November 12th Print Edition

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s ’ r o May CUP The

Oral Roberts University • Friday, Nov. 12, 2010 O.I.L. demolishes all competition page 4

pages 14-15

No gas money?

Rent a car here! page 5

Showing their ORU “true blue” are (left to right) sophomore Nathanael Robertson, sophomore Mallory Dougoud, senior Zachary Blanton, senior Meridith Negri, sophomore Brittany Stephens and freshman John Journeay.

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“W

Contents

6

e’re going to score 100 points.

Can you?” say Lady Golden Eagles

Sports: Men’s basketball season has officially tipped off, with two wins at home, while the women’s team faces its first opponent, UT-Arlington, at noon Nov. 12 in the Mabee Center.

News: Alumnus dies while diving for lobsters off California coast Luke Ausdemore is remembered as an “encourager” by friends and family

7

18-19

Campus: “ORU’s Got Talent” kicks off College Weekend 3rd annual event reveals students’ hidden gems of creative ability

12

Faith: Metropolitan of Orthodox Church in America visits Tulsa Pilgrimage is historic for leader who has helped to clean up his church

21

Scene: Downtown Tulsa hides fun in not-so-obvious places From coffee to crepes and dancing, the city hosts a socialite treasure trove

24

Forum: The Date Doctor Weighs in on “Breaks and Break Ups” How are relationships affected by breaks, and how can couples prepare?

Photo by Aundrea Pickett

Web: We’ve roamed campus asking you how you will be celebrating Turkey Day this year. See what your fellow students have to say!

Actually, I’m not going to have any turkey, because I’m going to make sure that that turkey that I save has his Thanksgiving dinner.

Pratik Ghelani ORU senior

CORRECTION • An article in the Oct. 29 print edition mistakenly paraphrased Hall Director Aaron Brown’s view on Fall Revival. Our staff apologizes.

CLARIFICATION

oruoracle.com

Photo by Heather Egly

• In the Oct. 29 print edition, a news brief stated that the Engineering Department dropped the Environmental Studies major. The program will actually continue to be offered as a minor.

THE ORACLE• Friday, Nov. 12, 2010 • Page 3

News O.I.L. Delegation Wins in OKC Teams Win 7th Consecutive Competition While ORU may not be first in the country for football, the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature (O.I.L.) team recently won its seventh consecutive session this week.

In the five-day competition ending Nov. 7, the mock House of Representatives, Congress, Moot Court and Journalism teams earned 29 percent of the points awarded. OSU took second place while OUplaced third.

Sarah Sanford ORU’s deleORU sophomore gation received many awards, including Best House Freshman.

Sarah Sandford, a sophomore (in O.I.L., a freshman is anyone who is new to the program), was awarded this honor.

“I thought it was a blast,” said Sandford. “I had such an

amazing time competing for ORU and learning about the government system. The people I met from all over Oklahoma were just amazing and I’m really glad I was given the honor of being a part of the ORU delegation.”

ORU delegates were required to put in long hours. They got an average of four hours of sleep per night and sat in the same room from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

“Although [the days] were really long, they were worth it,” said Sandford of her first O.I.L. experience. She plans on returning for her second session in the spring.

ORU’s Moot Court team took third place in the competition as well. Head Delegate of the Court Jacque Otto shared her experience.

It was a great experience... I came away with good friends... [and] a feeling of accomplishment”

Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature was held Nov. 3 to 7 at the Oklahoma State Capitol Building.

Page 4 • Friday, Nov. 12, 2010 • THE ORACLE

“Having competed in House before and observing Court from the outside, I was very surprised by how intense and demanding the competition would be,” Otto said.

“It was a great experience; much more rewarding than I could have anticipated. I came away with good friends, a feeling of accomplishment, and whole lot of knowledge about the Affordable Health Care Act.” Although O.I.L. is a competition, the 17 participating colleges and universities from around the state are extremely close-knit and friendly with one another.

ORU senior Heidi Szyntar’s car’s transmission stopped working at the competition this past week.

“The transmission blew while I was making a U-turn,” said Szyntar. “I thought I had a flat [tire].

I went to the mechanic, and he said that it would cost $1,400 for a used [transmission] or $5,000 for a new one. I thought I’d have to buy a new car.”

After looking for better deals, Szyntar said that she found a transmission for $1,000 and took the offer.

On the last night, the House and Senate handed her an envelope with $700 cash.

“They auctioned off dates to the Governor’s Ball to pay for my car,” said Szyntar.

Typically, the money from the auctions goes to paying for coffee and snacks for the members of the House and Senate.

“I was really, really surprised,” Szyntar said. “I started crying.

I’ve never had a financial blessing before, and I’m so grateful.”

By Amy Lecza

Photos by Amy Lecza

The legislative competition is entirely student-led.

Sophomore Kai Good, senior Rebekah Johnson, and sophomore Sarah Sandford compete at OIL.

Rental Cars Available to All Students in Spring 2011 General Assembly Passes Connect by Hertz Proposal Walking to Walmart in windy 30-degree weather isn’t a pleasant experience.

But students who don’t own cars are sometimes forced to act out of necessity.

Now students will have another option.

Nov. 8. The General Assembly passed a bill proposing a car rental program for ORU. Although these programs usually require drivers to be at least 25 years old, Connect

by Hertz will allow students 18 and older to participate.

They will be charged $7-8 per hour but will not have to pay for gas or insurance.

“We want [the program] to be in effect at the beginning of next semester,” said sophomore Whitney Owings, community coordinator for Student Association.

Owings, the author of the bill, explained the process. She said that in order to drive, students will pay a $25 annual fee as well as a $25 application fee.

The application fee will be used to check the student’s driving record, which can’t have more than 6 demerit points.

The University of Tampa, the University of Tulsa, and the University of Arkansas are among the 41 schools currently running Connect by Hertz.

“This will be so helpful to me and my friends.... As freshmen, very few of us have cars,” said Amanda Condon, a General Assembly representative.

Students who sign up for the program will be issued a personal identification card for car access.

They will be able to reserve cars as early as 6 months in advance or as late as 15 minutes before needed.

Owings said two Ford Escapes will be purchased for the program. These will be replaced before the accumulation of 36,000 miles or the end of three years.

...[students] will be charged $7-8 per hour but will not have to pay for gas or insurance.

Photo by Melanie Wespetal

Amanda Condon (left) and Heidi Szyntar debate the proposal.

Parking spots for these vehicles will be reserved in Lower Lot. According to the bill, if the driver runs out of gas, the I.D. can be used to fill up without charge to the student. Cars can also be taken on weekend trips and will not be charged extra for up to 180 miles. A GPS and an

iPod adapter will be installed in each vehicle.

If a Connect car is damaged while a student is driving, a $250 deductible will be charged. “This is a lot less than most car repairs actually cost,” noted Derek Balderson, vice president of Student Association.

Balderson said the program, an initial three-year contract, will cost the university a $1,500 one-time start-up fee. He gave several options for funding it.

“It could come from the GA budget,” he said. “Or, we were going to consider using leftover money from the financial appropriation committee. Also, we’ve got money remaining in my executive budget in Student Association.”

Owings said that in order to keep the program running, each car must be driven for 30 percent usage (4.8 hours) each day.

Currently, 78 percent of ORU students live on campus. Because of this, Balderson said he believes the program will be a great assistance for students who can’t afford cars or who live too far away from home to drive cars to campus.

By Katy Miller

Courtesy Photo

This Ford Escape is similar to the ones being purchased for the program.

THE ORACLE• Friday, Nov. 12, 2010 • Page 5

Luke Ausdemore: Alumnus Dies

Courtesy Photo ORU Alumnus Luke Ausdemore, 25, died Oct. 5 from an unknown cause while lobster-diving in California.

Although over a month has passed since Ausdemore’s death, the last week of his life was filled with moments that tied up loose ends, leaving family members with a peace in the midst of the loss.

“I know where Luke is,” said his father, Jan. “I know Luke is in the kingdom of heaven so I have glorious times when I pray, and get alone with the Lord that I sense God’s presence in a powerful way....So if Luke is with the Lord then he’s with me when I’m in the presence of the Lord.”

Luke was a resident of Tulsa and attended Victory Christian Center. He graduated from ORU in 2007 with a degree in business administration.

“He was just really down to earth,” said Eli Humphrey, Luke’s brother-in-law.

“He was really comfortable in his own skin....He could relate to people really well. He had lots of integrity in his character; [he was] a very righteous individual.”

Jan explained that Luke was passionate about helping others find purpose.

In “The Broom Pusher,” a book he helped produce, Luke encouraged readers to share their dreams with others.

At the memorial service, Angel Ausdemore, Luke’s oldest sister, shared a story about her brother’s heart.

Angel talked about a time when she needed financial help and was asking God to provide for her.

“I got an envelope in the mail...and Luke had sent me a check that he had set aside from working a summer in San Diego....It floored me, I literally was so in shock, I fell to the floor. God answered my prayers through my little brother.”

Josh Porter, a 2008 ORU grad, fondly remembers Luke’s encouragement.

“I told Luke I wanted to become fit,” Porter said. “So one night at curfew, he saw me walking by with a bag of peanut butter M&Ms....he said, ‘You’re not going to lose any weight eating peanut butter M&Ms. So he made me get on the ground and do 10 push-ups while he watched, eating the peanut butter M&Ms.” Porter laughed and continued, “Luke was the one who taught me to set goals, to write them down, and to do them.”

His father saw his son as someone who encouraged people to do better.

“He was very much an encourager,” Jan Ausdemore said.

“He shared a lot of light in people’s lives....Luke would say [that God] wants you to live life with no regrets. Live life to the fullest.”

By Sarah Thompson

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Multimedia Production Holds Informational Meeting Students interested in a Multimedia Production (MMP) Degree are invited to attend an informational meeting Monday, Nov. 22.

The MMP program is selective, and students must apply for entrance. Monday’s meeting will be held at 11 a.m. in media classroom LRC 118.

MMP covers a range of media focusing on management, direction and production through television, film, web and

journalism.

Course offerings include Fundamentals in Mass Media Communication, Newswriting, Interactive Media, TV Production and Scriptwriting.

A Multimedia Production degree can prepare students for jobs as video editors, Audio engineers, and web and DVD designers.

For more information, contact smorphew@oru.edu.

OUCH! Student Breaks Arm During Intramurals

Courtesy photo

An X-Ray of a student’s arm broken during an intramural flag football match. See the letter to the editor on page 24 for more information.

Keepin.It.Brief

By Katy Miller

Sharia Law Challenged

Electronics Stolen from Lounge

Yearbook Wins Award

Outreach Collects 10,300 Cans

New Vice President Named

State Question 755, which bans Sharia law from court, was passed Nov. 2, by Oklahoma voters and is being challenged in court. Muneer Awad, director of the state’s Council on American-Islamic Relations, has filed a lawsuit. He claims the measure violates the right to religious freedom. A hearing is set for Nov. 22.

Last week, an iPod and a laptop belonging to sophomore Alexandrea Turner were stolen out of the commuter lounge. Turner said she left for an hour to work on a group project, and her electronics were gone when she returned.

A security report has been filed.

Last week at the ACP/ CMA National College Media Convention in Louisville, the 2008-2009 Perihelion yearbook placed third in the category “Best in Show for Yearbook Less Than 314 Pages.” The University of Kentucky took first place while Missouri State University placed second in the competition.

On Oct. 31, students went door-to-door in Tulsa area neighborhoods to collect canned goods for the hungry.

More than 750 students participated. The 10,300 cans collected will be donated to three different nonprofits—John 3:16 Mission, the Salvation Army and the South Tulsa Community House.

President Mark Rutland announced Nov. 10 the hiring of Lance May, former national coordinator for churches for LIFE Outreach International, to be Vice President of Development. May fills the final open executive seat and will oversee alumni relations, developmental services, the annual fund, and estate plnnaing.

Page 6 • Friday, Nov. 12, 2010 • THE ORACLE

Campus

Photos by Michele Zamecnik

Josh Brown (left) and Brian Nhira sing during the show.

Joseph Bradford and Izaac Hernandez won third place.

Hip-hop Song Wins Talent Show Third Annual ORU’s Got Talent A Sucess As students crowded in Zoppelt to watch the show, eight diverse talents were on display Oct. 28 at the third annual ORU’s Got Talent.

The performances included slam poetry, a magic show, musical performances and comedy acts. A panel of three judges gave comments, but the votes of audience decided the winner.

ORU’s Got Talent debuted in 2008 when it was set up by Student Association and Career Services. Senior Tyler Humphries, who was Career Services’ event coordinator at the time, explained that Career Services was aiming for a better relationship with the students.

“We wanted to make something fun for students,” Humphries said, “so we came up with an idea of a talent show.

We thought students could entertain students.”

Former radio and television broadcaster Jeffrey Brucculeri

Emmanuel Mercado performs an original hip-hop song, which earned first place in ORU’s Got Talent served as a judge both last year and this year and called the experience “a lot of fun.”

“I work for the media locally, I’ve done acting and I’m a musician, so I’d like to think I can judge,” he explained.

After students’ votes were cast, Joseph Bradford learned that he and his band had received third place. Amber Jones and Britney Walker-Merritte placed second for their poetry slam, and Emmanuel Mercado won first for his original hip-hop song.

Brucculeri noted that Mercado’s performance was wellreceived by the crowd. “[He] has a great message, but also he really connected with the audience,” Brucculeri said. “You have to be able to connect with your audience, and he did.”

Mercado, a junior, was glowing after his win. “I am just so humbled right now,” he said.

Mercado credited his background in ministry for his song’s inspiration.

“There was a point [when] I was doing ministry...but I felt like I was falling back in my personal relationship with Jesus Christ,” Mercado said. “I started thinking, I can’t teach someone if

I’m not living in integrity...being a transparent, real Christian is what inspired that song.”

After listening to the judges’ comments, third-place winning Bradford felt his performance opportunity was a positive experience.

“Me and Izaac (Hernandez) were just incredibly happy that [the judges] didn’t say anything negative...We had a clean performance, and it was encouraging to hear some of their comments.”

Students seemed pleased with the show but pointed out one area that could use improvement.

“I thought the performances were really good and unique,” said Angelena Baize, a freshman. Baize said she thought ORU’s Got Talent needed a larger venue. “The people were in the aisles and out the doors.”

By Sarah Thompson

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THE ORACLE• Friday, Nov. 12, 2010 • Page 7

iPhone Applications Class to Be Offered in Spring 2011

New Classes Will Be Offered for Both Technically and Non-Technically Savvy Students Interested in Constructing Apps If you have ever wondered how mobile apps are created, Oral Roberts University is now offering students an opportunity that not only serves as an introduction to the world of apps, but also helps in the building process.

The university is currently enrolling students in two classes that center on the creation of iPhone applications. The first of two classes is worth one credit.

It is designed for students who are not technically trained but are interested in iPhone apps. The course will allow students to do research and hold discussions about software.

The second course being offered is a three-credit class, which is geared towards students who are technically trained. Students will learn the behind-the-scenes mechanics that take place in order to build an app from the ground up.

Don Eland, assistant professor of communication, arts and media, will teach the one-credit course. He said there is no debate that mobile media has changed the world.

“Anybody who does mediaI’m talking newspapers, magazines, movies, photographers, everybody- they are all looking

at how to get their stories on mobile devices.”

Eland added that good technology is a necessity and that certain brands are better than others.

“The Apple products are always the most popular because they work the best. There is an iPad selling worldwide every three seconds. This has been going on for months. I suppose the sales of mobile phones is higher than that.”

Dr. Dave Eland, professor of computer science, will teach the three-hour course.

“There are two flavors of the class. The one-hour class that my brother is teaching is more of a tour of what are the design principles that you follow to build an app. Most of the students who will take my class will have taken a number of programming classes that prepared them to actually make the app happen,” Dave Eland said.

He added that the computer science major at ORU is being discontinued because of declining enrollment nationwide.

“Less people are interested in the lower level technical detail than use to be, and what is coming instead is an information technology degree to replace

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Page 8 • Friday, Nov. 12, 2010 • THE ORACLE

the computer science. It is the difference between people who design the systems and build software, and those who use the systems,” he said.

In light of the change in majors, Don Eland said that he is unclear where the new class is headed in the future.

“It is conceivable that this [class] will be as popular as mobile media is these days.

There is a future in that arena, and whether that could be an experience for an IT major that remains to be seen,” he said.

When asked what his brother, Dave, thought of the trend toward Apple products, he laughed and said that there is a difference.

“My brother has been an Apple guy since whenever. I’m a PC guy. I’ve been on the PC

side of things since the beginning…Apple has its own virtues.

They have tighter control of how things work. That is both a blessing and a curse. It is all in the way you look at it. It is sort of like what’s better, a Ford or a Chevy?

People argue at great lengths on both sides of that question.”

There are currently more than 250,000 apps available at the Apple store. By Jackie Collins

Time Studying Abroad Broadens Horizons, Experience Students Learn Cultural and Communication Skills As America deals with high unemployment, many students face an uncertain economic future and job market upon graduation.

Studying abroad offers students the opportunity to not only learn a foreign language, but also to experience different cultures and learn skills that give them a marketable advantage.

Samantha Rose, a senior, is an International Business and Spanish major. She believes that knowing different languages and studying abroad helps to increase your ability to make contacts.

“Being able to network helps you to get jobs, build relationships with future businesses, clients and investors,” said Rose.

Courtesy Photos

Amanda Heersche (above) is studying abroad this semester in Strasbourg, France. Rebecca Knight also studied abroad in Europe and is pictured (below) in Salzburg, Austria.

Rose said she understands the problems that many graduating students face when searching for a job, but she isn’t concerned. She said knowing different languages and experiencing various cultures gives her an upper hand.

“I am not done learning languages. The more languages I know, the bigger my network will grow. I won’t be limited to [just] one market, but to many. That is what separates me from all the other graduates who are applying for the same position.”

Dr. Robert Skinner, chair of the English and Modern Languages department, believes that studying abroad is important because more students are becoming increasingly knowledgeable in a world of globalization.

He believes that students should “step out of their comfort zone” and not deny themselves the opportunity to understand different parts of the world. “[People] should get out of the mindset that it is all me, mine and that’s all that there is to it, because we have a great big world and we need to find out how other people live, think and what they do. That helps us to understand why they do what they do, and helps us to be better

able to work with other people,” said Skinner.

For many students who study abroad, having the ability to learn quickly and adapt to other cultures may give them a crucial step up in the competitive job market by helping them to increase communication skills, become self-confident, and appreciate the differences between cultures.

Victoria McKitrick graduated from Oral Roberts University last May. While studying abroad, she learned how to connect well with others.

“You learn how to communicate with people who are different than you,” McKitrick said. “You get to communicate with people who are in their own culture. That’s very special. As Americans I don’t think we know how important it is to communicate with people on their own terms….You can build a lot of bridges that way.”

She also feels that participating in the study abroad program is a great benefit for those seeking jobs.

“With increasing globalization, having a foreign language skill already puts you just a cut above other applicants in a myriad of fields. Whether it is business, medical or politics, all of these areas can use having an extra language to communicate with people,” said McKitrick.

By Jackie Collins

Photo by Marilyn Chau

Sophomore Lauren Wells spent the summer studying abroad in Spain for class credit.

THE ORACLE• Friday, Nov. 12, 2010 • Page 9

Faith

F

easts & Fasts: Taking a

look at the Liturgical Year

The Feast of C.S. Lewis? Denominations celebrate feast days for a variety of heroes of the faith, many of whom you may already know. The following selected feast days are taken from the Episcopal, Lutheran, Anglican, and Roman Catholic Church.

Nov. 15—Francis Asbury, 1816, and George Whitefield, 1770, evangelists (Episcopal).

Feast of Saint Albert the Great, bishop and doctor of the Church (Catholic).

Nov. 21—Our Lord Jesus Christ the King (Catholic). Memorials of William Byrd, 1623, John Merbecke, 1585, and Thomas Tallis, 1585, Musicians (Episcopal).

Nov. 22—Memorial of Cecilia, martyr at Rome, c.230 (Church of England). Memorial of Clive Staples Lewis, apologist and spiritual writer, 1963 (Episcopal). Feast of Saint Cecilia, martyr (Catholic).

Nov. 25—Thanksgiving Day. Feast of Saint Catherine of

Alexandria, virgin and martyr (Catholic). Commemoration of Sir Isaac Watts, hymn writer, 1748 (Lutheran and Church of England). Memorial of James Otis Sargent Huntington, priest and monk, 1935 (Episcopal).

Nov. 28—First Sunday of Advent (Catholic). Feast of Saint James of the Marches (Catholic). Memorial of Kamehameha and Emma, King and Queen of Hawaii, 1864, 1885 (Episcopal).

Nov. 29—Commemoration of Noah, prophet (Lutheran).

Day of Intercession and Thanksgiving for the Missionary work of the Church (Church of England).

Church Spotlight Southwood Baptist Church Location:

10110 E. 41st St. Tulsa, OK 74146 918-665-3744

Services:

Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.

Sunday Bible Study 9 a.m.

Wednesday Service 6:30 p.m.

Led by Pastor Jim Burkett, Southwood Baptist Church welcomes all to join its community. What they believe: *There is one God, who is infinite, personal and perfect in holiness, wisdom, power and love and the Church is a body of believers with God at

the head. *Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He was born of the Virgin Mary, died, was buried, and rose again. He ascended into Heaven and will return one day. All those who believe have access to God through Jesus. *The Holy Spirit works to reveal Christ, convict people of their sins and lead them to repentance, give comfort and guide believers. *Baptism by immersion in water, after salvation, is an ordinance instituted by Jesus, done in obedience to Jesus’ command.

By Ericka Mingus

Page 10 • Friday, Nov. 12, 2010 • THE ORACLE

Social Work: Field of Ministry Unique Opportunities Given to Students ORU students are encouraged to go out into “every man’s world.” Social Work majors are trained to act as a voice for the silent, giving love to those who are unloved.

Social Work Club President Jerrica Rodgers, a senior, originally majored in biology premed and had already taken the majority of the required science classes before she made the switch to the social work major.

She now plans on getting her master’s in social work.

“Social work is a ministry in the form of a profession,” Rodgers explains. “It’s helping, reaching out to those who can’t help themselves… being an advocate, reaching out to the hurting populations... helping them get in contact with the resources that they don’t have.”

Social work classes study systems, such as family systems, and how they affect people and their behavior. They also study how systems and surrounding environments influence people’s life circumstances.

Many people associate social work with child protective services, in which workers evaluate the housing conditions of families and children, but this is only a small branch of what social workers actually do.

“Social work encompasses a wide spectrum of different agencies,” Rodgers says.

There is a variety of career opportunities with a degree in social work, including: community organizer, grant writer, mental health therapist, campaign manager, college dean, data analyst, human rights investigator, peace corps volunteer, international social worker, missionary, etc.

A master’s degree in social work also offers opportunities in counseling, a career that causes many students to major in psychology in order to obtain.

“You just have to get licensed with the state that you’re in to

practice counseling,” Rodgers said. “… Most counseling that’s done in psychology you can’t really do until you have your Ph.D. in psychology.”

According to Rodgers, social work, like business, is another way to start a nonprofit.

Rodgers maintains that social

dropouts. She said that the students came in depressed, on drugs, suicidal, and/or gang affiliated and that in the Street School, “they get loved, they get embraced, and they get hope.“ Then they leave the program weeks later having made friends, getting involved in some of the

By Aundrea Pickett

Social work students serve their community. work majors at ORU receive the education and experience that can help them to excel in the job market.

ORU is one of the few universities that requires both a junior and a senior practicum, whereas most colleges require only a senior practicum.

Rodgers believes Jerrica Rodgers this gives ORU senior ORU students twice the experience of on-the-job training before graduating.

Rodgers had a practicum at Street School with high school

programs offered at the school and graduating.

Seeing the changes in these individuals firsthand has validated Rodgers’ love for the social work profession. “…You get to see the fruits of your labor, and that’s why I love it…You know that you made an impact. You know that you made a change. You get to see that change.”

For Rodgers, making a positive impact and helping to obtain a better quality of life for those in need, seems to be a passion.

“As Christians, what better field to go into than social work?”

By Nicole Williams

Social work is a ministry in the form of a profession... It’s helping, reaching out to those who can’t help themselves.

“Holy Mavericks” Explores Methods of Modern Evangelists New Book Studies Joel Osteen, T.D. Jakes, Rick Warren and Others

Photo by Aundrea Pickett

Philip Sinitiere researches in the Holy Spirit Research Center at ORU for his next book.

A cultural war continually divides secular and Christian media. While both sides remain separate, a few Christians have decided to start speaking the language of the world.

In a recently released book titled “Holy Mavericks,” authors Shayne Lee and Phillip Sinitiere present the ministry styles of five well-known evangelicals. It explores the similarities between the celebrity culture of Christian media and mainstream secular media.

Both Lee and Sinitiere were initially intrigued to find out why several evangelical preachers (Joel Osteen, Paula White, T.D. Jakes, Rick Warren and Brian McLaren) were so successful in their ministries. Their collaborative research eventually led to co-authoring a book in which they present their studies.

“Holy Mavericks” is not a biography, according to Sinitiere, but a scholarly study presenting the reasons why most “religious insiders” criticize such people as Rick Warren and Joel Osteen.

“They criticize them because they push the envelope,” Sinitiere said. “They’re strategic in how they market and present the message.”

When asked why he was interested in writing about this subject, Sinitiere said that studying the evangelical movement is a window into understanding American culture.

“We tend to think of evangelicalism as Republican politics, and I think the movement is larger, and it’s not just a political movement,” he said. “There are ranges of evangelicals. It’s a global movement, also.”

Lee, an ORU alum and the author of “T.D. Jakes,” believes they found the reason for these evangelists’

success.

“We believe that it’s because they’re more effective in contextualizing the Gospel,” Lee said. “They market it more effectively. They offer a message that is easy to understand. They’re entertaining.”

Whether they are changing the Christian media culture, Lee believes they have already begun to do so by avoiding “churchy” language.

He also said the purpose of “Holy Mavericks” was to explain that evangelism is more complex and to show different types and different emphases of the practice.

Along with this, he and Sinitiere wanted to show that these popular preachers are not just people trying to trick the public.

“They have an incredible amount of skill at meeting human need,” Lee added.

As far as mainstream media impact, Lee said that the successful contemporary evangelicals already have much of it, appearing on such TV networks as CNN and Fox News.

They wrote the book for the general interested public, Sinitiere said, but did keep the Christian audience in mind.

Sinitiere added, “An article in Christianity Today argued that this book is precisely the reason we need to build smaller churches.”

Sinitiere teaches at Sam Houston State University in Houston, Texas, and is currently working on a scholarly study of Joel Osteen, planning to use him as a window to try to understand larger transient religious culture.

By Ericka Mingus

Denominational Diversity Alive and Well Among Students at ORU ORU may be considered a Charismatic university, but that doesn’t mean that it is full of completely like-minded Christians. Students represent a variety of Christian denominations, which influence their perspectives. Despite contrary doctrines, ORU students are able to peacefully coexist.

Alecia Jackson, a junior at ORU, implements Jewish doctrines into her Christianity.

“I’m not Jewish but I embrace my Jewish roots,” she said. “I don’t eat pork, shellfish, catfish—anything that’s a bottom dweller. I celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles and the celebration of Purim.

We serve a Jewish God.” Jackson also said that it is sometimes frustrating constantly explaining her faith to those who don’t understand her participation in Jewish culture.

She has observed ORU students who come from various spiritual backgrounds, Catholic, Baptist, Charismatic, Methodist and Protestant. This enabled she and her

friends to discuss the differences in their doctrines of faith without conflict.

Camila Pirelli, a Catholic student at ORU, also interacts with her peers at ORU about their denominational differences.

“I ask people about their Charismatic behavior,” Pirelli said. “I only want to know because I want to understand.”

Pirelli said that people don’t notice that she is Catholic because during the academic year, she attends a Christian church with friends from ORU. While describing the differences between Catholic and Protestant churches she said that Catholic churches are more reserved; people do not pray in tongues or dance while worshiping. They also prefer to pray in solitude rather than publicly.

Pirelli also said that it took some time for her to adjust to the Christian culture at ORU her first year.

“Catholics are normally not as Charismatic as Christians,” she said. “I respect that. It’s not a big deal. Now I’m used to it. It was really different at first because

Photo by Nicole Williams I hadn’t been to a Christian church. The worship is different and the time is different.”

Freshman Kyle Ng identifies himself

as a Baptist but works at an Episcopal church on Sundays. He said the church is different from what he is used to.

“I’m in the choir, and I sing at the church,” he said. “Nobody lifts their hands up during worship. I think the people just reflect on the words we are singing.”

“The people are really nice,” Ng adds.

“They all love Jesus Christ, and they follow God’s will. I don’t think the differences affect us.”

Freshman Justine Rimes chooses not to affiliate herself with any particular denomination. Although she has noticed many theological points of view at ORU, the worship and beliefs here are similar to her nondenominational church at home.

“I love how everybody worships in their own style and that doesn’t make other people wrong,” Rimes said. “We all believe that Jesus is Lord and he died on the cross for us and we have all accepted him.”

By Nicole Williams

THE ORACLE• Friday, Nov. 12, 2010 • Page 11

Metropolitan of Orthodox Church in America Visits Tulsa Leader of OCA Tells Those Interested in Orthodoxy to “Come and See” While the 90s heartthrob suffering in Soviet gulags. One of boy band Hanson was wrapthese fathers told him God’s will ping up a concert in Florida, was for him to be a priest-monk. their parents were hosting none “When you have somebody other than the metropolitan of with that degree of spiritual mathe Orthodox Church in America turity and that degree of wisdom during his pastoral visit to Tulsa [tell you that],” he said, “you Nov. 5-7. know in the depths of your soul, When His Beatitude, Jonah, whether you like it or not, what stepped into the chapel of Holy they say is the truth.”

Apostles Orthodox Christian After becoming a novice at Church on Nov. 7, 2010, it was Valaam Monastery in the far the culmination of many months north of Russia, Jonah eventuof preparation and hundreds of ally returned to the prayers by the small congregaUnited States In 1994 and tion in Bixby, Okla.

Jonah was elected on Nov. 12, 2008, to fill a position that had become mired in scandal and has tasked himself with restoring credibility to the OCA, the only His Beatitude, Jonah autocephalous—or Archbishop of Washington and self-headed—Orthodox Metropolitan of All America and Canada Church in the western hemisphere in full spiritual union with the Eastern founded a monastery in CaliforOrthodox Communion. nia.

During the hour-and-a-halfHe was eventually conselong drive to Hartshorne, the crated as the auxiliary bishop metropolitan explained that his of Fort Worth on Nov. 1, 2008. elevation to the position was Eleven days later, after a speech decidedly unexpected. addressing many of the scanHe was born Jonah Paffhaudals and problems facing the sen in Chicago and grew up in OCA at the time which many San Diego. Although he was credit as cementing his election, raised an Episcopalian, he conJonah was elevated to metropoliverted to Orthodoxy after what tan, the head of the council of he described as an “intense bishops (the Synod) of the OCA. conversion experience.”

The body governs over 700 par“When I picked up a book on ishes across the United States, Orthodoxy, it was kind of love Canada, and Mexico. at first sight. I knew it was the The metropolitan has focused truth,” the Metropolitan said. a lot of his energy on bringing “The opening sentence [of that unity to the many scattered book] is, ‘All theology is mystical Orthodox bodies in the United is necessarily mystical theology.’

States, most of which are govI knew that was right.” erned by overseas synods.

Jonah graduated from the There’s a major international University of California at San Di- movement where the patriarchs ego and after earning his Master came together and authorized of Theology and beginning his their American branches to get graduate studies at Berkeley, he their act together,” he said. moved to Russia where he found Although other efforts to unify his “spiritual father.” the American Orthodox Churches In Russia, he encountered were attempted in the past, they many of the spiritual leaders of failed to make headway as they the Russian Orthodox Church, didn’t have the blessing of the many of whom had spent years patriarchs.

According to the metropolitan, now that they have their blessing, there is an “imperative” to bring about that unity.

The Metropolitan has engaged in ecumenical dialogue with non-Orthodox churches, particularly the Roman Catholic Church and other traditional bodies, although he points out the Orthodox don’t readily compromise.

“As Orthodox, we’re pretty unbending,” he said. “We received the faith of the Apostles directly.”

The metropolitan described mainline denominationalism and Evangelicalism as “dying on the vine” and also pointed out a downward trend in other Christian movements in recent years. He believes a general desire for a solid and steady foundation will draw Photo by Ryan Meyer more and more people to the The Metropolitan joined Holy Apostles in celebration of Orthodox Church, a body which the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy Nov. 7 in Bixby. has stood mostly unchanged for two millennia.

He encourages people to the role tradition has played “The Orthodox Church has approach the Orthodox Church over the course of the Orthodox watched empires come and go,” aware of the great tradition that Church’s history as one of the he said. “It’s watched social surrounds the church and to great strengths of the church, movements come and go. It’s be open to allowing God to use which, according to him, is more watched [the power of the West] tradition to do his work, even in stable than any other. come and it will watch it go and a modern context.

He also pointed out that then be present for whatever is “Basically,” he said, “these opinions, even his own, largely next.” disciplines which have been givdon’t matter.

When asked what he would en to us have been tried over the “There’s that which has been say to the ORU student interestcourse of the centuries and have given to us by Christ through the ed in Orthodoxy, he said, “Come Apostles over the and see.” course of the cenJonah went on to turies which has stress the imporbeen time-tried tance of people by hundreds of knowing what they millions of people are coming to see, over hundreds of especially for those His Beatitude, Jonah years across hunwho grew up in a Archbishop of Washington and dreds of cultures culture that taught Metropolitan of All America and Canada and who I am to them to be hostile been found to be a sure way of say this is wrong?” to the Orthodox manner of worleading us to a place where we “I think our task is simply ship. can be completely open to what to accept that which has been “The Orthodox liturgy is the God is doing now in a new way given to us,” he went on to say. direct continuity with the worwithout superimposing our own “To submit to this great wealth of ship of the Temple of Jerusalem, agendas on it.” the tradition so that we can be which was a very highly develThe metropolitan highlights formed in a similar way.” oped ritual,” he said.

When I picked up a book on Orthodoxy, it was kind of love at first sight.

Page 12 • Friday, Nov. 12, 2010 • THE ORACLE

The Orthodox Church has watched empires come and go.

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THE ORACLE• Friday, Nov. 12, 2010 • Page 15

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Page 16 • Friday, Nov. 12, 2010 • THE ORACLE

Sports

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Lady Golden Eagle Led to Christ

by Teammates on Mission Trip Basketball Player Dominique Allen Finds God with Her Team on an Outreach in the Dominican Republic The summer of 2010 was one to remember for Dominique Allen.

She, as well as the rest of the ORU women’s basketball team, flew to the Dominican Republic last May for a summer camp mission trip.

During the day they ran a camp for children and teenagers while incorporating the Gospel, and at night the team had their own devotions and quiet time with God. “It was the most amazing thing ever,” said sophomore Jaci Bigham.

“Whenever we had alone time with God, some of us would put our feet in the water and it felt like God’s presence was surrounding us, and the wind felt like a touch from God.” Along with the team was a man named Roberto, who

worked the night shift as a waiter in the hotel where the girls stayed.

The first night, while the team was holding their nightly devotion, he noticed something different in the girls. He said there was something that drew him and caught his attention.

Allen, who had not yet accepted or experienced Christ, was soaking up every moment in God’s presence.

“I could tell D was getting into it,” said Bigham. Allen took off alone and waded in the water.

Bigham took notice and followed after her.

Bigham asked, “You believe in God right?”

Allen responded that she did believe in God but had never accepted him and tears began to stream down her face.

Bigham led her fellow team-

mate to Christ that night on the beach.

The two girls talked for hours that night.

“I had no clue what I just did,” said Bigham. “I was afraid that I didn’t do it right, but I looked at her and said, ‘Yeah, this is what we do.’ Dominique wanted to make sure that she did it right; I couldn’t let her know I had no clue what I was doing.”

She told Bigham to not tell anyone about what happened on the beach that night. She agreed and once Bigham was in her room, all she could do was cry and pray for her teammate.

“I couldn’t do anything. I need to talk to Dom. I kept thinking about her. I never felt so close to God in all my life,” said Bigham.

“It was a great experience. All I wanted to was go to the gym and minister to the kids.”

Courtesy Photo

The ORU Lady Golden Eagles join for prayer before a game in the Mabee Center.

The last night in the Dominican Republic, Kandy, the chaplain for the trip, ministered to the team.

Toward the end, they began to pray over each other. Kandy slipped away and pulled Allen aside.

She said she knew something in Allen had changed. Allen was able to ask questions and receive feedback from her in a time of mentorship.

Coach Jerry Finkbeiner stood in front of the team and said, “I have a surprise for you all.

Someone is going to speak to you tonight.”

Allen stood and made her way to the front to give her testimony to her teammates.

Bigham, along with the rest of her teammates were in shock.

“D would never stand up and tell people this but she did it and with confidence,” Bigham said.

“Yeah, it was weird,” Allen said. “The next morning I woke up around 6 a.m. to watch the sunrise. This experience is something I will never forget.”

Bigham ended by saying, “We made so many connections; it would only make sense to go back next year. I’m excited!”

By Mallory Dougoud

Pep Band Keeps Momentum Going at Games

By Aundrea Pickett

Anthony Archie drums in the ORU Pep Band.

The game is tied 78-78, it’s late in the fourth quarter and a timeout is called. With the crowd on their feet in the Mabee Center, there is one group that makes sure the momentum is kept in their favor: the ORU pep band.

While it might be taken for granted at ORU basketball games, the pep band is there to set the atmosphere and keep the crowd excited during game stoppages.

“We feed off the crowd, and when the crowd is into it, it gets us going. If we are tired and the crowd is hype and into it, we just suck it up and it helps us play better,” proclaimed senior forward Michael Craion.

Whether it’s leading the crowd in the Golden Eagles O-R-U chant or a Rage Against the Machine song, the band is ensures fans are kept involved throughout.

“Musically, this is probably one of the most sought-after gigs in the Tulsa community,” said guitarist and director Kendall Johnson, a 1988 ORU graduate. “I constantly get calls from musicians asking for the opportunity to play with us.”

The band is composed of 15 musicians, half of whom are ORU students and the other half professional players from the Tulsa community. They are paid an undisclosed amount per game.

“Our role is to help the team, and by doing that we want to create an atmosphere that is intimidating to the opponent and invigoration to the team,” said Johnson.

“When we have the momentum, our job is to create an atmosphere that keeps the momentum going.”

On game day, the band arrives 30 minutes before the game to set up and get prepared. They then play at various times from to start of the game to the final buzzer.

Whether rocking the arena with the Beatles or “Eye of the Tiger,” the band plays from a book of 75 charts.

Drummer Anthony Archie is currently pursuing his Master of Divinity and has been playing in bands since the fifth grade.

After turning down music scholarships from other...

See PEP BAND on page 20 THE ORACLE• Friday, Nov. 12, 2010 • Page 17

Women’s Team Poises to Soar, Snatch Big Things Expected from the ORU Women’s Basketball Team this Year

Courtesy photos

Sophomore guard Jaci Bigham (above) and junior forward Jordan Pyle (below) prepare for the upcoming season.

We’re going to score 100 points, can you?

This is the motto of the 2010 women’s basketball team, a challenge given by Coach Jerry Finkbeiner to his opponents, and it is far from just overconfidence. It is something the ORU fans have gotten used to seeing on the scoreboard at women’s games.

The women’s basketball team is ready to tip off a new season, hoping to continue their surprise offensive dominance from last year as they look to make it to the NCAA tournament for the fourth time in six years.

Last season, the Golden Eagles were overlooked; picked to finish near the bottom of the Summit League. They were a young team, starting four freshmen, and on paper they looked like a work in progress. But on the court, brimming with talent, they became a scoring machine, leading the country in scoring and steals for much of the season, winning 23 games and going 15-3 in the conference.

This year they won’t be catching anyone off guard. With a year of experience under their belts and returning the core of last year’s team, the Golden Eagles are picked to finish first in the conference by the coaches poll.

“Last year we had a lot of freshmen,” said Finkbeiner. “We didn’t get a lot of respect from the league, and deservedly so, with injuries and graduation. I knew we would battle for the firstplace spot regardless what the coaches thought.

But I didn’t know we would start so fast and finish with

23 wins.”

Much of the surprise success of last year’s team can be attributed to the fab freshmen Kevi Luper and Jaci Bigham.

The pair led the nation in scoring and are arguably the best back-court in the conference. They lead the way on a team that is poised to crack the top 25 in the nation and make a run deep into the NCAA tournament.

“We are excited, and we have pretty high expectations,” said Luper, who finished sixth in the nation in scoring with 24.4 points per game her freshman year.

Luper also led the nation in steals (4.5 spg) and was selected as a preseason third-team all-American. “We are all a year older and have more experience-- a lot of sophomores and juniors… There are high expectations on me this year, and [high expectations for] everyone else.”

Bigham, the floor general who finished just outside the top 50 in scoring with 17.4 points per game, added her own thoughts.

“The best thing about the team this year is experience,” said Bigham. “We are all ready to get back at it. We didn’t win the conference tournament last

year, and I think that has really fueled our fire. We want to win the Summit League season and tournament and try to get ranked nationally.”

This team has the talent to become one of the best teams in ORU history. But before they are handed the crown there is still basketball to be played, and standing in their way is two-time defending Summit champ South Dakota State, who was picked second in the Summit League poll. Two years ago the Jackrabbits were ranked as high as No. 14 in the country, and made it to the second round of the NCAA tournament. Last year, though they Page 18 • Friday, Nov. 12, 2010 • THE ORACLE

lost twice to ORU in the regular season, they defeated the Lady Golden Eagles in the championship game 79-75 in overtime. Their experience with the big stage will make them a difficult opponent for the Golden Eagles.

“Last year we had issues in our team with injuries and travel weariness that a young team didn’t have any experience with,” said Finkbeiner “Excuses aside, it came to a head (championship week), and got worse at the WNIT. I think a sophomore/junior team can deal with those things better. Our girls understand the challenge now.”

Also standing in the way of ORU is a tough non-conference schedule. On Nov. 16, the Tulsa Hurricanes will visit the Mabee Center for an early season rivalry game. Then, on Nov. 19-20, the Golden Eagles will face Ivy League and Big East foes Harvard and Villanova in the Navy Classic in Annapolis, Md. Other non-conference games include Arkansas, Oklahoma State, Missouri State, Houston, and a rematch with La Salle, a team Luper scored 44 points against last year.

The exploits of Luper and Bigham as a dynamic duo are well documented, but the two sophomores are not the only ones on the floor for the Golden Eagles.

Starting at the two forward positions will likely be Jordan Pyle and Savannah Buck. Pyle averaged 11.1 points and 7.1 rebounds per game last year while playing 26 minutes a game. Buck had 14 starts last year and had 5.5 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. Both are going to be critical in the rebounding game, one of the few departments the Lady Golden Eagles were lacking in last year. Dominique Allen, junior center, will anchor the front-court.

“I’m looking forward to that because our girls are a year older,” said Finkbeiner. “I have a calm about this season because I think we are better. The table is set for us to be successful, and with the core from last year returning I think we have a quiet confidence.”

By Eli Linton and David King

Men Look to NCAA Tournament Golden Eagles Poised to Make Major Gains this Basketball Season The loss to IUPUI in last year’s conference but I knew that I had to play. It was my team. They semifinals was the personification of the entire all knew what was going on. I was in pain almost 2009 basketball season for the Golden Eagles. every day...fighting through it. It was more than Marred by injuries and exhausted from a long just basketball; it was about doing it for the guys. season with few reserves, the Golden Eagles fell Busting my tail giving everything I have when behind by 20 points early in the game. By halfthings are falling apart.” time, the season was on the brink for ORU and Pressing on through hardship and pain, the again, like so many times before, they fought back Golden Eagles had fantastic, season-capturing to tie the game in the waning minutes. They would signature wins over Big 12 powerhouse Missouri finally run out of gas, falling just short 69-65. From and No. 12 ranked New Mexico. They also won that time until now, there has been only one thing 20 games and in the process, many of the players on this team’s mind. pushed into action have grown up in a hurry.

“There is only one ultimate goal: Make it to the They are returning all but one starter, includNCAA tournament,” said Dominique Morrison, firs ing McClintock, Morton and Pearson, who were team all-conference selection and the heart and injured early on. The added depth and the matusoul of this year’s team. rity of this team makes them a danger to the rest “Last year we stayed and watched the champiof the conference. onship,” he said. “That’s tough, man. That was all But before handing ORU the trophy, it is importhe motivation I needed.” tant to remember that Oakland is the defending If winning a championship is the ultimate champion, and they are returning Keith Benson, goal, then the Golden Eagles have their priorities the Summit league player of the year. Oakland’s straight. It has been two years since the Golden big center will almost certainly be a first-round Eagles last captured a conference championdraft pick in June, and they are coming off a 26ship and a berth in the Big win championship season.

Dance. This team has a The road to the title goes great chance to do just that. through Auburn Hills. But “I would put this team Morrison believes he and his up there with some of our team can overcome Oakland. better teams in the last four “I believe I can be Player or five years,” added head of the Year this year,” said coach Scott Sutton, who is Morrison. “Keith Benson is in his 12th year and is seeka great player, don’t get me ing his fourth conference wrong. But I work hard just Dominique Morrison championship. like he works hard…and as a ORU junior “I don’t know if we are team, if we win, that speaks quite as talented as some for itself.” of those Caleb Green teams (2003-2006), but I This year, the Golden Eagles will face some don’t remember the last time we had 13 guys that tough non-conference opponents to go along with can contribute to the team,” he continued. “We facing the best in the Summit League: Oklahoma, won’t play 13 guys during the games, but it makes Tulsa, Miami, Utah, Texas Tech and a rematch with practice better.”

Missouri, to name a few. But with their recent vicSutton knows all too well what it’s like to not tories against teams like Kansas, Oklahoma State, have a full roster. Last pre-season, the team sufNew Mexico and Missouri, the Golden Eagles don’t fered major setbacks when Tim Morton and highlyfear the giants anymore. touted freshman guard Hunter McClintock went “I think every game I have coached I go into it down in the same practice with season-ending thinking we have a chance to win,” said Sutton.

ACL tears.

“Maybe that’s foolish wishing. But I always thought In just the fourth game of the season, they we could win a game. That hope has carried over lost their starting point guard, Rod Pearson, to a to our players and given them confidence that we similar season-ending knee injury. And just when can win these games…We have some tough road things couldn’t get worse, guard Beloved Rogers trips, but I would be disappointed if we didn’t go in quit the team for personal reasons. with a chance to win all of them.”

Even then, key players like senior forward Kyron There are still five months of basketball to be Stokes (ankle) and Warren Niles (broken hand) played, and a championship isn’t guaranteed or had serious injuries that should have sidelined easy. But if last season’s team could be described them. But they played on. as resilient, then they are hungry this season.

“It was difficult,” recalled Stokes, who battled “Preparing for this season I couldn’t take a through the pain of having a severely sprained day off,” said Morrison. “Someone else is working ankle that needed surgery. “I couldn’t do so many even harder, especially if they have the same goal. of the things I wanted to. It got to me mentally…

I just can’t let that go.”

By Eli Linton

There is only one ultimate goal: Make it to the NCAA tournament

Above Photos by Audrea Pickett

The men’s basketball team faced each other in the Navy vs. Gold scrimmage Oct. 29 (above).

Photos by Ryan Meyer

Senior forward Michael Craion (above) and junior forward Dominique Morrison (below) play against Drury on Nov. 2, defeating them 79-76.

THE ORACLE• Friday, Nov. 12, 2010 • Page 19

Golden Eagles Sports Roundup Men’s Soccer The Men’s soccer team finished tied for third place with Oakland with a record of 5-7-5 (2-1-3 in conference). They qualified for a spot in the Summit League tournament. They are now just one win away from the championship game and two wins away from a berth in the NCAA tournament. But in order to get there, ORU will have to go through the No.1 seeded UMKC, a team that only lost one conference game all season. The Tournament will be held in Rochester, Michigan, and the Golden Eagles will face the Kangaroos on Saturday at 11 A.M.

Women’s Soccer The season came to an end for the lady Golden Eagles last week when they dropped their final two games against South Dakota State and North Dakota State to fall to 9-8-1. The Women finished fifth in the conference, and missed the conference tournament. The season was bittersweet for Jennifer Abernathy who brought home freshman of the Year honors for the Summit League. Abernathy led the team with six goals, including three game winners. She started 12 games and played in all 18 for the golden Eagles. Abernathy also made the Summit all-league second team, along with fellow teammate Lauren Parks, who was last year’s Summit League Freshman of the Year.

Volleyball Photo by Marilyn Chau

The ORU men’s soccer team faced Oakland, with whom they are tied for third place in conference, on Saturday Oct. 30.

Intramurals All School Points Men--EMR Republic 81 G-Rock 56 Youngblood 55 Full Armor 51 Men of God 27 Narnia 23 Kingsmen 20

Women Moriah 43 Ducks 35 Gucci 34 Imago Dei 33 Legacy 28 Zoe 28 Adel Phi 28

The women’s volleyball team kept their hopes alive with two thrilling wins last week against Southern Utah and UMKC. The golden Eagles are in a three-way tie for the fourth and final spot in the Conference tournament, and they have just two matches to go. The Golden Eagles are on a hot streak, winners of four in a row. They will need that momentum going into the final week of the season, as both matches are likely must-win situations. The final match of the regular season will be against the second placed North Dakota State Bison on Saturday, November 13.

By Eli Linton

Fall 2010 Intramurals Schedule 11.15 : Basketball season 11.15 : Racquetball rosters due 11.20 : Racquetball tournament 11.20 : End of Fall Intramurals Season

PEP BAND continued from page 17 ...schools, he came to ORU to attain a degree in Pastoral Christian Ministries and had the opportunity to join the ORU pep band three years ago.

At his first day of work as an usher for the basketball games, he looked over to the band and knew that he wanted to play for them.

“I thought to myself, ‘That’s so much better than being an usher in this yellow jacket. I need to be down there!” recalled Archie.

The next day, he inquired about the band and was awarded an audition after director Johnson confirmed his music ability through inquiry.

“We don’t just take anyone,” noted Johnson. “They have to be really good.”

Student members of the band are usually recommended by professors and the music department, as there are no open auditions.

Members must be able to sight-read and “pretty much play at a professional level,” said Johnson.

Page 20 • Friday, Nov. 12, 2010 • THE ORACLE

With the band, Archie has traveled all over the country with the ORU basketball teams to different tournaments where he has built relationships with team members.

The last time the men’s team went to the NCAA tournament in 2008, the band went with them to Houston where they and opposing bands alternated timeouts in a “battle of the bands” type format.

Johnson credits Director of ORU Athletics Mike Carter for showing him the function of a basketball band, as opposed to a regular band.

Previous to his position as director, Johnson was the musical arranger on Richard Roberts’ TV show and traveled for four years playing in Christian bands known as Bridge and Truth during the late 80s and early 90s.

When asked if they are thanked for their performance, both Johnson and Archie responded “all the time.”

“If you’ve never been to another university and heard your average pep band you don’t know how blessed we are,” said Archie.

By Nathanael Robertson

Athlete Spotlight

Jocelyn Swier Volleyball

Jocelyn Swier, won her first career Summit League Offensive Player of the Week award after leading the Golden Eagles to two wins last weekend against Southern Utah and UMKC to keep Oral Roberts Courtesy Photo hopes alive for a Summit League Tournament berth.

Swier dominated Southern Utah with 11 kills and two errors in 22 attempts for a .409 hitting percentage. Swier then went on to score nine kills and a .353 hitting percentage in ORU’s victory over UMKC.

By Eli Linton

Scene

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Theatre Produces “Crimes of the Heart” Performance Will be at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center Downtown The ORU Theatre Department’s latest production, “Crimes of the Heart,” opens this weekend at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center’s Liddy Doenges Theater with performances at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 12 and 13 and at 2:00 p.m. Nov. 14.

Written by Beth Henley, the play is a tragic comedy about three sisters surviving crisis after crisis. Henley explores the pains of life by piling up tragedies on her characters, and does so with a dark sense of humor,

which audiences have seen as a fresh perspective.

This Southern gothic story has been successful in many ways; it’s been performed on stage, and made into a movie. It has become a favorite in many circles.

The play is about a Southern family and is centered around Babe, the youngest sister who shoots her husband in the stomach according to senior Lindsay Kent, who plays Babe Botrelle.

“It explores the ups and

downs of family relationships and is very relatable with how the family reacts to one another,” she said.

“Even though the play is supposed to be warm-hearted and witty,” she continued, “it deals with humanity and examines the plight of three young Mississippi sisters who are betrayed by their passions. The dialogue will be quite humorous, but the meaning behind it actually has a serious tone. Very funny.”

“Crimes of the Heart” is

directed by Courtneay Sanders, winner. one of ORU’s drama profesTickets are $12 for adults sors who has directed and and $10 for students and seacted in many shows of the niors. They are also available theater department. online at myticketofORU Theater puts fice.com. The Tulsa on performances at PAC is located at the Tulsa Perform110 E Second ing Arts Center St. Tulsa, Okla. at least once

By Franscesa semester ca Bee and instead of just Haden using Howard Brewer Auditorium.

If you enjoy satire, Courtesy Photo irony, and supporting your school’s theater, “Crimes of The ORU production will be performed at the Heart” the Tulsa PAC downtown Nov. 12-13. will be a

Many Tulsa Movie Theaters Have Discounted Tickets for Students Find the best theater values in Tulsa The possibilities are endless when in comes to entertainment in Tulsa, but the ones leading the pack are movie theaters. With more than a dozen theaters less than 30 minutes away from ORU you have the choice of where you want to spend your money.

RiverWalk Movies (New Movies) 300 RiverWalk Terrace, Jenks, OK 74135 7 minutes and 3 miles away from ORU Matinee $6.50; After 6 p.m. Adult $8.50; Student $7.50 3D add $2.50 to regular ticket price

Hollywood Promenade Palace 12 (New Movies) 4107 S Yale Ave, Tulsa, OK 13 minutes and 5.8 miles away from ORU Matinee $7.00; After 6 p.m. Adult $8.50; Student $7.50

AMC Southroads 20 (New Movies) 4923 E 41st St, Tulsa, OK 13 minutes and 6.7 miles away from ORU Adult: $8.50 - After 4:00 p.m.; Matinee: $6.50 - Before 3:55 p.m.; Students only on Thursdays $5.50 3D movies add $3-4 (varies film to film)

Dickinson Starworld 20 (New Movies) 10301 S. Memorial Drive, Tulsa, OK 74133 15 minutes and 6.4 miles away from ORU All Matinee $6.50; Adults $8.75

Cinemark Movies 8 (2nd Run Movies) 6808 South Memorial Drive, Tulsa, OK 74133 13 minutes and 6 miles away from ORU Adult Evening $1.75; Adult Fri/Sat after 6 p.m. $2.00; Adult Matinee before 6 p.m. $1.25 All Day Tuesday (holidays excluded) $0.75

Super Saver Cinema (2nd Run Movies) 5970 E. 31st St., Tulsa, OK 74135 15 Minutes and 8 Miles away from ORU All Matinees $1.00; Tues $.50, Daily after 6 p.m. $1.50

Eton Square 6 Cinemas (New Movies) 8421 E. 61st St., Tulsa, OK 74133 14 Minutes and 6.2 Miles away from ORU Adults $6.00; Matinee $4.00 before 6 p.m.

Tuesday $4.00 all day

Cinemark Broken Arrow (New Movies) 1801 E. Hillside Drive, Broken Arrow, OK 74012 22 minutes and 14.5 miles away from ORU Adult Evening $8.25; Adult Fri/Sat after 6 p.m. $8.50; Adult Matinee before 6 p.m. $6.50; Student $7.00 3D Attraction - Normal Ticket Price Plus Premium $3.00

Circle Cinema – Tulsa (Independent Films) 10 S. Lewis Ave, Tulsa, OK 74104 21 minutes and 9.6 miles away from ORU Adults – $8.50 for shows that start at 5pm and after; $6.50 for matinees (before 5pm) Students (w/ valid I.D.) and Seniors 65 and up – $7

Cinemark at Tulsa (New Movies) 10802 E. 71st St. S., Tulsa, OK, 74133 15 Minutes and 6.7 Miles away from ORU Adult Evening $8.25; Adult Fri/Sat after 6 p.m. (*Price also applies to Special Advance Showings) $8.50

By Meridith Negri THE ORACLE• Friday, Nov. 12, 2010 • Page 21

Downtown Tulsa Hotspots There is an evolutionary process that goes on in the social aspect of an ORU student when it comes to socializing outside campus.

When you’re a freshman it takes a few days before you’re able to venture outside your dorm room, eventually leading you to the bookstore so you can buy a lanyard for your student I.D. and room key, to maybe a night run to Wal-mart.

You then make your way to Kaffe Bona, where at some point in your second semester you’re doing homework and the occasional swing dance party.

Once sophomore year comes around,

you begin to hear rumors of a world outside of south Tulsa, and you have a choice to pursue the adventure that awaits you, or run away and remain in the fish bowl playing ping-pong until you graduate.

As a Tulsa native I am surprised at how much goes unnoticed by ORU students that Tulsa provides. Freshmen: There is life past 71st & Lewis; Upperclassmen: There is life past even Brookside or Cherry Street.

Here are some interesting, and entertaining places to go in Downtown Tulsa.

By Haden Brewer

The Marquee:

A small space with fantastic shows to offer. I have personally seen Mewithoutyou there twice, and they’ve hosted ORU’s own favorite, Carnegie, multiple times. Tickets are typically cheap, and you’ll be guaranteed a good time. American Idol, Kris Allen performed there Nov. 3rd.

Located at 222 N. Main St.

Gypsy Coffee House

Gypsy has multiple sitting spaces for small groups of people. I recommend their tea over their coffee and maybe a piece of pie. Every Tuesday night starting at 7p.m., open mic night can provide laughs that are unintended at times. Gypsy is located at 303 N. Cincinnati Ave; Open Tuesday-Thursday 11 a.m.-midnight, Friday 11 a.m.-3 a.m., Saturday noon-3 a.m., Sundays noon-10 p.m.

Mod’s Coffee and Crepes:

Not even opened for a year, Mod’s has already made a name for itself in Tulsa. Known for its delicious crepes and fun atmosphere, Mod’s is a great place to take a date before heading to a show. I’ve created my own crepe—banana, peanut butter, and honey, and I highly recommend it. Located at 507 S. Boston. Open Monday 7 a.m.-2 p.m.; TuesdayFriday 7a.m.-10p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Page 22 • Friday, Nov. 12, 2010 • THE ORACLE

Mod’s Coffee and Crepes

Topeca Coffee:

Topeca offers a good space for doing homework or hanging out with friends. It has good coffee and a pretty fantastic chicken curry salad sandwich. Topeca offers purely fair-trade coffee because it is a family run business that owns the a coffee field. Located at 115 W. Fifth St. Suite 169; Open Weekdays 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Brady Theater:

A restored 1913 Tulsa theater house that offers comedy shows and concerts of all kinds. They’ve hosted concerts from Death Cab for Cutie to Bob Dylan, and offer an interesting piece to the historic side of Tulsa. Look for upcoming shows on their website http:// www.bradytheater.com/

Elote Cafe

The Marquee

Cain’s Ballroom:

Another historic theater built in 1924; Cain’s offers shows and occasional parties. It will host a Christmas dance Dec. 16 and singer/songwriter Matt Costa will be performing Nov. 16. Cain’s is Located at 423 Main St.

Eloté Café:

Not only does Eloté offer tasty food, it is all organic and locally grown, avoiding unnecessary fats and using the freshest herbs and vegetables available.

Try their puffy tacos, and if you get a chance to see the Mexican wrestling matches they host, try it out. The cafe is located at 514 S Boston Ave.

Want to read more?

Visit us online at www.oruoracle. com!

Cain’s Ballroom Dancing

Photos by Aundrea Pickett

The Band Perry Releases Their Self-Titled First Album in October For most, country music is a love-or-hate deal. The Band Perry’s album can satisfy even the pickiest music fans with its wide array of instruments and exquisite harmonies.

The Band Perry’s self-titled album, released Oct. 12, is a folksy mix of pop country and soft rock.

Each song has a unique sound, ranging from the fast beat and feisty lyrics of “Double Heart,” to the sweet, honest vocals and thoughtful strumming in “Walk Me Down the Middle.”

Tennessee-born brothers Reid Perry (backup vocals and bass guitar) and Neil Perry (drums, accordion, mandolin and backup vocals) team with their sister Kimberly Perry (lead vocals, rhythm guitar and piano) to deliver eleven catchy tracks.

Love songs, both happy and sad, seem to be a common theme in this album, from “Hip to My Heart,” about a new crush, to “You Lie,” a diatribe about a cheating man.

The band is clearly proud of their roots, as they reference their “small town” in many songs. “Independence” tells the story of leaving home, with lyrics like “I’m busting out of Independence/Independence busting out of me,” and “There’s a road like a long gray river as far as I can see/And it’s pulling independence out of me.”

Internet Photo

The Band Perry’s album was released Oct. 12.

The a slow and melancholy ballad of lost love “Lasso” shoots straight to the heart with harmonies pristine and

sincere enough to make the listener sure that Kimberly had actually experienced the heartbreak described.

Lyrics like “I’ve always been afraid of flying/But you can’t blame a girl for trying,” will keep the listener thinking long after iTunes has been turned off.

The sound of The Band Perry is comparable to Sugarland, Lady Antebellum and Little Big Town with their solid female lead, excellent backup vocalists and skilled musicians.

The band’s website tells inspirational stories of the their humble beginning and early interest and proficiency in music.

Bassist Reid is quoted as saying “my bass and I have been attached at the hip since I was 10 years old.

While most of my friends were playing little league, I was sitting in my room learning Rolling Stones’ and Beatles’ bass lines. It’s really all I’ve ever known.”

The Band Perry’s producers, Nathan Chapman and Paul Worley, have produced other famous country artists such as Taylor Swift and Martina McBride as well as bands like Lady Antebellum, Big & Rich, and the Dixie Chicks.

While this is only The Band Perry’s first album, their audiences look forward to the future and what The Band Perry will come out with next.

By Amy Lecza

Vie for Vie to Host Benefit Concert at Kaffe Bona in Jenks ORU-based band Carnegie will be performing their first-ever acoustic show Thursday night, Nov. 18 at 9 p.m. at Kaffe Bona on Riverwalk in Jenks.

Vie for Vie will be hosting Carnegie as a benefit concert for the Ronald McDonald House.

It will be a chance to participate with Vie for Vie, a non-profit organization, in restoring and helping the community of Tulsa.

You may bring canned food items to donate, and there will be Vie for Vie merchandise sold.

Katie Roso, ORU junior and founder of Vie for Vie, has painted twenty original Carnegie band t-shirts to be sold for $12 each.

Cover charge for the show will be $2 at the door. Bring your friends and benefit your community.

By Haden Brewer

Courtesy Photos

8204 S. Harvard 918-492-4777

From left, David Moum, Katie Roso, Rachael Kelley and Drew Custer model the Vie for Vie t-shirts.

www.hideawaypizza.com

Let us cater your Wing event or campus meeting!

Minimum order is $100 + $10 delivery fee.

THE ORACLE• Friday, Nov. 12, 2010 • Page 23

Forum Submission Guidelines Letters to the Editor: The Oracle encourages letters to the editor.

This is your opportunity for your voice to be heard. Please include your name, mailing address and phone number. The author’s name will be used: no anonymous letters will be published. Letters have a 300-word limit and may be edited for length, style and grammar. E-mail oraclemuse@oru.edu.

Columns/Op-eds: Columns cannot be direct replies or arguments with a previous Forum piece. Such responses must be sent as a letter to the editor. Op-eds must state a thesis or purpose and the body of the article will be the supporting information. All statistics must cite a source internally. All Forum submissions are limited to 650-700 words. Each submission must include the author’s name, title, mailing address, phone number and how they wish to be identified. Columns and op-eds may be edited for length, style and grammar.

Send your letter via e-mail to

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Letters to the Editor Intramural Competition Should Reflect Our Faith.

Editor: The average Oral Roberts University intramural competitor invests practice, sweat, blood, tears, determination, passion, and pride into intramural games.

However, intramurals on campus seem to be the singularity where each individual forgets their main identity is not as a D1 athlete, but it is their Christianity. Where can the line be drawn between “going hard,” “being mean,” and genuinely “being inhumane?” On Nov. 1, I witnessed conduct uncharacteristic of even the most awful humans, let alone Christians.

At a female flag football playoffs matchup, I witnessed a young woman passionately cheer her teammates on with the Christ-like, gracious can-

[ORU’s Date Doctor ]

Stefan Junaeus is the Oracle’s dating columnist. He will explore inisghts and give advice regarding the romantic scene.

As the month of November presses on, time has started to run out. Finals don’t seem that far away and talk of Thanksgiving and dead week bring anxiety to all those seniors who are behind on senior paper. The cold weather reminds us of the looming holiday season. Those

among us who are single begin to think about our dating life. It is at this point that the perils of December dating start to come into view.

For some reason the month of December tends to be one of comedy and tragedy. Many relationships start and end around this time of year. The one big factor that promotes such behavior is the staunch reality of semester break. Break brings change. Change translates into different opportunities and the changing of the current situation. If, then, someone is in a position of liking someone but hasn’t done anything about it, there is extra incentive to act. If they don’t, they could lose their chance of getting with him or her come January.

There is also the phenomenon of breakups, the tragedy of the season. Most happen right after break, more significantly than before it. Yet it should be

Page 24 • Friday, Nov. 12, 2010 • THE ORACLE

dor, “Punch them in the knees!

Break their legs!”

Later in the game, one player’s arm was actually broken. As I escorted the victim of this malignant attack to a car to be swiftly taken to the hospital, I turned back to see the example of ORU’s female community rejoicing over the fall of her enemy.

But wait: this was no enemy.

This was a classmate and fellow sister in Christ who now required surgery.

Whether incidental or malicious, victory in any sport comes from the scoreboard and from positive ambition during the match—not from injury brought upon the other team. Furthermore, victory comes from seeing the previous day’s opponent in class the next day as a friend.

We as Christians should be first to follow the example of secular spouts of athleticism and applaud the injured competitor for walking off the field. And as Christians we should do more.

We should pray for those who hurt us and for those we ourselves hurt.

Michael Bellew ORU Student To see a picture of the broken arm turn to page 6.

Have an opinion about this letter?

Submit your response to oraclemuse@oru.edu or at facebook.com/oraclemuse

“Breaks and Breakups”

recognized that the seeds of such situations are planted in the couple a while before. This brings us to topic of the bi-week.

Why do breakups tend to happen around break?

Breakups tend to happen during these times of year because they physically bring distance. A couple who spends time away from each other for a while goes without some of the practical functions of relationships that make them enjoyable, especially to younger daters. There are no dates, no physicality, and particularly no responsibility to the other partner. When you want to go out on a date you can’t.

When you want to cuddle, you’re unable to, and when you have negative thoughts about the relationship, you’re allowed to.

When people are in active relationship, it is common for doubts and negative feelings to go unnoticed or at least be suppressed. However, when the

same two are away from each other, they now have time and space to do nothing but think about the relationship and therefore think about what they like and dislike. In some cases, by the time they get back from a break, they either like the person they’re with more or possibly a lot less. As gloomy as this might sound, breaks can work to your dating advantage if you allow it.

Tip of the bi-week: use break for yourself. When going on break, use it as a means of considering your options and what you want. It is important in every relationship or possible relationship to know what you’re looking for, what you want, and what you don’t want. If the dating experience is on the lesser side and you find yourself not knowing what you want, embrace it.

Many tend to believe they know what they want, usually responding with rhetoric about how they want a Godly man or

woman. Yet this idea usually has to stop short of acceptable, due to ambiguity. Yes, having a partner who is “Godly” is probably important, however “Godly” status usually doesn’t define breakups. In other words, wanting to date someone who is a ‘strong’ Christian is valid. However, character traits that are compatible with yours usually make sense of the relationship quicker than the former. No one breaks up with their boyfriend or girlfriend because they weren’t Christian enough. They break up because they ran into practical problems like communication issues or difference in future wants and expectations.

In a time of breakups and new possibilities, take time to consider what characteristics are compatible with yours. So when the next date comes around, you’ll be a little wiser and a little more prepared to navigate through the process.

[Lessons Not In The Syllabus] “Warning for Leaders”

Chelsea Kimbrough offers insights into lessons she has learned outside of the classroom. She is a senior Biomedical Chemistry and French major.

Recently, I was sitting in class forcing myself to focus like the experienced senior I should be. For some reason, all these realizations about one of my good

friends began to dawn on me. My friend is unusually kind-hearted and frequently reaches out to others and loves them like very few people I know. Suddenly, I understood how very precious my friend is in the sight of God. Then it occurred to me that if anyone were to be assaulted by feelings of despair and a distinct lack of significance, it would be this individual. Very particular thoughts that my friend could have thought crossed my mind. I found them very unsettling, almost disturbing. Not two hours later, I ran into my friend in the GC. Although we rarely talk about weighty issues, my dear friend suddenly opened up to me and fed those thoughts right back to me verbatim.

In all honesty, I was floored. I think anyone who knows my friend would be.

When people seem like they have it all together, you just assume they actually do. I was never so shocked to hear testimonies of inner battles from people as I did in missions. They were all so true and genuine of heart, and all so very vexed with absurd insecurities.

Classifieds

I am convinced that people who earnestly seek to do great things for God are going to face spiritual assault in one area in particular: who they are. What greater way to derail someone than to convince him that who he is and what he does is common, or worse, insignificant. Often,

Expect every internal assault and every external crisis to make you that much stronger and closer to God. the ones who seem to struggle most are the tenderhearted and compassionate.

After all, if they were to actually become strong in God and learn to overcome attacks instead of drowning in depression or self-pity, they would surely be a spiritual force to reckon with.

If you decide to accept a leadership position or give of yourself in a way that doesn’t directly benefit you, expect things to fall apart to some extent at some point.

In fact, expect a bunch of problems to hit all at once. That’s when you really know you’re making an impact. Also, expect to meet those problems with this uncanny sense of peace and complete victory (Psa. 84:7; Hab. 3:19). Expect every internal assault and every external crisis to make you that much stronger and closer to God (Jam. 1:2-8).

Lastly, expect your biggest hindrance to success to be you. I have never found one self-doubt or insecurity in myself that I could not ultimately trace back to pride or a lack of gratitude. Satan simply cannot torment me with something that he does not own in me. For instance, if I didn’t have a history of perfectionism – insecurity in deceptive art form – then there would be no grounds to feel deeply inadequate when coming just short of my unreasonable double standards. It’s okay that the dead parts of me have to get cut out though; it just makes me more alive.

Fun & Games (solutions on page 26)

Submit your classified to oraclemuse@oru.edu.

Classifieds can be placed free of charge, but must be a legitimate product, service or situation wanted.

Please limit submissions to 35 words and include a contact phone number. Only valid ORU e-mail address submissions will be considered.

SITUATIONS WANTED: I’m going home for Thanksgiving. I can take people who need rides to Denver or anywhere in between. Email veritas@oru.edu FOR SALE: Brand new, shrinkwrapped set of American Audio HP550 studio headphones. They are yours for $40 OBO. 918.200.9151. Calls only.

SITUATIONS WANTED: Need a ride around town or to the mall? I will give you a lift for a flat rate. Call Ken at 918.688.4415

SITUATIONS WANTED: The Oracle has open positions in video/tv production, business columnist, cartoonist, bloggers, video bloggers (vloggers), print production/layout, graphic design and contributing writers. E-mail oracle@oru.edu FOR SALE: Some textbooks for Dr. Guthrie’s Worship classes such as “Worship Old & New” and “The New Worship.”

E-mail me at: dtsubota@ oru.edu.

THE ORACLE• Friday, Nov. 12, 2010 • Page 25

[Pixel Perspectives ]

ORU Alumnus Benjamin Thome (‘10) investigates secular media through a Christian perspective.

Perspective can be a tricky thing.

Although there are only two ultimate destinations—with God or without God—the choices we make on our way rely largely on our current perspective: how clearly we see the world around us. For instance, few would argue that stealing is a moral action. Yet Robin Hood is considered a legendary hero. Such is the philosophical quandary addressed in Terry Goodkind’s

“The Way You Look at It”

“Wizard’s First Rule,” the first book in the “Sword of Truth” fantasy series.

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the novel’s attitude toward perspective is the way it contradicts itself. In the more didactic portions of the novel, the story’s mentor archetype Zedd argues persuasively for a relativistic morality. Yet the action of the novel—especially the acts of the hero and villain—argue for a more traditional view of morality.

Near the beginning of the book, Zedd names the novel’s protagonist Richard to be the Seeker of Truth, a position of unquestioned authority.

Zedd tells Richard, “A Seeker is a person who answers to no one but himself.”

Later, when teaching him to use the power of the Sword of Truth, Zedd emphasizes the all-importance of perspective: “Reality isn’t relevant. Perception is everything… only what you believe, and not the truth of your thoughts, is the determining factor.” Zedd carries this line of thought to the extreme, pointing out that both Richard and Darken Rahl, the novel’s antagonist, believe themselves to be in the right.

He says, “Darken Rahl does the things he does because he thinks them right, just as you do the things you do because you think them right. The two of you are

more the same in that than you think… in your eyes he is evil, but to his eyes, you are the one who is evil. It is all just perception.”

Thus, Zedd’s discussion with Richard emphasizes a relativistic view of morality.

Ultimately, what matters is perspective.

The accuracy of that perspective is irrelevant. After all, Zedd points out, even the villain considers himself the hero.

However, Goodkind promptly juxtaposes this relativistic view of reality with the actual events of the novel. Although Darken Rahl may consider himself to be in the right, the reader is under no delusions concerning his villainy. The first introduction tells of his perspective on women: “Darken Rahl, as had his father before him, considered women merely vessels for the man’s seed, the dirt it grew in, unworthy of higher recognition.”

The subsequent conversation with his head general hints heavily at the general’s perversions and Rahl’s unspoken approval of them, so long as they don’t interfere with Rahl’s own schemes. These plans, the reader later finds out, involve the murder of an innocent boy. First, Rahl deceives the boy into being his friend.

Once the boy has succumbed to Rahl’s feigned friendliness, Rahl completes a spell by pouring molten lead into the

Fun & Games Solutions

boy’s open mouth. Thus, despite Zedd’s claim that Rahl believes himself to be good, the reader has no doubt concerning the extent of Rahl’s evil nature.

Whereas Rahl’s introduction emphasizes his improper treatment of women, Richard’s introduction involves his rescuing a woman from men sent to kill her. Later, Richard goes out of his way to avoid taking advantage of women in the village of the Mud People—even when he is offered a selection to take his pick of a wife. Furthermore, Richard consistently acts to save the lives of children, not destroy them. In the village of the Mud People, Richard throws himself into danger to protect a young boy from the attack of shadow spirits. Throughout the novel, Richard consistently acts selflessly to save others.

Ultimately, Goodkind’s novel follows the tradition of the fantasy genre to have a clearly defined morality. Despite Zedd’s attempts to argue for relativistic morality, the action of the novel shows that an evil person is clearly evil and a good person is clearly good. Whether or not Goodkind intended it, his novel shows that even in the attempt to promote relativism, the happy ending only comes with the realization that evil is evil and good is good, regardless of any confusion in perspective.

Velocity Skateboarding Competition Coming This Sunday to Glenpool!

The battle takes place Sunday, Nov. 14, at the Glenpool skate park at 141st & Hwy. 75 (also known as the BlackGold Park). Registration begins at 1 p.m. and the competition at 2 p.m. Registration for skaters is $2, but the event is open to the public. There will be free food, live music and incredible skateboarding. For more info, visit www.thelandingonline. com. This event is sponsored

by Quickie Mart.

Photo by Jordan Lackey

Page 26 • Friday, Nov. 12, 2010 • THE ORACLE

SA Buzz CELL PHONE REPAIR SAVE

10%

ON ANY REPAIR WITH YOUR ORU I.D. MUST PRESENT I.D. EXPIRES 12/31/2010.

NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER OFFER.

ORU alumni-owned and managed

918-294-3000

4717 S. Memorial Drive • gototallywireless.com

Battle of Bands, Shuttles and Grad/Commuter Luncheon Set Upcoming weeks offer a variety of SA activities.

Listen up, my fellow stressed classmates. With Thanksgiving coming up and Winter Break just around the proverbial corner, Student Association has some information for you that you may just find useful. Here is the lowdown on some of SA’s offered services, a meeting you may be interested in, and a lovely luncheon for commuters.

Battle of The Bands Informational Meeting Monday, Nov. 22 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Zoppelt Auditorium Those interested in competing in Battle of the Bands can come and receive information about this year’s competition.

Thanksgiving Airport Shuttles To the Airport: Midnight Tuesday, Nov. 23 to Midnight Thursday, Nov. 25 ORU Lower Lot

From the Airport: Midnight Saturday, Nov. 27 to Midnight Tuesday, Nov. 30 Tulsa International Airport; Tulsa Greyhound Station Please visit http://sa.oru.edu and fill out your travel form. Also, plan to be in front of security in time to allow three hours from scheduled time of pick up to time of flight departure.

Graduate/Commuter Christmas Luncheon Wednesday, December 1 12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Holy Spirit Room Grads and Commuters feel free to join us for a lovely Christmas luncheon with food, door prizes, and a special message from Dr. Rutland (tentatively). Please RSVP on orusa.org!

Well that’s about it until next time, ORU. Have a fantastic Thanksgiving, and eat lots of turkey (or ham… or whatever your family happens to consume on our beloved American holiday).

Provided by Kathleen Kelly/ Student Association

THE ORACLE• Friday, Nov. 12, 2010 • Page 27

11.12 - 12.03

COMEDY

11.12 FRIDAY WOMEN’S BASKETBALL VS. UNIV. OF TEXAS-ARLINGTON, 11:55 a.m., Mabee Center, Free with ORU I.D.

11.16 TUESDAY ELLIOT BUTAY AND ALYSSIA WAKEFIELD JUNIOR RECITAL, 11 a.m., Timko Barton Performance Hall, Free

ORU THEATER PRESENTS “CRIMES OF THE HEART,” 7:30 p.m., Tulsa Performing Arts Center, $12. Event continues 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday

MEN’S BASKETBALL VS. UNIVERSITY OF TULSA, 11 a.m., TU Reynolds Center, Televised on ESPN, Tickets start at $10

ELTON JOHN & LEON RUSSELL IN CONCERT, Doors: 6:30 p.m., Show: 8 p.m., BOK Center, Tickets start at $24.75 ORU IWC PRESENTS ALL NIGHT PRAYER, 10 p.m., Christ’s Chapel, Free, Event continues through Nov 13 at 6 a.m.

11.13 SATURDAY TULSA GUN SHOW, INC., 8 a.m. - 7 p.m., QuikTrip Center, Tulsa Fairgrounds, $10, Event continues Sunday 11.14 SUNDAY WOMEN’S BASKETBALL VS. NORTH TEXAS, Noon, Mabee Center, Free with ORU I.D. VELOCITY SKATEBOARD COMPETITION, 2 p.m., Glenpool Skate Park, Free

BRIAN REGAN SATURDAY, DEC. 4 8 P.M. Page 28 • Friday, Nov. 12, 2010 • THE ORACLE

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL VS. TULSA, 7:05 p.m., Mabee Center, Free with ORU I.D. 11.17 WEDNESDAY “TROIKA” SENIOR ART SHOW, 3 p.m., ORU Library Foyer, Free VEGGIE TALES IN SPANISH, Spanish Club, 7:30 p.m., Zoppelt, Members only, Dues: $3 11.18 THURSDAY ORU THEATER PRESENTS “RENEWAL” FALL DANCE CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., Howard Auditorium, $10, $7 with ORU ID, Event continues through Nov 20.

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE BENEFIT SHOW, 9 p.m., Kaffe Bona at Jenks Riverwalk, $2 cover charge, presented by Vie for Vie, featuring Kayla Nichols and Carnegie

11.23 TUESDAY THANKSGIVING BREAK BEGINS AFTER CLASSES 11.24 WEDNESDAY MEN’S BASKETBALL VS UNIV. OF ARKANSAS LITTLE ROCK, 7:05 p.m., Mabee Center, Free with ORU I.D. 11.27 SATURDAY WOMEN’S BASKETBALL VS. HOUSTON, 2:05 p.m., Mabee Center, Free with ORU I.D. 11.29 MONDAY RED: NOTHING & EVERYTHING TOUR, 7 p.m., The Otherside, $18 in advance, $21 at door 12.03 FRIDAY FALL CLASSES END ORU PRESENTS “CHRISTMAS JOYS,” 7:30 p.m., Mabee Center, Admission: donation of new unwrapped toy.

Children’s Open House will be held from 6:15 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.

11.20 SATURDAY MEN’S BASKETBALL VS INDIANA STATE, 7:05 p.m., Mabee Center, Free with ORU I.D. BRAD PAISLEY IN CONCERT, Doors: 6:30 p.m., Show: 7:30 p.m., BOK Center, Tickets start at $25

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The Mabee Center welcomes comical genius Brian Regan on Saturday, Dec. 4! Regan has appeared more than 20 times on the “The Late Show with David Letterman” and is a regular on Conan O’Brien. Regan also tops the iTunes chart as one of the “top ten” comedy albums.

The ORU men’s basketball team takes on the University of Tulsa at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 16. The game will be held at TU’s Reynolds Center. Tickets start at $10.

WWW.MABEECENTER.COM CALL OR VISIT THE HILTON BOX OFFICE @ THE MABEE CENTER 7777 S. Lewis Ave.--One block east of Riverside on 81st St.

FOR TICKETS: (918) 495-6000

TOLL-FREE (800) 678-1353

THE CAMPUS CALENDAR IS SPONSORED BY THE MABEE CENTER.