bentch Tom Campisi

managing editor

creative director

Patrick Dennis

staff writer

Catherine Elvy

field reporters

Jon Garaffa

Zachary Lee Francine Barchett Kayla Bartsch Nathan Barlow Ethan Pardue

INVEST IN TOMORROW’S LEADERS.

Kaiyla Banks Christian Schatz Pam Traeger

photo editor

contributing editor

proofreader

Rachel Mari

art director

Michelle Taylor

production

Sarah Camp

Bethany Wakeley

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©2018 Christian Union. All rights reserved. Christian Union: The Magazine is published quarterly. Its goal is to encourage and inform Christian alumni, students, parents, staff, faculty, and friends about Christian Union’s work—and about other spiritual activity—at eight of this country’s most influential colleges, and in key cities.

Our desire is that this publication would inspire readers to seek God, to use their influence for the cause of Christ, to pray, and to give financially to Christian initiatives that are bringing about culture change for God’s glory.

To request an advertising rate card, please e-mail Tom. Campisi@ChristianUnion.org. postmaster: Send address changes to: Christian Union, 19 Vandeventer Avenue, Princeton, NJ 08542

letter from the founder and ceo

Prevailing Prayer “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you.”

– Luke 11:9

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hen Christians en masse press into prayer with abandon, God responds with great

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Many blessings to you in Christ,

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Matthew W. Bennett

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mercies.

This is an extraordinary promise, which history has corroborated over the last 2,000 years through various awakenings and outpourings in the United States and abroad.

When referencing the need for prevailing prayer, Jesus presented a parable about a man who knocks on a neighbor’s door at midnight asking to “borrow three loaves for a friend who has arrived on a journey” (Luke 11). In verses 8 and 9, Jesus said, “I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you.”

It has often been said that “without God, we cannot do anything; yet without us, God will not do anything.” That may be overstated, but the point is well taken.

God expects His sons and daughters to partner in His work because He is relational and does much of His activity through others.

For example, the Father created the world through the Son, and the Holy Spirit sanctifies the saints on behalf of the Son and the Father. Additionally, much of God’s work happens through His angelic messengers and warriors. This is not because God has to do it this way, but because He is a relational God and, therefore, His will

is often fulfilled by others. The same is true with humanity, which is made in His image. Much of God’s purposes are carried out by His sons and daughters. How this can happen even when humanity is often rebellious is beyond the scope of this column, but is true nonetheless. God has chosen to pour out His Holy Spirit in great measure when His people seek Him to do so in prevailing, extraordinary prayer.

Many have asked why Christian Union has seen so much involvement and fruit at many of the most secular places in the United States, and the answer begins with our commitment to prayer. The ministry prays together 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., Monday through Friday. During the academic year, Christian Union personnel and student leaders pray for an additional hour together each day on campus. On top of that, through www.dayandnight.org, Christian Union promotes at least two annual fasts and other initiatives to pray often and with passion.

If America wants a revival of Christian devotion, we need to seek the Lord for it with our whole hearts.

matt bennett is the founder and CEO of Christian Union. He earned undergraduate and MBA degrees from Cornell, and launched Christian Union in 2002 in Princeton, New Jersey.

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Turning the City Upside Down

Christian Union New York Hosts Conference for Professionals by catherine elvy, staff writer

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est research, referenced the evil represented by the Holocaust, the destructive intent behind the nuclear age and Cold War, and the trends accelerating the enhancement and transformation of humans through technology and artificial intelligence.

“Guinness argued that it begs the questions of ‘What is a human being?’ and ‘What is the future of humanity?’ in light of our being made in the image and likeness of God,” said Crosby.

Kate Gardner (Princeton ’16), a Christian Union ministry intern, found Guinness’ reflections to be both challenging and inspirational. “He spoke very eloquently and insightfully on what it means to be human and precious in the image of God,” said Gardner.

Alexander, senior pastor of The Park Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, discussed the role of evangelism in advancing God’s kingdom. Namely, he highlighted ways both young and seasoned professionals can reflect Christ’s redemptive message to their peers, Photo credit: Meryl Spadaro a nod to the conference’s theme.

Os Guinness was a keynote speaker at Christian Union’s Cities Conference in June.

In particular, Alexander reflected upon the dynamic and far-reaching mission of the Messiah’s earliest At the Cities Conference, plenary gathered at The Union League Club and followers. With empowerment from the speakers included prolific author and comNyack College for the two-day event, Holy Spirit, first-century believers sparked mentator Os Guinness and theologian which featured acclaimed speakers, semia worldwide revolution.

Bishop Claude Alexander. nars, dynamic worship, and networking “By the providence of God, we have Among his vast credentials, Guinness opportunities. The theme was “Turn the been given this substantial opportunity,” has served as a senior fellow with the EastWorld Upside Down,” based on Acts 17:6. said Alexander.

West Institute and is co-founder of the “I was just amazed with how the Lord Young professionals are called to be Trinity Forum. Guinness delivered an inbrought everything together,” said Scott faithful in work assignments that reflect triguing session, entitled The Magna CarCrosby, director of Christian Union New individual gifts, talents, passions, and opt a o f Hu m a n i t y : Hu m a n Na t u re York. portunities, while reaching out to co-workPost-Auschwitz, Post-Hiroshima, and In fall 2012, Christian Union New York ers with godly love.

Pre-Singularity. The title, based on his latbegan ministering to alumni and profes-

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hristian Union New York encouraged professionals and graduate students to serve as catalysts for cultural shifts and share Christ’s reconciling Gospel with lost peers when it hosted the Cities Conference in Manhattan this summer.

On June 22-23, approximately 100 attendees, including many young adults,

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sionals. In July, the ministry expanded into Washington, D.C. with a welcome party for recent graduates who relocated to the nation’s capital.

From his base in Manhattan, Crosby oversees Bible courses, mentoring and networking opportunities, forums, and other thought-provoking events for both pivotal cities.

Photo credit: Meryl Spadaro

R.J. Snell and Aaron Renn were part of a panel discussion that focused on breakthrough movements for cultural change.

An attendee has a question during one of the seminars at Christian Union's Cities Conference.

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awakenings, including ones at leading colleges in the Northeast. He highlighted the first two Great Awakenings in the United States and the ensuing socio-economical impact that followed.

“Change must be evident—not only in the inhabitants—but in the fabric of [culture’s] institutions,” he said.

Ultimately, revival is not something that is apprehended intellectually.

“Revival is about presence,” Otis said.

“It’s something that is felt. It’s not about doctrine or dogma. You feel it. Our role is not just to change minds, but to blow minds—revival does that.”

With exhortations from Otis and other distinguished speakers, the Cities Conference accentuated Christian Union’s mission to equip professionals to pursue spiritual and vocational callings, especially as they grow in influence.

“I was freshly reminded and equipped to believe that God can enable us to ‘turn the world upside down’ for His glory as we build community and serve Him wholeheartedly right where we are,” said Gardner. | cu

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Among her endeavors, the Columbia Business School alumna of 2009 and Morgan Stanley director operates a Manhattan restaurant that donates its profits to charities, including The Bowery Mission.

One panel discussion, which focused on research into breakthrough movements for cultural change, featured R.J. Snell, a philosopher and director of the Witherspoon Institute’s Center on the University and Intellectual Life, and Aaron Renn, a senior fellow with the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research.

In addition, scholar and author Peter Heslam of the University of Cambridge and theologian Kenneth Barnes of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary tackled some of the themes behind Barnes’ book, Redeeming Capitalism.

The Cities Conference featured a seminar with George Otis, Jr., one the foremost experts on revival. Otis is the founder and president of The Sentinel Group, a Christian research, media, and training agency best known for producing the award-winning Transformations documentary series.

Otis explored the histories of spiritual

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“Live and listen in such a way that redemptive conversations can occur,” Alexander said.

Among his extensive credentials, Alexander serves on the boards of Wycliffe Bible Translators, Christianity Today and the Joint College of African-American Pentecostal Bishops. He is the vice chairman of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary’s board of trustees.

Ultimately, the Lord blesses His followers with opportunities to serve as connections of influence for Gospel advancement, Alexander said.

“You may be the only point of light that those individuals may know,” he said.

“God has assigned you to be there.”

The Christian Union Cities conference also showcased a variety of breakout sessions and panel discussions. Attendees benefited from sessions that allowed participants from a range of industries, including finance, to discuss ways to apply Christian principles to their fields.

April Tam Smith shared her missional efforts to reflect her faith across New York City via her talents and entrepreneurship.

Photo credit: Meryl Spadaro

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photo: iStock

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Prayer & Revival Fire christianunion.org

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It is God’s will through His wonderful grace, that the prayers of His saints should be one of the great principal means of carrying on the designs of Christ’s kingdom in the world. When God has something very great to accomplish for His church, it is His will that there should precede it the extraordinary prayers of His people; as is manifest by Ezekiel 36:37. And it is revealed that, when God is about to accomplish great things for His church, He will begin by remarkably pouring out the spirit of grace and supplication (Zechariah 12:10).

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Prayer, Revival, and Societal Transformation Q and A with George Otis

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George Otis, Jr. talks about revival at the Christian Union Cities Conference in June.

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t the Christian Union Cities Conference in New York this summer, George Otis, Jr. spoke about the great awakenings in the United States and the ensuing socio-economical impact that followed in various cities and communities that were “overwhelmed by the grace and presence of God.” Christian Union: The Magazine recently interviewed him regarding the role of individual and corporate prayer in these outpourings.

Otis is the founder and president of

the Sentinel Group, a U.S.-based Christian research, media, and training agency “dedicated to helping revival-hungry communities discover the pathway to societal transformation.”

Best known as the producer of the award-winning Transformations documentaries − a series that has been viewed by an estimated 250 million people in 175 nations − Otis has also authored six books and is a frequent speaker at international conferences and symposia.

In 2004, the researcher founded the International Fellowship of Transformation Partners (IFTP), a global coalition of ministries that serves the cause of transforming revival. The IFTP is the primary distribution vehicle for the Journey to Transformation training process, which aids communities eager to prepare for spiritual awakening.

The principle-based training is a distillation of research conducted over a 15-year period.

Otis has previously served in leadership capacities with Youth With A Mission, the

Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization, and the AD 2000 & Beyond Movement. He has also been engaged as an advisor to The Call, Aglow International, Ellel Ministries, Intercessors for America, and numerous other organizations.

In addition to his duties at the Sentinel Group, Otis presently teaches at the Forerunner Media Institute associated with the International House of Prayer in Kansas City.

In your research over the years, what have you learned about the relationship between prayer and revival and prayer and transformation?

thread; not merely in some of the accounts, but in all of them! And the pattern held when I took time to investigate historical revivals over the past 450 years. The inescapable conclusion was that transforming revival is the inevitable consequence of fervent, united, and prevailing prayer.

CU: How did a commitment to fervent prayer by individuals or communities help sustain previous moves of God?

christian union:

For nearly a quarter century, God, in His kindness, allowed me to witness His transformational handiwork in literally hundreds of international communities. As I scrutinized these breathtaking stories, I found, somewhat to my surprise, that prayer was a pronounced and common thread.

CU: What are some examples of com-

munities/cities worldwide that are seeking God in a profound way and may be on the brink of a breakthrough?

GO: There are a number of areas today where

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effective transformational prayer is on display.

At the top of the list is Melanesia, a vast territory in the Western South Pacific that includes Fiji, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Papua New Guinea. From the early 2000s, scores of communities throughout this region have witnessed extraordinary and highly contagious moves of God. Now the fire is moving into Aboriginal Australia.

Similar breakthroughs are taking place

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to fervent daily prayer lasted well over a century and fueled both the modern missions movement and 24/7 prayer efforts throughout the world. Many words have been written about their remarkable dedication, but the thing that continues to impress me is the choice to involve their children in prayer. Indeed, the longevity of the Moravian experience has much to do with the fact that two generations carried the revival torch.

Although the anointed preaching of revivalists like John Wesley, George Whitfield, Charles Finney, and Duncan Campbell (Hebrides Revival) brought thousands to faith in Christ, it is worth noting these

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Growing up, I had the impression that prayer was a distinctly personal exercise. It was what one did when wrestling with especially important life questions or seeking forgiveness for some transgression. Taking petitions into the public arena was more difficult to translate.

Like a lot of men my age, I struggled to see how something so abstract and intangible could be an effective means of addressing the hard reality of social dysfunction. How does one even measure results? Better to say a little prayer and get on with the more practical business of raising money and assembling a coalition.

Regrettably, I came to the prayer movement not through faith, but through research. For nearly a quarter century, God, in His kindness, allowed me to witness His transformational handiwork in literally hundreds of international communities.

As I scrutinized these breathtaking stories, I found, somewhat to my surprise, that prayer was a pronounced and common

george otis:

GO: It is difficult to avoid at least a mention of the Moravians, whose commitment

men spent hours in prayer before and during their campaigns. They were also accompanied by powerful intercessors like Daniel Nash (with Finney in New York) and Hector McKinnon (with Duncan Campbell on Berneray), whose commitment to prevailing prayer was such they actually died on their knees. During the entire length of Finney’s remarkable revival in Rochester (1830-1831), Abel Clary prayed day and night, prostrate on the floor. And as Finney reports, “I knew at the time a considerable number of men who were exercised in the same way.�

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in parts of Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, the Canadian Arctic, Rwanda, Nepal, and elsewhere. While space does not permit me to go into detail, the spiritual hunger in these areas has given way to some very compelling fruit. Fervent prayer is also preparing the way for revival in various parts of China, Thailand, Iran, Jamaica, Algeria, India, and South Africa. And children, as they did with the Moravians, are playing no small part. Even in post-Christian Europe, God is moving to restore the spirit of revival that once shook the continent. Leading the way are powerful prayer

indeed I can take you to several places where it is taking place right now. But these current and future awakenings are better characterized as localized “oases of grace,” rather than sweeping national revival (presumably originating in Washington, D.C.).

In some places, these local revivals may well coalesce into regional conflagrations.

And I definitely suspect we will see more of these breakthroughs as the days continue to darken. Darkness begets desperation, and when people are shorn of their strength the conditions are ripe for deliverance.

America has become a spectacle among

Most concerning in this critical hour is our seeming inability to rise above comfort orientation, relentless distraction, and an instinctual reliance on programs—all of which war against our stated goal of spiritual awakening. It seems we are willing to prepare the way of the Lord, so long as we don’t have to break stride. movements in Wales (Ffald-y-Brenin Retreat Center), Northern Ireland (Nutts Corner Markets), Scandinavia, France, Holland (Rotterdam), Germany, Macedonia, and the multi-nation Boiler Room network for 24/7 prayer.

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CU: Do you see any signs of a revival or

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another great awakening in the United States? If so, why are you hopeful? If not, what will it take to turn it around?

GO: Although a number of Christian voices have either called for or prophesied a fresh great awakening in America, I just don’t see it. Not now, and not tomorrow.

I realize this will likely ruffle some feathers and open me up to charges of being a faithless pessimist, but I think most people will calm down once they hear me out.

For starters, I am not saying America will not see revival in the coming days —

the nations in a manner reminiscent of Israel’s days of wandering and judgment.

As we sink into deeper confusion, coarser incivility, and rationalized indulgence, who is to say we have not already crossed a divine “red line?” I may be wrong, but with every passing day I find it easier to imagine my own nation in the angel’s fateful cry in Revelation 18. This is not easy to hear.

With our godly roots, and with mission laborers and resources still flowing from our shores, there is an inclination to think − or at least hope − these words might be descriptive of another place or time. But we cannot afford to live in our rationalizations.

Most concerning in this critical hour is our seeming inability to rise above comfort orientation, relentless distraction, and an instinctual reliance on programs—all of which war against our stated goal of spiritual awakening. It seems we are willing

to prepare the way of the Lord, so long as we don’t have to break stride. But the very nature of revival precludes it from being welcomed by a people at leisure. If there is one cause for optimism in our broken society that singer-songwriter Bob Dylan once called “Desolation Row,” it is that believers are starting to question their responsibilities with renewed urgency.

CU: What are a couple of your favorite

scriptures that speak of the need for prayer when it comes to revival?

GO: There are so many! The explicitness

of 2 Chronicles 7:14 is hard to ignore, but this familiar verse has plenty of company when it comes to passages linking prayer with revival. We can start with Matthew 6, where Jesus instructed His disciples to pray that God’s kingdom would be manifest on earth as it is in heaven. In other words, we don’t need to coexist with dysfunctional human systems when we have been given license to petition the Father for a heavenly upgrade! In this same vein, Ezekiel 36:37 uses vivid transformational language in describing God’s desire to shower His people with deliverance and prosperity if they will but ask: “Once again I will yield to Israel’s plea and do this for them...” (NIV) Another passage that springs to mind is Isaiah 62:6-7. Here God invites His people to petition for change, and then admonishes them to pray until they prevail.

“You who call on the lord, give yourselves no rest, and give him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth.” Hosea likewise speaks of pressing into God and promises a certain response to those who do. “Let us acknowledge the lord; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the spring rains that water the earth.” | cu

Christian Union Day and Night

Movement Inspires Believers Nationwide to Seek the Lord by tom campisi, managing editor

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participants to be steadfast in their pursuit of Christ. Bennett said seeking the Lord in this manner helps participants receive a blessing from the Lord that could include fillings of the Spirit, encouragement, and boldness to witness.

The power that comes from regular fasting is also emphasized as crucial by Christian Union Day and Night.

“In the first century church, Christians fasted Wednesdays and Fridays, and many throughout history have committed to regular fasting—but it’s nearly forgotten in the Western church. It’s part of the reason why we don’t have spiritual power.”

Christian Union Day and Night’s next initiative is its 21Day Fast for Cultural Revolution Photo credit: Lightstock on August 13 through September 2. Christians across America will pray that • Spend 30 minutes every morning and God will transform seven important sectors every evening reading the Bible and of society for His glory: Arts & Entertainpraying (Luke 18:1-8). ment, Business, Education, Family, Gov• Consciously repent of all known sin and ernment, Media, and the Church. put away everything that may hinder The movement’s Web site includes fastdevotion to Christ (Hebrews 12:1,2). ing resources, and videos from the Welsh • Seek God in the morning for the thing Revival of 1904/05 and the Asbury College the Holy Spirit most desires to do, write Revival of 1970, in addition to a Theoloit down, and follow up that day (Psalm gy of Revival based on the writings of 143:10).

Jonathan Edwards. Of course, there are • Share Christ every day and speak about plenty of Scriptures that talk about prayer Christ publicly (Acts 1:8). and seeking God. Bennett said Psalm 105:4 • (For groups) Meet once a week for enis one of his favorites: “Seek the Lord and couragement and accountability (in-perhis strength; seek his presence continually!” son, Skype, or conference call) and stay “Continually,” as in day and night. | cu in touch during the week (Hebrews 10:24-27).

For more information on Christian Union Christian Union Day and Night also Day and Night or to sign up for the 21-Day reinforced these practices with daily video Fast for Cultural Revolution, visit www. devotions and blog posts that inspired dayandnight.org. mobilizes Christians to pray fervently for sweeping spiritual transformation in America. Second, every 8-12 weeks, Day and Night coordinates a movement to mobilize believers and promote revival.

For the Great Experiment, held during the 31 days of May, individual participants and small groups committed to:

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n May, Christian Union Day and Night hosted The Great Experiment for over 2,000 Christians across the nation. This experiment was built on a hypothesis proven in revivals and awakenings past—that when Christians seek God in extraordinary ways, sweeping transformation is possible.

Matt Bennett, founder and CEO of Christian Union, was encouraged to see a great response and hear testimonies of how believers went deeper in their prayer lives, were strengthened spiritually, and shared the Good News of Jesus Christ.

One participant said, “Thank you for encouraging us to pray for our community, region, and country during this month. I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit giving courage to speak out, pray with greater faith, and witness God’s supernatural interventions.”

This kind of spiritual vitality is what Bennett had in mind when Christian Union Day and Night was launched two years ago.

“There are many Christians across the United States who desire to be strengthened in a group or community and encouraged to seek the Lord wholeheartedly,” he said.

“Christian Union Day and Night is a means to help challenge people, take them to a greater level with the Lord, and lay out possibilities for them. We put forth revivals in American history and the current spiritual fervor of the international church as models and as inspiration for us.”

“We desire, by God’s grace, to see many more Christians walk with Jesus Christ, love Him, and serve Him.” Christian Union Day and Night consists of two parallel initiatives. First, it

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Prayer that Brought Revival by dr. j. edwin orr

Editor’s note: The following article, by the late scholar and preacher of revival Dr. J. Edwin Orr (1912-1987), was reprinted from www.jedwinorr.com.

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r. A. T. Pierson once said, “There has never been a spiritual awakening in any country or locality that did not begin in united prayer.” Let me recount what God has done through concerted, united, sustained prayer.

Not many people realize that in the wake of the American Revolution (following 1776-1781) there was a moral slump. Drunkenness became epidemic.

Out of a population of five million, 300,000 were confirmed drunkards; Profanity was of the most shocking kind.

For the first time in the history of the American settlement, women were afraid to go out at night for fear of assault. Bank robberies were a daily occurrence.

What about the churches? The Methodists were losing more members than they were gaining. The Baptists said that they had their

pal Bishop of New York, Bishop Samuel Provost, quit functioning; he had confirmed no one for so long that he decided he was out of work, so he took up other employment.

The Chief Justice of the United States, John Marshall, wrote to the Bishop of Virginia, James Madison, that the Church “was too far gone ever to be redeemed.” Voltaire averred and Tom Paine echoed, “Christianity will be forgotten in thirty years.”

Take the liberal arts colleges at that time. A poll taken at Har vard had discovered not one believer in the whole student body. Dr. J. Edwin Orr They took a poll at Princeton, a much more evangelical place, where they discovered only two believers in the student body, and only five that did not belong to the filthy speech movement of that day.

Students rioted. They held a mock communion at Williams College, and they put on anti-Christian plays at Dartmouth.

How did the situation change?

There was a Scottish Presbyterian minister in Edinburgh named John Erskine, who published a Memorial (as he called it) pleading with the people of Scotland and elsewhere to unite in prayer for the revival of religion. He sent one copy of this little book to Jonathan Edwards in New England.

The great theologian was so moved that he wrote a response which grew longer than a letter, so that finally he published it as a book entitled A Humble Attempt to Promote Explicit Agreement and Visible Union of all God’s People in Extraordinary Prayer for the Revival of Religion and the Advancement of Christ’s Kingdom on Earth, pursuant to Scripture Promises and Prophecies... Is not this what is missing so much from all our evangelistic efforts: explicit agreement, visible unity, unusual prayer?

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All the churches adopted the plan until America, like Britain, was interlaced with a network of prayer meetings, which were held on the first Monday of the month. It was not long before revival came. most wintry season. The Presbyterians in general assembly deplored the nation’s ungodliness. In a typical Congregational church, the Rev. Samuel Shepherd of Lennos, Massachusetts, in sixteen years had not taken one young person into fellowship. The Lutherans were so languishing that they discussed uniting with Episcopalians, who were even worse off. The Protestant Episco-

They burned down Nassau Hall at Princeton. They forced the resignation of the president of Harvard. They took a Bible out of a local Presbyterian church in New Jersey, and they burnt it in a public bonfire. Christians were so few on campus in the 1790’s that they met in secret, like a communist cell, and kept their minutes in code so that no one would know.

This movement had started in Britain through William Carey, Andrew Fuller, and John Sutcliffe and other leaders who began what the British called the Union of Prayer. Hence, the year after John Wesley died (1791), the second great awakening began and swept Great Britain.

In New England, there was a man of prayer named Isaac Backus, a Baptist pastor, who in 1794, when conditions were at their worst, addressed an urgent plea for prayer for revival to pastors of every Christian denomination in the United States. Churches knew that their backs were to the wall. All the churches adopted the plan until America, like Britain, was interlaced with a network of prayer

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ed to meet every day for prayer. By late the whole modern missionary movement and meetings, which were held on the first winter they were filling the Dutch Reits societies. Out of it came the abolition of Monday of the month. It was not long formed Church, then the Methodist slavery, popular education, Bible Societies, before revival came.

Church on John Street, then Trinity EpisSunday Schools, and many social benefits When the revival reached the frontier copal Church on Broadway at Wall Street. accompanying the evangelistic drive. in Kentucky, it encountered a wild and irIn February and March of 1858, every religious people. Congress had discovered church and public hall in downtown New that in Kentucky there had not been more 1858-1860 York was filled. than one court of justice held in five years.

Following the second great awakening, Horace Greeley, the famous editor, sent Peter Cartwright, a Methodist evangelist, which began in 1792 just after the death of a reporter with horse and buggy racing round wrote that when his father had settled in John Wesley and continued into the turn the prayer meetings to see how many men Logan County, it was known as “Rogue’s of the century, conditions again deteriorated. were praying. In one hour Harbour.” The decent peohe could get to only twelve ple in Kentucky formed meetings, but he counted regiments of vigilantes to 6,100 men attending. Then fight for law and order, a landslide of prayer began, then fought a pitched batwhich overflowed to the tle with outlaws and lost. churches in the evenings.

There was a ScotchPeople began to be conIrish Presbyterian minister verted, ten thousand a week named James McGready in New York City alone. whose chief claim to fame The movement spread was that he was so ugly that throughout New England, he attracted attention. the church bells bringing McGready, who settled in people to prayer at eight in Logan County, was the the morning, twelve noon, pastor of three little and six in the evening. The churches. He wrote in his Photo credit: Bolton Library & Museum Services, Bolton Council revival raced up the Hudson diary that the winter of George Whitefield Preaching in Bolton, June 1750 (painting by Thomas Walley) and down the Mohawk, 1799, for the most part, where the Baptists, for was “weeping and mournexample, had so many people to baptize that ing with the people of God.” Lawlessness This is illustrated from the United States. they went down to the river, cut a big hole prevailed everywhere.

The country was seriously divided over the in the ice, and baptized them in the cold McGready was such a man of prayer that issue of slavery, and second, people were water. When Baptists do that they are really not only did he promote the concert of prayer making money lavishly. on fire! every first Monday of the month, but he got In September 1857, a man of prayer, When the revival reached Chicago, a his people to pray for him at sunset on Jeremiah Lanphier, started a businessmen’s young shoe salesman went to the Saturday evening and sunrise Sunday prayer meeting in the upper room of the superintendent of the Plymouth morning. Then, in the summer of 1800, came Dutch Reformed Church Consistory Congregational Church and asked if he the great Kentucky revival. Eleven thousand Building in Manhattan. In response to his might teach Sunday School. The superinpeople came to a communion service. advertisement, only six people out of a tendent said, “I am sorry, young fellow. I McGready hollered for help, regardless of population of a million showed up. But have sixteen teachers too many, but I will denomination. the following week there were fourteen, put you on the waiting list.”

Out of that second great awakening, came and then twenty-three when it was decid-

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feature section | prayer & revival fire

The young man insisted, “I want to do something just now.” “Well, start a class.”

“How do I start a class?” “Get some boys off the street, but don’t bring them here.

Take them out into the country and after a month you will have control of them, so bring them in. They will be your class.” He took them to a beach on Lake Michigan and he taught them Bible verses and Bible

1904-1905 The Fulton Street Revival lasted for a generation, but at the turn of the century there was need of awakening again. A general movement of prayer began, with special prayer meetings at Moody Bible Institute, at Keswick Conventions in England, and places as far apart as Melbourne, Wonsan in Korea, and the Nilgiri Hills of

Evan Roberts told his fellow members, “I have a message for you from God.” “You must confess any known sin to God and put any wrong done to others right.

Second, you must put away any doubtful habit.

Third, you must obey the Spirit promptly.

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Finally, you must confess your faith in Christ publicly.”

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games. Then he took them to the Plymouth Congregational Church. The name of that young man was Dwight Lyman Moody, and that was the beginning of a ministry that lasted forty years.

Trinity Episcopal Church in Chicago had 121 members in 1857 and 1,400 in 1860. That was typical of the churches.

More than a million people were converted to God in one year out of a population of thirty million. Then that same revival jumped the Atlantic, appeared in Ulster, Scotland, and Wales, then England, parts of Europe, South Africa, and South India, anywhere there was an evangelical cause.

It sent mission pioneers to many countries.

Effects were felt for forty years. Having begun in a movement of prayer, it was sustained by a movement of prayer.

India. All around the world, believers were praying that there might be another great awakening in the twentieth century.

In the revival of 1905, I read of a young man who became a famous professor, Kenneth Scott Latourette. He reported that, at Yale in 1905, 25 percent of the student body was enrolled in prayer meetings and in Bible study. As far as churches were concerned, the ministers of Atlantic City reported that, of a population of fifty thousand, there were only fifty adults left unconverted. Take Portland in Oregon: two hundred and forty major stores closed from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day to enable people to attend prayer meetings, signing an agreement so that no one would cheat and stay open. Take First Baptist Church of Paducah in Kentucky: the pastor, an old man, Dr J. J. Cheek, took a thousand members in two months and died of over-

work, the Southern Baptists saying, “a glorious ending to a devoted ministry.”

That is what was happening in the United States in 1905. But how did it begin?

Most people have heard of the Welsh Revival, which started in 1904. It began as a movement of prayer. Seth Joshua, the Presbyterian evangelist, came to Newcastle Emlyn College where a former coal miner, Evan Roberts, was studying for the ministry. The students were so moved that they asked if they could attend Joshua’s next campaign nearby. So they cancelled classes to go to Blaenanerch where Seth Joshua prayed publicly, “O God, bend us.” Roberts, 26, went forward where he prayed with great agony, “O God, bend me.” Upon his return, he could not concentrate on his studies. He went to the principal of his college and explained, “I keep hearing a voice that tells me I must go home and speak to our young people in my home church. Principal Phillips, is that the voice of the devil or the voice of the Spirit?”

Principal Phillips answered wisely, “The devil never gives orders like that. You can have a week off.” So, he went back home to Loughor and announced to the pastor, “I’ve come to preach.” The pastor was not at all convinced, but asked, “How about speaking at the prayer meeting on Monday?” He did not even let him speak to the prayer meeting, but told the praying people, “Our young brother, Evan Roberts, feels he has a message for you if you care to wait.” Seventeen people waited behind and were impressed with the directness of the young man’s words. Evan Roberts told his fellow members, “I have a message for you from God.” “You must confess any known sin to God and put any wrong done to others right.

Second, you must put away any doubtful habit.

Third, you must obey the Spirit promptly.

games. Since the revival started there is pracover Wales, in five months there being a tically no crime. So we just go with the hundred thousand people converted crowds.” throughout the country. Five years later, A councilor asked, “What does that Dr. J. V. Morgan wrote a book to debunk By ten o’clock, all seventeen had remean?” The sergeant replied, “You know the revival, his main criticism being that, sponded. The pastor was so pleased that where the crowds are. They are packing out of a hundred thousand the churches.” “But how does that affect joining the churches in the police?” He was told, “We have 17 pofive months of excitelice in our station, but we have three quarment, after five years, tets, and if any church wants a quartet to only seventy-five thousing, they simply call the police station.” sand still stood in the As the revival swept Wales, drunkenness membership of those was cut in half. There was a wave of churches! bankruptcies, but nearly all taverns. There The social impact was even a slowdown in the mines, for so was astounding. For many Welsh coal miners were converted example, judges were and stopped using bad language that the presented with white horses that dragged the coal trucks in the gloves, not a case to try; mines could not understand what was being n o ro b b e r i e s , n o said to them. That revival also affected sexual burglaries, no rapes, no A flyer from the 1857 Fulton Street Revival started by Jeremiah moral standards. I had discovered through m u rd e r s , a n d n o Lanphier in New York City. the figures given by British government embezzlements, experts, that in Radnorshire and Merionethnothing. District shire the illegitimate birth rate had dropped councils held emergency meetings to discuss he asked, “How about your speaking at 44 percent within a year of the beginning what to do with the police now that they the mission service tomorrow night? Midof the revival. were unemployed. In one place, the sergeant week service Wednesday night?” He The revival swept Britain, Scandinavia, of police was sent for and asked, “What do preached all week, and was asked to stay Germany, North America, Australasia, Africa, you do with your time?” He replied, “Before another week. Then the break came. SudBrazil, Mexico, and Chile. As always, it began the revival, we had two main jobs, to prevent denly, the dull ecclesiastical columns in through a movement of prayer. | cu crime and to control crowds, as at football the Welsh papers changed: “Great crowds of people drawn to Loughor.” The main road between Llanelly and Swansea, on which the church was situated, was packed .................................................................. with people trying to get in. Shopkeepers closed early to find a place in the big church.

Now the news was out. A reporter was sent down and he described vividly what he saw: a strange meeting which closed at 4:25 in the morning, and even then people did not seem willing to go home. There was a very British summary: “I felt that this was no ordinary gathering.” Next day, every grocery Twitter.com/ChristianUnion shop in that industrial valley was emptied of groceries by people attending the meetings, and on Sunday, every church was filled.

The movement went like a tidal wave Facebook.com/Christian.Union Finally, you must confess your faith in Christ publicly.”

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Christian Union’s Social Media Links:

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photo credit: david navedah

from the university to the city

Leadership Development

By God’s grace, Christian Union is developing bold Christian leaders at

chris tian

the most strategic and profoundly influential universities in America. These students

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enjoy rigorous Bible courses, personal mentoring, coaching, the leadership lecture

universities

series and other events, and engaging outreach. As these students assume roles of

updat e

influence, they will be prepared to engage culture in a powerful way. This is at the

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heart of Christian Union’s work at Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, Penn, Princeton, and Yale. chris tian

as these students graduate, christian union’s ministry to its alumni and

1800s. Pray that God will bring similar change to the U.S. as new networks of leaders emerge and engage today’s culture.

Christian Union Ministry Fellow Carrie Jussely (center) with Cornell students (left to right) Faith Slaughter ’20, Brooke Lindsey ’21, Kiersten Sandreuter ’18, Iyaniwura Olarewaju ’20, and Sophie Matsumoto ’21

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change to England through William Wilberforce and the Clapham Circle in the early

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their impact will be multiplied. This model was used by the Lord to bring sweeping

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networks of young professionals in key cultural centers, starting in New York City,

cities

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their peers—Christian Union Cities—will help them take the next step. By developing

union

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The Lion and the Lynx Camille Zimmerman ’18 Enjoys WNBA Tryout by catherine elvy, staff writer

Camille Zimmerman recently experienced a taste of basketball stardom when the Columbia University forward participated in pre-season training camp with the Minnesota Lynx, the reigning champions of the Women’s National Basketball Association.

“I was lucky even to get an invite,” Zimmerman said.

Though the Lynx, a team with a deep roster of very talented players, waived Zimmerman in the twilight of training camp, Columbia’s sensation described her stint in pre-season as “a really cool experience.”

When Zimmerman signed on with the Lynx as an unrestricted free agent on April 17, she kept an even perspective.

“For me, basketball is a way to glorify God,” said Zimmerman, who participated in Christian Union’s ministry at Columbia as an assistant leader in a Bible course catering to female basketball players.

Since 2016, Christian Union ministry fellows have also offered pregame devotionals to women on Columbia’s basketball team before home games. In turn, team participation in Bible courses spiked, in part, as a reflection of Zimmerman’s influence on her peers.

The 6-foot, 1-inch forward finished her basketball career fourth in all-time Ivy League scoring with 1,973 points. In her senior season, she averaged 19.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 3.3 assists. The four-year starter left Columbia as its all-time leader in scoring, rebounding, and games played. As well, Zimmerman was the second player in program history to earn multiple All-Ivy First Team honors.

Upon graduation, Zimmerman stressed her

“For me, basketball is a way to glorify God.”

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—Camille Zimmerman, Columbia ’18

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Camille Zimmerman ’18 finished her collegiate basketball career at Columbia as the fourth leading scorer in Ivy League history with 1,973 points.

desire for her fellow Lions to stay strong in their faith and involvement in Christian Union at Columbia.

“I want to make sure it’s something that continues,” Zimmerman said.

As for her basketball career, Zimmerman remains optimistic about her prospects for heading abroad soon with a professional contract.

In reflecting upon recent ups and downs, Zimmerman expressed profound gratitude for the invite to a WNBA camp, a monumental achievement and one that provided immense experience.

At Columbia, Zimmerman’s talent and relentless

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they are, and accepting people where they are,” said Ligh.

As Zimmerman looks ahead to a likely stint abroad for more basketball action, Ligh remains a huge fan. “Camille can do anything well that she puts her mind to,” said Ligh.

Columbia Coach Megan Griffith ’07 expressed similar sentiments.

Zimmerman’s “love for the game will continue to take her [far],” she said.

For Zimmerman, basketball success simply leads to higher victories, ones that provide opportunities to reflect the immeasurable radiance of her Lord and Savior.

“For me, doing really well is glorifying God,” she said. | cu

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work ethic earned her celebrity status on campus.

Despite phenomenal athleticism, however, Christian Union Ministry Fellow Ava Ligh noted Zimmerman most stood out during her Columbia tenure for her vibrant faith testimony.

Teammates often attended Bible courses and participated in pregame devotionals because of Zimmerman’s remarkable social capital. “They came because they respected her and trusted her implicitly,” said Ligh, Columbia ’99.

Zimmerman’s talents, coupled with her character, scored tangible admiration on the court and campus. “People just listened. She is kind, gentle, and funny,” said Ligh. “It’s hard not to love Camille.”

More importantly, Zimmerman wholeheartedly desired to see her Columbia teammates become disciples of Christ. “She really understood the importance of showing grace, meeting people where

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Minister of Music Fellowship Will Enable Lind ’18 to Record Album by catherine elvy, staff writer

A Princeton University senior recently landed a prestigious fellowship that will allow the musician to record an album of songs inspired by his service to hospice patients.

In April, David Lind ’18 received a Martin A. Dale ’53 Fellowship for a yearlong project that includes a recording session in Nashville.

“I’ve always loved music,” said Lind, who was active in Christian Union’s ministry at Princeton.

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David Lind ’18 recently landed a prestigious fellowship that will allow him to record an album of songs inspired by his service to hospice patients.

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The fellowship provides $35,000 for a senior to spend a year following graduation on an “independent project of extraordinary merit that will widen the recipient’s experience of the world and significantly enhance the recipient’s growth and intellectual development.”

Lind, a philosophy major who also earned a certificate in cognitive science, envisions an album with stories and reflections from his experiences as a volunteer with hospice. His project, entitled Surviving Death: Songs from Hospice, will reflect the art of storytelling at the heart of folk music.

“Some of the songs will be in the third-person, narrating a particular event or memory from a patient’s life—a specific hardship, adventure, or achievement,” Lind wrote in his proposal. “Others will be more personal, centering on my own reflections on life and the dying process—the value of medicine, the shortness of life, the transformation of our values.”

Beyond his fellowship, Lind is considering medical or graduate school and is mulling options to incorporate his twin passions of music and mental health into his overall vocational masterplan. One strategy may involve attending Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, where some medical students and scholars are known to be involved in the music industry.

While at Princeton, Lind played guitar for worship times on behalf of Christian Union’s campus ministry. In February, he spoke as part of the ministry’s META initiative, a lecture series which aims to foster conversations on Christianity and culture.

James Fields, Christian Union’s ministry director at Princeton, called Lind a “forerunner in understanding how the Gospel relates to our surrounding culture.”

Lind’s META presentation probed the meaning and importance of pop music in culture. The Phoenix native, who has been writing and performing since his youth, said he simply tries to serve where needed.

Lind also credited Christian Union for providing the mentorship that inspired many of his notable efforts. Ministry Fellow Kevin Antlitz met with him on a weekly basis, and Christian Union provided a tight-knit Christian community.

Likewise, Fields lauded Lind for his “heart to serve others with his gifts, talents, and abilities.”

“His heart and passion are centered on Jesus and serving Him through his love and commitment toward others,” Fields said.

Also during his years at Princeton, Lind performed as the frontman for Valley Academy, an

music provided therapeutic reprieve. Additionally, “many of my best memories are tied to music,” Lind said.

When Lind enters recording studios in the fall he will not arrive as a novice. In 2016, he recorded a debut solo album entitled I Don’t Know. In fall 2017, Lind returned to Nashville to record the singles Flood and Garden. During a semester at the

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University of Oxford in spring 2017, he appeared regularly across the area’s vibrant, historic pub circuit.

As he prepares for his musical adventures in Nashville, Lind is deeply grateful for the hospice patients who shared their powerful life lessons and determined to rely on his faith in Jesus Christ.

“My music is faith-saturated,” Lind said. | cu

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alternative rock band that won Princeton’s first Battle of the Bands in spring 2015. The group opened at Lawnparties for the Grammy-nominated artist Big Sean.

As for the near term, Lind plans to spend part of the summer writing the dozen or so songs for his project from a cabin in Northern Arizona. In the autumn, he will relocate to Nashville, where he will record songs and coordinate with a promotional team in preparation for a spring tour.

During his undergraduate studies, Lind served as a project leader with the Pace Center for Civic Engagement for Ascend Hospice and Princeton Music Outreach.

As part of an effort to establish personal connections between students and patients, Lind coordinated student volunteers and drivers for ongoing visits, and also staged regular musical performances at nursing homes.

During summer 2017, Lind interned at CanSupport, a nonprofit hospice in India, via Princeton’s International Internship Program. In summer 2016, he interned with the Siloam Family Health Center, a Christian medical center for refugees in Nashville, via the Princeton Internships in Civic Service program.

“Over the years, I’ve documented these stories and experiences, noting particular memories and conversations, as well as my own reflections on life, death, and dying,” Lind wrote in his proposal to Princeton.

During challenging times within his own family,

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Fear Not Scripture Keeps Hegefeld ’20 Rooted

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by tom campisi, managing editor

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“Several students spoke to me afterwards and Haley Hegefeld made a bold decision at said that they really struggled with anxiety and fear the beginning of 2018. and were so grateful that she shared what she did,” A leader with Christian Union’s minshe said. “They particularly appreciated that she took istry at Yale, she proclaimed that this would be “The the initiative to work on this issue in a very practiYear of No Fear.” By God’s grace, Hegefeld ’20 has cal way, instead of waiting or wishing it would go indeed been walking more in faith, and less in fear. away on its own.”

She recently reflected on an academic year of spirA psychology major who itual growth that included hails from Austin, Texas, being a key member of Hegefeld wants to work as a Christian Union’s Rooted therapist for adolescents strugleadership lecture series and gling with anxiety, depression, culminated with being bapand other mental illnesses. She tized this spring. wants to dedicate her career “For many years, I strugto helping mental illness be gled with anxiety; not debil“addressed and understood.” itating fears, but annoying In the summer, Hegefeld is ones,” she said. “Nonetheless, doing research work at the I found that I avoided many Yale Clinical Affective Neuactivities, from playing sports roscience & Development and telling people when they (CAND) Lab, which studies were upsetting me, to getting how the brain develops over a new haircut. I felt convicttime, and how early-life traued at the beginning of this ma and anxiety affect this year to try and remove fear’s development. The CANDLab grip on my life. I was tired of also seeks to devise and test it telling me what I could and Haley Hegefeld ’20 is a leader with Christian strategies that clinicians can could not do.”

Union’s ministry at Yale University. implement when working Instead, Hegefeld obeyed with their patients. the Bible’s exhortation to Hegefeld called being a leader at Rooted this “fear not,” and took solace in Scriptures like John past year “wonderful, yet challenging.” She enjoyed 1:5, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkthe process of meeting, brainstorming, and collabness has not overcome it.” orating, as the team sought to present topics ideal“This verse is a beautiful depiction of the conflict ly suited to challenge Yale students. In the spring, between succumbing to fear and trusting God—you Rooted hosted a semester-long series on the “Idols may feel the fear or darkness pressing in, but the of Yale.” hope you have in the Lord shines into that, and fear One of the most compelling lectures of the secannot overcome it,” she said. mester, according to Hegefeld, came when Leon In the spring semester, Hegefeld shared a testiPowell, project manager for the Yale Center for Faith mony about overcoming fear at Rooted. Jane Henand Culture, spoke to the students about the imdrickson, a Christian Union ministry fellow at Yale, portance of observing the Sabbath. was impressed with how students resonated with “All Ivy League students know the intense presthe topic.

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in God well over five years ago, I was always fearful sure to work continuously, even though God comof being baptized. It seemed like such a big commands us to take a break to rest in Him,” she said. mitment,” she said. “Once again, fear was holding “Leon urged us truly to take the Sabbath off from me back from placing my life completely into the work, to resist the temptation to check our e-mails Lord’s hands.” or reply to group messages from our student organizations. After the lecture, I could feel the conviction in the room from my fellow students, and I felt like he had really gotten through to some people.

Those are the moments that you really cherish.”

Being part of the Rooted team with Christian Union has been a blessing for Hegefeld, who appreciates the leadership training, Bible courses, and seeking God emphasis of the ministry.

“Christian Union has taught me to look continually to Christ as the model of a leader,” she said.

“He put others before Himself, loved and listened to them, taught them, and served them. A leader needs to focus on people. Christian Union at Yale’s motto really sums it up for me: ‘Seek God, love Hegefeld, however, stepped out in faith and inothers, lead humbly.’” vited close friends—Christians and non-Christians— Reaching out and ministering to others is a to witness the ceremony on a beach in New Haven. strength for Hegefeld, according to Hendrickson.

Pastor Josh Williams, of Elm City Vineyard Church, A well-rounded student, she is also a member of the presided over the baptism.

Groove Dance Company and serves as the organization’s treasurer.

“Haley’s extremely “Christian Union has taught me to look continually to Christ likeable because she’s so relatable to all kinds of as the model of a leader. He put others before Himself, loved people and genuinely kind. and listened to them, taught them, and served them. A leader She has a deep faith, but needs to focus on people. Christian Union at Yale’s motto really it’s totally unpretentious, and she’s honest about sums it up for me: ‘Seek God, love others, lead humbly.’” where she has doubts and “I will never forget walking into the ocean with what aspects of biblical teaching are hard for her to the pastor of my church, only to be dunked and accept,” Hendrickson said. “Haley makes people feel raised back to new life,” she said. “It was a moment welcome. She’s a great team player and a joy to work of surrender, freedom, and victory.” | cu alongside, both for me as a ministry faculty member as well as for her co-leaders the last two years.”

As the spring semester ended, Hegefeld’s decision to be water baptized neatly fit into her “Year of No Fear.”

“Although I made the decision to put my faith

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The Abundant Life and Greek Life Christian Union Students Serve in Sorority, Fraternity by francine barchett, cornell

’20

In February, a Cornell fraternity made national headlines for a disturbing hazing incident that awarded points for sexual activity and simultaneously degraded women.

Negative press on fraternity and sorority culture is hardly a Cornell-specific phenomenon. It reinforces a long-enduring sentiment that Greek life and high ethical standards are mutually exclusive. However, for Alanna Staffin ’18, David Navadeh ’19, and Chris Arce ’19, that perception is far from the complete

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Alanna Staffin ’18

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David Navedah ’19

picture. They maintain that fraternity life has not drowned their Christian faith; it has grown it.

All three students have served as leaders with Christian Union at Cornell. And Christian Union calls leaders to be bold in their faith, seeking to impact the campus by reaching students from a wide range of spheres of influence.

Staffin serves as student chaplain of Alpha Zeta, a co-ed agricultural fraternity. Though she was originally drawn to the organization because of its members’ common agricultural interests, she soon realized that her membership could be a means of shining

God’s light in an otherwise secular community.

“There are definitely times when I feel alone as one of the only Christians in my house, but I also have such an opportunity to create positive change,” said Staffin, who served as a Bible course leader with Christian Union.

Navedeh and Arce are members of Beta Theta Pi, a social fraternity whose vision is to develop “men of principle.” Both were influenced to join after Christian brothers they knew became involved, but their true motivation had even deeper roots. “In high school, I specifically dedicated my college career to Christ, so any of my activities had to be glorifying to Him,” Navadeh said.

Arce pledged because he agreed with the fraternity’s principles and openness to his Christian call of pursuing social justice.

Since embracing Greek life three years ago, Staffin, Navadeh, and Arce have been pleasantly surprised by opportunities to demonstrate and share their faith. As house chaplain, Staffin’s official duties consist of praying and reading Scripture for events. She expanded her job to become her house’s “go-to” spiritual mentor and drove interested members to church. “It has been rewarding watching my house move towards a more loving and caring environment the last couple years,” Staffin notes, recalling her and others’ efforts.

Within Beta Theta Pi, Navadeh and Arce have not only been able to facilitate weekly Bible studies, but also lead meaningful conversations with non-believers on topics of faith. Now, as the rising chapter president, Navadeh hopes to use his term to reassert the fraternity’s social values while preventing Christian brothers from feeling compelled to compromise their convictions. Arce, the service icon of the fraternity, witnessed an outpouring of support from

his brothers throughout his endeavors for traditionally marginalized communities. He maintains that “for a campus full of people passionate about social justice, the understanding that God cares deeply about social justice is so important if we hope to engage and love other communities.”

Neither Staffin, Navadeh, or Arce contend that Greek life is the best or easiest environment for believers. Instead, they demonstrate that it is possible to use the Greek system’s strengths and weaknesses as a platform for Christ—so long as students think critically and pray through how their faith can play a part in it. That involves consulting trusted Christian upperclassmen, like Navedeh and Arce did beforehand, and recognizing that not all fraternities and sororities adhere to the same level of ethics.

For those on the fence about joining the Greek system, Arce recommends reflecting on 1 Corinthians 9:19, which states, “Though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all.”

Since embracing Greek life three years ago, Staffin, Navadeh, and Arce have been pleasantly surprised by opportunities to demonstrate and share their faith.

And all three students are committed to serving their fellow brothers and sisters in Greek life, seeking the Lord, and seeking to change the status quo. | cu

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Indelible Imprints Bryan ’19 Is Inspired by Parents’ Missionary Zeal by catherine elvy, staff writer

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flourished since arriving at Harvard.

“I try to live a life that is characterized by joy— joy in creation, joy in God’s grace, and joy in God’s transforming power over my life,” said Bryan. “That is really only found in who I am in Christ.”

At Harvard, Bryan strives to avoid the natural collegiate tendencies to seek identity in grades, sports, career, or earnings potential. “We are defined by who we are in Christ,” said Bryan. “All that matters is serving Him.” The economics major has “grown immensely in faith, and this is evident in his consistent availability toward anyone who may need him,” said Jon Yeager, a Christian Union ministry fellow. “He is one of the few students to protect his schedule from being overly consumed, purposely, in order to be ready and available for peer ministry.”

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While watching his parents serve as missionaries in Ethiopia, a Harvard College student enjoyed a front-row view of the powerful roles of Christian purpose and dedication.

“This idea of serving and sacrificing was always shown in a clear and humble way,” said Cooper Bryan.

Bryan ’19 highlighted the significance of spiritual fervor when he shared his testimony with students involved in Christian Union’s ministry at Harvard.

In Bryan’s case, a lifetime of exposure to vibrant Christians serving amid challenging conditions in the rugged, but breathtaking Ethiopian countryside provided the foundation for a tangibly dynamic faith.

Likewise, Bryan also spotlighted the contagious cheerfulness that readily characterizes his adventurous life and the remarkable ways his spirituality has

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Bryan and ignited a passion eventually to return to his beloved Ethiopia in a professional capacity. However, he is unsure of the specific career path that will call him back to the African continent.

One thing is certain, namely Bryan’s deep attachment to the people of Eastern Africa. He has sorely missed the relational nature of the region’s diverse communities, especially how Africans cherish social commitments and hospitality. As a bonus, Ethiopia is touted for its wondrous landscape and wildlife.

More importantly, Bryan has made it a point of owning his faith since arriving at Harvard. Likewise, he credits mentoring from Christian Union’s ministry at Harvard for expanding his relationship with his Savior and providing a vibrant Christian community.

Bryan serves as a leader for Harvard College Faith and Action’s Seeking God Team and as an assistant Bible course leader. Notably, Cooper’s older brother, Jack Bryan ’18, served as a team leader for Christian Union’s Cooper Bryan ’19, pictured here with his brothers Cy (left) and Jack (right), ministry at Princeton University. The brothgrew up in a missionary community in Ethiopia. ers attended Bingham Academy, an international Christian school in Ethiopia, while youngest brother, Cy Bryan, is enrolled in an Illinois high school. another country,” Bryan said. “Mission was central.”

All three brothers have performed stints as counLikewise, within his family, Christ was the focus selors with Camp Langano during breaks. The of virtually every activity, even sibling basketball SIM-affiliated sports camp is located next to Lake games. Bryan’s father, Steve Bryan, who now serves Langano, about 100 miles south of Addis Ababa. as a professor of New Testament theology, provided In addition, the Bryan brothers are quite athlethis sons with a deep biblical framework. ic. Cooper Bryan is a member of the Harvard ColToday, Cambridge-educated Steve Bryan is a lege Running Club and serves as an intramural faculty member at Trinity Evangelical Divinity referee for Harvard’s Winthrop House, while Jack School in Deerfield, Illinois. In 2016, the Bryans Bryan is a member of Princeton’s Rugby Football returned to the United States after spending 23 years Club. Cy Bryan plays varsity basketball. in Africa, where Steve Bryan’s duties included diStill, Cooper Bryan points to the Savior he emrecting SIM Ethiopia. braced as a child as his core driving force. “It’s been Originally known as the Sudan Interior Mission, a daily decision to walk with God since I was old SIM dates back to 1893 and currently oversees 4,000enough to be cognizant,” he said. “I love Jesus a lot.” plus ministers and staff who labor in 70-plus countries.

Ultimately, Christ calls believers to carry out the Throughout his childhood, Bryan closely watched Great Commission, whether in their homelands or as missionaries sacrificed radically to serve God. “That remote corners of the globe. is what God has called us to do: engage His mission “I’m excited beyond words to see where God and His kingdom’s mission,” Bryan said. takes me,” Bryan said. | cu Such experiences left indelible imprints upon

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Indeed, much of Bryan’s zeal for Christ was shaped in the Horn of Africa.

During his formative years, Bryan lived with his parents and two brothers in a missionary community near Ethiopia’s capital of Addis Ababa. “People loved God so much, they were willing to change their lives for Him, give up a lot to serve, and move to

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Missionary Zeal Penn Senior Hopes to Serve Overseas as a Nurse by catherine elvy, staff writer

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As for Abby Burns, the rising senior has flourished A University of Pennsylvania student was in her faith walk since arriving at Penn, especially so touched by her parents’ missionary via the mentorship she received from Christian service in Kazakhstan that she is gearing Union’s campus ministry. up to follow in their footsteps.

Burns has served as an assistant Bible course During her childhood, Abby Burns ’19 watched leader and as a member of the student executive her father and mother minister in culturally diverse team with Christian Union.

Kazakhstan. Such experiences left a deep imprint upon “I’ve learned what Christhe nursing major’s heart and tian leadership looks like,” ignited a fervor also to venture she said. into mission fields.

Christian Union ministry “It was an incredible opfellows have afforded Burns portunity,” said Burns. “It opportunities to posit probhas shaped what I am thinking queries about Christianing about and what I am ity and life. They have been passionate about long term.” “accepting of any questions In particular, Burns wants and concerns that I have proto mobilize her practical traincessed,” said Burns. ing abroad, initially as a nurse, Like other students raised and possibly as a family or in Christian Homes, Burns has community health nurse taken ownership of her faith practitioner. She is prayerfulsince arriving on Penn’s secular ly considering ministerial campus. “College is definitely options in the Middle East or a time when I need to have Africa, just as an older sister the space to question my is fulfilling a spiritual call in faith,” Burns said. While living Indonesia.

Abby Burns ’19, a nursing major, plans to abroad, it was “a lot easier to Even with a front-row view follow in her parents’ footsteps by serving as a accept and live in a Christian of the hardships and sacrifices missionary. community that felt perfect.” involved with missionary serAdditionally, ministry vice, Burns notes she was infellows have provided insights to Burns about ways spired as she witnessed the intentional efforts of her to reflect her faith as her influence increased with parents and older siblings to live out their faith inside collegiate peers via her involvement with the West the former Soviet Union. “It was very formative,” said Philly Swingers Dance Troupe, which is part of Penn’s Burns. “Since an early age, I’ve wanted to do missions.” vibrant dance community. In addition, Burns is From 1993 to 2011, Dan and Catherine Burns active with Penn’s Netter Center for Community lived in Kazakhstan, where about 70 percent of the Partnerships, where myriad duties include helping population identifies as Muslim and about 24 perto coordinate volunteer placements for Penn undercent as Christian. Dan Burns, who served overseas grads at nearby Benjamin B. Comegys School. via the Evangelical Presbyterian Church’s World “The kids at this school are incredible,” said Outreach agency, now functions as the pastor of Burns. “That has been one of the most impactful world missions on behalf of Second Presbyterian parts of my Penn experience.”

Church in Memphis, Tennessee.

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Ministry Fellow Fuji Kim credited Burns for serving in neighboring communities. “She is actively missional in Philly and on campus,” said Kim. “She comes from a strong Gospel heritage.”

Kelly Schaaf, a Christian Union ministry fellow who holds a graduate degree in education from Penn, noted Burns has “grown in her abilities to seek and

Abby Burns has flourished in her faith walk since arriving at Penn, especially via the mentorship she has received from Christian Union’s campus ministry. create powerful Christian communities on Penn’s campus.”

Burns wants to reflect her faith to friends who share her affinity for the social dance scene. “I love the fluidity and improvisation of swing dancing,” said Burns.

As for her current summer break, the rising senior is pursuing an externship with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis. During earlier breaks of her youth, Burns ventured with her family to Lebanon,

Hungary, and Kazakhstan for missions-related endeavors.

Part of Burns’ attraction to missionary service is rooted in her desire to be an agent of justice. “God calls us to fight for justice for those who are not [treated justly] by society,” said Burns. “I see the mission field as one way God can call us to fight for them.”

Through nursing, Burns will bring extra skill sets to distant mission fields. Hospitals provide “an environment where people are actively serving others,” she said. Burns want to minister through nursing both in the United States and abroad. “I want both to fight for the right to health care and continue to share my faith,” Burns said.

Tucker Else, Christian Union’s ministry director at Penn, noted that Burns has a “great heart for others and hopes to serve as the hands and feet of Christ.”

As she dreams of heading overseas, the rising senior plans to draw from the spiritual and practical training she has received on Penn’s world class campus.

“As a believer, I will live out my faith and serve God as a nurse,” Burns said. | cu

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Point Person for Prayer Naruke ’20 Enjoys Serving on and off Campus

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A Dartmouth College undergraduate is eagerly answering a calling to promote prayer among students and help them connect with vibrant Christians.

Naruke ’20 serves as the property manager for the Dartmouth community’s prayer facility, student intern for a thriving local church, and community team leader for Christian Union at Dartmouth. The South Carolina native skillfully juggles those responsibilities despite formidable academic, extracurricular, and work obligations.

Boosting the spiritual commitment of collegiate peers is a top priority for Naruke. As a pleasant contrast to Dartmouth’s secular atmosphere, the “Christian community is all the more strong,” she said.

Naruke often witnesses dynamic levels of spiritual engagement among students through her role tending to The Prayer Room, an ecumenical hub in downtown Hanover.

“It’s been cool to connect with believers,” said Naruke. In early 2009, Christian leaders teamed up to open the prayer room in office space near South Main and West Wheelock streets.

As for her involvement with Christian Union, the film major described it as “absolutely incredible,” especially the emphasis upon discipleship. “I was really poured into by a lot of upperclassmen,” she said.

Likewise, Naruke pointed to her experiences with a Christian Union summer trip to Israel in 2017 as

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one of the highlights of her participation in the Within Christian Union, Naruke is a “behindministry. During the trip, Christian undergraduates the-scenes girl who quietly builds relationships and from leading universities toured must-see historic seeks out others,” said Willeman, a Christian Union sites and learned about ancient Israeli culture, modministry fellow and wife of Christ Redeemer’s foundern geo-political conflicts and more. ing pastor, Don Willeman. “She doesn’t care for the As another core component of her spiritual spotlight, but serves diligently and understands the growth, Naruke became active in Christ Redeemer significance of being present.”

Church upon arriving in New Hampshire. As a In addition to acquainting Dartmouth students sophomore, she also plugged into a church comwith Christ Redeemer, Naruke “attends a commumunity group. nity group and helps in the During the winter, Naruke children’s ministry, which is stepped into a student intern helping her to develop relaposition at Christ Redeemer, tionships with families in where she dispatches weekly the church,” said Willeman. e-mails to students with details Likewise, Ministry Felabout sermons, activities, and low Julie Carlisle expressed the like, and works with the appreciation for the example staff to welcome and integrate Naruke sets for student bestudents. lievers via her involvement As Naruke initially adjustwith Christ Redeemer. Uned to collegiate life away from dergraduates need to “glean her family, she readily apprefrom the life experiences of ciated opportunities to minthose who have walked gle with Christ Redeemer’s through more of life with Yumi Naruke ’20 is helping to promote prayer core of mature believers. the Lord than they have,” among believers at Dartmouth College and “There is a lot we can learn helping them connect with vibrant Christians said Carlisle. from them. It’s been reward- on campus and in church.

In addition to serving in ing,” she said. “Everyone has various ministry capacities, been very warm and open to Naruke also is a member of getting to know the college students.” the Dartmouth Cheer Team and a tour guide for Such intergenerational relationships also provide the Admissions Office. a compelling “change of scenery.” In addition, As she looks ahead to her upperclassman years, Naruke’s labors at Christ Redeemer have provided Naruke remains committed to seeking the Lord and a front-row glimpse of practical aspects of vocationto helping student believers flourish on and beyond al ministry and congregational life inside a growing, Dartmouth’s campus. missional church.

“I’m relying on God for strength and trusting “I’ve come to realize that leadership is more about His plan,” she said. | cu being a presence in the community, rather than a title,” said Naruke. “It’s more about leading through lifestyle, reaching out to people, and holding people together.”

Not surprisingly, Naruke’s Christian Union mentor, Dori Willeman, described her as a natural leader. Willeman also highlighted Naruke’s abilities to help students make meaningful connections within Christian Union’s campus ministry, Dartmouth’s spiritual community, and Christ Redeemer.

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Rejoicing in God’s Grace Christian Union Celebrates Graduating Students at HLS by tom campisi, managing editor

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Students associated with Christian Union’s ministry at Harvard Law School expressed gratitude for Christ-exalting Bible courses and Christ-centered community at a dinner celebrating the graduation of third-year students (3Ls).

Michael Wilkinson, Christian Union’s ministry director at Harvard Law School, said the heart of the evening centered on thanksgiving to the Lord for His abundant grace and provision for the graduates during their time at Harvard Law School

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(HLS). Wilkinson, who took over as ministry director in the winter of 2017, has high expectations for the five graduating students and also for the ensuing years of ministry at HLS. “As we were saying our goodbyes, one of our graduating 3Ls emphasized that we must persevere in this unique ministry, equipping students with a biblical worldview to go out and honor Christ as Lord by bending this country’s institutions toward righteousness,” said Wilkinson. “Moreover, just as importantly, the Christ-exalting Bible courses also created a Christ-centered community. A number of

students shared how the friendships they formed during their time with Christian Union, even just this past year, helped them stay close to Christ in the face of enormous challenges. This intimacy with Christ allowed these students to thrive at Harvard Law School and to bless their families and their colleagues along the way.”

During the past academic year, Christian Union’s ministry at Harvard Law School engaged students and fostered community through mentoring, Bible courses, and Christian Union’s weekly lunch-time discussion groups, which feature a review of an article or book, or a guest speaker. In the fall, the HLS students studied Philippians; in the spring, they examined the “I am” statements of Jesus in John’s Gospel.

Wilkinson’s efforts were bolstered by his wife Darla, who volunteered to lead a women’s Bible course and mentor students. Kelsey Curtis, a recent HLS graduate, also provided timely leaderPhoto credit: iStock ship.

“Even during her very busy schedule at HLS, Kelsey faithfully served her local church in Cambridge through its small group and youth ministries. In our weekly Bible courses, she served the students with insightful questions and comments that applied the biblical worldview to all of life,” said Michael Wilkinson. “Kelsey often led the way in supporting other women who were wrestling with the challenges of remaining faithful to Christ in a secular culture.”

Wilkinson duly commended Josh Craddock for “Christ-centered, convictional leadership.” Craddock served as vice president of Personhood USA and

debate chair of the Harvard Federalist Society. During the fall semester, he was editor-in-chief for the Harvard Journal of Law and Public Policy.

“Josh has brought his entire life—family, education, professional future—under the lordship of Christ. He doesn’t simply add faith to his endeavors; his faith shapes all that he does and how he does it,” Wilkinson said.

In addition to Curtis and Craddock, other HLS graduates active in Christian Union included Nicoleas Mayne, Lily Choi, and Felicia Chen.

Wilkinson, who earned a law degree from the University of Oklahoma, is confident that all five students will go on to accomplish great things in the near future.

“I expect that this graduating class will submit their brilliant minds and passionate hearts to the Lord to extend His saving and common grace into the world,” he said. “That sounds like an almost unbearable load. And it is. But I have seen each of these men and women strive in the strength that only God can provide to leverage every one of His

good gifts for the sake of His kingdom.”

Wilkinson said this recent graduating class is emblematic of the ministry’s mission to develop Christian leaders to transform culture.

“Some will work from within the most influen-

“I expect that this graduating class will submit their brilliant minds and passionate hearts to the Lord to extend His saving and common grace into the world.”

—Michael Wilkinson tial firms and non-profit organizations to bend the arc of the law toward righteousness in the personal lives of those they serve in love. Others will work from powerful positions in government to bend the arc of history toward the God-ordained gifts of life, liberty, and justice for all, including the least among us,” Wilkinson said. “All will carry the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the power of His Spirit into every relationship along the way.” | cu

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Fasting Is Feasting by tom campisi, managing editor

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it into practice,” Doyle said.

After the lecture at Anchor, the ministry fellow also wrote a related blog post, “Fasting Is Feasting,” to encourage students to follow through.

“Fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline designed to help us draw near to the Lord,” Doyle wrote.

“Depriving our bodies of food for a period of time has a way of revealing the idols of our hearts, those things that control our loves and desires—money, power, status, sex, image, etc.—and pull us away from our Creator.”

Doyle’s message at Anchor and blog post were

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In the spring semester, a group of students with Christian Union at Brown were hungry to learn more about fasting.

Justin Doyle, a Christian Union ministry fellow, responded with a message at the ministry’s weekly Anchor leadership lecture series on April 12. Doyle inspired them to fast and pray and go deeper in their relationships with God. The students were interested in fasting in preparation for a National Day of Prayer event on May 2.

“I was excited to hear that students were eager to learn more about this spiritual discipline and put

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Leadership Lecture Series Exhorts Students to Go Deeper

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based on Richard Foster’s classic book, Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth.

In addition to expounding on the benefits of fasting, Doyle gave the students practical guidelines and questions to consider prayerfully, such as “What is the purpose of this fast?” “When and how long will I fast?” and “From what am I fasting?”

Although avoiding distractions like social media or television during a fast is common, Doyle emphasized that true biblical fasting should always include abstaining from food.

He quoted from Deuteronomy 8:3 and Matthew 4:4.

“Fasting reminds us that ‘man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God’” Doyle said. “Ultimately, fasting is feasting. Going without food is all about God. He is the center of why we fast, our sustainer and reward in the midst of the wilderness of hunger pains. It is an understatement to say fasting is an important spiritual discipline.”

Justin Doyle, a Christian Union ministry fellow, encouraged Another highlight at Anchor during the students to seek God through fasting. spring semester was a message by Matt Woodard, Christian Union’s director of undergraduevening was special because some of the seniors have ate ministry at Brown. Woodard, Yale Divinity been with the ministry since it was launched four School ’10, presented a lecture entitled, “The years ago at Brown.

Whacked-Out Early Church: Thoughts on Life and Doyle described the seniors as having “a love for Leadership.” On March 15, Woodard and Doyle Jesus and those whom God called them to serve co-taught for “Hearing from Micah—Social Justice during their time here at Brown.”

Depriving our bodies of food for a period of time has a Some of those seniors and way of revealing the idols of our hearts, those things that some underclassmen also impressed Doyle with their willcontrol our loves and desires—money, power, status, ingness to draw near to God sex, image, etc.—and pull us away from our Creator.” through fasting this semester.

“It was pretty cool to see them initiate and follow through,” Doyle said. “I Then and Now.” The following week, Brown Prowas excited to see their passion and enthusiasm to fessor Susan Ashbrook Harvey spoke on “Social seek after God together as the body of Christ here Justice and the Quest for Faith.” Harvey is the Royce at Brown.” | cu Family Professor of Teaching Excellence and the Willard Prescott and Annie McClelland Smith Professor of History and Religion at Brown University.

Christian Union at Brown hosted an end-of-year celebration at Anchor for graduating seniors. The

stewardship news

“Where Two or Three Are Gathered…”

Friends See the benefit of Investing in Christian Union

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certainly immense value in top-down reform as well.

This is why we are so fond of Christian Union’s proactive approach—the potential for change by those who will soon be at the top of their professions, and the trickle-down effect that will result.”

Christian Union runs on the investments of partners like the Tanellas and Harborside Church.

When asked why they support the ministry, Dean shared, “I have been in the investment business for more than 30 years. Like many others, I can be very demanding about my returns on investment (ROI).

So even when I invest in ministries, I look for them to generate a high ROI with that capital; that is my stewardship responsibility…I believe that the ROI on my investment of God’s capital in Christian Union will exceed my greatest expectations.”

Kurt added, “Two verses I would like to mention are 1 Timothy 4:12 and Jeremiah 1:7.

Both point to not holding back youth from making an impact on this world. The students Christian Union serves may be brilliant, but ultimately they are just 18-22 year olds. They need to know they can lead in the workplace, in the mission field, or wherever God sends them. They need to know they are loved by God; and they need encouragement, no matter how gifted they are.

Christian Union does just this. Praise God.” The transformative work of the Holy Spirit through this ministry simply isn’t possible without our financial partners. The ministry is deeply grateful to the Tenellas and the Parkers. To learn more about the many ways to support Christian Union, please visit www.christianunion.org/ways-to-give. | cu

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ean and Dianne Tanella, long-time financial partners with Christian Union, hosted a gathering with key people from their professional and personal networks to learn more about the work of the ministry. Amongst the attendees were Kurt and Danita Parker. Kurt is the senior minister of Harborside Christian Church in Safety Harbor, Florida.

Through the Tanellas’ initiative, and by the work of the Holy Spirit, a simple evening of fellowship helped to launch a beautiful relationship between Harborside Christian Church and Christian Union.

As Dean reflected on this gathering, he said, “Frankly, I underestimated how quickly Kurt would see Christian Union’s value proposition. But as a student of great leaders and leadership skills, and as a highly effective and dynamic leader himself, Kurt promptly saw both the need and the leverage/ position that the ministry has to make a lasting impact on the moral fiber of our nation.”

Kurt summarized why their church decided so readily to give financially to Christian Union: Kurt Parker and Dean Tanella “We love Christian Union because, through our partnership, we are equipping students who will inevitably be leaders for years to come. We believe that influencing the soon-to-be influencers with the truth of the Gospel is exactly how this country, and this world, can change and thrive. I’m also immediately taken to leaders of the Old Testament like Joseph who, leading a country by faith, changed the course of history for Israel, Egypt, and other nations as well; or Josiah, who led Judah with the reforms he instated. There are clear benefits to helping those whom society views as the lowest of the low, but there is

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Extravagant Grace Christian Union, Trinity Forum Host Discussion on Babette’s Feast by catherine elvy, staff writer

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bers toward a foretaste of heavenly rewards.

More than 100 people attended the gathering on April 17 at The Union League Club, where Trinity Forum President Cherie Harder moderated a conversation about literary and spiritual themes from Babette’s Feast. Trinity Forum, based in Washington, D.C., “engages leaders with great ideas of civilization in the context of faith for personal and societal renewal.”

Christian Union New York hosts a wealth of thought-provoking, timely events for professionals, especially those “in places and spheres where culture is shaped and influenced,” said Ministry Director Scott Crosby. “Plays, speakers, and experiences that form our events bring a little more clarity to how we engage the world in

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hristian Union New York recently partnered with Trinity Forum to host an evening of stimulating conversation about the off-Broadway stage production of Babette’s Feast, a tale of unexpected generosity and community transformation.

Makoto Fujimura, an acclaimed artist, described the theatrical adaptation of the symbolically rich saga as magnificent. “I cannot think of any better story to talk about infinite grace,” said Fujimura.

The event, appropriately dubbed A Feast of Grace: Art, Faith and Generosity in Babette’s Feast, featured Fujimura discussing inspirational aspects of the play with producer Abigail Killeen. Set in a village on the remote western coast of 19th century Norway’s Jutland, the production and its culminating banquet point audience mem-

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photo credit: Brit Alvarez Photography

In April, Christian Union New York and Trinity Forum hosted an evening of conversation about the off-Broadway stage production of Babette’s Feast. Pictured left to right are: Cherie Harder, Makoto Fujimura, and Abigail Killeen.

Killeen, who also works as an actress and director.

Killeen described her involvement with Babette’s Feast as spiritually and personally enriching. “If I have learned anything through this process, it’s how good God is and how gracious He is to me,” said Killeen.

Christian Union New York hosts a wealth of thought-provoking, timely events for professionals, especially those in places and spheres where culture is shaped and influenced.

Fujimura praised Killeen for fulfilling one of the key roles of Christian artists. “This story is so profoundly important to the church,” said Fujimura.

“It wasn’t about food. It was about heavenly bread.”

And through Babette’s Feast, theatergoers received a taste of the extravagant nature of grace. | cu

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2018

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summer

redemptive and transformative ways.”

Crosby described the ministry’s catered event as an “extraordinary time of discussion” about the far-reaching power of grace, hospitality, and communal healing.

During the evening, Harder, Harvard ’91, also examined the cultural implications of the inaugural play version of Babette’s Feast with panelists. Fujimura, director of Fuller Theological Seminary’s Brehm Center, is an artist, writer, and speaker.

Columbia University alumna Karin Coonrod ’88 directed the production, which ran from March to May at the Theatre at St. Clement’s Episcopal Church. The play was based upon the story that inspired an Academy Award-winning Danish film of 1987.

While Karen Christence Dinesen, the author of Babette’s Feast, was not known for a vibrant personal faith, she “nevertheless wrote eloquently on a core theme of Christianity – the lavish abundance of God’s grace,” said Crosby.

In the saga, French refugee Babette Hersant takes shelter in a pious sect of Nordic Lutherans in the 1870s. The once-beautiful, spinster daughters of the town’s deceased patriarch and minister take in Babette, who labors as a cook and housemaid for more than a decade.

After Babette wins 10,000 francs from a French lottery, sisters Phillipa and Martine reluctantly agree to allow Babette to prepare an authentic French meal for a 100th birthday tribute to their father. On stage, Babette becomes enriched for her lavish generosity and her guests receive unmerited gifts beyond the culinary pleasures of the centennial fete. Out of that abundant expression comes forgiveness, connection, and healing.

“Our play is about a community transformed through sacrifice,” Killeen said.

Along those lines, Killeen crafted the stage production to “create a church experience for those who would never go to church.” After all, “God came into a body to tell us more about Himself,” said

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the spiritual climate on campus

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The Rev. John Witherspoon statue on the campus of Princeton University

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reports from some of america’s most influential universities

The Spiritual Climate on Campus The following articles were written to keep readers informed about the spiritual atmosphere at some of America’s leading universities. Some stories will encourage you by highlighting ways God is working through other (non-Christian Union) ministries and alumni. Other articles— on news, trends, and events—are included to help motivate you to pray for these institutions, their students, faculty, and staff, and for all of the Christian ministries that work at these schools. ......................................................................................

BROW N | On Campus

Lectio Divina CATHOLIC COMMUNITY ENGAGES ANCIENT PRACTICE

By Ayleen Sanchez, Brown ’19

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highlighting parts that stand out.

Meditation is a time to ponder the deeper spiritual meaning of the passage as a whole, as well as specific parts that speak to an individual. Prayer is a time to thank God for His Word and ask for the grace needed to live it out. Contemplation consists of slowing down and asking God to reveal His truths. Finally, during action, everyone shares concrete ways to live out God’s Word in everyday life. All five different parts build off and intertwine with each other in a way that makes prayer deeply engaging.

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Lectio Divina meetings in the spring semester. As the Spiritual Life and Liturgy coordinator of the BRCC, she was given the idea by Megan O’BrienCrayne, the campus minister. Though Kelly had never been exposed to this form of prayer, she readily researched it and decided it would be a good way to engage with the Bible as a community.

Lectio Divina is composed of five different steps: reading, meditation, prayer, contemplation, and, finally, action. The practice begins with participants slowly reading Scripture and

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n the words of Saint Jerome, “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.” In his writings, the devout, fourth-century Catholic urged all believers to engage with Scripture, claiming it as a necessity for the flourishing of the soul.

In pursuit of this flourishing, the Brown University-Rhode Island School of Design Catholic Community (BRCC) recently began hosting weekly meetings of Lectio Divina, the traditional Benedictine practice of Bible reading, meditation, and prayer.

Abigail Kelly, Brown ’21, led the

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the spiritual climate on campus

Lectio Divina can be done either alone or in a group. However, the reason why the BRCC chose to encourage the practice in a group was to foster a sense of community while also providing an opportunity for students to share their insights with each other.

For this reason, after every step, (which

The BRCC’s Lectio Divina, which is open to everyone, will continue in the fall and beyond. Kelly said the meetings have run smoothly, with people coming whenever they are available and enthusiastically opening themselves to God’s Word.

She hopes that more people will ad-

works through each person in even the quietest corners of campus,” Kelly said.

Through these Lectio Divina meetings, the BRCC is creating a space where students can grow, deepen their prayer lives, and share their struggles and strengths, hardships, and hopes, all in connection to the Bible. To Kelly, these meetings are a testament to

Through Lectio Divina, the Brown-Rhode Island School of Design Catholic Community is creating a space where students can grow, deepen their prayer lives, and share their struggles and strengths, hardships, and hopes, all in connection to the Bible. are done in silence), there is time for students to share thoughts and prayers with the rest of the group. Moreover, the group setting is an effective way to learn Lectio Divina and integrate it into personal prayer routines.

just their schedules to be able to attend next semester.

The most awe-inspiring part of Lectio Divina is getting to see how God moves in everyone. “It is so beautiful to see the remarkable ways God

Matthew 18:20: “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in their midst.” | cu

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BROW N | On Campus

Science for Youth Ministry BROWN ALUMNA IS FEATURED SPEAKER AT GROUNDBREAKING CONFERENCE

By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer

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ward-winning broadcaster and best-selling author Krista Tippett recently served as a featured speaker at a conference designed to equip youth ministers to field questions from teens about science.

In May, Tippett (Brown ’83) topped the list of speakers for a groundbreaking conference entitled Jesus Rode a Dinosaur and Other Silly Tales. The two-day event, along with other related initiatives, was funded by a $1.2 million grant from the John Templeton Foundation.

About 225 clergy and educators

attended the conference, which was held May 7 and 8 at Colonial Church in Edina, Minnesota. In 2015, a team affiliated with Luther Seminary launched the Science for Youth Ministry initiative to promote conversations and curriculum for curious teens inside church and ministry settings.

During the recent gathering, a slate of speakers, including Tippett, explained how they view the crossroads of science and religion as compelling and paramount.

Tippett, the host of National Public Radio’s On Being, recalled her

experiences processing some of life’s bigger questions while growing up as the daughter of a Southern Baptist preacher in a small Oklahoma town.

She also highlighted how modern teens are seeking mentors who are “walking with them in wisdom rather than telling them what to do” and allowing them to ask awkward questions in church settings, according to Religion News Service.

“If God is God and made us the way we are—the askers of questions —God can’t be scared of your questions, whatever they are,” Tippett said.

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limited. Overall, they do not Tippett became a joursee a conflict between their nalist and diplomat in Cold faith and what they are learnWar Berlin. She went on to ing about science. earn an advanced degree In addition to sponsoring from Yale Divinity School in the inaugural conference, 1994. Two decades later, the Templeton provided funding Peabody Award-winning for the initiative to establish broadcaster received a Naresources, including sympotional Humanities Medal at siums and other educational the White House, where she materials, and a video curwas lauded for avoiding easy riculum for youth conferanswers, embracing comences. plexity, and inviting others Additionally, Science for into conversations about Youth Ministry offered a faith, ethics, and morality. series of $5,000 mini-grants A prolific writer, Tippett for seeding the exploration is currently penning Letters of faith and science in youth to a Young Citizen. In 2007, ministry as part of an overall her first book, Speaking of goal of supporting churches Faith, reflected her move that encourage students to from geopolitical engageconsider science-related cament to theology and other reers. religious themes. In 2010, photo credit: Peter Beck The leadership team beTippett revisited some of her Broadcaster and author Krista Tippett recently served hind Jesus Rode a Dinosaur interviews involving science, as a featured speaker at “Jesus Rode a Dinosaur and and Other Silly Tales hopes medicine, and spiritual inOther Silly Tales,” a conference designed to equip youth the recent conference helps quiry in Einstein’s God. ministers to field questions from teens about science. ignite vibrant dialogues in Tippett’s 2016 New York youth groups across the Times best-selling Becoming country.

Wise: An Inquiry into the Glencoe Union Church and a Yale “I was struck by how hungry the Mystery and Art of Living explored Divinity School grad of 1989, played youth pastors were and how much some of the values and questions a leadership role. raised during her broadcasts, especialThe trio sought to inspire youth they wanted to talk about science and ly some associated with the challeng- pastors to readily engage with teens faith,” said Jones. | cu es of the 21st century. about the intersection of faith and On her radio program, Tippett science after sensing that some are not continues to explore what it means ready to tackle tough queries. to be human and marvel at the inspiMuch of the material for the conration of scientific inquiry. ference attempted to address the reAs for the team behind the con- sults of a related 2014 survey of teens ference, Luther theologian and former and pastors, which was funded by a Young Life leader Andrew Root or- separate planning grant from Temchestrated the Science for Youth Min- pleton. Key findings revealed that istry project along with author, adolescents are heavily influenced by speaker, and theologian Tony Jones, scientific reasoning and want to exDartmouth ’90. In addition, David plore the field in church-based activWoods, senior pastor of Illinois-based ities, though such opportunities are

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Just Facts for Agresti ’88

Henry Bodah Celebrated

In June, Jim Agresti ’88 was a keynote speaker at the Evident Faith apologetics conference for young adults at Grace Chapel in Bedminster, New Jersey.

Agresti is the president of Just Facts, a think tank dedicated to publishing rigorously documented facts about public policy issues.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Brown and is the author of Rational Conclusions, a book that contains factual support for the Bible across a broad array of academic disciplines.

Alumni from Brown University recently helped celebrate their former chaplain’s 40th anniversary in ministry, joining parishioners at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Wakefield, Rhode Island to participate in a Mass of Thanksgiving for Father Henry Bodah.

Nearly two decades after his priestly ordination, Bodah stepped up to serve the Catholic community at Brown and later assumed the leadership of St. Francis of Assisi Church.

As he departed in 2014, Bodah described his time at Brown as

a privilege. “There were many students who were remarkable in their loyalty to the Gospel and to the Catholic faith,” he said.

Father Henry Bodah

COLU M B I A | On Campus

Faculty Roundtable

L E A D E R S H I P C O N N E C T I O N L AU N C H E S O U T R E A C H AT C O L U M B I A

By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer

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Ashley Byrd, director of the New York City Roundtable, was pleased with the interactions during his team’s spring dinners, especially given the current polarization within the United States.

After the opening presentation, an expert on negotiation and conflict resolution offered a brief coaching session on listening and interviewing skills. In turn, table facilitators asked guests from Columbia and other universities to share about some of their worldviews.

“This worked out really well in launching discussion at tables because it normalized being honest and curious about faith,” said Byrd, Columbia ’02.

“For Christians, it provided a space where they can practice the Gospel in seeking understanding, building relationships in a learning posture, and sharing honestly about their relationship with Christ and how a biblical worldview illuminates our understanding of the beauty and complexity of life.”

As for The Leadership Connection, Thom held his group’s premier roundtable event in 2002 as an outreach to the faculty of the colleges in Amherst, Massachusetts. The dinners serving academics at Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, Smith College, and the University of Massachusetts’ Amherst campus continued until fall 2008.

In 2005, Thom expanded the concept to Cambridge, Massachusetts,

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new outreach to Columbia aspects of the evolutionary theory University scholars recently viewed as degrading and demoralizwrapped up its inaugural series of ing.

Leadership Connection Founder dinner gatherings.

With oversight from The Leader- Dave Thom viewed his organization’s ship Connection, the Faculty Round- entry into the Columbia University table hosted dinners that allowed community as a logical move. professors to encounter Christians in engaging settings centered on talks from acclaimed researchers.

The Leadership Connection operates chapters in six academic communities, including the Cambridge Roundtable on Science, Art & Religion near Boston.

In New York City, the team behind the Faculty Roundtable welcomed guests to its introductory dinner on March 22 at The Faculty House at Columbia University. About 42 academics heard Ian Hutchinson, a nuclear engineer and physicist at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, discuss the findings from his 2011 book, Monopolizing Knowledge. In Ian Hutchinson the 272-page work, Hutchinson “It’s a no-brainer,” said Thom. “It’s critiqued the worldview of scientism, or the perspective that science mod- always a goal to try to reach all of the eled upon the natural sciences is the Ivy League colleges.”

As for the success of dinner gathonly source of real knowledge.

In April, the Faculty Roundtable erings dating back to 2002, Thom hosted Brown University biologist pointed to the tangible power and Ken Miller, who discussed the themes allure of hospitality. About half of of his recent book, The Human In- participants are professed Christians stinct: How We Evolved to Have Reason, at most events. The intellectually suConsciousness, and Free Will. During perb, but intimate, dinners also prohis appearance on April 24, the Brown vide occasions for Christians within alumnus of 1970 explored the excep- academic communities to form meantionality of human creativity, intelli- ingful connections with secular facgence, and awareness in response to ulty counterparts.

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where he hosted dinners to reach out to faculty at Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and other major institutions.

On leading campuses, secular scholars often do not encounter believers, let alone those immersed in the logic, beauty, and nature of Christian perspectives, said Thom, a veteran faculty and athletics campus minister.

As such, Thom sought to create additional arenas for both religious and non-religious faculty to explore the intersection of Christian beliefs and scholarly thought in the academy.

With the help of a John Temple-

ton Foundation grant in late 2013, Thom launched chapters to establish branches for the Brown, Dartmouth, and Yale university communities, including some neighboring colleges, and reestablished the original program at Amherst.

Likewise, with an additional grant from the Templeton Foundation in July 2017, Thom began pursuing plans to reach professors at Columbia.

As for the future, Thom is eyeing opportunities for programs for communities at Cornell, Princeton, and the University of Pennsylvania.

Given the appeal of the gather-

ings, The Leadership Connection is fundraising to cover its current campuses’ programs and expand onto additional strategic campuses. In addition to the John Templeton Foundation, other supporters include: Christian Union, The Sword and Spoon Foundation, and The Gloria Dei Communities Foundation.

Ultimately, Thom simply wants to create an appealing space for academics at top universities to encounter faith-minded collegiate peers. “It works because people are people,” said Thom. “They communicate better over a meal.” | cu

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A Crusade for Campus Morale (and Morality)

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In a Columbia Spectator column this spring, a Barnard College sophomore lamented the school’s secular climate despite the presence of religious imagery on campus and a motto that declares “In lumine Tuo videbimus lumen (“In Thy light shall we see light”).

In her article, “A Crusade for Campus Morale (and Morality),” Natalia Queenan ’20 calls for a creed loosely based on the college’s religious foundation—but stops short of declaring that Christianity of the Bible should provide that light.

“I fear that the student body of Columbia has fallen into this

stagnant opposition to all things religious,” she wrote. “Arriving here, the diverse range of moral standpoints is impossible to ignore…the student body here tends to obsess over curated individuality. As a result, there’s a feeling of being adrift here— unanchored among the drastically varying opinions and principles.

The campus thrives on discourse surrounding diversity and identity, but still tends to ridicule religious affiliation or belief…”

The Beauty and Reason of Architecture At the end of the spring semester, students involved with Columbia Catholic Ministry

paused to consider the nature of architectural beauty.

In April, the ministry (columbia-catholic.org) joined with the Thomistic Institute to host a lecture entitled Architecture: Thinking about Beauty and Reason.

Paige Hochschild, a scholar from Mount St. Mary University, discussed the nature of beauty in the Catholic intellectual tradition and its relationship to human rationality and appetite. Given the character of Corpus Christi Church, the talk addressed the ways its Georgian architecture draws upon principles of clarity and harmony to balance with a sense of peace. The historic church is located near Columbia University on West 121st Street.

COLU M B I A | On Campus

Sexual Violence and Pornographic Exploitation COLUMBIA UNHOOKED HOSTS LECTURE WITH RENOWNED PSYCHOTHERAPIST

By Nathan Barlow, Columbia ’20

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Students who listened to the presentation commented on the graphic details and examples that Layden provided.

“I was shocked at first because I wasn’t expecting her to go into as much detail as she did, but I think her willingness to address the topic head on definitely paid off,” Akhere said.

While these points were disturbing for any in attendance to hear, they succeeded in driving home the magnitude of the evil that is the pornography industry. Haidun Liu ’19 put it starkly when he said, “I learned about the craftiness of Satan…”

At an event hosted by Columbia Unhooked, Although the event was Dr. Mary Anne Layden lectured on the dangers not religious in nature, the of pornography and its link to sexual violence. issues that Layden raised bear greatly on faith, especially for nography industry, Layden pointed young adults on college campuses. to the almost irreversible psycholog- Though she used different terms, her ical damage that pornography renders. presentation stressed how serious sin The lecture also emphasized the in private can infect social and culbroader cultural results of pornogra- tural integrity, love, and commitment, phy’s increased normalization of de- all of which Columbia Unhooked praved acts. Student attendee Uwa seeks to defend.

“All in all, a very important talk,” Akhere ’21 noted the convincing connection that Layden made be- said Akhere. | cu tween pornography and an entertainment culture that romanticizes sadistic or masochistic sex, especially in the recent movie Fifty Shades of Grey. Overall, Layden proved that pornography drives many aspects of 2018’s depressing sexual landscape. phy, who can be surprised at the patterns of sexual violence that #MeToo and related movements have highlighted? In addition to the obvious moral issues at the heart of the por-

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his spring, Columbia University Unhooked hosted Dr. Mary Anne Layden to discuss pornography’s link to sexual violence and harassment. In the midst of a campus and national conversation about the #MeToo phenomenon, Layden’s talk highlighted an important contributor to sexual misconduct.

Columbia Unhooked, a student organization linked to the national Love and Fidelity Network, “seeks to reflect on the social and cultural issues regarding sexual integrity” and “to welcome the Columbia community into a rich and intellectual conversation on love, sexual integrity, and commitment and expression in marriage, sex, and family.”

Layden, a psychotherapist and the director of the Sexual Trauma and Psychopathology Program at the University of Pennsylvania, approached pornography from a psychological point of view. She argued that pornography is the most effective teacher possible, based on what neuroscientists know about how humans learn and how pornography engages the brain and provides physiological reward.

Pornography trains men’s minds to think that they are entitled to sex, that they can choose the bodily features of their sex partner, and that women like violent treatment. It is foolish to assume this training will not affect other areas of men’s lives, Layden said. After two decades of such training through Internet pornogra-

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COR N E LL | On Campus

Living in Christian Community S O P H I A H O U S E W E L C O M E S F E M A L E R E S I D E N T S AT C O R N E L L

By Francine Barchett, Cornell ’20

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he anticipation of a new academic year brings exciting news from Cornell’s Chesterton House. The organization, which has become a widely-recognized resource for intellectually curious Christian undergraduates and graduate students, will open Sophia House, a residential facility for females, in the fall semester.

Sophia House will be located adjacent to Chesterton House’s male

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called to establish Chesterton House after sensing a perceivable barrier between campus culture and Christian culture.

“In the classroom by day and the dorm by evening, there seemed to be something in the drinking water of the campus that was deeply antagonistic toward faith,” recalled Johnson (Cornell ’89, Ph.D. ’11). “There seemed to be little opportunity either

Image of what the new, two-acre Chesterton House ministry campus will look like.

living quarters, which opened in 2010.

As he reflects upon the Sophia House opening and Chesterton’s progress leading up to it, including the introduction of Bible-based college courses five years ago, founder and director Karl Johnson admits that the developments have exceeded his “most optimistic dreams.” Having attended Cornell both as an undergrad and grad student, Johnson felt

on or off campus to delve deeply into the big questions that students tend to have—questions of meaning, purpose, and value.”

What began as a subtle observation sprouted into an idea, and by the year 2000, a compilation of local pastors, professors, and campus ministry workers stood with Johnson in solidarity.

Their goal was to do just as Johnson had hoped: to allow students’ spiritu-

al and academic lives to merge. Since its launching event, Chesterton has not only brought numerous scholars to campus, but also enhanced the discussion of Christian intellectualism. The organization has also played a role in inspiring the creation of the Consortium of Christian Study Centers, which has 25 chapters on secular campuses nationwide.

While Chesterton House is distinguished for its philosophical rigor in line with C.S. Lewis and the eponymous G.K. Chesterton, it has additionally emphasized the need for life's necessities: sleep, food, and social interaction. As a quasi-fraternity and sorority, Chesterton’s residential centers provide opportunities for students to cook, clean, laugh, weep, and mitigate conflict together, which Johnson believes will allow them to grow in their faith, both individually and communally.

“Intentional Christian community makes space for the faithful intersection not only of hearts and minds, but also of hands and habits,” Johnson remarks. For those who cannot live in the centers, their doors still swing open over one thousand times annually for Bible studies, social events, and “old-fashioned hanging out.”

Johnson muses, “For a watching world wondering who these peculiar people may be, students living together in Christian community witness the life we have together in Christ.”

Cornell’s Chesterton and Sophia residential houses are the realization of Johnson’s vision. In those facilities,

students live in gender-specific buildings, but unite to eat, participate in special social events and readings, and attend retreats.

This year, the Chesterton and Sophia community includes 20 men and 15 women. Finding a nearby house for women was a challenge since Chesterton procured its male living quarters eight years ago; but thanks to a faculty couple moving out of their large home next door to the male facility, the ministry was able to secure the sponsorships to purchase and ex-

pand the building.

In the last 18 years, Chesterton House has transformed from an idea to a larger-than-life reality, capturing the hearts and minds of thousands of Cornellians and thousands more online. It has broadened from providing intellectual resources for Christians to offering students housing and community as they pursue their own academic and personal development.

And the best news of all is that Chesterton’s growth is not close to being over. Gazing further afield, Johnson

intends to improve the quality of Chesterton’s residential centers and open a facility with a day-use library, classrooms, and offices, so that students can come at nearly any hour for “good books, good coffee, and great conversation.”

But for now, Johnson and Chesterton House can rejoice in the opening of Sophia House, a building that will make the Cornell Christian community richer in love, unity, and, of course, Christian intellect. | cu

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COR N E LL | On Campus

Music, Math, and Mortality

B E I M F O H R - N E U S S L E C T U R E F E AT U R E S D R . M I A C H U N G

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Chung graduated magna cum laude from Harvard, received her master’s from Yale, and earned a doctorate from Juilliard School. She was a first prize winner of the 1993 Concert Artists Guild Competition and recipient of the 1997 Avery Fisher Career Grant. Throughout the lecture, Chung was passionate about her subject, and down to Earth.

“Music, Math, and Mortality...I hope you appreciate the alliteration.

I worked very hard on it,” she joked.

Chung’s first excerpt was a song familiar to many in the audience. The ominous opening notes of Beethoven’s Fifth symphony in C-minor engulfed the room, with Chung bringing the

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answer the salient questions of life and death. Throughout the night, Chung intermittently played various selections, making it a talk that engaged the heart as well as the mind.

The day before the lecture, Chung spoke to some students about her turbulent journey as a musician.

During her undergraduate years, she believed her studies conflicted with God’s calling for her to be a performance musician. “Yet, as I look back on my time now, I can attest that God wastes nothing!” she exclaimed. “Do not think that God cannot use your passions or gifts in ways you do not expect. All He asks is that you are faithful.”

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n April 24, Chesterton House invited renowned pianist, educator, and performer Dr. Mia Chung to give a lecture entitled “Music, Math, and Mortality.”

The event was part of Chesterton House’s Beimfohr-Neuss Lectureship series, which began in 2011 to bring “public intellectuals to Cornell to address issues related to faith in a pluralistic society.”

To a crowded Sage Chapel, Chung explored the intersectionality between three disparate subjects, encouraging musicians and non-musicians alike to see the congruence of God’s created world. Music can be mathematical and math can be beautiful, and both

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vociferous first measures to a somber conflicts present within the narrative. an equation.

Asking why we desire closure in our and soothing finish.

Music is very mathematical, Chung “The first point I want to drive music, she then spoke about mathe- claimed. Its “sophisticated compilation home is this idea of resolution,” she matics. Math, she claimed, can move of harmonies, pitches, and rhythms stated. “When you hear the endbuilt upon the physical laws of ing of Bach’s symphony, some sound” render emotional impact; of you may erroneously stand like math, music is an equation. up and applaud. But the quesShe then poignantly asked the tion is why? What is it about audience to examine the tensions these last notes that gives it such that exist within our own lives, a sense of finality?” more specifically the apprehenShe then played a section of sion of life and death. As ChrisWagner’s famed composition tians, it can seem as though we Tristan und Isolde, an opera about all live in a constant state of tenunresolved love. The selection sion, yet thankfully the act of was noticeably different from the “final resolution” is not our death, previous one. Rather than ending but rebirth. with a sense of resolution, the “If you seek resolution, turn Wagner excerpt seemed drawn- Dr. Mia Chung graduated magna cum laude from to the One who has created all out, with listeners almost begging Harvard and received a master’s degree from Yale things and who gives order to all and a doctorate from Julliard. for its end despite its beauty. things,” she stated. Though creChung stated that we “hate” ation may groan and wait in musical tensions that avoid resolution, us because, like music, it is constant- eager anticipation, she encouraged the and are left wanting more. Wagner’s ly filled with elements of tension and audience to create art and remind peopiece, she claimed, let the music tell release; its cornucopia of unknown ple of the peace and solace found in the story; its refusal to avoid the ton- variables and rigid formulas all co- God, as He is the One who will order ic (closure) reflected the unresolved alesce amicably upon the solving of the chaos of the world.| cu

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Oceans of Love Day

Easter on the Quad

On May 9, Cornellians may have noticed an unusual number of students wearing blue in observance of Ocean of Love Day, which promoted unity among the body of Christ on the campus.

Spearheaded by Clarion DuBose ’21 and taking inspiration from John 17:20-23, Christians were encouraged to wear blue of various shades to represent God’s “ocean of love” for not just His children, but the entirety of the student body.

Students went all out, with some even painting their faces blue.

Despite frigid temperatures and the potential of rain, Campus on a Hill held its annual Easter on the Quad event in March. The event is one of the biggest evangelistic and inter-ministry events of the year as various organizations and church members gather on the Arts Quad for an Easter service. The band, consisting of individuals from different ministries, played a wide selection of triumphant tunes.

Christian Union’s

slam poetry team performed an impassioned piece on God’s perfect love despite humanity’s sin, while Tianke Zhao ’21 gave a humorous and inspiring testimony of how he came to Christ.

D A R T M OU T H | On Campus

Crying out in the Wilderness WHEELOCK CONFERENCE SPEAKER REMINDS ATTENDEES OF ‘SACRED MISSION’

By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer

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sity alumnus of 1733 desired with his “whole heart” for the college’s successors to embrace a divine mission similar to the one portrayed by the Old Testament prophet Isaiah.

As such, the nature of Dartmouth’s foundation suggests that modern students should adhere to a “high stan-

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less ways for individuals to avoid thinking about real purpose and meaning. “That’s how you get Netflix.

It’s also how you get the 60-, 70-, or 80-hour work week,” said Clark. “If we can get you busy enough, you won’t have the time or attention to reflect on whether what you’re doing really matters.”

Those who stay distracted never stop to ponder, “What’s the point?”

For believers, however, that question should remain central. Clark said Christians, especially those destined for leadership, should readily focus on purpose, meaning, and divine commissions.

Clark also encouraged students on the New HampCharles Clark, Dartmouth ’11, delivered the shire campus to remember opening address during the 2018 Wheelock they are never more than Conference. “co-authors” of their personal stories. “You are a dard of intellectual rigor,” engage in character in a play already in progress, civic arenas, and, most importantly, over which you have only partial creencourage and serve people. “Chris- ative control. Learn to love the limits tian faith deserves its place in the this imposes.”

When contemplating major decipublic discourse,” said Clark, who also sions, “think about your life like an holds a law degree.

During his address, fittingly enti- author would about a work-in-progtled In Search of Character: The Nar- ress,” Clark said.

Following Clark’s opening address, rative Concept of Selfhood, Clark noted individuals who are shaped by the conference featured a series of Wheelock’s far-reaching vision and interviews with alumni and students. how ideals should reflect faith, unity, Most of the conversations focused on the rationale and motivation behind and mutual respect.

In the United States, plentiful and difficult decisions.

Since its inception, the Wheelock powerful alternatives offer nearly end-

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elievers at Dartmouth College are part of an ancient but divine mission.

Two years after founding the institution in 1769, President Eleazar Wheelock wrote about his desire for Dartmouth to “long continue to be a pure fountain,” especially in its function as a prophetic voice in the New World.

That stirring reminder came from Charles Clark when the Dartmouth alumnus of 2011 delivered the opening address during the 2018 Wheelock Conference.

“By virtue of being here today, I know that you have been drafted into the story of Dartmouth College,” said Clark, vice chairman of the Eleazar Wheelock Society. “Your story is embedded in the story of this institution.”

About 80 students attended the society’s ninth annual conference, which was held April 21 at Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business.

The theme for this year’s event – aptly titled “What’s Your Why?” – centered on purpose, meaning, and life’s bigger questions. Historically, the organization has implored students to integrate faith, reason, and vocation as they navigate personal journeys.

Clark encouraged students to reflect upon Wheelock’s hope for Dartmouth to fulfill a sacred calling as declared in the colleges motto, “Vox Clamantis in Deserto (“a voice crying out in the wilderness”), based on Isaiah 40:3.

The clergyman and Yale Univer-

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Conference has aimed to generate dialogues across campus and across the generations on ways students at the world-class institution can reflect

organization to support Christian efforts on campus, including The Dartmouth Apologia: A Journal of Christian Thought. Students published

Since its inception, the Wheelock Conference has aimed to generate dialogues across campus and across the generations on ways students at the world-class institution can reflect spirituality and intellect within the academy and workforce. spirituality and intellect within the academy and workforce.

In fall 2009, a group of students, staff, and alumni established the Eleazar Wheelock Society as a non-profit

the inaugural issue of the Apologia in spring 2007 to showcase intellectual perspectives reflecting Christianity.

Clark serves as editor-in-chief emeritus of the Apologia and founding

editor and chairman of Fare Forward, a review run by and for thoughtful young Christians. The Tennessee resident also serves as adviser to Vanderbilt Synesis: A Journal of Christian Thought.

Clark regularly wears a Dartmouth class ring, and not as a nod to pedigree. “The scrapyard is not the kind of place to rest on your Ivy League laurels,” quipped Clark, who serves as vice president of the family-operated Clark Iron & Metal.

Rather, “I wear it because it reminds me of part of my purpose, part of the meaning of my life. It says, ‘Vox Clamantis in Deserto.’” | cu

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D A R T M OU T H | On Campus

The Great Commission VISION SCHOOL RETURNS TO DARTMOUTH

By Zachary Lee, Cornell ’20

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ision School, an eight-week missions training program, was held at Dartmouth College this spring. The course, which seeks to “impart the Father’s heart for the lost” and promote the advancement of the Gospel to unreached people groups, was hosted by InterCP, an overseas missions organization.

At its core, Vision School is seeking a revival of missions work on college campuses all around the world.

At Dartmouth, even in the midst of a busy spring semester, passionate students met once a week, with many committing to do missionary work as early as the following summer.

Vision School, which returned to Dartmouth after a two-year hiatus, featured compelling testimonies by missionaries, uplifting prayer, and

powerful worship sessions. Additionally, students heard lectures on the global state of missions and learned insightful background information

on the regions that Vision School sends students, mainly the Middle East, West Asia, and Middle East Asia.

A grant from Christian Union helped

InterCP, a non-denominational overseas mission organization, hosted a Vision School and Vision Camp at Dartmouth this spring.

underwrite the cost of Vision School.

Allison Wang ’16, a recent graduate of the program and one of its coordinators, said the missionaries who speak at Vision School inspire the students with their courage and desire to reach the lost.

“It is really obvious when missionaries come to speak, that the ways that they have lived out the Gospel are very different,” she stated. “Growing up in North America, the level of persecution we experience is very minimal in comparison to [the Middle East and Asia]. The tangible ways that missionaries hold on to God’s faithfulness in the midst of trials is inspiring and humbling. To see missionaries actively take a stand against the self-centered and self-serving culture of the [West] is an encouragement to many students.”

The Vision School program has also helped to unite the Christian body at Dartmouth, with various campus ministries sending students to participate. This spring, a group of students from a Chinese church near

campus enrolled in the program. Likewise, during the fourth week of Vision School there is a two-day camp that is open to students from all over the East Coast.

InterCP was founded in 1983 with a vision to see unreached people groups of the 10/40 Window have their lives transformed by the Gospel.

Since Vision School was launched a

is that the ministry continues to flourish.

“When I first got involved, I remembered asking God, ‘What is on your heart?’” Wang shared. “I felt Him reaffirm the importance of leaving the comfort of the 99 sheep to go save the lost sheep out in the world. Youth is a time that can be so easily spent on ourselves, but I feel God calling

InterCP was founded in 1983 with a vision to see unreached people groups of the 10/40 Window have their lives transformed by the Gospel. Since Vision School was launched a decade ago, 15 students from Dartmouth have gone on short-term mission trips… decade ago, 15 students from Dartmouth have gone on short-term mission trips, while five have committed to one-year trips and received expert discipleship and church-planting training.

With the revival of Vision School at Dartmouth this past year, the hope

me to use it in service of His kingdom.”

“My hope is that Vision School [will be part of ] the last global revival, where students continue to go on missions trips and see the world the way our God does.” | cu

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The Veritas Forum at Dartmouth College, The Price of Free Speech: A Conversation

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on Religious Liberty, was held on April 30 at Rockefeller Hall. The presenters were Michael Wear, founder of Public Square Strategies LLC, and Rabbi Moshe L. Gray, executive director of Chabad at Dartmouth. Wear, who directed faith outreach for President Barack Obama’s 2012 re-election campaign, was one of the youngest White House staffers in modern American history. Gray, a popular figure on campus, has studied at yeshivas in England, Israel, Canada, and America.

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In July, more than 20 scholars gathered at Dartmouth College to exchange ideas about the past and future of race relations in America. The conference, Race Matters @ 25, celebrated the 1993 book Race Matters, by Cornel West, Professor of the Practice of Public Philosophy at Harvard.

The conference was sold out in person, but was also livestreamed in Alumni Hall and live-

transcribed online, according to The Dartmouth.

West (Harvard ’73, Princeton ‘M.A. ’75, Ph.D. ’80), one of the speakers at the conference, has also taught at Yale, Dartmouth, Princeton, and Union Theological Seminary.

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H A RVA RD | On Campus

A Theological Approach

D O M O N D C O N TIN U E S T O R E C O N C ILE FAITH AN D J U S TI C E

By Christian Schatz, Harvard ’18

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In line with his ever-shifting int commencement, Harvard became an uncompromising desire to buzzes with the energy of its find a cohesive rule of life between terests, Domond decided to make yet graduating students. They carry re- his faith and his daily work. With a another large career change, one cent memories of hectic semesters heart to make the world a better place, which would bring together his burand personal growth alongside the Domond pursued a major in govern- geoning faith, mind for entrepreneurexpectations for future achievements ment, while taking science classes with ship, and heart for justice. Ironically, and impactful careers. For Christian the intention of going to medical this brought him right back to Harvard. students, commencement often “Not many people go from evokes a reflection of how the investment banking to theological faith of their adolescence collided study,” he said. But for Domond, with the transition to adulthood a master’s in theology allowed him in the high-power setting of the creatively to combine faith, acaIvy League. demics, and finance.

Commencement 2018 was At Harvard Divinity School, the second time Haris Domond Domond focused on constructive considered Harvard’s effect on his theological approaches to race, relationship with God. A gradupolitics, and ethics. From this ate of the college in 2015, Dovantage point, he designed a series mond returned to Harvard to of lecture topics, with a vision to pursue a master’s in theological build up the American church studies at the divinity school. For through tackling issues too narDomond, the college has been a Haris Domond (Harvard ’15, M. Div. ’18) seeks continued space of reconciling to impact the intersection of theology, race, and row and complex to be sufficiently dealt with in a Sunday sermon. his faith, his passions, and the politics in America.

The topics range from the ethics broken world around him. of zoning in suburban America, Domond grew up in Naples, Florida, attending an Apostolic Pen- school. It wasn’t until after he satisfied to the relationship of Foucault and tecostal church where he volunteered all the pre-medical requirements and students of faith in upper education. on the worship team. In his first few had taken the MCAT that he realized With the lectures, Domond is seeking years at Harvard, he began to see his medical school didn’t fit into the vi- to equip fellow belivers to understand sion God was creating for his life. better the intersection of theology, relationship with God differently.

“I started going through a faith Instead, he decided to go into finance. race, and politics in America.

Reflecting on his academic journey While crafting these lectures, Dotransition… I came to understand a lot of long-held doctrines of Christi- on his new blog, Domond writes, “I’m mond released an EP on Spotify laanity and really sought out truth,” full of dreams and curiosity. My fam- beled Let It Roll Down. The album Domond said. During this transition, ily and friends tease me by recounting takes on a gospel-soul style in tribute Domond became a worship leader the twists and turns of my non-tra- to his Pentecostal roots and is lyricalwith Christian Union’s ministry at ditional journey. Even though it has ly defined by poetic reflections on his Harvard, using the skills he learned led to funny stories and tons of un- theological studies. The title track of certainty, I’m proud of this character the EP comes from the image in the at his home church. book of Amos, in which God’s justice For Domond, seeking God’s truth trait of mine.”

and righteousness are described like rushing waters. The lyrics, much like his lectures, ponder the truth of God’s love and God’s justice.

Turning his eyes to beyond his time at Harvard’s college and divinity school, God’s love and justice embody more than mere theological inquiry or prose. For Domond, these

concepts take form in the world of finances, especially in the affordable housing crisis in modern America.

Domond has begun to tackle the issue of affordable housing and its relationship to race and poverty. Utilizing his background in theology and finance, he works with the non-profit organization POAH (Preservation of Afford-

able Housing).

Despite his two Harvard degrees, Domond is far from set on a single profession for his future. But through faith in a God who loves and a God who desires justice in a broken world, he joins together poetry and academics, finances and theology, and continues to pursue truth. | cu

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H A RVA RD | On Campus

Reconciling Faith and Science

A S T R O N O M Y P R O F E S S O R : “ T H E S TA R S L E A D U S T O B E T H L E H E M ”

By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer

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“As Christians, it’s clear we are taught, and for good reason, there is only one truth,” said Oberg during a 2018 visit to Chicago. “Therefore truth, if pursued through different means, and if pursued honestly and

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“Studies, like the stars, will eventually lead us to Bethlehem,” said Oberg, while pointing to a slide of the Nativity. “God is the source of all truth.”

Oberg, who joined Harvard’s faculty in 2013, hopes to serve as a model for Christian scientists, especially ones in the early stages of their careers. In 2015, her research team discovered the first complex molecule on a disk of dust and gas that surrounds a newly-formed star.

Since her childhood in Sweden, Oberg has been fascinated by heavenly bodies, especially during the country’s intensely dark winters. Such curiosity also has served as a guiding light throughout stellar career endeavors. With the Harvard Astronomer Karin Oberg, who help of a Hubble Postdoctoral researches star and planet formation, does Fellowship, Oberg has been not see a conflict between science and faith. able to focus upon millimeter observations of protoplanetary accurately, cannot be in conflict.” disks. She initially arrived at Harvard As such, Christians should not be in 2009 as a fellow with the Harafraid to launch scientific careers or vard-Smithsonian Center for Astroto utilize scientific methodology. physics.

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Harvard scholar readily acknowledges how she sees compatibility between the lofty realms of faith and science.

“There is a myth that there is conflict between science and religion,” said Karin Oberg, a Harvard University professor of astronomy. “There is no necessary conflict and tension between the two.”

Oberg offered that reflection during one of a series of recent talks, including appearances at the University of Chicago and Brown University.

The native of Sweden, who serves on the board of the Society of Catholic Scientists, researches how chemistry and physics interact during star and planet formation to shape the organic compositions of nascent planets.

In a nod to the artistry and wonder of celestial displays, Oberg is passionate about both her high-profile research and Catholic faith. Though Christians in scholarly towers can feel isolated, a series of devout Catholic and Protestant scientists have left brilliant marks upon scientific fields, Oberg said.

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During a podcast for Purpose Nation in late December, the celebrated scientist described her unusual journey to faith. After confirmation in a Swedish Lutheran Church, Oberg went from possessing a vague belief to none. Though an agnostic, Oberg wrestled with questions about moral absolutes.

immediately hunted for Englishspeaking congregations in the Netherlands and joined an Anglican church.

After receiving a doctorate in 2009, Oberg was awarded a fellowship

by NASA that enabled her to conduct cutting-edge research at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics until August 2012. Oberg

“Truth, if pursued through different means, and if pursued honestly and accurately, cannot be in conflict.”

—Professor Karin Oberg While pursuing a degree in chemistry at California Institute of Technology, Oberg met a series of radiant Christians who left a lingering impression. Later, while conducting graduate studies in astronomy at Leiden University in the Netherlands, Oberg purchased a copy of C.S. Lewis’ Mere Christianity. Within an hour of perusing the classic work, she transitioned from considering herself an agnostic to a Christian.

With her newfound faith, Oberg

then spent a year on the faculty of the University of Virginia before Harvard’s astronomy department recruited her to its ranks.

While in Cambridge, Oberg became involved with the Parish of St. Paul, including the Harvard Catholic Center. “I am so grateful that God showed the path for me,” said Oberg.

Though Harvard is predominately secular, the community has been largely welcoming of Oberg’s embrace of Christianity.

“I’m sometimes met with bewilderment, but never with hostility,” she said.

Nonetheless, colleagues often offer support for Oberg’s honesty. Some peers and students even reach out to her with queries about faith. As such, much of Oberg’s advice to student believers highlights the need for spiritual support systems. “Don’t do it on your own. It’s so much harder. Find those groups,” said Oberg. “They definitely exist.”

Overall, Oberg expressed gratitude for the tangible tugging of the Holy Spirit upon her heart, and the recently-married Swede described her surprise conversion as “very powerful.”

Likewise, Oberg marvels at the ways God displays stunning handiwork and precision throughout the vast, ever-expanding cosmos.

“There is a wonderful creativity flowing through the universe,” said Oberg during one of her frequent campus appearances. “God, as creator, reveals Himself through creation.” | cu

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George Leighton, a Former Judge, Dies at 105 George Leighton, a former federal judge who fought for civil rights, died in June at the age of 105.

The Harvard Law alumnus of 1946, pioneering AfricanAmerican lawyer, and U.S. Army veteran, died in Massachusetts.

Leighton retired from the federal bench in the Northern District of

Illinois in 1987 after more than a decade of service, but practiced law until age 99.

When Leighton turned 104, the Chicago Tribune noted the legal giant’s beloved keepsakes included a well-worn Bible and a chess board. The son of immigrants from the Cape Verde Islands fought diligently to improve racial equality in the United States, according to legal colleagues.

George Leighton, Harvard ’46

P E N N | On Campus

A Big Voice on Campus C H AR N E L ’19 I S A R O LE M O D E L AN D ME N T O R

By Kaiyla Banks, Penn ’21

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humbling experience. tor and campus leader, her hands are will pursue that degree, she is “excitThat’s the first thing that never idle, but rather they are always ed and anxious” for what the future comes to mind when Christy Charnel supporting, teaching, and guiding holds.

With one more semester remain’19 considers her active role in min- others.” istry on the University of PennsylvaIn addition to ministering with ing at Penn, however, the immediate nia’s campus. A four-year nursing her beautiful voice at local churches future will include ministry on and student, vice president of the New with the New Spirit of Penn, Charnel off campus, and helping to unite the Spirit of Penn Gospel Choir, an or- also ministers through her work as a Christian community.

“Being in the New Spirit of Penn ganizer for Penn for Jesus, and a fre- nurse in local hospitals, including the quent attender of Antioch Church, Charnel is a role model and mentor for many aspiring Penn students.

Charnel credits the importance of seeking God on a daily basis with giving her the grace to serve Him in various manners. Known for her participation in organizing the annual Prayer Tent outreach, New Spirit of Penn’s retreats, and so much more, she is extremely busy, but still finds time to create valuable and genuine relationships with leaders like Chaz Howard ’00 (chaplain of the University of Pennsylvania), pastors around Christy Charnel ’19 is a multi-faceted Christian leader at the University of Pennsylvania. the West Philadelphia area, and local religious leaders in other Hospital of the University of Penn- Gospel Choir and Penn for Jesus has organizations on campus. sylvania. Like every nursing student shown me that, in a place with so many Two of Charnel’s closest friends at Penn, she participated in clinical different sounds and voices that may recently acknowledged her charismat- rounds of nurse work in multiple seem disharmonious at first, there is ic personality and passion for God. fields and areas of the hospital and always a sweet melody coming from “[Christy] is wise beyond her years would often pray for patients even within us in spite of it all. We just have and has a heart that’s after God,” said before meeting them. to stop, be present, be still, and listen,” Liz Lazarus ’20.

After graduation, Charnel hopes she said. “God is still working behind “Christy is a humble servant of to return home to Miami, Florida for the scenes on all of us to bring us to God who gives her all to everything a year and pursue nursing before seek- one sound, no matter how different for the sake of His glory,” said Samelle ing a master’s degree in theology. our stories may be.” | cu Arhin ’20. “As a health sciences men- Although she is not sure where she

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P E N N | On Campus

A Space for Skeptics

Y O U N G L I F E H O S T S D I N N E R D I S C U S S I O N S AT P E N N

By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer

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he director of Young Life’s min- feel like we have a ton to learn,” he istry at the University of Penn- said. sylvania recently added a program to Young Life’s student president cater to students with hesitations and agreed. “Going into next year, we challenging queries about the Chris- want to add more people, more ditian faith. versity, and more events,” said Willy Throughout the spring semester, Thomas, Penn ’19. “Adding people Theron Huff staged a series of skeptics’ from different walks of life will only dinners, which are aimed at providing strengthen what we have going ala safe space for students to pose tough ready.” questions.

“We buy dinner and let them go for it,” said Huff, a regional field developer associate with Young Life.

As the events grow, Huff hopes relational motivations will establish a core group and attract new attendees. Young Life provides themed cuisine from area restaurants as part of an effort to reach students, especially those unfamiliar with the life-transformative power of Christianity.

“Some like the idea of Jesus and Theron Huff, director of Young Life at the University of Pennsylvania, is hosting think Jesus, Buddha, and Mohamdinners to cater to students with questions mad are all chilling in the afterlife,” about Christianity. said Huff.

More importantly, Huff wants inquisitive students to feel comfortDuring the initial meeting of the able as they investigate perplexing semester, Huff solicited feedback on questions. As such, Huff and student topic requests. Students presented believers prayerfully rely upon the about 50 suggestions for subject conHoly Spirit for direction during the siderations, which were consolidated dialogues. About half of the Penn into the top 10 queries. undergraduates who participate in the During the spring, discussions gatherings are believers, and Huff centered upon whether each human receives encouraging feedback from receives a chance to enter Heaven and self-identified skeptics about the fledg- what are the morally permissible cirling program. cumstances for lying. The students “We feel great about it, and we also pondered God’s view of individ-

uals born into non-Christian religions, the reliability of the Bible, and implications from the concept of suffering.

Given the dynamic nature of the gathering, the students also tackled some current events, including the death of English physicist and cosmologist Stephen Hawking in March and the aftermath of the controversial arrest of two African-American men at a nearby Starbucks in May. Among other topics, the group of 10 or so students also discussed Penn’s party culture, sexuality issues, and the intersection of God, history, and science. The bulk of the discussions have produced busy, lively exchanges. “I speak less here than I do in any other capacity,” said Huff. “People are allowed to be honest.”

As each Wednesday evening session concludes, Huff provides a recap of the exchanges and a simple explanation of the Gospel.

During the upcoming fall semester, Huff plans to give stacks of business cards to student believers to distribute across campus to help boost awareness of the dinner series.

“I’m trying to let the students own it,” said Huff.

While high school chapters of Young Life often engage with youth via fun activities, collegiate branches attempt to offer undergrads a meaningful space to interact and process.

“Everyone has the chance to be heard, share their thoughts, and hopefully learn some new perspective,” said Thomas of his Penn peers. “My big-

gest takeaway has been that I’m not alone in my struggle with faith and life. I’ve met people who have the same questions. For a long time, I thought I was the odd one out.”

As for the culinary aspects of the Young Life program, those reflect Philadelphia’s ever-evolving foodie

landscape with a wide range of options on any given week, including Indian, Chinese, and Greek fare.

During the last decade, Young Life has been bolstering its collegiate outreach because adolescence now stretches into the early 20s for some young people.

The Colorado-based organization has expanded its presence on college campuses by offering communities that allow undergrads to explore or deepen their faith. Some participants also serve as leaders for middle and high school outreaches.

As for Huff, the native of Alaska and California began ministering in the Philadelphia region in 2004 on behalf of Young Life’s high school program. In 2013, he began working with college students in Philadelphia, in part to equip them to serve as mentors in high school gatherings.

In early 2017, Huff, who operates a counseling practice in Philadelphia, shifted to working exclusively with Penn students for personal discipleship and ministry training.

As for his ministerial goals, Huff simply desires to equip student believers to “engage people within matters of faith and life.” At Penn, Young Life “would really like to engage the truly skeptic crowd.” | cu

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All-Campus Worship

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After 45 years and 270 concerts, the University of Pennsylvania’s director of choral activities conducted his farewell performance on campus with Handel’s Messiah.

William Parberry chose the oratorio’s amen chorus to serve as

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Choral Director Conducts Final Performance

his stage finale and as a highlight of University Choral Society’s spring concert. Parberry, who arrived at Penn as a graduate musicology student in the 1970s, served as the leader of the University Choral Society, University Choir, and Ancient Voices.

As for his selection of Messiah, Parberry described the sacred composition’s concluding amen as unrivaled. “It’s an extended amen that is beautifully crafted with this great climax at the end — a majestic moment,” Parberry told The Pennsylvania Gazette.

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As they approached the end of spring semester, believers from various campus ministries at the University of Pennsylvania gathered for an evening of worship and edification.

In April, the students assembled for All-Campus Worship at Harnwell Campus House. The undergraduates also heard a message from Ernest Daniels, Jr., executive pastor of nearby Christ Community Church of Philadelphia. Daniels,

a recording artist and military veteran, uses music and teaching gifts to elevate this generation of worshippers.

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PR I N C E T O N | On Campus

Feeding the Multitude

P R I N C E T O N S T U D E N T S S E R V E AT T R E N T O N S O U P K I T C H E N

By Jon Garaffa, Princeton ’20

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ith an ambitious service out- all. Amidst their busy schedules, serving at Loaves and Fishes is truly reach, the Christian commu- Princeton students experience first- a blessing to me,” Powderly declared. nity at Princeton University is setting hand the power of setting aside time “I leave each time with a fuller heart and admiration for the kindness of the table and setting a standard for for those less fortunate.

“This type of volunteer opportu- the other volunteers and the dinner selfless hospitality. Twice a month, Princeton students drive out to St. nity can remind us that giving of our guests.”

In between visits to Loaves Mary’s Cathedral in Trenton, and Fishes, the students continwhere they help to serve a hot ue to keep their dinner guests in meal to approximately 250 prayer. Students still on campus guests at the Loaves and Fishes plan to continue their service soup kitchen. throughout the summer, while Volunteers set tables, fill the rest of the team plans to replates with food, refill beverages, sume full force when the fall serve desserts, wrap meals to-go, semester commences. and clean up. As they serve, “Corporal works of mercy are many of the volunteers also take beautiful ways to encounter time to greet the guests, often God’s love,” explained Lang. “We forming friendships. Some find evangelize and are evangelized by opportunities to pray and share the example and kindness of the Gospel. others. Following the lives of the “One of my biggest reflecguests, and they following mine; tions from volunteering at sharing in the excitement of good Loaves and Fishes is how optiKyle Lang ’19 said serving at Loaves and Fishes news in their lives and the sorrow mistic the guests are,” remarked has been a tremendous blessing for Princeton of trials; this provides nourishKyle Lang ’19, a leader of the students. ment far beyond the calories of initiative. “Walking around camthe meal.” | cu pus, if I ask, ‘How are you?’ the common response is, ‘Busy. Tired. time in simple ways, by serving food Stressed.’ But when I ask those who and talking to others, is incredibly have every excuse to be down on life meaningful,” noted Kelly Powderly, how they are, the common response a graduate student at Princeton. “In is, ‘The good Lord has given me an- a culture that prioritizes success and other day!’ or, ‘I’m grateful to be treats time as the most valuable resource, giving a few hours on a Sathere.’”

Although they may carry a cheer- urday can help us refocus our lives on ful demeanor, many of the guests at Christ and on serving others.”

As they head back to campus, the Loaves and Fishes are homeless or live paycheck to paycheck. Hence, the students often return with satisfaction program seeks to meet the varying and an appreciation for the grace of needs of the community, while fos- God upon their lives.

“As I’ve attended, I’ve realized that tering a welcoming environment for

PR I N C E T O N | On Campus

Focus on the Cross

R U S S E L L M O O R E S P E A K S A B O U T E VA N G E L I C A L I S M AT P R I N C E T O N

By Tom Strode Editor’s note: The following story was reprinted with permission from Baptist Press (www.bpnews.net).

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While some associate “evangelical” with a political or cultural identity, others who profess to be evangelicals apply the word to people who are outside biblical orthodoxy or morality, Moore said. “So often in 2018 America, ‘evangelical’ is associated more with Iowa caucuses than with the empty tomb.”

By “evangelical,” he refers to the “informal link of renewal and revival

Russell Moore at Princeton

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movements that are united in historic confessional orthodoxy with an emphasis on the necessity of personal conversion and evangelism.” He referred to historian David Bebbington, who defines the word in terms of “biblicism, conversionism, activism, and cruci-centrism.”

The centrality of the cross is the beginning and end for evangelicals, Moore said. By the cross, he means the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ as the apostle Paul writes in I Corinthians 15.

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Many are wondering whether evangelical Christianity is just another badge of tribal identity or another vehicle for political action, or, even worse, just another marketing scheme.”

This call for a cross-shaped evangelicalism comes while American Christians identified with the movement continue to debate what the word “evangelical” means and whether it is a label they should continue to embrace. The 2016 presidential campaign and election played a critical role in prompting the discussion.

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merican evangelical Christianity needs to be born again to an embrace of the cross of Christ, Southern Baptist ethicist Russell Moore said in a lecture on the Princeton University campus.

In April, the president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) said, “Any evangelicalism that is worthy to face the future must be cross-shaped, must call all people everywhere to repent and believe in Christ, and must call all people everywhere to demonstrate love of God and neighbor in our various communities and callings, but most importantly, evangelicalism must point to the cross.”

Moore’s comments − under the title “A Rebirth for the Reborn: American Evangelicals and American Culture at the Cross” − came at the annual William E. and Carol G. Simon Lecture on Religion in American Public Life. The Witherspoon Institute and the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions co-sponsored the event.

American evangelical Christianity, while also marked by a “gospel-centered resurgence,” appears to find itself in a couple of categories at this time – “triumphant ascent and plummeting catastrophe,” Moore said. “On the one hand, evangelicalism seems to be triumphant, seems to be in the media quite a bit as a political phenomenon with no small amount of influence.

On the other hand, survey after survey after survey shows trouble demographically with millennials and Generation Z churchgoers or ex-churchgoers.”

Moore told the audience, “Younger evangelicals are not yielding to the inevitability of secularization, nor are they leaving churches in large numbers because they want to liberalize historic doctrine or ethics. The obstacle, it seems to me, is not secularism but cynicism.

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At its best, the so-called “gospel-centered resurgence” in evangelicalism aspires to be an application of the Gospel not only to the steps required for conversion to Christ, but to the entirety of the church’s self-understanding “and the grid through which the church interacts with the outside world,” he told the audience.

While American culture “will not see the relevance of an evangelicalism that is lashed to an explicit and robust theology of the cross,” the Gospel progresses not because it is familiar, but because it introduces people to the strangest concept imaginable − a “God who justifies the ungodly,” Moore said.

“God does not need the evangelical movement, but the evangelical movement desperately needs God,” he said.

“And to that end, those of us who are evangelicals should work for reform − for a multi-ethnic, theologically robust evangelicalism that can pass the torch to a new generation with the message that we first heard down at the cross. To that end, our reform

efforts should start and end not with another political slogan or another cultural cliché, but with a prayer: ‘Make evangelicalism born again.’”

The answer for evangelicals is not found in market-driven messages or a leftward effort to “save the church.”

“A cross-shaped Christianity” will communicate “a deep sense of both God’s righteous judgment against sin and His gracious mercy in forgiving the sinner who comes to Him through Christ,” Moore told the audience.

Such an evangelicalism will be marked by gentleness, calmness, and support of the vulnerable.

“We ought not to see people categorized as ‘with us or against us,’ ‘winners and losers,’ ‘my tribe versus your tribe,’ or ‘my ethnicity versus your ethnicity,’ or ‘my nation versus your nation,’” Moore said. “Our theology means that people are divided up as either crucified or un-crucified, and those in the latter category are in the precise position as those in the first, before the gracious intervention of God.”

“The centrality of the cross in an evangelical movement upends the Darwinian values of worth through power and prestige, and puts the church where the church has always been − on the side of the vulnerable.”

“A cross-shaped evangelicalism will also bear a certain sort of tranquility in the face of cultural tumult, which we do not often see in a kind of siege mentality that is often present in American life.”

During the question-and-answer session that followed the lecture, Moore cited two wrongly conceived approaches evangelicals can adopt.

“The sort of evangelical movement that becomes obsessed with politics easily turns into a vehicle to be used by the state and by parties,” he said.

“And an evangelical movement that overreacts to that by saying we will speak simply to evangelism and discipleship and not speak to political matters, becomes just as political as the first, and sometimes more so by baptizing the status quo.” | cu

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Former Tiger Grid Star Speaks at FCA Camp Keith Elias, Princeton ’94, spoke to a group of high school football players when the Fellowship of Christian Athletes held its annual Mid-Atlantic Sports Camp in June at Kutztown University in Kutztown, Pennsylvania.

Elias, the director of Player Engagement for the National Football League, was an All-

American running back at Princeton and the 1993 Ivy League Player of the Year. The New Jersey native set four I-AA records and 21 school records, including career rushing yards (4,208). In the NFL, Elias played for the Indianapolis Colts and New York Giants.

Manna Honors Princeton Seniors Members of Manna Christian Fellowship gathered to pay tribute to their seniors during a spirited,

but sentimental, dinner.

More than 60 students participated in the ministry’s annual Senior Banquet, which was held on May 12. During the event, underclassmen honored members of Princeton University’s Class of 2018, while seniors reminisced about their faith encounters and collegiate friendships. The students also posed for myriad photos amid Polynesian-themed decorations.

Since 1994, Manna (manna. princeton.edu) has ministered to Princeton undergraduates.

YA L E | On Campus

‘Jesus in the Courtroom’ MAUCK ’69 E XHORTS CHRIS TIAN S TO SEEK JUS TICE , MERC Y

By Kayla Bartsch, Yale ’20

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gaging the law.” Mauck writes. “In a a democracy, the people–the citizens– are responsible under God to adopt, and, when necessary, reform laws to reflect God’s love of mercy and justice.” This is the driving message behind his book.

Throughout Jesus in the Courtroom, Mauck shares helpful advice, specifically geared towards Christians working in the legal field, on how to incorporate the Great Commission into their regular work day. He seeks to dismantle a common misperception of lawyers as conniving and serpent-like, and show how they have a unique opportunity to serve the kingdom of God. Jesus Himself, as Mauck reminds his reader, was a lawyer in His own right – Rabbi Yeshua, a teacher of the Law. In most legal disputes, there is worry, frustration, and hurt felt amongst all parties involved. Mauck notes that in this time of vulnerability, people often need Christ the most, and are most open to receiving Him. Mauck shares hopeful stories of lawyers praying with clients in a difficult time, prayer which has brought healing to the broken and faith to the hardened of heart.

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their right to gather together in worship.

As Mauck, Yale ’69, relates firsthand in Jesus in the Courtroom, he has played a special role throughout his career fighting zoning regulations that discriminate against religious organizations. A watershed moment in his fight for religious freedom came with the passage of The Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 (RLUIPA). Mauck describes it as “a federal law protecting the freedom of congregations and religious groups to use land for religious purposes.”

Beyond land use disputes, the law also affirms the Fr e e E x e r c i s e Clause of the First Amendment by prohibiting “the imposition of burdens on the ability of prisoners to worship as they please.” Mauck provided essential counsel in the creation of the law, and, through his practice, references it regularly in support of his clients.

Mauck’s experience of furthering God’s kingdom in a career field that is generally regarded to be deeply secular is an example for all laypeople to be change agents in their own line of work. His observation is that “many believers tend to shy away from en-

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he latest book from attorney John W. Mauck is a reminder that every Christian is called to live his life as a disciple of Christ – a calling which might just include serving God in the courtroom.

Mauck, the author of Jesus in the Courtroom: How Believers Can Engage the Legal System for the Good of His Word, has a long record of excellence in his craft. He earned his B.A. at Yale University and his J.D. at the University of Chicago Law School before starting his work as a lawyer dedicated to religious freedom.

Mauck & Baker, LLC, a small but sturdy firm of Christian lawyers who seek both to achieve justice and to spread the Good News through their work, was established in 2001. The practice, based in Chicago, is self-described as an “extensive pro bono litigation ministry,” which serves to promote religious liberty, family values, and free speech, as allied with such organizations as Alliance Defending Freedom and the Christian Legal Society.

Mauck & Baker assists clients with a wide variety of legal needs, ranging from couples beginning the adoption process to businesses in need of settling a commercial dispute. However, the most common clients are churches and other faith-based organizations involved in a fight to protect their constitutional rights, especially with zoning issues and ordinances. In these cases, the firm steps in to ensure that religious groups—of all faiths—are granted fair treatment and afforded

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However, Jesus in the Courtroom is not written only for lawyers, but rather for all believers to understand further how they can support legal ministry. At

the end of his book, Mauck includes a list of organizations currently doing important work that requires the aid of believers, both within and outside of

the legal realm. As Mauck notes, we are all called “to carry on the work of our Wonderful Counselor in seeking justice and mercy.” | cu

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YA L E | On Campus

‘Life Hacks, Moral Virtues, and the Desire for Happiness’ PROFESSOR OF POPULAR PSYCHOLOGY COURSE IS SPEAKER AT VERITAS FORUM

By Kayla Bartsch, Yale ’20

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was soon dubbed by the student body, was created and taught by Dr. Laurie Santos, a professor of psychology who is heavily involved in student life as

Professors Jennifer Frey (left) and Laurie Santos discussed “Goals: Life Hacks, Moral Virtues, and the Desire for Happiness” at the Veritas Forum at Yale this spring. Adam Eitel, Assistant Professor of Ethics at Yale Divinity School, was the moderator.

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n the spring semester, a new course at Yale became the most popular in the university’s history. The lecture course, titled “Psychology and

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the Good Life,” attracted more than 1,200 students – approximately one quarter of Yale’s undergraduate population. In order to accommodate all of the students enrolled, the course had to meet in Woolsey Hall, the university’s largest and grandest concert venue.

“Psych and the Good Life,” as it

the head of Silliman College, a residential college on campus.Topics included: scientifically validated strategies for becoming happier, achieving behavior change, handling cognitive biases, and picking a meaningful career.

The unprecedented interest in the course, which is now available online

through a platform called Coursera, did not go unnoticed. The Washington Post, National Review, and The New York Times all ran articles analyzing the phenomenon.

With so many students pondering this question of what constitutes real happiness, the Veritas Forum at Yale this past spring could not have been more relevant. The forum, titled “#Goals: Life Hacks, Moral Virtues, and the Desire for Happiness,” featured dialogue between Professor Santos and Professor Jennifer Frey, a devout Catholic and assistant professor of philosophy at the University of South Carolina. Frey helps direct a research project at The University of Chicago titled “Virtue, Happiness, & the Meaning of Life,” which implements a philosophical and theological approach.

The spring Veritas Forum would not have happened without the work of a group of dedicated graduate students at Yale Divinity School, spearheaded by Katelyn Walls, M. Div. ’18.

Walls noted that the purpose of this year’s event “was to step into the space that Dr. Santos’ class had generated” and highlight “the differences in approach between psychology

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and philosophy,” exploring “the complementary, and perhaps divergent, claims of those two approaches.”

As Walls and the Veritas staff observed, the popularity of Psych and the Good Life displays a greater pandemic at Yale, and other similar universities. At a place where, by all worldly measures, the students ought to be happy, there is an undercurrent

students ‘life hacks’ for how to be mentally and physically healthy, we sought to push the conversation a bit further, asking questions about how students might maintain happiness when ‘life hacks’ were inaccessible— like in the face of severe injury, chronic illness, or even death, for example.”

Pushing beyond simply scientific remedies for increasing one’s happi-

At a place where, by all worldly measures, the students ought to be happy, there is an undercurrent of deep discontent amongst the student body. of deep discontent amongst the student body. Marked by the high rates of anxiety and depression on campus, many students have come to ask themselves, “Why am I not happy?”

Throughout the Veritas Forum, Santos and Frey presented different pictures of the true nature of happiness, and different methods to achieve such happiness. As Walls noted, “while Professor Santos’ class taught

ness, as offered in Santos’ course, Frey challenged students to consider that— beyond adjusting one’s relationship expectations, sleep schedule, and screen time—there may be a deeper, spiritual cause for one’s general discontent. Frey argued that the cultivation of moral virtues, especially the virtue of temperance, is crucial in the search for happiness—a point to which Santos agreed.

Walls observed that “while no one can offer an answer for why humans never seem to attain pure happiness, Christian theologians, in particular, do possess a framework for maintaining happiness in the midst of suffering—a framework that psychology alone cannot offer.”

The Veritas Forum did not undermine the great importance of Professor Santos’ work, but rather deepened the conversation in a way that would not have been possible in a psych class.

As Walls noted, this is why the Veritas Forum is so important, for “it does the work that the academy sometimes forgets to do, or perhaps sometimes does not do well: it displays ideological diversity in a winsome and amicable conversation between a religious and a non-religious scholar who think differently on a given topic.”

The students in the audience certainly left the Veritas Forum with a new perspective on happiness, and hopefully with a new desire for virtue, as well. | cu

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christian union

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the magazine

“Why Youth Ministry?”

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Philosophy professors James K. A. Smith and Kyle David Bennett were the speakers at the Yale Youth Ministry Institute Summer Symposium in June at Yale Divinity School.

The weeklong course for pastors, seminarians, lay leaders, and youth ministers was entitled, “Why Youth Ministry? A Beacon of Joy in the Midst of Suffering.”

Smith, an acclaimed author, is professor of philosophy at Calvin

College, where he holds the Gary and Henrietta Byker Chair in Applied Reformed Theology and Worldview. Bennett is assistant professor of philosophy at Caldwell University and program director of the Spirituality and Leadership Institute.

The Risk of Living in a Pornified World In April, the Love and Fidelity Network hosted a lecture and

Q and A with Dr. Jill Manning entitled “Is Porn Safe? The Risk of Living in a Pornified World.”

Manning, a marriage and family therapist, researcher, and author, specializes in working with individuals impacted by sexual addiction, pornography, or betrayal trauma in their primary relationship. She serves on the board of directors for Enough is Enough, a non-profit organization dedicated to making the Internet safer for children and families.

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lling. ed an actor’s a passion for storyte ve ha I — ur fo s in many others. I liv wa s I ce ce an ar sin r pe to ap ac d an an at Yale, tions “I’ve wanted to be Dramatic Arts. Back out a dozen produc d ab an in ic les us ro M r of ajo y m em ces. the London Acad dramatic arts, with e sold-out performan mester abroad with se fiv a in t en th sp be I ac en M wh ed dream I portray ining paid off when portunities to be a the Shakespearian tra eant I had many op m le Ya at ts ar g in d not discussed rm s immersed in perfo eater with whom I ha ian th ist in hr ds C en w fe fri e se th clo of on ministry really Being one faith. Christian Uni fact, I did not have y in m — of en ip op rsh ry ne ve ow s ok in my faith witness. I wa until college that I to . As a result, I grew ’t ew sn vi wa rld it wo y, l all ica tu bl ac bi d growth. a my faith. But, Union in my faith an ggest questions from bi ian e’s ist lif hr e C ob of pr le to ro e e fellows helped m k I can overstate th college. I don’t thin g rin r dradu ly ial nt ne expo ng strong support fo di clu in le, Ya at ity Broadway, I pray hristian commun rienced a vibrant C aps opportunities on pe rh ex pe ve d, ha ea to ah s ul lie kf er an I am th into whatev ble career. As I step His glory.” matic arts as a possi sts, and training to re te in s, ill sk y m e God will us

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