Winter 2018 Magazine

DARTMOUTH

PENN

A Devotion To The Word

Fasting Fridays

Christian Union the magazine :: winter 2018

Stepping into Leadership Updates from Christian Union Universities page 16

Special Feature Section: Seeking God Christian Union New York: Probing Global Issues The Spiritual Climate on Campus The latest from Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, Penn, Princeton & Yale

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table of contents

volume xvi issue iv

Christian Union

the maga zine :: winter 2018

in e ach issue Letter from the CEO / 3 Q and A / 12

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Stewardship News / 35

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4 Seeking God

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win t er 2 01 8 fe at ure sec t ion What Does It Mean to Seek the Lord? / 6 We Draw Near to God by Means / 8 Q and A with Dr. David Ireland / 12 Seeking God in an Age of Distraction / 14

16 From the University to the City

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cover photo: Columbia students (left to right) Renee Parris ’18, Jesse Thorson ’18, Rebecca Ohaeri ’18, and Stephen Cone ’21 Photo Credit: Cody Min

36 The Spiritual Climate on Campus

updat e s fr om l e ading univer si t ie s Can Robots Be Human? (Brown) :: Christ’s Crowning Glory (Columbia) :: A Dartmouth Decibelle :: The Drive to Abolish Male and Female (Princeton) :: Hearts of Compassion in New Haven (Yale) :: News-in-Brief from each university, and more

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All the World’s a Stage (Yale) / 18 Are We More than Our Genes? (Brown) / 20 chris tian union univer sities Princeton / 22 Dartmouth / 23 Columbia / 25 Cornell / 27 Harvard / 28 Penn / 30 Harvard Law / 31 chris tian union cities Christian Union New York / 33

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letter from the founder and ceo

Seeking God for More Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually.

– Psalm 105:4

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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. matt bennett

christianunion.org

Matthew W. Bennett

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Many blessings to you in Christ,

2018

effort seeking God through day and night prayer, fasting, humility, repentance, holy living, and obeying the Spirit promptly, but nothing has been earned. God grants more of His presence to the Christian who seeks Him energetically, but everything given still comes by God’s grace. The faithful Christian knows that God loves giving good gifts to His children (Luke 11:13), but also knows that he is not owed anything from God, even when enormous effort is invested.

Today, many in the Western church spend little effort or time seeking God through the means that bring more of God’s grace, including fervent prayer, fasting, righteous living, and extended Christian conferences. Some, unfortunately, believe that doing so would be legalistic, and therefore un-Christian! Yet, God often meets us when we come to Him. Recently, a friend sought an answer from God to a difficult situation. He spent ten nights in a row praying from midnight to 3:00 a.m., and the Lord responded!

God loves us and is ready to help us as we seek Him faithfully. We must not let a mistaken view of legalism keep us from the fullness of God’s presence.

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egalism is possibly the most misunderstood concept in Christianity.

On the one hand, it cannot be emphasized enough that no person gains salvation as a result of his own good works, but only by God’s grace through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Forgiveness of sins and right standing before God cannot be earned, but only bestowed on those who come to God in need.

The misunderstanding of this central spiritual doctrine—where one mistakenly thinks he can work his way to God—is rightly called legalism; and so is the demand, after salvation, to obey commands that God never requires. For example, the Bible does not prohibit dancing, so to prohibit every kind of dancing is appropriately regarded as legalism. True legalism is poisonous, destructive, and causes much harm.

On the other hand, the biblical concept of seeking God wholeheartedly can sometimes be regarded as legalistic, when nothing could be further from the truth. Encouragements to seek the Lord are everywhere in the scriptures. Psalm 105:4 says to “seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually” (ESV); Matthew 6:33 says, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you” (ESV). Receiving Christ through faith is the first major step of seeking God, and for the rest of our lives we have the opportunity to seek God with the promise of more grace and mercy from Him (Hebrews 4:16).

Because seeking God entails effort, confusion sometimes arises when “effort” is mistaken for “earning.” Christians expend

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feature section :: winter 2018 What Does It Mean to Seek the Lord? / 6 We Draw Near to God by Means / 8 Q and A with Dr. David Ireland / 12 Seeking God in an Age of Distraction / 14

Seeking God You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. ( p s a l m 6 3 : 1 ) Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you… ( m a t t h e w 7 : 7 - 8 ) winter

2018

Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings… ( h e b r e w s 1 0 : 2 2 )

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photo: lifestock

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Throughout Scripture, we are exhorted to pursue the Lord wholeheartedly—to put Him first, to seek His face, and worship Him in spirit and in truth. In this special section, Christian Union: The Magazine presents four articles that will encourage readers to fervently pray and diligently seek Him.

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What Does It Mean to Seek the Lord?

Photo: Lightstock

by john piper

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eeking the Lord means seeking His presence. “Presence” is a common translation of the Hebrew word “face.” Literally, we are to seek His “face.”

This is the Hebraic way of having access to God. To be before His face is to be in His presence.

But aren’t His children always in His presence? Yes and no. Yes in two senses: First, in the sense that God is omnipresent and therefore always near everything and everyone. He holds everything in being.

His power is ever-present in sustaining and governing all things.

And second, yes, He is always present with His children in the sense of His covenant commitment to always stand by us and work for us and turn everything for our good. “Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

When He Is Not with Us But there is a sense in which God’s presence is not with us always. For this reason, the Bible repeatedly calls us to “seek the Lord . . . seek His presence continually.”

trust in Him and we find Him “unmanifested” — that is, unperceived as great and beautiful and valuable by the eyes of our hearts.

His face—the brightness of His per-

We do not make this mental and emotional effort to seek God because He is lost. That’s why we would seek a coin or a sheep. But God is not lost. Nevertheless, there is always something through which or around which we must go to meet him consciously. This going through or around is what seeking is. He is often hidden.

Veiled. We must go through mediators and around obstacles.

God’s manifest, conscious, trusted presence is not our constant experience. There are seasons when we become neglectful of God and give Him no thought and do not put

sonal character—is hidden behind the curtain of our carnal desires. This condition is always ready to overtake us. That is why we are told to “seek His presence continu-

ally.” God calls us to enjoy continual consciousness of His supreme greatness and beauty and worth.

What It Means to Seek This happens through “seeking.” Continual seeking. But what does that mean practically? Both the Old and New Testaments say it is a “setting of the mind and heart” on God. It is the conscious fixing or focusing of our mind’s attention and our heart’s affection on God. “Now set your mind and heart to seek the Lord your God.” (1 Chronicles 22:19) “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:1-2)

A Conscious Choice

to Him. This too is what seeking Him means.

“Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near.” (Isaiah 55:6) “If you will seek God and plead with the Almighty for mercy . . . ” (Job 8:5) Seeking involves calling and pleading.

“O Lord, open my eyes. O Lord, pull back the curtain of my own blindness. Lord, have mercy and reveal yourself. I long to see your face.”

Humility Essential

John Piper

constantly set our minds toward God in all our experiences, to direct our minds and hearts toward Him through the means of His revelation. This is what seeking God means.

Obstacles to Avoid

This article originally appeared at www. desiringGod.org. Used with permission.

2018

john piper is the founder and teacher of www.

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DesiringGod.org and chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary. For 33 years, he served as pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis. Piper is the author of more than 50 books, including Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist.

christianunion.org

And there are endless obstacles that we must get around in order to see Him clearly, and so that we can be in the light of His presence. We must flee spiritually dulling activities. We must run from them and get around them. They are blocking our way.

We know what makes us vitally sensitive to God’s appearances in the world and in the Word. And we know what dulls us and blinds us and makes us not even want to seek Him. These things we must move away from and go around if we would see God. That is what seeking God involves.

And as we direct our minds and hearts Godward in all our experiences, we cry out

The great obstacle to seeking the Lord is pride. “In the pride of his face the wicked does not seek him” (Psalm 10:4). Therefore, humility is essential to seeking the Lord.

The great promise to those who seek the Lord is that He will be found. “If you seek him, he will be found by you” (1 Chronicles 29:9). And when He is found, there is great reward. “Whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). God Himself is our greatest reward. And when we have Him, we have everything. Therefore, “Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!” | cu winter

This setting of the mind is the opposite of mental coasting. It is a conscious choice to direct the heart toward God. This is what Paul prays for the church: “May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ” (2 Thessalonians 3:5). It is a conscious effort on our part. But that effort to seek God is a gift from God. We do not make this mental and emotional effort to seek God because He is lost. That’s why we would seek a coin or a sheep. But God is not lost. Nevertheless, there is always something through which or around which we must go to meet Him consciously. This going through or around is what seeking is. He is often hidden.

Veiled. We must go through mediators and around obstacles.

The heavens are telling the glory of God. So we can seek Him through that. He reveals

himself in His Word. So we can seek Him through that. He shows Himself to us in the evidences of grace in other people. So we can seek Him through that. The seeking is the conscious effort to get through the natural means to God Himself — to

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“We Draw Near to God by Means” A Survey of Spiritual Disciplines in Church History by dr. michael a. g. haykin

T

with the revealed Word implanted in us by the Word.

he Puritans, who were skilled navigators on the ocean of Christian spirituality, were convinced, in the words of Richard Greenham (1540-1594), that “we draw near to God by means.” By this, Greenham, and his fellow Puritans, meant that there are various “means of godliness” or spiritual disciplines by which God enables Christians to grow in Christ till they reach the haven of heaven. They believed that normally the Holy Spirit employs various agencies to produce Christian maturity, things such as prayer and sitting under the preaching of Scripture. In thinking this way, the Puritans were at one with other eras of vital Christianity.

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“Eat from every Scripture”

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In the early church, for instance, meditation upon the Word of God was regarded as central to genuine spirituality. The actual parameters of the canon of the New Testament were still being deliberated in the second century when Irenaeus (c.130-c.200), a Greek-speaking missionary theologian labouring at Lyons in the Rhone valley, argued that the Lord feeds His people through the Scriptures. The main work for which he is remembered is Against Heresies, an extensive rebuttal of an heretical movement known as Gnosticism that denied, among other things, the reality of Christ’s incarnation and crucifixion. Scripture is absolutely central to Irenaeus’ rebuttal of this heresy.

Irenaeus, though, was more than an apologist. He was also a wise pastor who saw the need for regular meditation upon Scripture. “The church has been planted as a garden in this world,” he wrote in his Against Heresies. “Therefore,” he continued, “the Spirit of God says, ‘You may freely eat

Dr. Michael A. G. Haykin

of every tree of the garden’ [Genesis 2:16], that is to say, ‘Eat from every Scripture of the Lord.’ ” Irenaeus here likens the church to the garden of Eden: just as the trees which the Lord planted in that garden provided food for Adam and for Eve, so the entirety of Scripture contains nourishment necessary for all believers to experience true growth in Christ.

The same point is made this way by Eugene Peterson, the contemporary Christian author and Bible translator: The Christian Scriptures are the primary text for Christian spirituality.

We don’t form our personal spiritual lives out of a random assemblage of favourite texts in combination with individual circumstances; we are formed by the Holy Spirit following the text of the holy Scriptures. God does not put us in charge of forming our personal spiritualities; we grow in accordance

Since the time of the early church, succeeding generations of Christians have had to re-affirm the importance of the Word in spiritual life. The Reformation was such a time. In strong contrast to Medieval Roman Catholicism, which had majored on symbols and images as the means for cultivating spirituality, the Reformation, coming as it did on the heels of the invention of the printing press, turned to “words” as the primary vehicle of spiritual growth.

William Tyndale (c.1494-1536) devoted himself to giving the people of England the Word of God in their language. From the mid-1520s till his martyrdom in 1536, his life was directed to this sole end.

Like the rest of the Reformers, Tyndale was convinced that knowledge of the Scriptures was essential to Christian spirituality.

Thus in 1530, Tyndale could state in the “Prologue” to his translation of Genesis: “The Scripture is a light, and sheweth us the true way, both what to do and what to hope for; and a defence from all error, and a comfort in adversity that we despair not, and feareth us in prosperity that we sin not.”

This recognition of the importance of the scriptures in the Christian life is clear in a prayer drawn up by the later English Reformer Thomas Cranmer (d.1556) for the Second Sunday in Advent. It is a prayer that all contemporary believers would do well to pray: Blessed Lord, which hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning; grant us that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them; that by patience,

and comfort of thy holy word, we may embrace, and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ.

“All is nothing without prayer” Another means by which Christians historically have drawn near to God is prayer. From the regular times of prayer in the early fourth-century monastic communities to the modern-day “quiet time,” vital Christianity has always been a prayerful Christianity. As the Puritan theologian

would take mine heart, and set it on Himself in Christ, and when it is there, that He would keep it there.”

Generations of Christians, though, would also testify that for all who persevere in this discipline of prayer, there are times of exquisite delight when the duty slides over into pure joy. John Owen (16161683), one of John Bunyan’s good friends, thus once observed with regard to Ephesians 2:18 (“Through Christ we have access by one Spirit unto the Father”):

But as mature Christians have also known, to persevere in the discipline of prayer one needs the empowering of God the Holy Spirit, for prayer is, and always has been, one of the great struggles in the Christian life.

No tongue can express, no mind can reach, the heavenly placidness and soul-satisfying delight which are intimated in these words. To come to God as a Father, through Christ, by the help and assistance of the Holy Spirit, revealing Him as a Father unto us, and enabling us to go to Him as a Father, how full of sweetness and satisfaction is it!

Stennett does make it clear that the feeding involved at the table is by faith, but still his language clearly indicates that

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Here may our Faith still on Thee feed The only Food Divine; To Faith thy Flesh is Meat indeed, Thy Blood the Noblest wine.

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Another place that Christians in the past have regarded as rich in spiritual nourishment is the Lord’s Table. This may come as a surprise to many Baptists, who in recent times do not appear to have seen participation at the Table as an important spiritual discipline. Any talk about the Lord’s Supper nourishing the soul they have tended to write off as Roman Catholic.

But it was not always so as two samplings

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The King is pleas’d to sit with us

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Thomas Goodwin (1600-1680) once remarked, “our speaking to God by prayers, and His speaking to us by answers thereunto, is one great part of our walking with God.” And Richard Greenham, mentioned earlier, was unequivocal when he declared that in the Christian life “all is nothing without prayer.”

But as mature Christians have also known, to persevere in the discipline of prayer one needs the empowering of God the Holy Spirit, for prayer is, and always has been, one of the great struggles in the Christian life. Another Puritan, the Baptist John Bunyan (1628-1688), best known for his classic Pilgrim’s Progress, put this well when he said: “as for my heart, when I go to pray, I find it so loath to go to God, and when it is with Him, so loath to stay with Him, that many times I am forced in my prayers; first to beg God that He

of eighteenth-century Baptist reflections on the Lord’s Supper reveal.

Anne Dutton (1692-1765), a prolific Baptist author who corresponded with many of the leading evangelical figures of the eighteenth century—including George Whitefield (1714-1770) and John Wesley (1703-1791)—was certain that in the Lord’s Supper “the King is pleas’d to sit with us, at His table.” In fact, so highly does she prize this means of grace that she can state that the celebration of the Lord’s Supper “admits” believers “into the nearest approach to His [that is, Christ’s] glorious self…on the earth, on this side the presence of His glory in heaven.” Other Baptists of this era might have seen this statement as erring a little on the side of exaggeration.

Nevertheless, they would have generally endorsed her view of the table as a place where God’s people have rich fellowship with their Redeemer.

Similar sentiments can be found in Hymns In Commemoration Of the Sufferings Of Our Blessed Saviour Jesus Christ by Joseph Stennett I (1663-1713), the pastor of a Baptist church that met in London.

Stennett can certainly describe the church’s celebration at the table as a “perpetual memorial” of Christ’s death, a death that is to be commemorated. And the bread and wine he calls “proper symbols” and “figures.” Of the practice he wrote:

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for Him, the Lord’s Supper is a place of rich spiritual nourishment.

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“One of the best helps to keep up religion”

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John Wesley once remarked that the New Testament knows nothing of solitary Christianity. How right he was! One of the great sources of spiritual strength is Christian friendship and fellowship. Our culture is not one that provides great encouragement for the nurture and development of deep, long lasting, satisfying friendships. Such friendships take time and sacrifice, and our western culture is a busy, busy world that is far more interested in receiving and possessing than sacrificing and giving. Sadly, western Christianity is little different from its culture when it comes to friendship.

Earlier generations of believers, who lived just as busy lives as we do, knew the importance of cultivating and sustaining friendships. At the beginning of the modern era, John Calvin (1509-1564), who has had the undeserved reputation of being cold, harsh, and unloving, had a rich appreciation of friendship. The French Reformed historian Richard Stauffer reckoned that there were few men at the time of the Reformation “who developed as many friendships” as Calvin. Two of his closest friends were his fellow Reformers William Farel (1489-1565) and Pierre Viret (15111571). Calvin celebrated his friendship with these two men in his preface to his Commentary on Titus, where he stated: “I do not believe that there have ever been such friends who have lived together in such a deep friendship in their everyday style of life in this world as we have in our ministry. I have served here in the office of pastor with you two.

There was never any appearance of envy; it seems to me that you two and I were as one person.”

The extensive correspondence of these three men reveals a deep brotherly bond.

In their letters to one another, not only are theological problems and ecclesiastical matters frankly discussed, but also there is an openness in relation to the problems of their private lives.

The importance of friendship in the Christian life was still being felt intensely and being talked about down to the early part of the modern era. Esther Burr (17321758), a Christian housewife living in colonial New Jersey in the mid-eighteenth century, could unequivocally declare: “Nothing is more refreshing to the soul (except communication with God himself), than the company and society of a friend.”

The wife of Aaron Burr, Sr., who was the president of what would in time become Princeton University, and the mother of two small children, Esther earnestly sought to know the presence of God in the hurly-burly of her daily life. As she did so, she came to appreciate her friends as a divine gift.

On April 20, 1755, she wrote to her closest friend, Sarah Prince: I should highly value (as you my dear do) such charming friends as you have about you—friends that one might unbosom their whole soul too. ... I esteem religious conversation one of the best helps to keep up religion in the soul, excepting secret devotion, I don’t know but the very best—Then what a lamentable thing that ‘tis so neglected

by God’s own children.

Notice the connection between friendship and what Esther calls “religious conversation.” For the Christian, true friends are those with whom one can share the deepest things of one’s life. They are people with whom one can be transparent and open. In the course of conversation about spiritual things, the believer can find

strength and encouragement for living the Christian life. In referring to spiritual conversation with friends as “one of the best helps to keep up religion in the soul,” Esther obviously views it as a means of grace, one of the ways the Holy Spirit keeps Christians in fellowship with the Savior.

Other means of grace There are other means of grace this short article has not been able to address. The great Victorian Baptist Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892), for instance, in an 1868 article in his magazine The Sword and the Trowel, could advocate seasons of solitude spent in silence, fasting, and prayer so as to “inflame [the] soul with ardour” for Christ and His kingdom. Still, much will have been accomplished if we can re-commit ourselves to these four means— the Word, prayer, the Lord’s Table, and friendship—so as to have a bolder profession of Christ, a more watchful life, and a more tender conscience towards God. May the reader and author indeed be given strength to so “draw near to God” through these means He has given. | cu michael a. g. haykin,

Professor of Church History at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, has written widely on fourth-century Christianity in the Roman Imperium, eighteenth-century British Dissent, and the history of Christian spirituality.

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“Prayer Is the Foundation Stone of My Life” Q and A with Dr. David Ireland

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r. David Ireland is the founder and lead pastor of Christ Church, a multisite, multiracial congregation of 8,000 people in northern New Jersey.

An author, conference speaker, and leader in various sectors of society, Ireland is a member of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Faith-Based Initiatives and serves as a diversity consultant to the National Basketball Association. He also leads chapel services for the New York Giants, New York Jets, and at the U.S. Pentagon, and serves on various academic and non-profit boards.

Ireland has written over 20 books, including three on prayer: The Kneeling Warrior, The Weapon of Prayer, and Raising a Child Who Prays. He is the host of Prayerfest, a popular, regional event at Christ Church based on the call for a solemn assembly in the book of Joel.

Ireland began his career in civil engineering with an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering and a graduate degree in civil engineering. Later, he attended seminary, earning a master’s degree in theology (Alliance Theological Seminary) and a doctorate degree in organizational leadership (Regent University). He has also completed post-doctoral work at the University of Pennsylvania.

christian union: How would you define

seeking God? david ireland: Seeking God is setting time aside to pursue God; setting aside time to ask questions, to think, to reflect, to be quiet, and to meditate.

CU: How has seeking God impacted your

CU: As someone with multiple degrees

life, your ministry?

in engineering, how do you reconcile the intellectual life versus a life of prayer and walking in faith?

I started off seeking God with a threeday time of fasting and prayer, just to find

di:

DI: There is always a tension

Dr. David Ireland

out whether I should be an engineer or a minister. After three days of fasting and prayer, the Lord spoke to my heart and told me to go and preach His Word. I then began to transition out of the field of engineering and into vocational ministry.

Today, prayer is the foundation stone of my life. It’s not just about having good ideas or even being smart intellectually or even gifted. It’s about me having times in the presence of God to seek His face. In fact, as a result of those encounters with God, I have written three books on prayer.

between those worlds. One of the things that God has done for me is to challenge me through the world of spiritual dreams. I know that many today may not understand the world of dreams, but I think of someone in Scripture like Daniel, who had a ministry of dreams and the interpretation. Even in Acts 2, we see that this ministry still occurs: “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.”

Through dreams, God showed me that I shouldn’t depend on my education, but should depend on the strength of my relationship and intimacy with Him. CU: What are some of the biggest mis-

conceptions that Christians have about prayer and seeking God? DI: I think people don’t see—as Pascal called it—the “causality of prayer.” In other words, we have a chance to move the hand of God; often, we pray prayers that don’t have actions associated with them, so we never really see how prayer moves God because we’re praying things that don’t have a metric to them. John Wesley said,

“Prayer is where the action is.” We have to pray in a way in which we see God act or move to action.

CU: On this topic of misconceptions, you have compared Christianity to being more akin to life on a battle ship than life on a cruise ship. Please expound.

DI: I’ve put together a whole contrast of the

two mindsets: On a cruise ship, I’m here to relax; on a battleship, I’m here to fight. On a cruise ship, it’s all about me; on a battleship, it’s all about God. With a cruise ship mentality, I must be served by the crew; With a battleship mentality, I am the crew…On a cruise ship, prayer is seen as a bother; on the battleship, prayer is a necessity, a must. The cruise ship mentality is that the next stop brings more fun. The battleship mentality is the next stop brings more deliverance. The cruise ship mentality freely complains because “I deserve to be served fast and frequently;” the battleship mentality says, “I freely praise because I was chosen to serve on the king’s

Dr. David Ireland and Christ Church host Prayerfest every July.

tians to pray in networks or in community outside of their local churches?

DI: There is a necessity for us, as Christians,

not only to pray privately in our devotional time, but to pray publicly in our corporate experiences. There are some things that we will never experience from God until we gather together corporately in crowds.

Prayerfest is based on Joel 1:13-14. It has become a staple for people in regards to their

DI: I love Psalm 9:10: “Those who know

your name will trust in you, for you Lord have never forsaken those who seek you.”

God gives us a promise that when we seek Him, He will never forsake us; there is a trust, an implicit trust and assurance that we have. When we seek God, not only is He hearing and listening, but He is attentive and responsive to our times of prayer.

Another one of my favorites is Jeremiah 29:12-13, “Then you will call upon me

tures that really speak to you when it comes to prayer and seeking God?

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CU: Finally, what are one or two Scrip-

and come and pray to me. I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

At times, those Scriptures have challenged me, convicted me, and comforted me. | cu

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CU: Each summer, thousands of believers from the greater New York region and beyond attend Prayerfest at your church. Why is it important for Chris-

spiritual diets. They look forward to it over the course of the year. A lot of pastors come because there are very few places where pastors can go just to refresh themselves and recharge.

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battleship.” On a cruise ship, God is seen as the jovial entertainment director; on a battleship, God is seen as the fearless general.

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I love Psalm 9:10: “Those who know your name will trust in you, for you Lord have never forsaken those who seek you.” God gives us a promise that when we seek Him, He will never forsake us; there is a trust, an implicit trust and assurance that we have.

When we seek God, not only is He hearing and listening, but He is attentive and responsive to our times of prayer.

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feature section | seeking god

Seeking God in an Age of Distraction by kevin antlitz

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So how are we to understand attention? fear that we miss too much these days if hen a monk asks you a quesA.G. Sertillangers (The Intellectual Life: Its we just stop and think. We have been tion, it’s generally wise to lisSpirit, Conditions, Methods) calls it the conlaunched into a new horizon (or fallen over ten. I learned this lesson on vergence of concentration on a particular the cliff) into “life” in an age of distraction. my annual silent retreat at the monastery point. It consists of being here now, where an of the Society of Saint John the individual is attending to a particular thing, Evangelist in Cambridge, Massaat a particular place, and at a particular time. chusetts.

It is a faculty whose power of engagement During his sermon on the can be strengthened like a muscle through Feast of Corpus Christi, a brothhabitual practice. er was describing the various perAttention is a finite resource. What we spectives on the “real presence” of pay attention to can either pay great diviChrist in the eucharist. He redends or can bankrupt our souls because viewed the distinctions between what we attend to is an indication of what the Lutheran and Zwinglian perwe believe to be worthy of our attention, spectives. The moment he began that is, what we value. And, what we value to parse the distinction between is a direct result of what we love. the substance and accident of the Our modern distractibility suggests we bread and wine, I foresaw the inare either agnostic or incapable of discerning evitable: my checking out. Just as what we ought to value (or both), according I prepared to disembark and wanto Matthew B. Crawford in The World Beder towards the contemplation of yond Your Head: On Becoming an Individthe beautiful rose window or the ual in Age of Distraction. distant lands of my Twitter feed, Kevin Antlitz There is great danger in frittering away the monk made a surprising turn. our attention. In this age of distraction, One of our greatest contemporary probRather than tease out the fineries of the our minds are often separated from our lems – or the foundation upon which all real presence of Christ in the elements, he bodies, says Crawford. We lack integrity. other problems are erected – is a lack of suggested that even better than inquiring We are no longer whole, unified selves and attention. Remedying this is our best hope into the presence of Christ, we might ask instead, “am I really present?”

One of our greatest contemporary problems – or the foundation For most, I think the answer to this is question is negative. Our absence exists upon which all other problems are erected – is a lack of attention. not only in the sacred inflection points of Remedying this is our best hope for living the good life: a life life like the eucharist, but in the more mundane moments of the everyday. characterized by rightly ordered loves. This is what St. Augustine With the rise of the modernist concepreferred to as the ordo amoris: loving everything with that kind tion of the “individual,” “choice,” and “freedom,” came the fall of certain tradiand degree of love appropriate to it. tional authorities and rituals. Couple this experience the world as fragmented. We for living the good life: a life characterized with the proliferation of social media and are present and absent: in two places at by rightly ordered loves. This is what St. the commodification of nearly every corner once and neither simultaneously. We are Augustine referred to as the ordo amoris: of our environment, and we’ve become cut adrift, but still floating as if somewhere loving everything with that kind and degree convinced that virtual reality is even better in between and no place in particular. There of love appropriate to it. than the real thing. There is a perpetual

I’m not saying anything new. The problem of our cultural moment is commonly discussed. And yet our being-in-the-world is acrobatic: we talk one way about our cultural attention-deficit disorder and act another, doing nothing about it.

So, this is yet another voice crying out in our wilderness. We need to educate our faculty of attention and this requires a community of disciples that can carry each other along in the process. It also requires knowing the proper objects of attention, good models, and loads of hard, hands-on, bodily practice. Again, St. Paul provides the way for being made whole:

“Brothers and sisters, to the degree that anything is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, or commendable; if anything is virtuous or is worthy of praise, attend to these things. What you have learned, and received, and heard, and observed in me – practice these things – and the God of peace will be with you.” (Phil 4:8-9, translation mine) | cu This article was originally published in Transpositions (www.transpositions.co.uk). Used with permission. kevin antlitz is a Christian Union ministry fellow at Princeton University.

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Photo credit: Sara Beth Turner Photography

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Students from some of the top universities in the United States pray during one of the plenary sessions at the Nexus 2017 Student Conference. On February 23-25, Christian Union will host the Nexus 2018 Student Conference at the Hyatt Hotel in New Brunswick, New Jersey. This year’s theme is “Turn the World Upside Down (Acts 17:6).” Plenary speakers include David Bryant, founder of Proclaim Hope; Roland Warren, CEO of Care Net; Nancy Ortberg, CEO of Transforming the Bay with Christ; and Matt Bennett, founder and CEO of Christian Union. The conference features breakout sessions, prayer, fellowship and networking, and spoken word performances.

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is serious risk of our becoming hollow: “shape without form, shade without colour, paralysed force, gesture without motion.”

(T.S. Eliot, The Hollow Men) Paul had a robust theological anthropology which displays an unprecedented awareness of what makes us tick. Pauline exhortation often includes a prohibition followed by a commission: the thief ought to stop stealing and then work so he can provide rather than plunder (Eph 4:28).

Human formation is not attained through the creation of a vacuum. Attention, therefore, is developed through the practice of saying “no” and then saying “yes.” One must develop the habit of ignoring the many in order to attend the one.

This movement of saying “no” to say “yes,” of ignoring in order to attend, can be developed through the practice of spiritual disciplines like fasting, silence, and the celebration of the Sabbath. We fast from consuming in order to feast upon God and have bread, enabled to feed others. We enter into silence in order to hear from God and have a word, enabled to speak to others. We cease our work in order to rest and be reminded of who we are: humans, not robots, having a “self,” enabled to love others.

Don’t get me wrong, these are difficult disciplines to practice without their consuming all of our attention. If not incorporated into the routine rhythms of life, they will likely be counterproductive.

Dallas Willard’s remarks about fasting are true of the other disciplines: one must practice the discipline “well enough and often enough to become experienced in it, because only the person who is well habituated to systematic fasting…” or silence or Sabbath-keeping as a discipline can use it effectively.

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from the university to the city

“Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly…” chris tian

by god’s grace, the lives of our future leaders—and the influential

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universities they attend—are being transformed each day through Christian Union

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Bible Courses, one-on-one mentoring, our weekly Leadership Lecture Series, and

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other events. As these students seek Him diligently, study His Word, and develop a

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Christ-centered worldview, they will be equipped to engage culture effectively. This is at the heart of Christian Union Universities’ work at Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, Penn, Princeton, and Yale.

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as these students graduate, christian union’s ministry to its alumni and their peers—Christian Union Cities—will help them take the next step. By developing networks of young professionals in key cultural centers, starting in New York City, their impact will be multiplied. This model was used by the Lord to bring sweeping change to England through William Wilberforce and the Clapham Circle in the early 1800s. Pray that God will bring similar change to the U.S. as new networks of leaders emerge and engage today’s culture.

16 Heather Morriss ’19 (left) and Gabrielle (Gabby) Lewis ’19 are active in Christian Union at Columbia.

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photo: cody min

christian union universities

All the World’s a Stage Miller ’18 Excels in Faith, Theater Communities by catherine elvy, staff writer

ed since arriving on campus from Central Ohio, where his family is rooted in Amish and Mennonite heritage. “I grew in my faith exponentially, more than I would in my hometown,” said Miller. “I never really had anyone challenge me in my faith.”

Miller notes he did not seek genuine ownership of his faith until his collegiate studies. “I started to wonder about my relationship with Jesus,” he said.

Then, as he grappled with his beliefs as a Yale underclassman, Miller found himself surrounded by “incredibly intelligent” peers, including ones who expected him to be able to fully articulate and rationalize his beliefs.

Thankfully, Christian Union ministry fellows helped the Midwesterner probe life’s deep questions from a biblical worldview. “I really formed great relationships with ministry fellows,” he said.

Clay Cromer, Christian Union’s ministry director at Yale, noted Miller’s dedication to seeking God. “It has been a joy to get to know Dillon Dillon Miller ’18, co-president of Christian Union’s ministry at Yale, recently starred in The over the past year, both as one of our Company and the Text: Macbeth. co-presidents and as a brother in Christ,” said Cromer. “He has really grown to discover God’s truth as intellectually artistic community. satisfying, while engaging in Christian Union Bible “I’ve wanted to be an actor since I was four,” said Courses alongside his other academic pursuits at Yale.”

Miller, who is majoring in sociology with a concenJason Entgelmeier ’17, a Christian Union intern, tration in performance in society. echoed those comments. Miller channels his “ener“What I really love about acting and sociology gy and cheerfulness into seeking the Lord with all is the storytelling aspect.” his heart,” said Entgelmeier. “Despite the fact that After matriculating into Yale, the native of rural he is one of the few Christians deeply invested in Ohio was pleasantly surprised to discover a vibrant the performing arts here, he is also very open about faith community. As well, Miller was delighted to his faith and eager to show fellow students the love encounter recognition and support for dramatic arts of Christ.” as a career choice. In his tiny hometown of Plain As for his plans beyond Yale’s campus, Miller is City, being an actor generally is considered “not a contemplating options to immerse himself in the real job,” Miller quipped.

American theater industry. “That’s where I have a Better yet, Miller’s spiritual growth has explod-

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Undergraduate studies at Yale College have provided an extraordinary platform for a senior and his passion for storytelling, especially via the dramatic arts.

Dillon Miller ’18, who serves as co-president of Christian Union’s ministry at Yale, has landed major roles in about a dozen productions and appeared in numerous more during his involvement in Yale’s

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lot of connections with alumni,” said Miller of Midtown Manhattan’s famed Broadway corridor. “It’s full of opportunities.”

Despite his accomplishments, Miller admits he often feels like throwing darts at a dartboard to select his next move, especially given his diverse professional interests. In addition to his flair for stagecraft, Miller is developing a keen interest in politics and social justice.

“I am wondering how they will fit together,” Miller said.

A 2016 semester abroad with the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts increased Miller’s penchant for the world of thespianism. “That was what really consolidated my love for Shakespeare and formal acting training,” said Miller. “It was a wonderful time.”

“When I went to London, the training was very much built and grounded on [Shakespeare’s] text,” said Miller. “It’s an actor’s dream.”

Such training recently paid off for Miller when he portrayed Macbeth in five sold-out performanc-

friends in theater with whom I have not discussed my faith.”

As well, Miller has been able to model godly composure amid production chaos. The theatrical scene “can be very stressful,” he said. “I’ve been able to be a level-headed presence and make people com-

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fortable with having discussions about faith.”

Given that, Miller expressed gratitude for the wealth of apologetic and character training he has received via Christian Union.

“I don’t know if I can overstate the role of Christian Union in my faith and growth,” Miller said.

“Christian Union was the ministry I needed and craved, whether I knew it or not.” | cu

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es at Whitney Humanities Center as part of a joint senior thesis entitled The Company and the Text: Macbeth.

Miller is awed by the creative forces within performance arts, including options for stage ministry.

“I’m interested in the intersection of those arenas,” he said.

Already, collegiate theater has provided Miller with opportunities to be a witness. “Yale is the kind of place where people are open to talking about experiences,” said Miller. “I really do not have close

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“It has been a joy to get to know Dillon over the past year, both as one of our co-presidents and as a brother in Christ. He has really grown to discover God’s truth as intellectually satisfying, while engaging in Christian Union Bible Courses alongside his other academic pursuits at Yale.”

—Clay Cromer

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“Are We More than Our Genes?”

Christian Union Event Features Geneticist, Theologian by tom campisi, managing editor

Christian Union at Brown recently hosted a forum that examined the uniqueness of humanity.

“Are We More than Our Genes: A Geneticist and a Theologian Discuss Human Origins and Identity” was held on December 4 at Macmillan Hall.

Approximately 200 students, many from the scientific community, attended the event, which featured Dr. Praveen Sethupathy, associate professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at Cornell University, and Dr. J. Richard Middleton, Professor of Biblical Worldview and Exegesis at Northeastern

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Dr. J. Richard Middleton

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Dr. Praveen Sethupathy

Seminary. Dr. Richard Bungiro, Senior Lecturer in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at Brown and a self-described atheist, served as moderator.

“Our hope was that this event would not only encourage Christian students on campus, but provide a space for non-Christians to consider the real possibility that Christianity is intellectually viable,” said Justin Doyle, a Christian Union ministry fellow at Brown. “Praveen’s focus was on science, while Richard labored to provide a way forward in navigating emerging science with the study of Scripture.”

Sethupathy and Middleton approached their lectures from different angles, but both landed in the book of Genesis to reveal what sets apart humans.

Imago Dei, being created in the image of God, is the answer, they said.

Sethupathy, a Cornell alumnus who earned a Ph.D. in genomics at the University of Pennsylvania, completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the National Human Genome Research Institute under the mentorship of Dr. Francis Collins, a preeminent physician and geneticist who is also a Christian. He later worked at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as an assistant professor in the Department of Genetics.

“On the one hand, I am firmly committed to the empirical pursuit of knowledge, making observations, and gathering tangible data to test my hypothesis. On the other hand, I am also a person of deep faith in Christ and in truths I believe science alone cannot illuminate,” he said. “I’ve committed my life to both—science and faith do not occupy separate parts of my brain.”

Sethupathy said a purely scientific viewpoint does not provide a clear answer in regards to what makes us uniquely human. He went on to explain the challenges associated with relying solely on behavioral, anatomical, cellular, and genetic data.

“I am cautious of using genetics alone to define humanity,” he said.

For Sethupathy, reconciliation comes when he asks, “What does my faith have to say about this question?”

The imago dei account of Creation in Genesis 1 provides the answer.

“We are the only ones made in the image of God,” he said. “God sets humans apart. It is clear from the context of Scripture how this is not a biological distinction, but a functional one. We are called to represent and reflect God. It has been suggested that biological evolution implies that there could be no larger purpose or meaning to our lives.

So I thought I would be remiss if I did not say something to address this misconception.”

Middleton, a biblical scholar, is widely published in religious periodicals and journals and is the author

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in all we do on earth. It’s a priestly call, not a secular one. All we do in service is offered to the Creator.”

Emily Ma ’18, a member of the student leadership team that organized the event, was pleased with the buzz it created on campus.

“I’ve had both Christians and non-Christians comment on how the discussion was very interesting, well-done, and how they were exposed to new perspectives on the topic of origins and identity,” she said.

Sethupathy’s statement that “science and faith don’t occupy separate spheres of my identity” helped normalize the discussion of faith within a more scientific-minded audience, Christian Union Ministry Fellow Justin Doyle, Dr. Praveen Sethupathy, she noted.

Dr. Richard Middleton, Emily Ma ’18, and Gianna Uson ‘18 at the “Are After the forum, Christian Union We More than Our Genes” seminar in December. at Brown continued to follow up with attendees, offering Bible study opportunities and more resources. of four books, including A New Heaven and a New “We continue to pray that the Spirit of God Earth: Reclaiming Biblical Eschatology (Baker Acabrings many students to faith through the event, demic, 2014) and The Liberating Image: The Imago whether that’s due to the actual event or the conDei in Genesis 1(Brazos, 2005).

“What it means to be human in “On the one hand, I am firmly committed to the the Bible is not limited to scientifempirical pursuit of knowledge, making observations, ic questions,” Middleton said. “The and gathering tangible data to test my hypothesis. On biblical texts certainly do not try to teach science, but they can prime the other hand, I am also a person of deep faith in Christ us theologically to be open to what and in truths I believe science alone cannot illuminate.” evolution science tells us about ourselves…”

—Dr. Praveen Sethupathy Middleton talked about evolution theory and verses in Genesis, Psalms, and Job, versations that have ensued since that night,” said noting how the ultimate vision was mankind being Doyle. “No matter the results we see with our own created in God’s image or likeness. eyes, we give praise and glory to our Father in heav“What makes us unique is an ethical calling,” he en who, we know, used this event to reach students said. “We are to manifest God’s image and presence with the hope of the Gospel! | cu

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Higher Goals Hilliard-Arce ’20, Soccer Team Enjoy Historic Season by catherine elvy, staff writer

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As an emerging student leader at Princeton University and member of the celebrated women’s soccer team, Emily Hilliard-Arce aims to reflect her faith across life’s playing fields.

“You don’t have to be an official leader to love others – people notice,” said Hilliard-Arce ’20. “I try to make sure my teammates are OK if they are

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Emily Hilliard-Arce ’20 converted a key penalty kick in Princeton’s victory over North Carolina State in the NCAA Tournament.

having a tough day at practice, or I send a text if they have an exam.”

After matriculating into Princeton, the North Carolina native embraced a vibrant relationship with Christ as her personal savior. Since then, Hilliard-Arce has flourished in the mentorship and support she has received from Christian Union’s ministry at Princeton.

“I started to find my identity in God. I just found

this joy I never found before,” said Hilliard-Arce, a philosophy major. “It was life-changing.”

Though her beloved Tigers advanced to the NCAA quarterfinals this fall, Hilliard-Arce kept the exhilarating season in perspective. In turn, she expressed profound appreciation to Christian Union’s team of ministry fellows for offering an option to the prevailing campus culture.

“At Princeton, it’s easy to be self-seeking,” she said.

Instead, the ministry has helped fill her thirst for kingdom seeking. “I started to know more about God,” said Hilliard-Arce. “I just want to know more and more about these huge questions in life.”

As she considered her squad’s historic campaign, Hilliard-Arce said she simply wants to use her soccer talent to reflect the love of God to her teammates and schoolmates. “All glory goes to God,” said Hilliard-Arce, a native of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Shortly after Thanksgiving, Hilliard-Arce joined with her close-knit teammates to celebrate an impressive run, including an epic win against the University of North Carolina in the Sweet 16. The Tigers claimed a spot in the Elite Eight after upsetting No. 2-ranked UNC in overtime.

“We shocked a lot of people,” she said. “We never really took a day off.”

In November, the Tigers’ trek to Los Angeles represented the team’s third NCAA appearance in the past six years. Though they fell to UCLA, the Princeton women ended 2017 by outscoring their opponents 44-11 and assembling a 16-3-1 record, the second-highest win total in school history. In addition, the season included a 6-1-0 run to an Ivy League championship, followed by a victory over North Carolina State and the so-called “miracle-on-grass” surprise over UNC. Hilliard-Arce especially savors the memory of a critical penalty kick she made during the match against NC State.

“I just felt like God really wanted me to step up and have confidence in my soccer abilities,” said Hilliard-Arce. “I knew if I missed it was not the end of the world.”

Still, Hilliard-Arce’s days on Princeton’s playing fields have taught the midfielder/defender to remember her ultimate identity is in Christ.

During her inaugural year with the Tigers, Hilliard-Arce was jolted into reconsidering her priorities after her parents traveled to Princeton for a game and the freshman did not see action. “I just felt completely heartbroken,” said Hilliard-Arce.

However, the experience served as a “huge game-changer” as Hilliard-Arce paused to consider the pitfalls of rooting her self-identity in academic and athletic leaderboards.

Later, Hilliard-Arce attended a gathering of Athletes in Action (princeton.edu/~aia), where she heard a volleyball player share a gripping testimony. Since then, Hilliard-Arce has found support and validation within Princeton’s dynamic faith community, and she champions Christian Union activities via her roles on the engagement and communications teams.

“I never really knew what Christian community was like,” she said.

As well, the autumn semester was remarkable for Hilliard-Arce as she cheered on her brother, a Stanford university defender with breathtaking dominance and acumen.

The San Francisco Chronicle described Tomas Hilliard-Arce ’18 as part of arguably one of the top

classes in the history of collegiate soccer. Among their numerous accolades, the senior class recently celebrated three consecutive NCAA titles. With professional readiness, Tomas Hilliard-Arce entered Major League Soccer’s January 2018 draft as an alluring prospect.

More importantly, Emily Hilliard-Arce said she is privileged to watch her brother make leaps in his blossoming faith.

As for her own future beyond Princeton’s grassy playing fields, Hilliard-Arce hopes eventually to work in the non-profit sector, plus spend time abroad.

She also wants to follow her father’s footsteps by serving in the Peace Corps.

Likewise, Hilliard-Arce, who is pursuing a certificate in entrepreneurship from Princeton, aspires to earn a graduate business degree.

But for now, she is grateful to use her talents to be an ambassador for Christ on campus.

James Fields, Christian Union’s ministry director at Princeton, is impressed with how the sophomore “takes advantage of the opportunities God has uniquely given her on the women’s soccer team.”

“Emily loves soccer, but she loves Jesus even more,” he said. “As a student-athlete, she embodies a great boldness and confidence in Jesus that is admirable.” | cu

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A Devotion to the Word Grace Lee ’20 Wholeheartedly Seeks God

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Lee, a member of Christian Union’s Seeking God Lifestyle team at Dartmouth, credits consistent Bible reading with keeping her priorities in order and finding deep peace and contentment. She wanted to share that joy with others as she led the team that wrote the devotionals.

“I wanted my brothers and sisters in Christ to experience this contentment, fulfillment, guidance, and peace that stem from seeking God, and the best way to spread this was through devotionals,” she said.

Dori Willeman, a Christian Union ministry fellow at Dartmouth, is impressed with Lee’s spiritual

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Grace Lee, a linguistics and Spanish major, is also a student of the Word at Dartmouth College.

In the fall semester, the sophomore’s passion for the Bible inspired her to lead a group of freshmen in assembling online devotionals that sought to draw students in Christian Union’s ministry into a deeper walk with Jesus Christ. The devotionals were published and shared via social media in the week leading up to the ministry’s annual Thanksgiving celebration. Topics included: “Finding Peace in Trusting God,” “Feeling Grateful,” and “Responding to Grace in Faith.”

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ty, and take His presence with you as you go growth this year. throughout your day.”

“Grace is really devoted to the Word of God and Christian Union at Dartmouth’s annual Thankshas a heart for pointing other students toward the giving dinner, planned by the freshman class, inWord,” she said. “She is one of the most faithful cluded worship, student testimonies, and all the students in our ministry.” trimmings. With the series of devotionals, Lee and Lee was delighted to lead a group of like-mindher team were seeking to prepare hearts for such a ed freshmen who are active in Christian Union at special celebration.

Dartmouth. Team members included: Brianna Sie“Our intention was that these devotionals would del, Paul Jeon, Mary Joy, Gracesenia Chahyadinata, lead students to have a sense Olivia Bois, and Shinae Park. of peace and gratitude and “What really drew me to love for God, as well as a this group of freshmen was desire to spend time with their passion for God,” Lee one another,” Lee said. said. “They were all very It’s this strong sense of committed to spending time community that makes Lee with God via scripture, lisappreciate Christian Union. tening to podcasts, and wor“Christian Union has shipping Him at gatherings, created a space for many beregardless of how busy or lievers to come together and tired they were. They said be united by our love for that setting time apart for God,” she said. “This kind God was essential to their of fellowship is an essential well-being/survival.” part of seeking God, as deAs Proverbs 27:17 talks scribed in Acts.” about iron sharpening iron, Lee, a native of Boston Lee was also inspired by such who is studying to be a mula fired-up group of students. tilingual surgeon, is also “I knew that I could learn Grace Lee ’20, a linguistics and Spanish major, thankful for the mentoring a lot from them and that is planning to be a multilingual surgeon. and teaching she has rethey would be a good group ceived at Dartmouth. of people to talk about how “Christian Union’s emphasis on seeking God— we can see God in everything we do. They are all through the Vine (Leadership Lecture Series) and very well-versed in the Word and had many insights Bible courses—has taught me how to deepen my to offer on how to apply it (as evidenced by the relationship with God. The Bible courses, in particdevotionals they wrote).” ular, have taught me how to apply the Word to get Through the devotionals, readers are exhorted to know God.” to give thanks in every situation (1 Thessalonians Lee said that she senses God’s presence in a strong 5:8), stop and pray when overwhelmed with worry, way as she spends time reading the Bible. value the gift of fellowship, and be assured of God’s “Spending time in the Word is a crucial compounending, generous grace. nent of seeking God,” she said. “The Bible is God diIn the “Finding God in the Ordinary” devotionrectly speaking to us, and how God reveals Himself al, readers were challenged to listen for that still, to us. This is how we learn about God’s nature and small voice during the holiday season: “Hear God’s how He wants us to live.” | cu whisper in the sound of the Baker tower bells. Feel His pleasure as you run… Allow God to permeate every part of your personal life, instead of just meeting Him in the context of a church or a communi-

Cultivating Community at Columbia Christian Union Engages Campus with Various Outreaches by catherine elvy, staff writer

Young delivered a holiday message for the last Leadership Lecture Series of 2017.

In a fresh look at Advent, he told students to embrace the reality of Christ’s ongoing presence, not just His wondrous, celebrated birth. “The Word became flesh,” said Young. “Scripture uses physical terms to talk about God’s presence.”

Lane Young is Christian Union’s ministry director at Columbia University.

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As such, Young encouraged students to actively welcome the presence of God throughout 2018.

Earlier in the semester, a Columbia alumnus spoke to Christian Union students on the intersection of faith and racial diversity.

On November 30, Reyn Cabinte, pastor of Uptown Community Church, delivered a talk entitled The Cultural Agility of Jesus.

Christ provided an ultimate example of cultural engagement by leaving heaven to dwell among fallible humans. In turn, believers are called to appreciate one another, despite cultural differences,

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Christian Union’s ministry at Columbia has a heart to create community and invite others.

Given the nature of an urban campus, many students find themselves craving an enhanced sense of collegiate culture. “Community is the thing that has been most central,” said Lane Young, Christian Union’s new ministry director at Columbia. “A lot of what they’re trying to do is find ways to make community happen.”

Among the highlights of outreach efforts, students involved in the ministry hosted a lecture in October entitled Did Evolution Kill God? About 125 Columbia students heard biologist David Lahti of Queens College probe the topic of faith against the backdrop of evolution for a lecture in October at Pupin Hall.

To help attract a wide audience, Columbia’s Atheist and Agnostic Student Society and Intervarsity Christian Fellowship (columbiaivcf.org) joined with Christian Union in sponsoring Lahti’s discussion on the intersection of his personal faith with the exploration of science.

At Queens College, Lahti directs a laboratory that explores the learned behaviors of birds and humans. He holds a doctorate in ecology and evolutionary biology from the University of Michigan and received a doctorate in moral philosophy and the philosophy of biology from the Whitefield Institute in Oxford.

In November, Christian Union co-sponsored a Veritas Forum that probed the nature of a common moral understanding in a pluralistic society.

Michele Moody-Adams (Harvard Ph.D. ’86), a philosopher at Columbia, and Melissa Moschella (Harvard ’02, Princeton Ph.D. ’12), a medical ethics scholar at Columbia’s College of Physicians and Surgeons, deliberated on whether God must be part of morality.

Christian Union was one of about a dozen sponsors of the event entitled Does Morality Matter?

In December, as students approached finals,

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Ministry Fellow Bryant Parsons leads a Bible course with Columbia students.

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and to reflect upon their shared humanity, he said.

Given the diversity within the student body at Columbia, Cabinte’s message was especially timely.

Cabinte, Columbia ’96, shepherds a church within the nearby Washington Heights and Inwood communities.

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Looking back on his inaugural semester at the helm of Christian Union’s Columbia team, Young is encouraged to see a proactive student base.

In other ministry news, students involved with Christian Union stepped up their efforts to demonstrate kindness to their collegiate peers.

Six or more times over the autumn semester, the undergraduates distributed doughnuts and cookies to students passing through bustling Hamilton Hall during lunch hours.

“The hope was to hit those students who couldn’t get to lunch,” said Young of the campus-kindness initiative. “It’s just a way to serve the campus. Jesus met simple physical needs. Part of growing as His disciples includes an outward focus.”

Looking back on his inaugural semester at the helm of Christian Union’s Columbia team, Young is encouraged to see a proactive student base.

While Columbia often promotes unbridled individualism, Christian Union students paused to spotlight the value of a shared walk with Christ. “It’s a community centered around Jesus and growing one another,” said Young. | cu

Glory and Outreach CU Sophomores Lead Ambitious Initiatives by francine barchett, cornell

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ber. Within minutes, a pair of Christian Union students delivered a homemade grilled cheese and an in-person answer where directed. While the prospect of free food enticed many students to submit questions, what further distinguished the event was its impeccable timing—exam week—when students

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Michael McGinnis ’20 and Carley Eschlimann ’20 are co-leaders of the Christian Union at Cornell outreach team.

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are holed up studying and appreciate brief breaks; that is, so long as people visit them where they are!

Grill Me for Grilled Cheese, also a huge success during the 2016-17 school year, required a team effort that included prayer, training, designing, advertising, and cooking. The work united students as artists, speakers, writers, and drivers for one hectic, yet rewarding, evening.

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When sophomores Carley Eschlimann and Michael McGinnis stepped into leadership positions with Christian Union at Cornell in the fall semester, they had two ambitions: glorify God and share their faith. They hoped these desires would prove to be complementary; glorifying God meant sharing their faith, and sharing their faith was a means to glorifying God. Hoping to be leaders moving in such a direction, Eschlimann and McGinnis spearheaded two key outreach events that not only reached hundreds of Cornellians, but also enlarged and sharpened the faith of the Christian Union students who took part.

It was mid-October and as Ithaca’s autumn leaves were transitioning into their seasonal glory, students were modifying their wardrobes in anticipation of the coming chilly days. As the environment around them bespoke of change, Eschlimann and McGinnis used the opportunity to expose unchanging truth.

In launching Christian Union’s first campus outreach initiative of the semester, they led 30 students in a Gospel of John book distribution on Hoe Plaza.

“Our goal was simple,” recounted McGinnis.

“We wanted to put the Gospel into the hands of as many students as possible, and trust that God would use that for His glory.” The event’s merit was not simply sharing the Gospel of John; it was about engaging the campus in conversations about faith.

In past years, Christian Union’s ministry has distributed copies of a variety of excellent books, such as Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. This year, students chose the Gospel of John due to its consequential and profound implications. By asserting that Jesus “is the Christ, the Son of God” and those who believe in Him attain eternal life, John’s bold statements could open the door widely enough for outsiders to learn about Christianity and seriously consider a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

The book distribution was followed by a creative outreach called Grill Me for Grilled Cheese. For one night, Cornell students were invited to text any Christianity-related question to a given phone num-

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The goal of Grill Me for Grilled Cheese was considerably more significant than feeding students.

Rather, it was about sharing the bread of life with non-believers while shattering common Christian stereotypes. The event “allows people at Cornell to know that there are Christians here, and these people are in their classes, they pass by them on campus, and they are people that can have normal conversations,” Eschlimann remarks. “Once people have a positive experience with a believer on campus, they’re not afraid of being in a space where the conversation is spiritually focused.”

While the effort is at heart about evangelism, Eschlimann is quick to recognize that the initiative also enables members of the ministry to grow.

“When you’re forced to answer someone’s question on the particulars of the Trinity, you think, ‘Hmm, do I know about the Trinity?’ So, I feel as if the people who were involved grew in their faith and in their ability to talk to others about their spiritual lives,” she said.

The long-anticipated day arrived on the evening of December 4 and the stress of finals permeated Cornell’s campus. On that eventful evening, Eschli-

mann and McGinnis’ mini-sandwich factory employed over 30 students to produce approximately 250 grilled cheeses, a workforce size and production output neither had ever imagined. The conversations, the unity in purpose, and the joy in speaking the Word…it all paid off.

Christian Union Ministry Fellow Geoff Sackett, who, among many tasks, helped create a Gospel of John distribution advertisement for the Cornell Daily Sun, adeptly noted: “Eschlimann and McGinnis have done an outstanding job leading their fellow students. The faith of our students has been strengthened as they have moved themselves outside of their comfort zones this year. I am very eager to see what more is in store for us, and the campus, next semester.”

As Eschlimann and McGinnis completed their fall semester as Christian Union outreach leaders, they looked back on two impactful initiatives. By distributing God’s Word and grilled cheese sandwiches and steering the campus toward Christian discussion, they are confident that glorifying God and sharing faith do indeed go hand in hand. | cu

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A Shining ‘Star’ Film Director Exhorts Harvard Students

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Christians in the film industry should strive to become creative forces in the arena of cinematic storytelling.

That was one of the themes from Timothy Reckart when the award-winning director spoke to students at Christian Union’s weekly Leadership Lecture Series at Harvard College.

In November, Reckart, Harvard ’09, discussed his passion for animated artistry, and explored the intersection of his visually stunning screen endeavors with his faith. Reckart’s return to his alma mater was especially timely as it occurred two weeks before the release of his first studio movie, The Star: The Story of the First Christmas.

Through the film, Reckart aspires to connect with both Christian and general audiences, as well as offer a movie that families can enjoy as a part of their yuletide traditions.

“Jesus was a carpenter for most of his life. He didn’t make faith-based chairs,” Reckart said. “My job as a filmmaker is just to make good movies.”

Such a message resonated with Harvard students.

“Reckart views animation as a vehicle to paint a beautiful picture that invites others to share this story to such a degree that they possess it as their own,” said Jon Yeager, a Christian Union ministry fellow.

As well, Reckart offered “excellent insight into

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standing for Christ in places where Reckart hopes young believers we often think Christians are not will likewise excel as they pursue as present,” said Tyler Parker (Harcareers in their respective fields. vard ’17), a Christian Union in“Everything we do here ripples tern. into eternity,” Reckart said. “Do As for The Star, the heartwarmthe work well with a lot of love.” ing movie tells the wondrous stoReckart’s initial studio film ry of the Nativity from the comes four years after his Oscar perspective of the animals assemnomination for Head Over Heels, bled in the stable. Giving voice to an animation about marriage. His the barn animals allows the holiday interest in filmmaking dates to his story to be relived in a creative childhood. Growing up in Arizoversion that appeals to both chilna as the second oldest of six children and adults. “We can have dren, Reckart recalled making comedy, adventure, and action homemade movies with his sibwithout turning Mary and Joseph Timothy Reckart ’09, an awardlings and cousins. winning director, spoke to Harvard into action heroes,” Reckart told Later, the Tucson native studstudents at Christian Union’s Harvard students. ied history and literature at HarThe Star’s cast features a pleth- Leadership Lecture Series. vard. Then, under the guidance of ora of celebrities including Oprah a Harvard mentor, Reckart comWinfrey, Mariah Carey, and Tyler Perry. Behind the pleted an animation direction program at the Unitscenes, the release from Sony Pictures Animation ed Kingdom’s National Film and Television School. reflected the handiwork of Franklin Entertainment As part of his studies, Reckart used clay figures and The Jim Henson Company executives. to tell the story of a husband and wife who have become distant. In addition to receiving an Oscar nomination, Head Over Heels won other recognitions, including the Best Animated Short in the Austin Film Festival and the Heartland Film Festival’s Vision Award.

In 2015, Variety magazine named Reckart as one of 10 animators to watch.

Today, the Los Angeles resident hopes The Star will help inspire similar productions.

“If it’s a success, we’ll get to make more good, Christian movies,” Reckart told Harvard undergraduates.

“Christianity is the fullness of what it means to be human. Christian movies should be deeply human and about the human experiences, not just about trying to ‘change culture.’ ” | cu

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Fasting Fridays Students Embrace a Seeking God Lifestyle

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Tucker Else, the ministry director of ChrisDuring Friday Fasting in the fall semester, the tian Union at Penn, often thanked God students often deepened their walk with the Lord it was Friday during the fall semester. by “associating the hunger they felt during the day Else was particularly grateful for a weekly initiawith the love and glory of God,” according to Kumpf. tive launched by the ministry’s Seeking God Lifestyle Roberts, a physics major, promoted the fasting Team, which sought to inspire students in the disdays on social media and encouraged fellow students ciplines of Scripture reading, prayer, and fasting. to seek God in powerful ways. He said the experience Tommy Kumpf ’20, was “liberating.” the Seeking God Lifestyle “Tommy and Andrew Team co-leader, launched have displayed leadership Friday Fasting in October not only in expositing along with co-leader Lauchallenging ideas about rie Ellen Moore ’19, Anwhat it means to pursue drew Roberts ’20, God, but also in forging Cassandra Jobman ’21, ahead themselves in new and Nick Sifuentes ’21. ways of seeking God and Each week, a group of challenging others to folapproximately six to low,” said Else. twelve students would In addition to abstainfast for the day, seek God’s ing from meals on certain face, repent from sin, and days, the students were pray for boldness in witalso encouraged to go off nessing, especially for the the grid and fast from solost at the University of cial media, Netflix, and Pennsylvania. cellphones.

Tommy Kumpf ’20 co-leads Christian Union’s Else lauded the Seek- Seeking God Lifestyle team at the University of “Many people liked the ing God Lifestyle Team Pennsylvania. social media fast in particfor calling students to fast ular, as social media often and pray. consumes our daily lives “The team has really challenged Christian Union in the way that God should; switching one for the at Penn students,” said Else. “This semester, we have other was quite impactful,” Kumpf said. “I personexperienced huge growth in regard to seeking God ally felt this as well, and was encouraged to give up as a lifestyle. There have been tangible results in the things in my life for God more often.” students’ efforts, such as inviting non-believers to “Removing my phone from my life for a day Bible courses and outreach events, deeper personal clearly showed me how much I was using it, and growth in faith, and a stronger, more vibrant comalso gave me additional time to seek God,” Roberts munity as a whole as they fellowship together. It has said. been a joy to see.”

Friday Fasting culminated with a Thanksgiving Kumpf, a Networked and Social Systems EngiFeast on Saturday, November 18. Approximately neering major, said fasting has invigorated his faith.

50 students united for a special meal, born not out “I fasted for the first time during freshman year, of a desire to eat turkey, but as a celebration of a and loved the experience,” he said. semester of fasting.

Kumpf, of Montgomery, New Jersey, called co-leading the Seeking God Lifestyle Team a rewarding experience and is thankful for the community of believers and mentors at Christian Union at Penn.

“The leadership training at Christian Union has certainly helped me grow,” he said. “I did not feel extremely comfortable taking the role of leader of the Seeking God Lifestyle Team, and had a lot of doubts about how I would perform. In my time leading, there have always been mentors to teach me what was right and what was wrong. This assistance developed my abilities not only as a leader, but as a Christian, as well.”

Roberts, a Philadelphia native, defines “Seeking God” as the process of learning to do all things for His glory. He was also thankful to be part of the Fasting Friday and for like-minded peers at Penn.

“Christian Union encourages me to read my

Bible constantly and provides me with a community that has shared desires and goals,” Roberts said.

“Without the people I’ve met and worked with through Christian Union, I would not be where I am now.”

Kumpf called co-leading the Seeking God Lifestyle Team a rewarding experience and is thankful for the community of believers and mentors at Christian Union at Penn.

As he looked back on the fall semester and the SGL team, Kumpf is thankful for helping impact Christian Union and the Penn community with the Gospel.

“It was amazing to see my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ get closer to God,” he said. | cu

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Protecting Prenatal Persons Law Student Writes Acclaimed Journal Piece by catherine elvy, staff writer

2018 :: christianunion.org

his research to an audience of about 45 during a lunchtime talk at Harvard University.

Craddock recently served as vice president of Personhood USA and debate chair of the Harvard Federalist Society. During the fall semester, he stepped up to become editor-in-chief for the Harvard Journal of Law and Public Policy.

Michael Wilkinson, Christian Union’s ministry director at Harvard Law School, expressed profound gratitude for Craddock’s conviction and initiative.

“Josh has provided Christ-centered, convictional leadership with a joyful passion for truth and excellence,” he said. “Because he is grounded in the ongoing work of Christ in his life, Josh will bring this leadership to every position and task of his bright future as a lawyer.”

As for his scholarly piece, Craddock argued that the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects the rights of unborn children.

The amendment declares no state shall “deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due

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An article by a Harvard Law School student generated headlines after robustly asserting constitutional protections for unborn children.

Media outlets, including CBN and other pro-life platforms, highlighted Josh Craddock’s 2017 article in the Harvard Journal of Law and Public Policy. The article—entitled “Protecting Prenatal Persons: Does the Fourteenth Amendment Prohibit Abortion?”— declared that personhood begins at conception and immediately conveys legal protections.

Craddock, who is involved with Christian Union’s ministry at Harvard Law School, was pleasantly surprised by a wave of publicity and encouragement surrounding his article.

“I’m thankful that it’s been able to reach so many people,” he said.

“Protecting Prenatal Persons” was one of the most downloaded articles of 2017 on constitutional law via publications participating in the Social Science Research Network. In November, Craddock shared

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“The preborn were included within the public meanprocess of law; nor deny to any person within its ing of the term ‘person’ at the time the 14th Amendjurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.”

Craddock took on the topic after noting the ment was adopted.” plethora of material exploring legal rights for aborCraddock probed the prevailing understanding tion, but a dearth of research of personhood, the sentiments into affirmative protections of the drafters of the 14 th for prenatal life.

Amendment, and anti-abor“Even among legal consertion laws of the era. vatives, the unexamined poPrior to the adoption of the th sition held by many was that 14 Amendment, nearly every the Constitution simply had state outlawed pregnancy ternothing to say about aborminations. Most of those stattion,” Craddock said. “I utes were part of laws dealing looked into the original meanwith “offenses against the ing of the 14th Amendment person.”

Lawmakers enacted such and reached a very different statutes with the recognition conclusion.” of unborn individuals as full Namely, in the aftermath and equal members of the huof the U.S. Civil War, the 14th Josh Craddock, a Harvard Law School man family. As well, regular Amendment endeavored to student and a member of Christian Union’s enshrine the rights of all hu- ministry, wrote an article entitled “Protecting and legal dictionaries of the era show the term “person” was mans, especially liberated Prenatal Persons: Does the Fourteenth largely interchangeable with slaves. Hence, unborn chil- Amendment Prohibit Abortion?” “human being” or “man.” dren, as “members of the huGiven historical and linguisman species from the moment tical context, it is reasonable to construe the 14th Amendof fertilization,” are entitled to the protections of the 14th Amendment, Craddock wrote. ment should extend to prenatal life, Craddock wrote.

The website stream.org heralded Craddock for Given such, “all that must be demonstrated is firing a “challenge not only at pro-choice orthodoxy that the term ‘person,’ in its original public meaning but at mainstream pro-life thinking.” Remarkably, at the time of the 14th Amendment’s adoption, apCraddock identifies both to be “constitutionally unsound.”

“Josh has provided Christ-centered, Notably, since the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1973 convictional leadership with a joyful passion ruling in the landmark Roe v. Wade abortion case, for truth and excellence.” most jurists have refused to “decide whether an unborn child is a human being with human rights,” —Michael Wilkinson The Stream wrote.

Tragically, Roe v. Wade has allowed the judicial plied to all members of the human species,” Cradbranch to regulate which classes of people are wordock noted. thy of the “protections of fundamental liberties,” Furthermore, the practice of abortion deprives Craddock noted. To suppose the authors meant to a category of individuals, namely unborn children, exclude the unborn from the amendment’s protecof the equal protection codified within the Constitions and instead enshrine abortion as a protected tution. That is especially so given the historical conth freedom “would be to ignore the tenor of the times.” text and related lexicon of the drafters of the 14 The 14th Amendment was meant to function as Amendment.

Within state laws, “a general consensus treated a “new birth of freedom for all human beings,” preborn human beings as ‘persons,’” Craddock wrote.

Craddock wrote. | cu

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Probing Global Issues CU Hosts Trip to Oxford Analytica Conference by catherine elvy, staff writer

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plex topics, Crosby placed a strong emphasis upon group of participants in Christian Union’s minattending ancillary sessions featuring small-group istry for professionals recently ventured to the discussions.

United Kingdom, where they enjoyed access to the Major themes of the 2017 conference centered renowned Oxford Analytica Conference. upon terrorism, cy“It was absolutely bersecurity, social fascinating,” said media, and Brexit, Scott Crosby, directhe pending withtor of Christian drawal of the United Union New York.

Kingdom from the “The conference esEuropean Union. pecially was intriguBreakout speakers ing in terms of the included Lord Stelevels of discussion, phen Green, a former connections made, Minister of State for and fellowship.”

Trade and former Six young profeschairman of HSBC sionals joined Crosby Holdings, and Mifor the annual conferchael Cook, founder, ence on global issues, Lord Stephen Green, former chairman of HSBC and Minister chief executive officer, which was held in for Trade and Industry, speaks at the Oxford Analytica and chief investment September at Oxford Conference. officer of SouthernUniversity. During Sun Asset Management. the event, about 250 chief executive officers, Such sessions resulted in rich, inspiring policymakers, and other leaders gathered conversations, all aided by the ambiance to probe the implications of urgent geopoof the venues, namely, Blenheim Palace litical and macroeconomic issues. and Christ Church, an ancient college In coordination with the founder of nestled within Oxford University.

Oxford Analytica, Crosby arranged for the As well, the professionals accompanyemerging professionals to attend the coning Crosby paused during the supplemenference, which is typically reserved for tal sessions to consider the implications of current select executives. Founded in 1975, Oxford Analytevents and trends through the prism of Christianiica is a global analysis and advisory firm that draws ty. Gordon College President Michael Lindsay upon a network of industry experts and scholars to (Princeton Ph.D. ’06), an award-winning sociologist counsel clients on strategy, performance, and the and author, joined with Christian Union New York backstory of complex markets. for some of the breakout sessions.

Also joining the Christian Union contingent was Crosby noted the Oxford Analytica conference Dennis Sweeney (Princeton ’75, Harvard MBA ’81), provides an unparalleled experience. “The environpresident of California-based Newport Consulting ment is very heady,” said Crosby. “You’re hearing Partners. In addition, Megan Sweeney, a recent gradfrom experts – former prime ministers, major poluate of The New School’s Parsons School of Design, icy makers, government officials, and heads of mulaccompanied her father. tinational companies.”

To help process the conference’s weighty, com-

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Crosby wanted to offer the young professionals distinct opportunities to “think very differently about the world at-large and commit themselves to being part of the redemptive plan,” asking them to consider the role of believers in influencing world affairs and culture.

of the dual roles of Christians in the workplace; Namely, believers are called to educate themselves on “what is happening in the world, so that we may be used as conduits for God’s glory to spread the light of Christ to all parts of the world, both in missionary fields and in the marketplace.”

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The scope of the material at the heart of the Oxford Analytica Conference reminded Blonkvist of the dual roles of Christians in the workplace; Namely, believers are called to educate themselves on “what is happening in the world, so that we may be used as conduits for God’s glory to spread the light of Christ to all parts of the world, both in missionary fields and in the marketplace.”

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That concept resonated with Seamus Merrigan, an administrator in the healthcare education field.

“Engagement in public discourse is a means of caring for neighbors at home and abroad, as well as influencing and inspiring others to advance the common good, regardless of sector,” said Merrigan, who is based in Northern Virginia.

Andrew Ripley, co-founder and chief executive officer of PurposeMatch, echoed those comments.

“If anyone should be involved in social impact, it should be Christians,” said Ripley of New York City.

“This is a way to join God in the renewal of all things.”

“To have the opportunity to gain insights from top experts helps you understand the world on a deeper level, so that you can find practical ways to run organizations in a way that makes a difference.”

As importantly, the conference provided invaluable networking opportunities.

Among attendees, Brent Blonkvist of New York City left with a “stronger grasp of truth, a heightened sense of perspective, and actionable ideas to help add value to the sector in which I work and the world which I inhabit.”

Blonkvist, the head of strategic partnerships for social-content platform Odyssey, said the conference provided stimulating interactions, including ones that helped to broaden his worldview.

The scope of the material at the heart of the Oxford Analytica Conference reminded Blonkvist

Ultimately, for Crosby, the trip served as an invaluable tool in Christian Union’s efforts to foster leadership development. The conference was “not designed to be a one-off experience, rather a trajectory of thinking differently about the world,” he said. | cu

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stewardship news

Christian Union Is Impacting Campus to God’s Glory

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here are countless stories from our campuses that demonstrate how students involved in the ministry are impacting their campuses. Here is just one story from Christian Union at Harvard: Each year, Christian Union at Harvard facilitates “Texts 4 Toasties,” an initiative that has had great success. Upperclassman Bible course students partner with younger students to make and deliver warm sandwiches all over campus. Students text in a question about God, faith, and the Bible, and in return, representatives from Christian Union show up to their dorm rooms with a sandwich and an answer to their question.

This outreach not only engages students who do not know Christ, but it also serves to help train Bible course attendees in evangelism; many students are often surprised at how ‘easy’ talking to people about God can be. This semester, over 400 students at Harvard texted for toasties, which led to hundreds of conversations about Christ!

Ministry Director Don Weiss had this to say about the initiative:

Ways to Support Students At Campus Ministries It is a fact that the work of Christian Union is completely funded by gifts. Simply put, we are totally dependent upon the generosity and spiritual vision of our financial partners, which will lead to countless more stories of transformation!

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There are many ways to support the ministry of Christian Union through gifts of cash, appreciated securities, recurring gifts, bequests and other planned gifts, and more. Your regional Director of Development is happy to discuss which giving vehicle makes the most sense for you and your family. Visit www. christianunion.org/representative. | cu

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“I wish I knew who deserves the credit for this idea, but T4T is brilliant. If you’re on the receiving end, you get a free sandwich (or some other campus-friendly delicacy) delivered to your door. This is already a win. With friendly people willing to respectfully engage in your sincere (or otherwise) question, you have every opportunity to enter into a meaningful conversation with a fellow Harvard student on an otherwise awkward topic. Another win.

For the Christian student willing to deliver sandwiches and answers, I can think of at least four benefits: T4T affords the opportunity to 1] identify with Jesus; 2] converse with people that invited us in to talk about spiritual things; 3] tag along with a more experienced person (or vice versa), essentially doubling the knowledge and wisdom available; and 4] the whole experience will almost certainly inspire us to dig deeper, so

that we might better develop our apologetic chops.”

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brown 37 columbia 41 cornell 4 4 dar tmouth 47

penn 53 prince ton 56

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Yale students (left to right) Shannon Cirilli ’19, Sean Bland ’18, Daniel Tokarz ’19, and Dan Morgan ’18

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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

An Outpost in Providence SANCTUARY CHURCH HOSTS SERVICES FOR STUDENTS

By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer dents to bring their friends and those involved in campus ministries to become better connected. More than

christianfellowship.org) and Athletes in Action (aia-brown.org) for the growing reach of Outpost services.

150 students attended the church’s December gathering at College Hill’s Avon Cinema.

Mook also credited leadership from campus ministries, including Brown Christian Fellowship (brown

At least 15 students have committed their lives to Christ during the gatherings.

“We really want to create a space to pray for the university and pray for revival,” said Mook.

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—Rev. Andrew Mook

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“We really want to create a space to pray for the university and pray for revival.”

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Providence church is helping Brown University students establish an “outpost” that reflects the kingdom of God. In September, Sanctuary Church launched monthly services on Sunday evenings for Brown and Rhode Island School of Design students.

“The students are really the ones doing this, inviting their friends,” said Pastor Andrew Mook. “The students were saying they wanted to make this special.”

For the monthly meetings, dubbed Outpost, Sanctuary encourages stu-

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Sanctuary, which is connected to initiative, including efforts to serve In Philippians 3:17, the Apostle Paul reminded residents of the Roman Evangelical Covenant Church in East and tutor refugees, resource local pubcolony of Philippi of their ultimate Providence, began holding Sunday lic schools, and assist foster care programs. Activities include collecting citizenship in heaven. As such, Brown morning services in 2012.

While Sanctuary encourages its backpacks and classroom supplies, students should consider “what it looks like to be an outpost of heaven” congregants to be involved with home hosting school parties, and staging and to reflect God’s plan of divine groups, the church urges students to after-school arts programs.

“From the very beginning, we had renewal, Mook said. Such an analogy plug into campus ministries as part the idea of planting neighboralso reflects Rhode Island’s hood churches with the idea founding and heritage as a reof showing what it really means mote, colonial outpost. to love people,” said Mook.

Mook described ministering “It’s been very fruitful. Stuto college students as a natural dents say it’s great to get off connection for his pastoral team.

College Hill, see the needs, and “It has always felt like my sweet be able to help.” spot in ministry,” Mook said.

As for Mook, the Rhode “We want to help students stewIsland native grew up as a pasard opportunities and leverage tor’s kid and revived his faith their access to a premier educawhile studying communication.” tions and politics at the UniAs well, the campus service versity of Rhode Island. After provides Sanctuary’s leadership theological studies and stints team with opportunities to maxin nonprofit and community imize their creative talents, esorganizing, Mook became paspecially with music and video sionate about the role and enhancements and film clips. potential of locally-entrenched “It’s a more creative church serchurches. vice,” said Mook, a multitalentAs a church, Sanctuary is ed musician. committed to demonstrating More importantly, students spiritual responsibility to geoare “clamoring for a real encoungraphic areas, as well as their ter with God,” said Mook. diverse populations.

“There’s a deeper hunger for God Pastor Andrew Mook welcomes Brown students “If God is calling us here, and connection with God and each month with a special service on Sunday what is here? We’re trying to prayer.” evenings. reach the whole of the city,” In addition, Sanctuary is said Mook. “What are the studying plans to add a third church on Providence’s East Side. A of a missional focus on Providence needs here and how do we serve?”

“We are praying ‘in Providence contingent of Brown students, staff, colleges.

Sanctuary also offers occasional and Brown as it is in heaven.’ We are and faculty attend the church’s downtown location on Hayes Street, and forums on the intersection of faith equipping the next generation of leadabout 30 congregants meet on a week- and work, including ones that explore ers.” | cu ly basis to plan a launch as early as entrepreneurship and creative endeavors. Such events allow students to spring 2018.

“A big part of it will be reaching interact with professionals in Provithe Brown community and faculty,” dence’s emerging sectors.

The church offers service opporsaid Mook. “From the very beginning, we’ve had a deep heart for students.” tunities with its Love Providence

BROW N | On Campus

Can Robots Become Human?

BROWN S TUDENTS HOS T VERITAS FORUM

By Bethany Jenkins

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program at Brown. More than 800 viewers joined the discussion online via live-stream, and over 265 students and community members attended— almost 40% of them were not Chris-

tians.

The professors discussed issues about which many of us are curious— whether robots will have emotional intelligence, how to program robots

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t was 1979. The Stanford Cart became the first computer-controlled, autonomous vehicle when it successfully navigated a chair-filled room without human intervention because it could “see” 3-D objects. BKG, a backgammon computer program, defeated the reigning world champion, marking the first time that manmade technology beat a human in a recognized intellectual activity. And Brown University modestly launched its computer science program as an interest group within the divisions of applied mathematics and engineering.

Today, almost 40 years later, the landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) has advanced dramatically. In October, for example, Saudi Arabia became the first country to grant citizenship to a robot, Sophia, who is considered to be “a delicate looking woman with doe-brown eyes and long fluttery eyelashes.” Apparently, “she” has feelings, too, and a sense of humor, as demonstrated on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.

A week after Sophia introduced “herself” at an investment summit in Riyadh, Brown University students fittingly hosted a Veritas Forum to ask a question all of us are wondering: “Can Robots Become Human?” Two professors from two different worldviews—Roz Picard from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a Christian, and Michael Littman from Brown University, a secular humanist—were asked questions by Thomas Doeppner, vice chair and co-founder of the computer science

“Can Robots Become Human?” was the theme of the Veritas Forum held at Brown in the fall.

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according to what is “good” (and who defines what is “good”), the role of non-engineers in the development process, the likelihood of unintended consequences and legal implications, and more. In a pastoral moment, Dr. Picard challenged the students not to believe something simply because a computer says it. Data from computers, she said, isn’t more real than data from people. After all, people create computers and their software. Don’t be satisfied with what is simple, she said. Look beyond and ask questions.

Cultivate curiosity.

“The Forum had wide-ranging appeal, and I was happy to see students of all backgrounds in attendance,” said Christopher Luo ’18, who studies computer science and

leads a student Bible study through Reformed University Fellowship (RUF). “I was intrigued to reflect on the intersections between my studies and faith. AI from a Christian perspective—who would have thought!”

At the end of the night, 64% of the attendees surveyed said that the event “positively influenced my view that Christianity beliefs are viable in the university.” Many indicated that they wanted to continue the conversation. One non-Christian attendee told his friend that he has a nagging feeling that “all the other stuff seems empty” to him. Another student, who was raised in a Christian home, but is now an atheist, said to the Christian friend who brought her, “Maybe I actually misunderstood Christianity?”

Her rejection, her friend wondered, seemed to be a rejection of a caricature of Christianity rather than the actual claims of the Gospel.

Eddie Park (Brown ’02), the RUF minister at Brown who has spearheaded Veritas Forums on campus for the past four years, left excited about both the night and the future. “Far from tired,” he said, “the planning team came out of the event with a ‘What’s next?’ readiness and enthusiasm. I look forward to these opportunities— for the sake of our King and His kingdom.” | cu is Vice President of Forums and Content for the Veritas Forum.

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Advent Retreat Offers Respite

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The Brown-Rhode Island School of Design Catholic Community (brownrisdcatholic. org) held an evening Advent retreat on December 11. The retreat provided an opportunity for students to take a break from the rush of exam preparations and contemplate the incarnation of the Son of God. The event also featured a dinner to allow students to fellowship as they approached

a 24-hour adoration of God Incarnate.

Pearson Is Interim Associate Chaplain During the fall semester, Jermaine Pearson was named interim associate chaplain for the Protestant community at Brown University.

Pearson replaced Kirstin Boswell-Ford, who became chaplain at Massachusetts Institute

of Technology after five years at Brown. Previously, Pearson served as outreach campus minister at Loyola University Chicago and as a graduate assistant for Emory University’s Office of Multicultural Affairs and Programs.

Among his credentials, Pearson holds a master of divinity from Emory University and a master of science, management, and leadership from Pepperdine University. His studies at Emory focused upon religion and race.

COLU M B I A | On Campus

United in Thanksgiving C O L U M B I A M I N I S T R I E S H O S T H O L I DAY C E L E B R AT I O N

By Nathan Barlow, Columbia ’20 “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.”

-1 Corinthians 12:12-13

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better than anyone would have thought,” said Young. “It was a great time of fellowship.”

From the perspective of any individual campus ministry, the battle to

transform culture on campus can seem like an impossible task. But inter-ministry events like the Thanksgiving feast remind Columbia’s Christians of the common mission they share as recited in the Nicene Creed. As the Psalmist says, “Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!” (Psalm 115:1, ESV).

At a particularly hectic time of year, while other students were making travel plans and beginning to study for final exams, Columbia Christians gathered to affirm this verse and the ties that bind them together. | cu

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how much they really enjoyed the body of Christ coming together,” he said.

Given the international nature of Columbia University, many students do not travel home for Thanksgiving.

As such, the dinner “really turned out

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—Candy Zhao ’20

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“I discovered that several of my classmates are Christians— a testament to the size of Christ’s witness on campus.”

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diversity of ministries at Columbia University meets the needs of a wide range of students. But on November 16, several Christian organizations came together as one body for an inter-ministry Thanksgiving celebration.

Over 100 students and staff from campus ministries united for the dinner, held in the gymnasium of Corpus Christi Catholic Church, just north of campus. Ministries included: Columbia Catholic Ministry (columbia-catholic.org), Compass Christian Koinonia (columbia.edu/cu/cck), Christian Union at Columbia, Columbia University Bible Fellowship (ubf.org/locations/columbia-university), Korean Campus Crusade for Christ (https://lionlink.columbia. edu/organization/kccc), and Columbia InterVarsity Fellowship (columbiaivcf.org). Traditionally, each organization holds its own Thanksgiving feasts, but after a string of conversations and ecumenical worship events during the semester, ministry leaders decided to unite and give thanks for a fruitful semester.

The evening began with a time of worship and prayer before students and ministers enjoyed a dinner of

traditional Thanksgiving fixings—turkey, casseroles, and pies. Some student ministries broke a planned fast together as the meal commenced. In addition to a worship session, the students at each of the nine tables were asked to create Thanksgiving-themed rap messages to share with the gathering. Afterwards, students played games and continued to fellowship.

Candy Zhao ’20, president of Columbia’s Compass Christian Koinonia, said the Thanksgiving event allowed students from different ministries to fellowship and meet new friends.

“I discovered that several of my classmates are Christians—a testament to the size of Christ’s witness on campus,” she said. “Students can take comfort that fellow Christians often sit in the same classes, even if they don’t know it.”

Lane Young, Christian Union’s ministry director at Columbia, said students were blessed by the event and glad to meet other Christians.

“I heard from many people about

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COLU M B I A | On Campus

Christ’s Crowning Glory

C O N S I D E R I N G C O L U M B I A’ S C R E S T

By Luke Foster, Columbia ’15

very Columbian has seen our university’s crest a thousand times. It is to be found on everything from that delightful admissions letter to the flags flapping above South Lawn to the 116th Gates. But how often do we really stop to think twice about what that image—the crown

Sometimes the symbol transcends its own apparent nonsensicality—I have no idea what apples have to do with computers, but Apple’s logo commands respect the world over. But symbols are more than brands. They can assemble armies and erect empires. Italy’s Fascists named themselves after the fasces—the bundles of axes that the consul’s bodyguards would carry in Classical Rome. It was a very deliberate statement of their intent to re-create the Roman Empire, with

topped by a cross and flanked by two more—really means?

Symbols have power, a power to allude to rich depths of the past and to evoke aspirations for the future.

Nike’s famous swoosh does both, looking progressive while alluding to the Greek goddess of victory.

immediate and bloody consequences for Ethiopia and Albania.

Symbols are bound up with national identity, too. I have always thought it says much about the best of England, as a little country that has stood alone against the world, that its flag is the Cross of St. George. It’s

The following article was reprinted with permission from Crown & Cross, Columbia’s Journal of Christian Thought (www.crowncross.org).

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a reference to the legend of the plucky knight who overcame a dragon much too big for him. It stands for life out of death, for hope out of despair, for the triumph of the underdog.

One reason, I think, why we don’t usually make the effort to decipher the Crown and Cross of Columbia is that it alludes to unfashionable ideals. We are 21st century people, raised to believe in individual liberty and free choice.

And that freedom is not directed to anything higher than consumerism.

The Supreme Court stated in the 1992 case Planned Parenthood v. Casey, “At the heart of liberty is the right to define one’s own concept of existence, of meaning, of the universe, and of the mystery of human life.” In popular culture, the Backstreet Boys sing, “I Want It That Way.” Modern Western and particularly American culture has enshrined the view that we are fundamentally consumers who should be liberated to choose the goods, values, and lifestyles we want for our comfort.

The Crown and Cross crest suggests a different vision entirely. Most directly, it refers to Columbia’s founding as an Anglican college: the fruit of a Christian church under the British monarch. It reflects the assumption that reigned in Europe from the Middle Ages to the Enlightenment: the highest spiritual and political authorities in the land must be linked.

The king has a responsibility to direct his people towards the good, and the church must provide spiritual guidance to the people and moral correction to the king. This political theory

ories can sprout and we have space for our characters to grow. And any married couple who has lived out their vows will testify to this. There will come days when one’s spouse seems the least lovable person on the planet.

But that’s precisely why St. Paul called marriage a “mystery” in Ephesians 5 and called on husbands to give their lives to love their wives.

As Christian Columbians, the beauty of the college’s Crown and Cross crest is that it reminds us, as 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 teaches, “You are not your own.

You were bought with a price.” We have been shown kingly majesty and humble sacrifice in the Cross of Christ. Now we are called to find lives of true freedom in taking up our own crosses and following Him. | cu

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You could never relate to someone who might not have everything together.

The ancient Chinese Confucian philosophers also aspired to impeccable standards of virtue. But Confucius, Mencius, and Xunzi also understood the good life—a life of freedom and meaning—as one of self-possession. They did emphasize how very much we need and are shaped by our communities, our cultures, and especially our families. But ultimately the junzi (noble person) was to possess him or herself through reason and the cultivation of virtue.

Jesus modeled for us a radically different nobility. He taught us that we ultimately flourish not through responsibility and restraint, but through giving ourselves to serve others for and from a joyful love.

Though this is deeply counter-intuitive, it can and does resonate with

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our experience. Many of us have known a paradoxical joy in volunteering with the needy. Neither patiently working through a math problem with a child in an afterschool program nor helping to feed and clothe a homeless man looks enjoyable from the outside. But there is a deep blessedness and peace that comes from loving people who are hard to love.

Families work on this principle, too. We do not love our siblings because they merit our love. They are ours, and we must accept them, whatever painful memories or accumulated resentments lie between us. And if we love them and they love us no matter what, all sorts of joyful mem-

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any man in the land.”

Our modern Western culture has a particularly hard time with the Crown and the Cross. But no people or time has ever had an easy time applying Jesus’ story. Classical culture did not understand being human in terms of consumerism. The Greeks and Romans believed in an objective good life to be found through the heroic pursuit of virtue. But, for Aristotle in the Nicomachean Ethics, virtue was supremely moderation— restraint, a sense of balance, and rational control in all things. Cicero, in his DeAmicitia (“On Friendship”), argued that you could only befriend someone who was equally virtuous.

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neglected religious liberty and democracy, and its failings helped provoke the American Revolution. But the Founding Fathers did not reject the Crown and Cross’ assertion that we all have a claim on each other, a shared responsibility for a good life together as a community.

For the Crown and the Cross stem from something much older and deeper and grander than the reign of George II, who was king when Columbia was founded in 1754. The Crown and Cross allude to Jesus Christ and His kingdom. Paradoxically, His cosmic rule was declared when He was humiliated on Good Friday and vindicated on Easter as God raised Him to new life. And His reign over the world will be fully realized on that day when, as the Nicene Creed says, “He will come again in glory.”

The New Testament story is the story of the Crown and Cross, and it radically reshapes our understanding of freedom and of power. Philippians 2:5-11 tells us that Jesus, co-eternal Son of the Father, had the most absolute power of any being ever in existence. Free to do anything He wanted, He gave up His majesty out of love for us. Yet His utter self-gift revealed His true glory, His radically generous love.

This is why cultures that Christianity has influenced have had their understanding of kingship radically reworked. If Jesus’ kingly authority flows from His sacrifice, power is never something to grasp, but to use in generous service. C.S. Lewis put the ideal best at the end of The Horse and His Boy: “For this is what it means to be a king: To be first in every desperate attack and last in every desperate retreat, and when there’s hunger in the land, to wear finer clothes and laugh louder over a scantier meal than

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COR N E LL | On Campus

Q-Ideas at Cornell CHESTERTON HOUSE HOSTS CONFERENCE

By Zachary Lee, Cornell ’20

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n October 27, the Chesterton House partnered with Q-Ideas to host a one-night conference that featured nationally-broadcasted lectures from three prolific speakers and shorter talks from three Cornell students. The theme of the Q-Union Conference was “Healing Our Divided Nation.”

Gabe Lyons, co-author of the bestselling book, unchristian, is the founder of Q-Ideas. The mission is “to see Christians, especially leaders, recover

tical ways in which individuals could bring about restorative change in their communities.

Another integral part of Q-Ideas is equipping future leaders (i.e., college students) with a platform to speak on issues pertaining to their campus.

Three student speakers were chosen in September and worked closely with Chesterton House staff members Bill and Nicole Riley to curate and develop nine-minute talks.

Brooks, an author and New York

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The speakers and student presenters at Cornell’s Q-Union Conference talked about the ways division, brokenness, and redemption manifest in all areas of life. The lectures were diverse, engaging, and thought-provoking.

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a vision for their historic responsibility to renew and restore cultures.”

Q-Union Conferences are meant to be interactive, with the speakers serving merely as catalysts for conversation. After the presentations, the audience is given time to discuss what they just heard with the people around them.

The speakers and student presenters at Cornell’s Q-Union Conference talked about the ways division, brokenness, and redemption manifest in all areas of life. The lectures were diverse, engaging, and thought-provoking. The speakers—David Brooks, Kara Powell, and Propaganda—encouraged the audience to question societal norms and highlighted prac-

Times’ columnist, spoke about virtue and remaining rooted and grounded in your beliefs. Highlighting the paradox of choice, Brooks explained how college students are always told that they can achieve anything—while this is exciting, it can also be daunting and overwhelming. In an age where students are constantly trying to add accomplishments to their resumés, he urged the crowd to rediscover the joy that comes with going deep and being faithful with a few activities.

Dr. Powell, executive director of the Fuller Youth Institute and faculty member at Fuller Theological Seminary, spoke about the dangers of technology and social media. She talked about the irony of technology and

social media being created to make us more efficient and connected, yet, “what we gain in productivity, we sacrifice in personhood.”

Powell’s resounding mantra was to “make love the test.” For the sake of innovation, we have substituted technology for relationships. Regarding social media, it is far easier to compare ourselves to others and become envious, rather than celebrate the accomplishments of others, she said. Rather than view technology as a means purely to advance oneself, it should be used as a tool that can help bring individuals from various backgrounds together.

Finally, hip-hop artist and poet Propaganda spoke on the intersectionality of our identities and how people often look at differences as opposed to similarities. He referenced the suffrage movement and how, in the beginning, it was mainly about giving white women the right to vote, as opposed to other women of color.

“The majority culture was too focused on their difference in ethnicity, as opposed to the overlap of gender,” he stated. Likewise, Propaganda stressed how, within the body of Christ, we should strive not for sameness, but oneness, as we are all part of God’s narrative and story. “As (people) of faith, we were all once undocumented,” he shared, “but Christ claimed us and allowed us to be a part of His family.” | cu

COR N E LL | On Campus

Faithful Service STEARNS ’73 ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT FROM WORLD VISION

By Tom Campisi, Managing Editor

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fter two decades of ministry to choose,” Stearns said. “He was asking whole Gospel to the whole world, and orphans, refugees, and those me what kind of disciple I was willing to demonstrate the values of God’s impacted by AIDS, Richard Stearns to be. What was the most important coming kingdom. Everything else announced that he will retire as presi- thing in my life? Was it my career? then becomes a means to that end. dent of World Vision U.S. at the end My financial security? My family? My God is not impressed with your Ivy of the year. stuff? Or was I committed to follow- League degrees. He looks at the charStearns (Cornell ’73, Wharton ing Christ regardless of the cost – no acter of your heart…You are called School of Business ’75) joined the re- matter what?” to be agents of change in the world lief organization as its fifth president in 1998 after a successful, 23-year corporate career, including roles as CEO of both Parker Brothers Games and Lenox. Under his leadership, World Vision’s annual revenues grew to more than $1 billion and the organization expanded its work in serving children and other humanitarian causes.

“Serving as World Vision U.S.’s president for 20 years has been an honor,” he said.

“Reneé and I have enjoyed this remarkable journey, seeing first-hand the depth and Richard Stearns (Cornell ’73, Wharton School of Business ’75) will retire from World Vision at the end of 2018. breadth of God’s love for the world. We’ve had the great honor of meeting thousands of chilAt the Ivy League Congress (now for Christ.” dren and families, being welcomed known as the Nexus Student ConferIn 2010, Stearns issued a sobering into homes, and hearing stories of ence), Stearns asked the students, exhortation to Christians with his faith and courage.”

“What does God expect of us as fol- book, The Hole in Our Gospel, winner A corporate CEO with a very com- lowers of Christ?” of the Evangelical Publisher’s Associfortable lifestyle, Stearns sensed that “You are young, gifted, accom- ation Book of the Year award.

God was calling him to make a radical plished, successful, and ambitious,” “I wrote this book because I bechange when he was offered the position he said. “How will your Christian lieved there is something fundamenat World Vision. In 2008, he told his faith influence the kind of person you tally missing in the way that Americans story to students at Christian Union’s will become both personally and pro- understand the Gospel of Jesus Ivy League Congress of Faith and Action fessionally?”

Christ,” said Stearns. “It is a wakeup in New Haven, Connecticut.

“As a Christian, you can have only call to those who feel justified by their “God was asking me that day to one goal: to serve Christ, to bring the salvation, yet exhibit no active love

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and compassion for their neighbors.”

For Stearns, his journey as World Vision president began with a trip to Rakai, Uganda, where he stood at Ground Zero of the AIDS pandemic and witnessed the pain and poverty of

pandemic. Over the years, World Vision developed strategies and tactics for AIDS prevention, cared for the sick, and lobbied for orphans, in addition to advocating for better governmental policies and programs.

For Stearns, his journey as World Vision president began with a trip to Rakai, Uganda, where he stood at Ground Zero of the AIDS pandemic and witnessed the pain and poverty of orphaned children. “What I saw in Uganda broke my heart and changed forever my understanding of just what it meant to follow Christ,” he said. orphaned children. “What I saw in Uganda broke my heart and changed forever my understanding of just what it meant to follow Christ,” he said.

He left Uganda seeking the presence of the church in the midst of the

In recent years, Stearns has challenged the church to engage in the global refugee crisis and “follow Jesus into the most difficult places in the world to alleviate human suffering and care for the world’s most vulner-

able children.”

“Rich Stearns put compassion over career, leaving business leadership to serve the poor and vulnerable,” Leith Anderson, president of the National Association of Evangelicals, told Christianity Today. “His Christian faith has been strong and practical from the board room to backwaters of the world.

(He is) truly a man of world vision.”

World Vision U.S. recently announced that a national search was underway for a successor to Stearns, who graciously reflected on his time as president and serving alongside tens of thousands of World Vision staff members in 100 countries.

“Their passionate commitment to stand in the gap for the world’s poorest children has inspired me every single day,” he said.

“I’ve had the privilege of leading an organization that transforms the lives of both the wealthy and the poor in profound ways.” | cu

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Church Software Design Wins Pitch Competition

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Juniors Peter Cetale, Eric Reubenm, and Albert Caldarelli won first prize at the Hospitality Pitch Deck Competition for designing software that helps religious organizations boost engagement with their members.

On November 13, five teams presented their final pitches to a panel of industry leaders in hopes of winning the grand prize of $3,000.

“We give churches the tools to connect better, engage, and retain their membership online through our software,” Cetale said. “We have a mobile app, a community engagement web platform, and

management software, and so we’re very proudly building the digital church of the 21st century.”

The competition, held in Statler Hall, was sponsored by the Leland C. and Mary M. Pillsbury Institute for Hospitality Entrepreneurship at the School of Hotel Administration.

D A R T M OU T H | On Campus

Going the Distance JENSEN ’18 SEEKS TO SERVE IN MENTAL HEALTH FIELD

By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer

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Dartmouth College senior plans produce an initial boost in speed and grare (integrare.us). to use her compassion for indi- agility. Despite the bone density loss Given some of her injuries, Jensen viduals suffering with mental illnesses and injuries that follow, student ath- stepped aside from Dartmouth’s to launch a medical career with an letes often are motivated by the allure cross-country team to become active emphasis upon underserved corners of accelerated performance drive. For in the Dartmouth Triathlon Team. collegiate female runners, the threat of the globe.

“I’ve never encountered a more Beyond the corridors of the U.S. can be magnified as some also wrestle genuine, compassionate, fun group medical establishment, there of humans,” Jensen wrote on is a “lot of need around mena team blog. tal health and building health Through the sports club, structure,” said Kennedy Jenthe native of Upstate New sen ’18, a leader with DartYork has learned more about mouth’s sports ministries. the role food can play in fu“That’s been a dream for a eling athletic endeavors. while.”

With some soul-searching While as many as 40 perand a break from the prescent of U.S. patients with sures of competitive athletes, mental health conditions reJensen notes she has gleaned ceive treatment, the figure helpful perspectives on nuplunges to less than 10 percent trition and consumption. in other sectors of the world, As well, the pre-med stuincluding much of South dent ventured to Boston for America, said Jensen, a biolresearch on the experiences ogy major. of some female distance runKennedy Jensen ’18 wants to pursue a medical career After a gap year, Jensen ners with eating disorders. with an emphasis upon underserved international plans to pursue a degree from “It’s amazing how many of populations.

Dartmouth’s Geisel Medical their lives have been touched,” School. As part of a select prosaid Jensen of the widespread gram for juniors, Jensen received an with body image issues. challenges athletes encounter with early acceptance into the college’s “There are a lot of eating disorders anorexia, bulimia, and the like. medical program.

Jensen especially is grateful for in sports,” said Jensen, who also is As for Jensen’s quest to serve those pursuing a minor in global health. “I opportunities to freely discuss a topbattling mental health issues, that started noticing patterns in team- ic that carries a stigma for some young desire stems from her own struggles mates.” adults. “It’s been really neat to see how with an eating disorder. Jensen said At Dartmouth, Jensen has been God took this part of my life that for her faith helped her to overcome such able to share accounts of her person- so long was such a struggle,” said Jenunhealthy tendencies while racing al battles with some peers. Recruited sen. with Dartmouth’s cross-country team. to Dartmouth as a distance runner, In turn, Jensen’s efforts to support Eating disorders are common she serves as co-captain of Fellowship her fellow athletes have fueled her among long-distance runners, espe- of Christian Athletes (dartmouthfca. passion for a medical career with an cially as declines in body mass can org) and as a student leader of Inte- emphasis upon emotional disorders.

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“My faith is the main reason I’m going into medicine. I’m trying to use my faith as a reflection of what I believe,” said Jensen, who accepted Christ as her personal savior during high school. “I’ve been really blessed in many ways. I want to give back and build up others.”

Indeed, Jensen’s undergraduate years at Dartmouth have proven to be spiritually fertile. “College has been really formative for me in terms of contemplating my faith, thinking more deeply about questions, and engaging with what I believe,” said Jensen.

“That’s not easy to do on an Ivy League campus. I am really grateful for that.”

Not surprisingly, a mentor with Dartmouth’s Fellowship of Christian

Athletes described Jensen as “just one of those stand-out students, deeply committed to living out her faith on campus with a true servant’s heart.”

Jensen is “an amazing and remarkable woman, extremely talented, yet wonderfully humble and genuine, exhibiting a sincere heart for not only her fellow students, but those in need on a much more global arena,” said Debra Amato.

Among other activities, Jensen volunteers with Find the Courage, a program for elementary school students, and works as a research assistant in a chemistry lab and as a teaching assistant for the biology department.

As well, she participated in a Dartmouth summer program focused on

women’s health issues in Kosovo and volunteered for a Partners in Health winter program in Peru. Jensen’s experiences in Lima proved transformative by making “really clear to me the rawness of the pain that people experience and the ways that mental health and physical health interact.”

Jensen wants to use her academic giftings to reflect Christ’s compassion to patients. “My love of science and ability to care for people dovetail,” providing an emerging career trajectory, she said.

For now, on Dartmouth’s campus Jensen simply tries to “live in an overflow of the joy that my faith allows me to experience.” | cu

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D A R T M OU T H | On Campus

A Dartmouth Decibelle LINDQUIST ’18 HAS COUNTRY MUSIC ASPIRATIONS

By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer

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Dartmouth College senior hopes to use her passion for singing and storytelling to inspire country music audiences.

Sara Lindquist ’18 is contemplating her life’s dream of moving to Nashville, finding a band, and returning to the recording studio. As a freshman, Lindquist released a six-track EP entitled It’s a Good Day for a Good Day. “Music is so much of the way I connect and get centered. It brings me so much joy,” said Lindquist, a member of Dartmouth’s oldest all-female a cappella group, the Dartmouth Decibelles, and co-captain of the women’s volleyball team. “The thing I love about singing is being able to story-tell.”

Whether she becomes a singing sensation on Nashville’s legendary Music Row or a millennial artist with a side gig following graduation, Lindquist wants to utilize her vocal and compositional talents to touch country music fans. “You never know how a song can inspire someone,” said Lindquist. “It’s something everyone can bond over.”

The Seattle native readily acknowledges breaking into country music’s competitive scene can be challenging.

“It’s definitely not a cut-out path,” said Lindquist, a human geography major with modifications for religious studies courses.

During her senior year at Mercer Island High School, Lindquist ventured

to Nashville to begin recording for It’s a Good Day for a Good Day. After two sessions with Skyville Records, the EP debuted on Spotify and iTunes in March 2015. Later during her summer break, Lindquist took to the stages of Seattle venues to promote the playlist.

Country music is a “really good fit for my personality,” said Lindquist.

“I love the fit for my voice and what the songs talk about. There are Christian undertones.”

As for the bulk of her time at Dartmouth, Lindquist has juggled a packed schedule centered on the Dartmouth Decibelles and the volleyball team. Earlier, as a co-captain of Washington’s 3A championship team, Lindquist was heavily recruited for

collegiate action and ultimately picked the Big Green over an attractive offer from Stanford University.

Also during her time at Dartmouth, Lindquist has held leadership roles with Integrare (integrare.us) and Fellowship of Christian Athletes (dartmouthfca.org). During her sophomore year, the outside hitter started an ongoing Bible study for her volleyball teammates.

Sara Lindquist ’18, who released a sixtrack EP as a freshman, is exploring options to return to the recording studio.

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“Promise and Peril in the New Genetics” In November, Integrare at Dartmouth hosted its Fall Roundtable Dinner, “Promise and Peril in the New Genetics: What Does It Mean to Be Human?” The speaker was James Sherley, M.D., Ph.D., former MIT professor of genetics and founder of the Boston stem cell biotechnology company Asymmetrex. With its Roundtable events, Integrare seeks to create a welcoming environment for nonbelievers and believers to mix and discuss one of life’s “big questions” over dinner. Approximately 40 people attended the event, which was held at the Hanover Inn. A Christian Union grant helped underwrite the dinner.

Agape Hosts Thanksgiving Banquet

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In November, Agape Christian Fellowship reached out to the Dartmouth community and expressed gratitude to God for His faithfulness with a Thanksgiving banquet. The event, held at the Church of Christ at Dartmouth College, included a personal testimony from a student, a presentation of the Gospel message, and a discussion. Among the 70 attendees were members of other campus ministries and non-Christian friends. A Christian Union grant helped underwrite the banquet.

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Such efforts reflect Lindquist’s desires to model Christ’s deep compassion to her athletic comrades, choir companions, and sorority sisters. “The most important thing is having your cup filled by God every day,” she said.

At a practical level, that means being joyful and practicing a servant’s heart, said Lindquist, who hails from a family steeped in faith, academics, and athletics.

Strong relational skills and practices have made her the go-to person for teammates in need of encourage-

ment, said Denise Dahlberg, cofounder of Integrare, a campus and adult ministry to the Dartmouth community.

“From day one, she desired to make her relationship with God a priority,” said Dahlberg. “Sara carries a tremendous amount of respect on campus and on the team because of the integration of her faith and her life.”

As for her collegiate musical endeavors, Lindquist joined the Decibelles on a London tour in December. In recent years, the group has toured over winter breaks in the District of Columbia, Boston, Philadelphia, and Florida.

Around New Hampshire’s Upper Valley, the Decibelles show off their vocal artistry in a variety of venues.

In 2016, the group recorded an album entitled Irresistibles, one of eight the women have released in 40plus years; assorted musical videos and playlists are available via YouTube.

As a child, Lindquist discovered her love for harmonizing while participating in a community choir for girls in the Seattle region. Eventually, she connected with Wally Wilson, the songwriter-producer who helped launch Skyville’s record label, music publishing, and online music series in Nashville.

“God has really opened up the door,” said Lindquist. “Singing is something I’m absolutely passionate about.”

Now, as Lindquist contemplates packing her bags and dreams to join the dazzling, neon allure of country music, the mezzo-soprano simply wants to resonate with musical audiences and seek the Lord.

“Crafting music is really an amazing, interesting puzzle” with the ability to strike a powerful chord with audiences, Lindquist said. “It all comes down to lyrics.” | cu

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H A RVA RD | On Campus

Evangelium Vitae L AW PROFE SSOR RECEIVE S PRO -LIFE AWARD

By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer

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Harvard Law School professor rights and pro-life causes, the Massa- tials, Glendon is a commissioner on is set to become the 2018 re- chusetts native also has left a related the U.S. Commission on Internationcipient of one of the nation’s most impact on students. In fall 2016, she al Religious Freedom and a member helped the Harvard Law Students for of the board of supervisors for the prestigious pro-life awards.

This spring, Mary Ann Glendon Life Association receive university Vatican’s Institute of Religious Works.

As such, the director of Notre will receive the University of Notre recognition.

In addition to serving as the in- Dame’s Center for Ethics and Culture Dame’s Evangelium Vitae Medal. The called Glendon “one of the most university’s Center for Ethics and extraordinary figures in academia Culture plans to bestow the and the global public square.” In award on April 28 during a mass a statement, legal scholar O. Carand banquet. ter Snead noted Glendon “perNotre Dame offers the lifesonifies” the qualities at the heart time achievement award to “heof the Evangelium Vitae Medal. roes of the pro-life movement.”

“She has provided a joyful, The award, named for Pope John loving, and unwavering witness Paul II’s 1995 encyclical on life to the dignity of all persons, born issues, honors individuals who and unborn, as created in the have labored to “proclaim the image and likeness of God,” Gospel of human life by steadSnead wrote. fastly affirming and defending its Glendon served two terms on sanctity from its earliest stages.” the U.S. President’s Council on Glendon is globally known for her staunch commitment to During the spring, Harvard Law Professor Mary Bioethics. She is also the former Ann Glendon will receive a prestigious lifetime president of the Pontifical Acadpro-life causes. As well, she is achievement award for her efforts on behalf of emy of Social Sciences, and repwidely recognized for serving as pro-life causes. resented the Holy See at the U.S. ambassador to the Vatconferences. ican under President George W. augural faculty sponsor for the orgaAs a scholar, Glendon publishes Bush, Yale ’68, Harvard MBA ’75.

Per tradition, Notre Dame’s Cen- nization, Glendon also has functioned extensively in family law, legal ethics, ter for Ethics and Culture announced as a personal mentor. “She has been human rights, constitutional law, civGlendon as the recipient of the award an inspiration to so many pro-life il rights, and related areas. Books by on Respect Life Sunday, which fell students, encouraging them to be the prolific author include: Abortion vocal about their beliefs, and to re- and Divorce in Western Law and The on October 1, 2017.

The award comes with a commis- main steadfast in their convictions,” Forum and the Tower: How Scholars sioned medal and $10,000 prize. In said Josh Craddock, a board member and Politicians Have Imagined the World, from Plato to Eleanor Roosevelt. turn, Glendon noted she is honored for the student association.

Glendon is a “treasure to Harvard Glendon made headlines in 2009 and humbled to receive the award, which highlights commitment to the Law School and much beloved by all after declining Notre Dame’s revered her students, past and present,” said Laetare Medal. The university planned “intrinsic dignity” of human life. to present Glendon with the medal, While Glendon possesses a legacy Craddock, Harvard Law ’18.

Among her other myriad creden- which honors a Catholic whose genius of championing international human

has ennobled the arts and sciences, during its May commencement.

However, Glendon turned down the award after learning President Barack Obama, Columbia ‘83, Harvard Law ’91, an abortion rights supporter, was scheduled to speak at the

commencement and receive an honorary doctor of law degree.

In turn, the National Right to Life awarded Glendon its select Proudly Pro-Life Award and the Life Issues Institute presented Glendon its prestigious Hero at Heart award in 2009.

As for her upcoming honor, Snead described Glendon as a standard-bearer for pro-life causes. “She sets the standard for all of us who work to build a culture of life worldwide,” he wrote. “There is no one like her.” | cu

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H A RVA RD | On Campus

Social or Anti-Social?

HARVARD COMMUNIT Y DISCUSSE S FACEB OOK , OTHER PL ATFORMS

By Ethan Pardue, Harvard ’19

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Facebook “changes your relationship with society, and with each other,” said Parker.

In October at Harvard, the unofficial birthplace of the social media revolution, four professors from the university were part of a panel that discussed its impact on identities and

Lives Matter; and Professor Michael O. Rich (Harvard Medical School), who focused on developmental concerns in children in an age where young people are in front of a screen for an average of eight hours each day.

College students can also suffer from over-exposure to social media.

relationships. An article in The Harvard Crimson reported on the lectures, including: Professor Yochai Benkler (Harvard Law School), who spoke on the effective decentralization of political action with regards to movements like the Arab Spring and Black

In an op-ed in The Crimson this summer, Jenna M. Wong ’20 wrote about the benefit of taking a break from from sites like Facebook and Instagram.

“The transformation was subtle, but immediate,” she wrote. “My mind drained out the clutter that social me-

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n his speech at Harvard’s 366th Commencement last spring, Mark Zuckerberg reflected on the night that Facebook was launched in 2004. He recalled telling a friend that he was “excited to connect the Harvard community, but, one day, someone would connect the whole world.” He did not realize at the time that he might be that someone.

There is no doubt that Facebook changed the way the world communicates, but many people wonder whether it is for the better or the worse. Discussions often focus on the downside of echo chambers and whether Facebook and other social media platforms bring us closer together or drive us further apart.

In November, Sean Parker – who worked to develop Facebook into a for-profit corporation – voiced concerns and regrets regarding his involvement. In an interview with Axios, Parker said the site was constructed with the conscious intent to get users addicted by targeting “a vulnerability in the human psychology” and creating a “social-validation feedback loop” based on its users likes and shares.

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dia had provided; the persistent notifications no longer filled my phone, the aches of jealousy eased. Little gaps in my day, once taken up by social media, suddenly became moments of introspection. My morning and eve-

of the best angles of countless people’s lives to compare to myself…”

Sarah Rodriquez ’18 wrote a similar op-ed for the Crimson three years ago as a freshman. Rodriguez decided to be more honest on social media

Kevin Adusei ’21 said Facebook is a great place to speak out about the Good News. Although he admitted using Facebook less since starting his first semester at Harvard, Adusei still thinks of it as a positive space. ning subway rides were now chances to sample new music, rather than scroll through all my accounts.”

“My self-esteem shot up when I stopped having an endless onslaught

and encouraged others to do the same.

On Facebook, she posted about her depression, and received “overwhelming” support and “grateful messages from people who had endured simi-

lar struggles, but had never spoken out.”

Kevin Adusei ’21, a Christian, said Facebook is a great place to speak out about the Good News. Although he admitted using Facebook less since starting his first semester at Harvard, Adusei still thinks of it as a positive space.

“A lot of my Christian friends and family members like to post videos, messages, or sermons,” he said.

Through Facebook and other sites, he is often encouraged and motivated to share his faith, whether it’s posting a Bible verse or voicing his opinion in a Christ-like manner.

“Social media is a great platform to share the Gospel in innovative ways,” he said. | cu

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Roundtables Feature Distinguished Speakers

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This fall, The Leadership Connection hosted a series of Roundtables on Science, Art, and Religion for faculty members at Harvard and MIT. Speakers included: Rosalind Picard, founder and director of the Affective Computing Research Group at MIT; Owen Gingerich, Harvard University emeritus professor of astronomy and history of science; Dr. John Seel, former Director of Cultural Engagement at the John Templeton Foundation; Dr. Joseph B. Martin, the Edward R. and Anne G. Lefler professor of neurobiology at Harvard; and M. Faisal Khan, M.D., associate

professor of medicine, Tuft’s University School of Medicine.

Martin, Ph.D. ’69, Writes Graham Bio In anticipation of the centennial birthday of Billy Graham, Zondervan Publishing is preparing to release a biography on the revered evangelist.

In March, Zondervan plans to unveil William Martin’s A Prophet with Honor: The Billy Graham Story. For the project, Graham granted the Rice University emeritus professor and Harvard University graduate unprecedented access to ministry archives and colleagues.

Martin (Harvard BD ’63, Ph.D. ’69) described Graham

as a man of rare integrity. The prolific author also explained the conditions that helped Graham to achieve enormous success despite personal weaknesses.

William Martin, Harvard Ph.D. ’69, has written a book on Billy Graham in recognition of the evangelist’s 100th birthday in 2018.

P E N N | On Campus

“Help and Hope Start Here”

PENN ALUMNA DIREC TS PREGNANCY RESOURCE CENTER

By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer

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proximately 45 babies in 2017.

Among other milestones, AlphaCare launched a mobile medical unit two years ago to help care for clients in underserved neighborhoods, especially those who lack medical care and transportation. The former delivery truck features an examination area with ultrasound equipment and restroom.

While not all clients are excited about a pregnancy, Hess described her team’s interaction with moms as remarkable and joyous. “We’re there for them,” said Hess. “You get to speak into the situation.

They have a lot to wrestle Graduate alumna Karen Hess ’85 oversees a with.” pregnancy-care center near the University of Likewise, AlphaCare Pennsylvania. employees also offer to pray with clients.

Much of the team’s interaction AlphaCare’s motto is “Help and Hope with the women centers upon buildStart Here.”

The staff of seven includes a social ing relationships and establishing worker and registered nurses. Given trust, especially given the traumatic the complex issues of Philadelphia’s life experiences and generational cyimpoverished urban neighborhoods, cles of substance abuse common withincluding its opioid crisis, the Al- in Philadelphia’s troubled core.

“A lot of the women want their phaCare team focuses on meeting practical needs and helping to ensure child to have a really great mom,” said new mothers have food, shelter, and Hess, a grandmother of three. As they safety. Registered nurses teach clients receive AlphaCare’s services, the about prenatal education, childbirth, mothers are “so grateful.”

Sadly, the abortion rate in Philabreastfeeding, and infant care. “We’ll walk with her through the whole delphia is as high as 15,000 per year, according to Pennsylvania’s health pregnancy,” said Hess.

AlphaCare, which receives 300- statistics.

Given such a backdrop, AlphaCare plus inquires per year, welcomed apto pregnant women. The organization, established in 1981, especially aims to provide for the practical needs of its clientele, including social services, medical referrals, pre-natal care and education, and life-skills training.

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hile enrolled in a doctorate program at the University of Pennsylvania in the 1980s, Karen Hess became unexpectedly pregnant.

Though married, the timing posed an obstacle to her goal of completing doctorate studies in a cutting-edge bioengineering program. “Honestly, I burst into tears. It wasn’t my plan,” said Hess. “That really changed the course of my life.”

Today, Hess runs AlphaCare, a pregnancy care center on Lancaster Avenue near Penn’s sprawling urban campus. Though Hess completed a master of biomedical engineering in 1985 with a toddler in tow, she focused most of the next two decades on raising her four children.

Amazingly, Hess felt like her life in the Penn community came virtually full circle when she witnessed AlphaCare’s first pregnancy ultrasound in 2016. During her graduate studies at Penn, Hess was part of a program focused on pioneering developments in medical imaging, including CAT scans.

“My goal in going to Penn was to study medical imaging,” said Hess.

More importantly, AlphaCare has been building momentum since relocating in early 2017 to the outskirts of University City from the Rittenhouse Square District. With the move, the pregnancy center now offers services to students at nearby Penn and Drexel universities.

AlphaCare, a Christian non-profit entity, offers free, confidential, physical, social, and spiritual support

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is boosting the training it offers to student volunteers, especially to equip them to participate in community health fairs. Inroads with Penn’s medical community also helped AlphaCare land a Penn Medicine CAREs grant for its mobile services.

“We need to grow to be able to address the needs of the people,” said Hess.

In addition, Hess dreams of turning the former Women’s Medical Society Clinic into the Philly Redemption Project, a site for ministering to women and men as they become parents. By taking over a building on Lancaster Avenue, AlphaCare has taken the first step in a multi-stage project to “redeem” the

facilities formerly operated by Kermit Gosnell.

In his high-profile 2013 trial, abortion provider Gosnell was convicted of state and federal charges, including murder of infants, involuntary manslaughter of a refugee mother, and drug trafficking charges.

As for her own surprise pregnancy, Hess readily acknowledged the risky nature of her decision to cut short her Penn doctoral studies.

“There were a lot of people who told me I was making a big mistake to walk away from scholarship and to become a mom in the suburbs,” said Hess.

Instead, Hess used the time to

homeschool her children and start a regional science fair. When she returned to the workforce, she initially worked in development for an educational, non-profit organization.

In 2007, Hess stepped up to become development director for Amnion Crisis Pregnancy Center in Philadelphia’s Drexel Hill region.

Three years later, she took over the helm of Alpha Pregnancy Services, which now operates as AlphaCare.

“Our main job, as the body of Christ in the city, is to connect people with needs with resources that exist,” said Hess. “The sanctity of human life is probably the most singular social issue of our time.” | cu

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P E N N | On Campus

Building Bridges in NYC J A C K S O N ’ 8 9 S E R V E S I N M AY O R ’ S O F F I C E

By Elizabeth Bloodworth

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ome Christians are called by God School in Somerset, New Jersey, have on track and following my path has to be bridge builders and connec- also connected over their similar jour- stimulated my passion to connect with students from my town just like she tors for the sake of the kingdom. Lol- neys. ita Jackson, Penn ’89 , is one of those “The advice she gave about staying has connected with me,” said Edwards, Penn ’21. individuals.

Raised by her grandmother When she heard from a friend on public assistance in the workthat Jada Edwards, a young woming and middle-class communian of color from her high school, ty of Somerset, Jackson was had started at the nursing school determined to be self-supporting at Penn in 2017, Jackson immeand knew that it meant attending diately reached out. a stellar university.

“I know how hard it is to go Jackson chose Penn not only from my high school to Penn,” for its strong engineering proshe said. “I connected her to peogram, but because it offered a ple I knew who went through diversity of races and economic the nursing curriculum to help backgrounds other schools did guide her through the steps she not. Upon her arrival, she disshould take.”

Lolita Jackson, Penn ’89 is a special advisor in covered God had prepared a Jackson and Edwards, who the office of New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio. place for her and a purpose. both attended Franklin High

“I was exposed to all these people who were leading a different life than I… everybody just kind of mixed together,” she fondly recalled.

Jackson was on the forefront of this movement to cross race and social barriers at Penn. As she describes it, “I was the person who would go to the white fraternity party and to the black dance party the same night.”

“Penn was the place that I found my voice. I recognized that I could traverse all these worlds and that my voice mattered.”

During her undergraduate years, God gave Jackson a growing faith nurtured by Penn’s Gospel Choir and began developing her into the woman, leader, and bridge-builder she is today. She continues to seek the Lord, defy expectations, and navigate across disparate groups.

After working at Morgan Stanley for a number of years, Jackson quit her job in 2003 because she sensed the Lord saying to her, “Your next job will come out of your hobby.” She began volunteering in politics and served on the

Republican National Convention.

Afterwards, she campaigned for Mayor Michael Bloomberg and was appointed by his Republican administration when he took office.

Like Esther, Jackson has found her position of influence as a way to serve the city and God’s people. Her current title, under Mayor Bill DeBlasio, is Special Advisor, Network Relation-

then, she has maintained connections between the mayor’s office and various churches and even arranged to have Keller offer the invocation at a 400-person breakfast.

Jackson bridges two political parties, as well. Remarkably, she has had the unusual distinction of a Republican appointee who has continued to serve the mayor’s office under a

“Penn was the place that I found my voice. I recognized that I could traverse all these worlds and that my voice mattered.” ships, Climate Policy and Programs.

“I’m an emissary between the evangelical Christian community and the Mayor’s Office,” she says.

A member of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, Jackson worked alongside Rev. Tim Keller to put together a breakfast with Mayor Bloomberg and 20 evangelical pastors in the city. She was able to brief the mayor on the different churches and help him to understand the challenges faced by new congregations. Since

Democrat. As she puts it, “It’s pretty much a miracle. If you work in the mayor’s office, you work at the pleasure of the mayor. It’s very unusual that I’m still here.”

Reflecting on what God has taught her through her journey and what advice she might have for others, Jackson said, “What you do matters. Understand that your work in your calling is what God has given you. It isn’t lesser if it is not ministry, because we all have a role to play in the kingdom.” | cu

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On November 16, students involved with campus ministries and churches assembled in Houston

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All-Campus Worship Night

Hall for All-Campus Worship Night. The spirited evening featured prayer, jam sessions, worship, devotionals, and fellowship.

Participating organizations included:The Whitefield Society (whitefieldsociety.com), New Spirit of Penn Gospel Choir (facebook. com/newspiritofpenn), Young Life at Penn (younglife.org), Penn Students for Christ (facebook. com/PennStudentsForChrist), Christian Union at Penn, and Christ Community Church of Philadelphia (cccphila.org).

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In November, a Penn professor of social policy spoke to students involved with Penn Newman Catholic Community (newman.upenn.edu) about his research into homelessness.

Dennis Culhane, director of research for the National Center on Homelessness among Veterans, has focused some of his research on vulnerable youth

and young adults, including those transitioning from foster care, juvenile justice programs and residential treatment centers.

Among related activities during November, Penn students hosted a dinner for area homeless people and hosted a sock drive.

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PR I N C E T O N | On Campus

Prayer, Practice, and Perspective

P R I N C E T O N C AT H O L I C S E N G A G E I N D A I LY D E V O T I O N

By Jon Garaffa, Princeton ’20

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rinceton’s Catholic ministry actively encourages students to embrace deeper inquiry into Christianity in the same manner as its namesake, Saint Thomas Aquinas. Engaging the community with Bible studies, service opportunities, and daily mass, The Aquinas Institute has always welcomed curious students.

In a high-caliber academic environment, Christians on campus often take an intellectual approach to defend beliefs counter to the norms of campus life.

“Among the predominant secular culture that Christians face on campuses today, Aquinas offers an alternative voice,” explained Will Nolan ’19, liturgy and music chair of the ministry.

What often attracts students to this organization is its rational approach to a devoted faith, rooted deeply in tradition and grounded in a community of disciplined individuals.

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moral positions, and trains students in Christian prayer. While open to anyone who wishes to inquire about Catholic practice, the classes are also designed to prepare students who are

looking at faith. Aquinas welcomes all to daily Mass in the University Chapel, where students can be found celebrating Holy Communion between classes.

ready to join a worldwide family of Catholics. Annually, around a dozen Princeton students convert through the program.

“We’re about setting an example of how to live a Christian life of service and humility in the context of college,” remarked Kyle Lang ’19, service chair and treasurer of the Aquinas Institute. “When people outside

“All Christians believe that as you grow in your faith, you are better able to reflect Christ’s life and light into the world,” Nolan declared. “Those who do make deeper commitments to their faith are able to bring more people in – that’s where the core is.”

Emphasizing the importance of action in Christ’s mission, Aquinas continues to offer various service opportunities, including trips to Trenton to serve those in need at Loaves and Fishes soup kitchen.

The Aquinas Institute also holds a yearly gallery for students who wish to display their day-to-day devotions through art. The name of this year’s exhibit, Laudato Si, was taken from St. Francis of Assisi’s poem, “The Canticle of the Sun,” and references Pope Francis’ encyclical by that title.

The goal of Laudato Si is to explore the glory of God in creation and spread the Gospel through creative means.

“Coming to Princeton, I was pleasantly surprised at just how seriously people took their faith. How they wanted to learn, grow, and commit to prayer inspired me to take my own faith more seriously.”

—Kyle Lang ’19

In September, The Aquinas Institute (www.princetoncatholic.org) began its annual Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. This program covers the core messages of the Gospel, presents a defense of Catholic

of the faith see the example that we set, that’s when conversations start.”

When students see Christians in daily prayer or service, they often stop to ask questions. This devotion serves as an entry point for those new to

In continuing its outreach, Aquinas has paired with The Evangelical Catholic. This organization will be present in town over the next three years to show Christ to students of any faith background, including those who have stopped practicing in college.

“Coming to Princeton, I was

pleasantly surprised at just how seriously people took their faith,” Lang recalled. “How they wanted to learn, grow, and commit to prayer inspired me to take my own faith more seriously.” The tight bond shared throughout the Aquinas community is crucial at a time where many students must decide whether they will keep the

beliefs and values with which they were raised.

“This strong community has helped me in my choice to own my faith in a way I could have never done on my own,” Nolan said. “As Christians this makes sense because we need the support of the body of Christ to make such a decision.” | cu

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PR I N C E T O N | On Campus

‘The Drive to Abolish Male and Female’

MCGUIRE’S SESSION HIGHLIGHTS LOVE AND FIDELITY NETWORK CONFERENCE

By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer

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come the baselines for measuring rights, McGuire told students. The mother of three young children also expressed concern about trends suggesting societal devolution of special female contri-

Ashley McGuire is the author of Sex Scandal: The Drive to Abolish Male and Female.

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butions, particularly those associated with child bearing and rearing.

McGuire also cited a series of efforts within collegiate and medical communities to revamp parental terminology under the guise of inclusivity, including the substitution of “birthing individual” for expectant mother.

“If you want to see where the culture is going on the denial of men

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stitution of marriage and the value of sexual integrity.

Alain Oliver, who joined Love and Fidelity Network as executive director during the summer, expressed gratitude for the success of the 2017 conference. “Being our 10th anniversary conference, we noticed a higher sense of energy and celebration throughout the weekend,” he said.

As for McGuire’s appearance on October 28, the Washington, D.C., resident highlighted the fallacies at the heart of the mistaken, but growing belief that the pathway to female equality requires eliminating sexual differences.

“Our culture is in denial of the differences between the sexes,” said McGuire, a senior fellow with The Catholic Association.

Likewise, attempts to acknowledge some of the basic differentiations ignite cries of intolerance.

But there are damaging consequences to demanding “women be more like men,” McGuire said. “Women end up being slowly erased in a world that promotes gender neutrality.”

Furthermore, male standards be-

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isguided political correctness, especially on college campuses, insists on denying some of the most basic sex distinctions.

Though pursued under the mantra of equality, diminished regard for sex differentiation leads to the disempowerment of women, according to Ashley McGuire, author of Sex Scandal: The Drive to Abolish Male and Female.

McGuire highlighted the pitfalls associated with the denial of differences between the sexes when she spoke during the annual Sexuality, Integrity and the University conference at Princeton University. More than 200 students and alumni from about 50 colleges across the United States participated in the Love and Fidelity Network’s weekend conference.

This year’s gathering was especially significant as it marked the 10th anniversary of the event. Founder Cassandra Hough launched the Anscombe Society (anscombe.princeton. edu) at Princeton in 2005. After graduation in 2007, Hough established Love and Fidelity Network to supply resources and training to college organizations seeking to affirm the in-

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and women, look at college campuses,” McGuire said.

More importantly, the blurring of sexual differences can make women more vulnerable to violence and potentially threaten categorical legal protections.

At a practical level, some women and girls also have encountered privacy issues inside restrooms and locker rooms within a variety of public and academic settings. “There are certain spaces where it is always going to be inappropriate for unmarried men and women to be together,” said McGuire.

Likewise, conduct and safety issues often abound on college campuses with proliferations of coed dormitories. At least one study points to excessive alcohol consumption in housing systems that foster proximity between members of the opposite sex.

On a growing number of campuses, students are asked to state their names and pronoun preferences as

part of roll call. Plus, some campuses have removed single-sex lavatories in favor of “gender-neutral” restrooms.

McGuire encouraged members of the audience at the conference to seize the challenges associated with being cultural influencers.

Affirming the undeniable realities of the sex differences and the complementary nature of masculinity and femininity can lead to more authentic equality for women.

“Your sex stays with you from womb to tomb,” McGuire said.

Among other conference speakers, political philosopher Ryan Anderson discussed ways students can respond to the so-called transgender movement while being mindful of its potential psychological damages.

“We have rushed head-on into social experiments on children,” said Anderson, senior research fellow with The Heritage Foundation. “You cannot reassign sex, and it will not bring

the long-term wholeness that person is looking for.”

When interacting with men and women who are struggling with sexual identity, Anderson urged pastoral sensitivity. “Be respectful without enabling” or encouraging destructive behaviors, said Anderson, Princeton ’04. “The most important thing you have to communicate is that you care about that person.”

Anderson’s newest book, When Harry Became Sally: Responding to the Transgender Moment, is slated for release in February. Anderson also is the founder of Witherspoon Institute’s Public Discourse.

Given harmful societal trends away from sexual integrity, Anderson encouraged students to support love and fidelity. “To have an effective long-term response, we’re going to have to address all of that,” Anderson said. “They need to be responded to in totality.” | cu

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Princeton Evangelical Fellowship Introduces New Name

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After 80 years of service, Princeton Evangelical Fellowship has changed its name.

With the start of the new academic year, the campus organization began operating as Princeton Christian Fellowship (pcfprinceton.org). In May 2017, overseers of the ministry voted to revamp the moniker to avoid potential misunderstandings with Princeton University students.

“There’s a growing recognition that the term evangelical is

increasingly either confusing, or unknown, or misunderstood to students,” William Boyce ’79, director, told The Daily Princetonian.

Boyce described himself as seasoned enough to regard the term evangelical as a positive. Still, “it’s no longer a helpful (way) to identify ourselves” because “it’s reached a point where there’s so much baggage attached around it.”

Anscombe Society Hosts Career and Family Panel In November, Princeton’s chapter of the Anscombe Society hosted a panel on career and family. The panel featured Sherif and Gabbie

Girgis, doctoral candidates in the philosophy and politics departments, respectively, and Bill and Debby Boyce, campus ministers with Princeton Christian Fellowship.

The panelists presented to students how it is possible to have marriage and family as a cornerstone while balancing academics and career, rather than a capstone to be sought out only after settling into an ideal career situation.

After the panel, audience members asked questions on topics such as the importance of community in dating and rational decision-making as relationships progress.

Photo Š DMadeo, image license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/legalcode.

Copyright holder has no endorsement of the content of this ad. Image cropped.

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YA L E | On Campus

Hearts of Compassion in New Haven YALE ORGANIZATIONS, STUDENTS SERVE HOMELESS ON THE GREEN

By Kayla Bartsch, Yale ’20

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he New Haven Green, the centerpiece of arguably the first planned city square in the country, was constructed in 1638. Built by the Puritans who sailed to New Haven to be free from religious persecution, it served as “a gathering place where citizens came together to worship, to protect and educate community members, report for military service, conduct business, make laws, mete

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ty are often found there, curled up on benches or lying on the grass, seeking whatever rest they can. As the Green is located across the street from Old Campus, there is a striking contrast between students snug in their dorms and New Haven residents sleeping in the open air just a stone’s throw away.

New Haven contains only four percent of Connecticut’s overall res-

Photo credit: Kayla Bartsch

The New Haven Green

out punishment, and to bury the dead,” according to connecticuthistory.org.

However, nearly 400 years later, the Green has served less as a reminder to New Haven’s Puritan past, but more as an indication of a contemporary hardship in the city. Members of New Haven’s homeless communi-

idents, but it contains 16 percent of Connecticut’s homeless population.

Thanks to the efforts of the city and dozens of community service groups, there has been a 20 percent decrease in the number of those without a place to stay in the past year, but there is still a ways to go to eradicate homelessness from the area.

Members of the Yale community have a long history of concern and activism for their neighbors in need.

Most notably, the Yale Hunger and Homelessness Action Project (YHHAP) has made significant efforts towards improving the conditions of those struggling with homelessness in the city. YHHAP was founded in 1974 by a small band of Yale undergraduates, and, according to its Web site, has “grown into Yale’s largest service group with 250 active volunteers and over 8,000 annual service hours.” YHHAP was formed under the guidance of a previous University chaplain and prominent minister, William Sloane Coffin.

The organization’s biggest fundraiser of every semester is its YHHAP Fast, where students can donate their meal swipes for a day to help fund rapid re-housing programs in New Haven. Around 1,500 students participate each semester, helping to raise tens of thousands of dollars over the years.

Beyond the coordinated efforts of large groups like YHHAP, individual Yale students have also felt the call to serve the underserved in New Haven.

In the fall, Jessica Lee ’20, a Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry major, organized a small group of students to make bag lunches for community members on the Green and to spend the afternoon listening and sharing stories. She was driven to initiate her mission because “it’s been more than a year since I’ve been at Yale, but I realized how little I knew

about the New Haven Green and the homeless population it houses. I thought this initiative would be a great way to serve our neighbors through lunch, as well as get to know them through conversation.”

On October 14, Lee and some friends met in a residential kitchen on campus and assembled 40 bagged lunches of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, juice boxes, fruit snacks, and fruit cups. As they handed out lunches, the students split into small groups, sitting down with the various

community members to introduce themselves and get to know them.

A Christian, Lee was driven by her faith in carrying out her project.

Understanding that the people they met needed spiritual nourishment as well as physical, the students included an index card with a Bible verse in each lunch sack. Along with casual conversation, Lee and her team also offered prayer to those who wanted it.

Lee confirmed the common experience Yale students have with re-

gards to the neighboring New Haven Green.

“It’s sad that the New Haven Green is right outside of our very windows, yet we are so ignorant of it most of the time,” she said.

As Lee showed by her example, Christian communities on campus have a unique opportunity and calling to provide hope to the homeless and downtrodden.

“I believe that we have a duty to serve those in need and fight against injustice and inequity,” she said. | cu

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YA L E | On Campus

“What Is Happening to the Family?”

W I L L I A M F. B U C K L E Y, J R . P R O G R A M H O S T S P E N N L AW P R O F E S S O R

By Kayla Bartsch, Yale ’20

A

campuses across the country. She, argued, as described in The Beacon, that “the prevalence of casual sex encourages impersonal concepts of sexual relations and unrealistic expectations.” Just as “the pill effectively promoted casual sex,” so has the hookup culture demoted marriage. The professor noted that “although marriage has been a dominant organizing institution in Western society for millennia, the percent of men who remain unmarried at age 34 has increased by about one perLeland Stange is a fellow with the William F. centage point a year since Buckley, Jr. Program at Yale.

2000.” In drawing a direct line between the widespread much-needed discussion about sexu- use of birth control and the devolution of marriage, Wax challenged her al ethics.

Wax criticized the hookup culture audience to think critically about the which pervades Yale’s campus and real consequences of unintentional idea that birth control produces destructive side effects is not exactly favorable to campus politics. Through her address, Wax was able to spark a

winter

2018 :: christianunion.org

secular argument for the sanctity of marriage emerged at a lecture hosted by the William F. Buckley, Jr. Program at Yale this fall.

In October, the organization, whose mission is “to promote intellectual diversity at Yale,” invited Amy Wax, the Robert Mundheim Professor of Law at the University of Pennsylvania Law School, to give a talk discussing the breakdown of the family in modern America. Her address was titled “What Is Happening to the Family and Why?”– a topic that rarely surfaces at Yale.

As noted by the Buckley Program’s student publication, The Beacon, Wax’s talk centered around an unpopular opinion, namely that “birth control destroyed marriage.” In a place where contraceptives line the entryways of every residential college, and a plethora of varieties are freely available under the student health plan, the

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the spiritual climate on campus

romantic relationships.

A Buckley Fellow who attended the event, Leland Stange, argued in favor of Wax’s main argument – that marriage is a necessity to broader social health – in an article he wrote for the Yale Daily News. Coming from a home with a single mom, Stange was especially attuned to the issues Wax

that “an extensive amount of research proves that class and race inequalities have widened because of the extreme rise in out-of-wedlock births and declining rates of marriage.” As such, “the best way that we can promote equality is to do what has now become an antiquated conservative norm: get married.”

Wax criticized the hookup culture which pervades Yale’s campus and campuses across the country. brought up in her talk: “The fact is, in homes with a single parent, resources are slim, work is constant, and stress runs amok.”

Stange also viewed marriage as a crucial equalizing institution, noting

In his discussion of Yale’s attitude towards marriage, Stange pointed out a telling incongruity, citing a Brookings Institution study that found how “graduates of leading universities actually end up settling down and mar-

rying in greater numbers after college than any other percentage of the population.” Despite the overwhelming trend of Ivy League marriage rates, Stange noted that “you would be hardpressed to find anyone on this campus who will openly declare support for two-parent homes over single-parent homes.”

Thus, in a secular setting, nestled behind Wax’s social statistics and a compelling article from Stange, an argument for the inviolability of marriage reigned – hopefully challenging some of the convictions held by students in the audience. In the Yale community of 18-22 year-olds, while the notion of family values can seem distant and amorphous, an argument for their importance surfaced. | cu

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the magazine

Dwight Hall Closes for Renovations

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Dwight Hall at Yale, the Center for Public Service and Social Justice, closed for renovation in September and is scheduled to reopen in May. Dwight Hall was founded in 1886 as the Yale University Christian Association to serve those in need through missional work, and moved to its familiar location on Yale’s Old Campus in the 1930s. Dwight Hall shifted away from its religious roots in the 1960s to become a secular center for social justice.

The institution has remained student-led and independent from university administration, operating as a 501(c)(3) not-forprofit organization. The renovation will include new meeting spaces, accessibility upgrades, air conditioning, and a restoration of the building’s landmark interior.

“Human Freedom and Divine Grace” In October, the Thomistic Institute hosted Boston College Professor Sarah Byers to give a lecture on the topic of “Human

Freedom and Divine Grace.”

The talk discussed the nature of free will, and how one can be free, yet moved by God’s grace.

With a mix of religious, nonreligious, undergraduate, and graduate attendees, the audience was challenged to analyze their preconceived notions of freedom, as guided by the ideas of Augustine and the Stoic philosophers. The Thomistic Institute offers a unique opportunity to present Christian thought to intellectually curious students who might not otherwise encounter such ideas in their own classes.

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