FTD ED: DEATH, JOY, AND the houghton CHRISTMASTIME OPINIONS, P. 6
r I . ALBUM REVIEW: vi 15 4 .5 FIVE IRON FRENZY FEATURES, P. 5 0
M C. -- D.. STAR ARTIST OF THE WEEK: CAFFEINATED CREATIVE JANE STAIRS FEATURES, P. 8 FEATURES, P. 5 Houghton College's Student Newspaper Since 1909
December 13 2013 Vol. 112, NO. 12
College Receives Congratulations, December Graduates! NetVUE Grant
LEAH WILLIAMS
Houghton recently received a $50,000 grant for networking for vo- cation in undergraduate education. This grant was given to Houghton by the Council of Independent Colleges, a group of which Houghton has been a part for many years. This grant is intended to help colleges who wish to expand on their vocational programs and services. "The overall goal of this grant is to help transform our au- thentic but often informal mentoring for vocation, said associate dean for academic affairs Mark Hijleh. Along with Mark Hijleh, the grant team which will be providing leader- ship to this initiative includes Robert Pool, vice president for student life; Professor Rich Eckley; Dan Noyes, executive director of alumni rela- tions; Brian Reitnour, career services coordinator; Michael Jordan, dean of the chapel; and Mark Hunter, CASA director.
See NETVUE page 3 KATHRYN-ROSE MELLO
Men's Basketball to Houghton and Play Against Division I Indiana Wesleyan
LJ Pursue Partnership
STEPHANIE FORD ple in parallel roles at the institutions potentially visiting the other campus, leading workshops in their expertise, Houghton College signed a mem- and dialoguing with each other. She orandum of understanding (MOU) said, "The goal is for them to help us with Indiana Wesleyan University move faster and with greater mag- (IWU), beginning dialogue about nitude than we could on our own." their future partnership. Through this IWU could assist Houghton with on- partnership, Houghton hopes to de- line and adult education coursework, velop online and adult education and templates, and curriculum. see Houghton thrive in this 21 st cen- This partnership will not, howev- tury's changing world. er, involve a merger between Hough- IWU president David Wright and ton and IWU. President Mullen said,
ATHLETICS.HOUGHTON.EDU President Mullen signed the MOU on "This will not affect the governance Current roster for the men's basketball team November 18, 2013. The MOU sim- of our institution, it will not affect ply indicates that Houghton and IWU our affiliation, and it's not going to GRETCHEN REEVES essarily a discouraging fact. "The per- will be discussing this partnership. affect our athletics." The partnership ception that Division III is not serious Specific proposals will be presented would merely be drawing on the two This winter break the men's varsi- is an incorrect perception," said Skip December 20th. institutions' collective resources. ty basketball team will be up against a Lord, executive director of athletics, "There's a really strong sense Houghton College's original mis- competitive rival, Radford University, stating that the top 15-20 schools in right now," said President Mullen, sion when it began in the 1880s was in their upcoming game on Monday, Division III are competitive against "that we both have something to to make high quality, Christian edu- December 30th. Radford, a Division bottom-tier schools in Division I. "Of contribute to one another." IWU has cation affordable and accessible to I school, will be the first Division I course, they want to bring in some- strong, established online and adult students. President Mullen said, "The school the team has played since their one where there's a higher probabil- education programs, and it hopes to mission is the same, but the media- game against SUNY Buffalo in 2010. ity to win, he added, but maintained develop in global education and ser- tion of that mission cannot stay the Although Houghton is currently a Di- that this is still an opportunity for the vice, areas considered to be some of same because the world is changing. vision III school, athletics faculty are Houghton's strengths. quick to point out that this is not nec- President Mullen envisions peo- See BASKETBALLpage 3 See PARTNERSHIPpage 3
A A .0 . .A 45 0, AA' :...... 0 ... 2 I NEWS DECEMBER 13, 2013
WORLD // World Leaders Pay Respects at Mandela's Funeral
1 December 8 at the age of 95 after a ters from around the world, includ- ous corruption scandals, upsetting 4 4 1 persistent lung infection. ing U.S. President Barack Obama, many South Africans who view According to the Washington Palestinian Authority President Mah- him as a fraction of the man that Post, huge crowds of mourners filled moud Abbas, and British Prime Min- Mandela was. Undeterred by the Rf a soccer stadium in Soweto, South ister David Cameron. According to booing, the BBC reports that Zuma Africa where together they sang and the BBC, Obama, who was cheered stated that Mandela was "one of a clapped, memorializing Mandela as a as he took the podium to offer a eu- kind...a fearless freedom fighter racial healer, a figure so humble and logy to Mandela, remarked that "we who refused to allow the brutality transcendent that he felt comfortable will never see the likes of Nelson of the apartheid state to stand in with rich and poor, young and old, Mandela again. While I will always way of the struggle for the libera- black and white. The service lasted fall short of Madiba [Mr. Mandela's tion of his people." Additionally, for four hours with many emotional clan name], he makes me want to be Zuma announced the renaming of tributes and joyous song about a great a better man." Cuban President Raul a number of public buildings. This leader lost. This all happened during Castro, whose brother Fidel showed includes the Union Buildings in the an intense rainstorm which, accord- much support for Mandela's anti- capital Pretoria, where Mandela ing to tradition, symbolizes the pass- apartheid cause, also stated during will lie in state until December 13, ing of a great leader into the afterlife. his eulogy address that Mandela was which will soon be known as the The venue of the memorial ser- the "ultimate symbol of dignity and Mandela Amphitheatre. vice, Soweto, is symbolic for many the revolutionary struggle." Other The ceremony concluded with a South Africans. The Washington Post mourners included many celebri- speech by South African Archbish- writes that Soweto was the site of the ties, such as Charlize Theron, who LUKE LAUER op Desmond Tutu, who asked the 2010 World Cup tournament and the was born in South Africa, along with crowd to rise to their feet for a final last time Mandela was seen in pub- Bono, Oprah Winfrey, Peter Gabriel, tribute. On December 15, a state CALEB JOHNSON lie. Moreover, Soweto was a formerly and Sir Richard Branson. funeral for Nelson Mandela will be segregated township that was at the While President Obama may have held before his body is interred in a Dignitaries from around the center of anti-apartheid protests in been cheered, the warm welcome family burial plot. * world flew to South Africa on Tues- the 1970s and 1980s, a fitting place was not spread to current South Af- day, December 10, to commemorate for South Africans of all backgrounds rican President Jacob Zuma, who the life of former South African and color to unite to mourn a leader was booed and jeered as he prepared President Nelson Mandela. Man- who fought against this segregation. to give his closing address. Accord- dela, instrumental in ending apart- Among the mourners were over ing to Reuters, Zuma's government Caleb is a senior international heid policies in his country, died on ninety presidents and prime minis- is currently in the midst of numer- relations and history double major.
..
7 think more activities planned "I would love to see the old on the weekend would be a milkshakes come back to Big good idea because it seems like Al's because the new ones are a lot of on-campus events occur a hollow shell of their former on Fridays and tend to overlap, selves. And I would love that Mr. but then when it comes to Satur- Professor Lipscomb's chapel days and Sundays, people often blog be revived in some way. go off campus because there's not much to do." --Luke Rosamilia, sophomore
LUKE LAUER --Lindsey Hawkins, junior LUKE LAUER
"Students should be What changes "1 would like to see more allowed to park at the art history classes like bank for ten minutes to would you like the history of graphic use the bank without design and the history getting a ticket. It's ab- to see on of interior design. Stuff surd." like that." campus next --Billy Marshall, senior --Hayley Day, junior sennester?
. LUKE LAUER LUKE LAUER
'1 guess if theret one "Trays in the cafeteria." change I'd wanna see on campus... I think Houghton --Caleb Johnson, senior needs a really big spiritual revival to get itself back with God."
--lan Patrick, freshman
LUKE LAUER LUKE LAUER DECEMBER 13 2013 NEWS 1 3
BASKETBALL from page l PARTNERSHIPyrompage j part-time students, and among adult UP. learners. I see online and adult edu- In Houghton's case, a "modest cation opening more access points to men's team. sum, as Lord described, was provid- That is what this moment is about at Houghton students." The chance to play against a Divi- ed to the college by Radford to cover Houghton." President Mullen believes Hough- sion I school is considered a beneficial travel and lodging expenses. As the Developing Houghton's online ton needs to face the realities of this and constructive one. "There are a lot team boasts 20 members, this allows and adult education programs could 21st century time. She said, "If we do of reasons to go into it," said Drew them to travel with a bigger roster. facilitate residential students taking not find creative ways to enter these Hannan, head coach of the men's bas- "We're not able to get any frills or more summer classes and graduating partnerships now, then we're not go- ketball team. "Generally speaking, the extra stuff with it, but we are able to early, high school students having ing to be drawing the benefit that will reason for us to go is the opportunity then travel with a bigger squad then dual enrollment with Houghton, and strengthen the institution for greater to play against that level of competi- we'd normally be able to carry," said non-traditional students enrolling prosperity in the future.... My con- tion. ... [I]t's an opportunity to re- Hannan. In previous years, extraneous more easily. fidence is in the mission of Hough- ally test yourself against a very good funds have been used for other team "If you look at where the grow- ton and in God's faithfulness to call
" team, a very good program...." Lord expenses. "Even if there is money left ing populations are, said President us and make us adequate for that described it as a "unique opportunity in the budget, it goes right back in the Mullen, "They're in the cities, among mission....This is something to cel- ... to play a game that you probably institutional kitty," explained Lord. the international students, among ebrate." * wouldn't get to play otherwise." Chris Added Hannan, "I know one year we Enlow, junior and a member of the were able to use the money to buy team, sees the game as an opportunity uniforms, at least partially. It's not a to show a moral victory to any specta- huge amount that doubles our budget tors. "If we come away from it togeth- or anything, but it's enough to help er and just stick together through it, some." we can sort of make a statement to the Occasionally upsets do happen; Empire 8 that 'Hey, we can actually Houghton has won guarantee games play basketball; don't just look down against colleges in higher divisions on us,"' he said. before. The chance of winning is still In addition to providing a substan- present. Overall, players remain opti- tial challenge to players, the college mistie, albeit anxious. "[0]ur guys are t.-3 also benefits from financial compen- excited about it," said Hannan. "There sation from competitors. The practice are some nerves coming in terms of of scheduling "guarantee games" be- playing a team that you know is go- 1 tween a higher-ranked school and a ing to be extremely talented. ... [Gl lower-ranked one is not uncommon enerally the first few minutes are very amongst institutions of higher edu- difficult in that game; then you just cation. Each game a pair of schools adjust to that style, that level of play." plays is contracted for a certain time "Anything can happen," said Enlow. and place and financial consideration "Like they say in football, 'Any given is often included in such contracts. Sunday.' Really, i f we go down there Talks for such a game between Rad- and play our top game... who knows?" Mullen and Wright sign a memorandum ford and Houghton began last April When asked about the possibility of even though the men's team had al- an upset, he laughed. "If we end up services?' We are trying to prepare NETVUE #om page 1 ready filled its schedule at that point. winning, we better get a freakin' pa- students for lives of significance," The decision to play against Radford rade when we get back here." * said Pool. was made in June after a space opened "Consistency" was one of Robert Current students as well as fu- Pool's choice words when describ- ture students will benefit from this ing the hopes he had for the voca- program. "We will be able to com- tional program. "I hope there is more municate the program's coherence consistency in the questions profes- and benefits to prospective students sors ask students as well as the an- and their families, which we believe swers they give them. Pool hopes will make the value of a Houghton that when students meet with their education much clearer," said Hijleh. 4 74 advisors, discussions will be more Hannah Zgrablich, junior, said, "I'm along the lines of what the student's interested to see how this program strengths and weaknesses are as well will develop. It would be extremely as what they plan to do in the future. useful to focus more on our future Through that the professor could careers while we're in school so as connect them with alumni, as well as not to be in complete shock when it's set up interviews and internships for time to face the real world." that student. "We already have these Hijleh, along with the rest of the things available to the students but grant team have high hopes for this we hope to make it more intentional." program. "All of this will come to-
ATHLETICS.HOUGHTON.EDU Currently, Houghton's vocational gether over the next two years in the Brennen Campbell plays defense programs include Transitions, sopho- form of 'VOCA' a new center for more retreat, HELP Day, guest exec- exploration of vocation. Students, utive dinners, Imitators of Christ, ac- faculty, staff, alumni and community ademic capstone projects, and alumni members will have access to and be connections. "Houghton has support- encouraged to make use of materi- ed students in vocational aspiration als and programs that assist them all along, but this project will help us with making connections between bring together many elements of this spiritual formation, Christian calling, exploration into a more coherent and academic advising, coursework and effective whole," said Hijleh. co-curricular activities, career devel- "What we want students to be opment and professional networking able to ask themselves is, 'Who am in the context of Houghton's mission I?', 'Who am I in Christ?', 'What's to 'to lead and labor as scholar-ser- my purpose?' and 'How can I use my vants in a changing world. .., , * , Seasons greetings £-i from the staff at the Houghton Star! Your Ad HERE
email us at: [email protected] 41 FEATURES DECEMBER 13, 2013
Houghton's Best Kept Secret: Reference Librarians
try to find resources the student can use mentioned that, at a previous reference for that paper." Indeed, Wilber said one position, he received several requests he quality he would like to instill in students couldn't fulfill, much to the disappointment ./y/ 43;j f is persistence in finding resources. "Seek of someone looking for a photograph of quality," Avery said, "no matter what you Julius Caesar and another trying to locate do and in the resources you seek. Never a sound-recording ofdinosaurs. give that up. Never say, 'This is good As part of being a reference librarian, enough."' Stevick said one must have an M.A. In order to aid students in finding in Library Science. In his own case, materials, Wilber said reference librarians Stevick noted that he was a Humanities accept requests in person, by email, and major when he attended Houghton in even by text message. "If there are new the late '8Os and early '9Os. This has ways ofreference," Wilber said, the library especially prepared him for his work
" jumps on board. He also mentioned since he received a broad introduction that librarians will follow up by email into many subjects; therefore, "things ring Research Help with students who initially come into the a bell quickly," he said, allowing him to library for help, establishing a relationship direct students to appropriate topics and where Wilber said "we get to see the same databases. Gesturing to a number ofphotos student through the process" to see how he taken around the world including Machu or she is doing with the project or paper. In Picchu and notable European landmarks, LUKE LAUER Library reference desk. addition to searching for information, the Avery said "travelling extensively and reference librarians provide students with experiencing life in its various aspects" has
DAVID SMITH library, GlenAvery works with Houghton's skills such as narrowing the focus ofone's made him a better librarian. instructional technology such as Moodle, papen Avery said he helps his clients hone There are so many "subjects, questions Brad Wilber heads up reference as a whole, in on their topic. Whereas one might say and people to meet," Wilber said, talking Although the Willard J. Houghton and Betty Bunt specializes in cataloguing. one would like to work on the topic ofwar, about how he enjoys being "exposed to all Library may be a familiar place for most Yes, they are quite busy, but each puts Avery said his job is "to find materials a of the disciplines the college is teaching." students, often the reference desk goes student needs first when at the reference student is passionate about, bringing the And yet, the reference librarians love unnoticed even though it is adjacent to the desk. topic down to a more manageable one on working with students just as much: computers by the entrance. When you attempt to do research the Japanese internment during World War Avery said that "when a student comes a While the reference desk is barron, this on the Internet, "the whole realm of II, to name one possibility. sits down beside me, that makes my day." absence ofclutter is in direct contrast to the knowledge may confront you," Stevick In selecting an area to study, Avery Students do not recognize "how eager we immense knowledge which each librarian said. Therefore, it is necessary to "separate said one might find a "void, what's not are to be of service," Wilber said. Many can access. In addition to being reference the chaff' of information, finding the been written"; while one may need to times students will wander over to the librarians, David Stevick oversees the best resources one can. Avery said when modify one's topic, Avery said he hopes desk and say "'I'm sorry to bother you,"' he is searching for information a student to encourage students to fill that void. Wilber said. "No! That's what we want to needs, "I become Sherlock Holmes and However, not all voids can be filled. Wilber do and like to do." *
DAILY CALENDAR Movie Review: 66Thor: The Dark World"
13 / FRIDAY
GLENN HAMPSON Athletics
6 PM j WBB vs. SUNY Canton Before diving into the actual film itself, can we just take a moment to ad- CAB Midnight Breakfast mire the genius that is behind the Marvel franchise? This brand is a money-making 1 OPM \ Dining Hall juggernaut, and its momentum is now un- stoppable. To introduce each superhero in f -16 /MONDAY their own separate movie before combin- ing them all into the behemoth that was
- Final Exams the first Avengers film was completely unprecedented and truly brilliant. With that being said, I felt as though Cash for Books Thor 2: The Dark World is the 5-minute breather that Marvel had to take before 1 -3 PM \ Campus Store cranking out A+ superhero movies again. THOR ' i The movie exceeds expectations as far as - 17 /TUESDAY special effects and fight scenes are con- 11.8.13 cerned, and Chris Hemsworth (Thor) - Final Exams IMDB.COM and Tom Hiddleston (Loki) put on great Thor: The Dark World movie poster. performances. However, the writers who created the storyline seemed confused as body and refuses to leave. Malekith and sight to behold on the big screen. - Cash for Books to what movie they were writing. Allow his army, who have been in suspended Perhaps the biggest draw would be to 9 AM- 3 PM \ Campus Store me to explain. animation and conveniently forgotten on see the character development that occurs The plot begins thousands of years their starship all this time, are awakened in Loki and Thor. The uninspiring script -- 18 / WEDNESDAY ago, when Thor's grandfather led the by Jane's meddling and come looking for is transcended by the now revealed back- forces ofAsgard in a war against the Dark the Aether. story of these two characters and their
- Final Exams Elves. Their leader, Malekith, had created So now Frodo, Sam, and their friends relationship between each other. During a super weapon--otherworldly floating must try to destroy both the Ring and the course of the film, we learn that Loki goo called "the Aether" that turns every- Sauron before they usher Middle Earth may not be the all-around villain that he Cash for Books thing into darkness-but he was defeated into a new age of darkness. was portrayed to be in the recent Aveng- before he could deploy it. The Asgardians, Oops, I mean: ers movie, while Thor makes some self- 9 AM- 3 PM \ Campus Store unable to destroy the Aether, decided in- So now Thor, Jane, and their friends realizations of his own. Watching these stead to "bury it deep where no one can must try to destroy both the Aether and two interact is as satisfying as watching Malekith before the latter usher the uni- the action sequences. -19/THURSDAY find it."surface Surely, again this thousands problem of years will later. never verse into a new age of darkness. In conclusion, I enjoyed this film Fast forward to the present, Thor has It seems as though director Alan Tay- enough to say that it is worth the price of returned to Asgard, leaving his love-in- lor just copy-and-pasted some of Tolk- admission. Thanks to the success of the Final Exams terest, astrophysicist Jane Foster (played ien's ideas, which takes away from some Avengers, every Marvel film from here by Natalie Portman), behind on Earth. of the originality that defined the first on out is a must-see anyway. It does not Cash for Books While searching for a way to contact Thor. However, with that said, I'd still matter if Chris Hemsworth was replaced Thor, Jane stumbles into an alternate di- recommend seeing this film in theaters. by a trained monkey at this point. As long 9 AM- 3 PM \ Campus Store mension, where she comes into contact The battle scenes are breathtaking, and as there is a 3-minute clip after the credits with-whoops, it wasn't deep enough- with the storyline of The Dark World tak- roll of a sneak preview ofAvengers 2, that the Aether. This alien fluid enters her ing place all over the universe, it's really a movie ticket is money well spent. * DECEMBER 13, 2013 FEATURES|5
Caffeinated Creative Studios: For Your Design Fix
STEPHANIE FORD
The halfcoffee cup ofthe "Caffeinated Creative Studios" (CCS) logo has popped up on most ofthe campus's bulletinboards and cafeteria table inserts this semesten
The six students who form the CCS team have designed posters, logos, e-mail ads, and banners. They're regularly asked, "Do you get paid for this?" Nope. "Do you receive course credit?" We may in the future, but not this semester. "So you're just super nice?" They really are nice, but that's not their sole motivation for working on designs and ads. Yinka Araromi and Josh Duttweiler, members ofthe CCS team, lounged on the grey couches in the Chamberlain Center Atrium. They'd both come from working in the Mac lab. Duttweiler shared, "We started Caffeinated because we wanted to get some real world experience with design. We knew that clubs and organizations on campus were looking for advertisements, and we knew we wanted to get involved." The CCS team consists of Yinka Joshua Duttweiler '15, Amy Coon '14, and Yinka Araromi '14 of Caffeinated Creative Studios. LUKE LAUER Araromi, Josh Duttweiler, Nicole Mason, Amy Coon, Alex Hood, and Morgan requests. plan and dream. Duttweiler grinned and "We do consume a lot of caffeinated Loghry. They are each communication Araromi said, "I usually check when said, "There's coffee!" "Josh brings the beverages." and art majors who are interested in the jobs come in every day. I see who of Keurig," saidAraromi, "I bring the snacks. This semester, CCS has been graphic design and hope to potentially us is maybe the least busy and then I ask Always chips and dip and chocolate. ""We overwhelmed by the positive response work in professional design in the future. them first. Then if they can't do it, I'll sit around in the presentation room close they've received. Duttweiler said, "We Araromi said, "I hope this is kind of send it to the next person. We then send to the computers," said Duttweiler. "And I got a lot more interest than we expected good practice for me to understand how the designs to each other to kind of like feellike halfofit is kind ofsocializing, and originally. We're glad that people can this kind of business works." He looked critique. We don't send anything out until half it is kind ofbusiness," said Araromi. trust us and want us." Araromi and at Duttweiler, laughed, and said, "I pretty most ofus are okay with it." Duttweiler also shared the story of Duttweiler shared that this support much talk about it every day. I don't know Duttweiler described this collaborative CCS's name. He said, "We spent months gives them confidence that CCS can about Josh, but I talk about it every day. process, saying, "The clients have putting together lists of names. Kind continue into the future. Araromi said, It seems to come up at least once a day." something they envision. And then it's of like the idea of caffeine, you know "It's meeting a kind of need at the Duttweiler said this service is what they envision and what you envision energy and excitement, and it's kind of a college." available to Houghton College student and the design, and what's the best way to cool thing, coffee, especially at college. "Caffeinated was created to inspire, organizations, academic departments, communicate. So there's a lot ofback and And then creative studios - it all fit." train, inform and empower students," and residence life staff. People can find forth, making sure everyone is happy." Araromi added, "' Caffeinated' just felt said Araromi. "It's exciting." * them on Facebook and start their design Once a month the CCS team meets to appropriate for students." He grinned. Album Review: Five Iron Frenzy, 'Engineof a Million Plots"
ABBY ERLANSON nonsensical. The snippets "we are profes- with the power of its lyrics. The details such hope: "Savior says...everything's sors at robot spy college," or "I fight tsuna- are vivid and chaotic-"I'm facing down gonna be alright" Five Iron Frenzy. The band' s name mis with an umbrella" for example, don't death like a fly on the windscreen. You Five Iron Frenzy's new album is honors a golf club swinging paranoiac. Its convey much. However, reading the full bring the Warheads, I'm bringing ice simultaneously profound and playful, albums have names like All the Hype That lyrics revealed commentary on despair, ar- cream" or "I'm screaming down into the depressed and confident, accusing and Money Can Buy, It's Funny but Not Very rogance, lost faith, and tightly held hope. black abyss...bells are ringing." But they joyful. A brief description should have Creative, and Our Newest Album Ever! The album presents a complex picture of bring to life the central lines, "I've seen the made obvious that the band doesn't (exclamation point not mine). A few of Christianity-alternately joking bitterly sun come down...And in the dark of night take itself too seriously. Arguably be- its songs quote literary figures like Edgar about its failures, regretting times when it I hold to its return." This radical hope ap- cause of this, Engine of a Million Plots Allen Poe and Shakespeare, while others is lost, and triumphing in the confidence it pears again in the words "tell me that I'm offers a thought-provoking look at the feature imaginary scenarios with dancing offers. doomed and I'll keep singing. The fight real brokenness surrounding Christi- glittery unicorns or hungry wizards. The song "Zen and the Art of Xeno- won't end with me." Then, in the last line, anity and the real salvation we find in And it's a Christian band. Earnestly, phobia," for example, mocks the hypocrisy the song boldly celebrates the source of Christ. * realistically Christian. and disdain of so-called Christians. With If this description intrigues you, stop biting sarcasm, the lyrics say to "cling reading and go listen to Five Iron Frenzy's to your god and guns," and to "lock and 4 new album, Engine of a Million Plots. If load-just like Jesus did." The line "give 5-! I I ilillilillif' r:*-SK, 4814 the description has confused, alarnied, or me liberty...or something" highlights the disgusted you, then please keep reading. loss of ideals, while the suggestion to "turn Five Iron Frenzy is a ska-core band, your wine back into water" evokes the meaning they combine the reggae-like self-righteous Pharisees' rejection of Je- rhythms and prominent horn sections of sus's miracles. The final words, "and Jesus ska with the fast, intense, and sometimes was American," are a sharp rebuke for a abrasive sounds of hardcore punk rock. false sense of superiority. The band formed in 1995, released nine With an entirely different tone, the albums between then and 2004, and after song "Blizzards and Bygones" reflects on a nine year gap released a tenth album in the loss ofa once vibrant faith. The song s November of this year. The latest album, resigned in attitude, with lyrics like "you Engine of a Million Plots, features twelve look around but find yourself all alone, and ofthe band's characteristically weird, spir- you hunker down, but the cold's already ited, and astute reflections on life. The mu- in your bones." However, the portrayal sic-with its strong beat, catchy melodies, of faith is beautiful and loving. The song exuberant horn playing, and hint ofmelan- contrasts the time "back when the angels choly-is fantastic. However, the album's ofheaven would sing" with a time of "frost greatest strength is in the lyrics to its songs. and no thaw," and describes "a flicker of That is, once they make sense. Listen- desire.. .a faintly glowing fire for some ing casually, I found the meaning of these truth" that remains even when faith is songs difficult to grasp. This is partly be- gone. cause the words can blend into the music Of all the songs on the album, "I've PATHEOS.COM and partly because the words often seem Seen the Sun" caught me most unaware Engine of a Million Pilots album cover. 6 | OPINIONS DECEMBER 13, 2013
1 /v\* d TI EWS , IL"X Is free-market capitalism good and just?
- ing tide lifts all boats." According to econ- and income disparity. The Gini coef- I Aill'llipmt I./&0.- omist Arthur Laffer, the US's "purchasing ficient, which measures the income in- power of the median income family rose equality within a particular group, has -.1,1 '11** -...9 to $54,061 in 2004, an $8,228 real increase risen enormously within countries with since 1980. The middle class is not dis- *1 capitalist systems over the past quarter- appearing...it is getting richer." The poor century. Since China began capitalist . _. have also benefited from these booms. A market reforms in 1979, its baseline Treasury study on income mobility in the standard of living has increased con- US from 1996 to 2004 found the bottom siderably, but its Gini coefficient has a ---1 20% of wage eamers experienced a 109% increased from about 28 points (mark- (inflation adjusted) increase in income. ing relatively equal economic distribu- Critics of free enterprise often cite tion) in 1991 to over 47 points (marking Sweden as a model of how socialism can gross inequality) in 2012. A work. Having a mother from Sweden and While economic inequality is not MI!*' '-- having visited many times, I know Sweden necessarily inherently unjust, it may still F isa lovely country, but if Sweden is social- pose a significant barrier to individual freedom, thereby perpetuating injus- FACEBOO, ism's best argument, then the cases against LUKE LAUER JOSEPH GILLIGAN socialism are many. It is true Sweden has SHARON BRAUTIGAM tice. Individuals with less money have less freedom to act in various areas of relatively no poverty. On the other hand, Each day we participate in the economist Milton Friedman noted, "That While I agree with Joe Gilligan's point life, for instance to access education or most just and free market system in the is interesting because iii America, among that free market capitalism has benefitted healthcare. Individuals with less money world. The iPhone we bought to talk Scandinavians, we have no poverty ei- society through encouraging innovation also have less power to influence what to friends, the Pepsi we drank to keep then" Likewise less than 7% of Swedes and thereby increasing the wealth and happens in society. This is particularly us awake to study, the paycheck from and Swedish Americans live in poverty. living standards for societies as a whole, true in circumstances where wealth work, are an integrative part of the However, the similarities end there consid- it is not immediately apparent whether may literally buy political influence, a free market. Dinesh D'Souza, former ering how wealthy American Swedes are these accomplishments classify capital_ common occurrence in countries such President of The King's College noted compared to their Swedish counterparts. ism as good and just. The statistic that as China. To the extent that the gross free market "capitalism satisfied the A Swede's average income per year is Americans have a higher median income economic inequality associated with Christian demand for an institution that $36,600 while an American Swede's av- and standard of living than Swedes merely capitalism limits freedom, it is unjust. channels selfish human desire toward erage income per year is $56,900 accord- demonstrates that free market capitalism, Defenders of capitalism might re- the betterment of society." ing to author Kevin Williamson. A typi- as compared to socialism, may be a more spond by suggesting that the underlying Author Michael Novak docu- cal Swedish family would live in an 800 effective route to materialist ends. In order structure of capitalism is just, however, because it rewards ments the origin of free enterprise to square foot apartment and own one car, to take the next individual effort the Catholic's creation of Canon Law, while a typical Swedish-American family step and assert While economic inequallty and achievement which led to a common market and law would own a 3000 square foot home and that capitalism system by establishing jurisdictions own two cars. is then good, is not necessarily inherently with economic success. But bas- of empire, nation, chartered city, guild In addition, according to Socialism by one would need unjust, it may still pose a sig- . economic [for] merchants, and entrepreneurs. It Williamson, Sweden's GDP per capita was to assume that Ing also provided local and regional arbi- 20% higher than that of the US in 1980, maximal wealth nificant barrier to individual justice solely on individual effort trators, jurists, negotiators, and judges. but in 2001 not only was the US's GDP Now gears for windmills, harnesses for per capita higher, it was higher by an over- ispursued the good by an to be freedom, thereby perpetuat- mistakenly as- sumes that indi- beasts ofburden, ocean-going ship rud- whelming 56%. Sweden also has more economic sys- ing injustice. ders, eyeglasses, and ironwork" were social rigidity than the US. Ironically, tern. However, viduals begin on invented with the free flow oftrade and America is more egalitarian than Sweden. this would be to level playing fields ideas. Later the "Protestant Work Eth- While income may be more equally dis- assume what capitalism already asserts: with equal capabilities to succeed. A ie" would bring ferocity for free mar- tributed in Sweden, the US has distributed that the ultimate goal is maximization of recent World Bank study showed that kets documented in Max Weber's 1905 wealth more equally. Income and wealth profit. In order to avoid circular reasoning, 80% of variability in a person's income book, The Protestant Ethics and the are correlated in the US by high paying the goodness of capitalism cannot be ana_ is accounted for by country ofbirth and Spirit of Capitalism. Book critic Tom careers or entrepreneurship. In Sweden lyzed on the basis ofresulting wealth. Ful- parental income level. The remaining Butler-Bowdon states Weber makes a you are more likely wealthy because you fillment of rnaterialist objectives, such as 20% is priniarily affected by sex, race, compelling argument that Protestants inherited it. the effective production of goods and the and other variables over which persons made free markets The free increase of societal wealth, is a significant have no control; individual effort has worthy and mor- The free enterprise SyS- enterprise merit for an economic system, but does a very small impact on economic suc- ally just because system has not provide adequate basis for qualifying cess. Even in capitalist societies where "of the spirit of tem has benefited all eco- benefited all capitalism as good and just. The standards there might be a stronger relationship progress; the love economic of what is good and just for an economic between effort and success than exists ofhard work for its nomic classes and man- classes and system should be defined in ethical rather globally, there is no question that fac- tors over which an individual has no own sake; the or- mankind's than purely economic terms. derliness, punctu- kind's leap in innovation, leap in in- The traditional ethical defense ofcapi- control significantly influence his or her life success or lack thereof, economic ality and honesty; novation, talism is on the basis of freedom. Accord- and the belief in a social mobility, and our social mo- ing to Amartya Sen in Development as and otherwise. Although capitalism is higher calling." bility, and Freedom, while efficiency and the ability structured individualistically, in reality, As history tells standard of living. our standard to improve living standards are important the "individuals" who take part in capi- us, the free enter- of living. reasons to maintain free markets, "the talism are shaped by communities. prise system has been the catalyst for On the other hand, collectivist societies more immediate case for the freedom of So am I suggesting that free mar- the greatest strides in innovation, social have stifted innovation, while creating market transaction lies in the basic im- ket capitalism is not good and just? mobility, and the standard of living. In a rigid social mobility, driving down a portance of that freedom itself." Though Perhaps this is not the most relevant a free enterprise system, allocation of lower standard of living. President Ron- we might dispute how freedom should be question. When evaluating capitalism, we must consider it in relation to alter- goods through trade is not an exploita- ald Reagan once said, "Socialists ignore defined or realized, most of us probably tion of buyers by sellers, rather a mu- the side of man that is the spirit, They can agree that freedom is intrinsically valu_ nate economic systems. Other systems tual agreement of value between two provide you shelter, fill your belly with able, and the promotion of freedom is an might come closer to the ideal of the consenting parties. However, many of bacon and beans, treat you when you're acceptable basis for asserting that free good and the just in some regards, but today's liberal-progressives argue free ill, all the things guaranteed to a prisoner market capitalism is "good." there are always tradeoffs. While free enterprise is unethical resulting in a or a slave. They don't understand that we The issue to be explored, then, is to market capitalism cannot be unquali- mal-distribution of wealth. They claim also dream." Similarly, Timothy 1:7 states, what extent the theoretical good of free fiedly characterized as good and just, it markets cause the rich to get richer and "For God hath not given us the spirit of market capitalism-freedom-is actu_ may still be the best alternative. How- the poor to get poorer. However, histo- fear, but of power, and of love, and of a ally realized in capitalist societies. In this ever, we must be careful to recognize ry has shown societies prospered from sound mind." The choice is clear. We context, the attamment of individual free_ the limitations of capitalism so that we free market expansion which created a must continue to dream. * dom will also be my criteria for measuring can be open to pursuit of the good and better standard of living for all income whether the system is just. just through whatever measures may be classes. When President Kennedy cut Perhaps the issue of greatest concern most effective rather than limiting our- taxes for the upper class the economy Joe is ajirst year business and accounting for individual freedom in capitalist so- selves to a single framework. * blossomed. Kennedy remarked, "A ris- major cieties is immense (and growing) wealth Sharon is a senior business major
Two Views is sponsored with the encouragement and funding of the "Values and Capitalism" project of the American Enter- prise Institute in Washington, D.C. and the Hoselton Chair of Private Enterprise and Ethics. DECEMBER 13, 2013 OPINIONS | 7
Disce aut Discede /Death Joy, and Christmastime
say it at Christmas, when can you?" A should be ajoyful holiday. needs to be sacred. Christmas needs groom's best friend confesses his love to A few weeks later, my aunt died. to be changed. Christmas is perfect. the bride, "Just because it's Christmas, and I've since experienced my fair share Christmas is unimportant. at Christmas you tell the truth." A boss of grief. My aunt was the second in a I don't think Christmas is really urges his employee to confess her love to series of deaths either of these her co-worker, because "It's Christmas." of four loved Similar to the inflated per- things. Much is expected at Christmas. Much is ones over the Similar to connoted-people are meant to experience past two years, ception of what a "Christian the inflated love and people are meant to travel to their and marked the perception XVI childhood homes to gather around warm first time that I family" should look like, the of what a hearths and exchange heartfelt gifts with glimpsed, from "Christian loving family members. my stubborn concept of Christmas tra- family" It's a difficult time to have bad place several ·· · should look
memories. rows back at dition Is also far from what like, the The hefty amount of people with the viewing, concept of disjointed families and/or scarring disquietingly real the Christian religion would Christmas --,m* experiences can easily feel marginalized body within a actually call for. tradition 1////WRII] ffid# when the seeming majority is swimming casket. Her death is also far LUKE LAUER in a dream of sugar plums and packages made true for me from what
LYDIA WILSON tied up in string. My parents announced the words that Bruxvoort Lipscomb had the Christian religion would actually their divorce in the fall of my 7th grade shared: Christmas is indeed a season about call for. We started out with the basic Christmas (or Hanukkah or year. Christmas was the last day we were "birthing death." idea for a celebration of Jesus' birth, Kwanzaa etc., but for my purposes ever together as a family. Fortunately, my While this truth may not have always and tacked on pagan practices along Christmas), is fast approaching. School experience has not soured my feelings been apparent to me throughout my life, I the way, partly to aid with evangelical has a tendency to push the holiday to towards the holiday itself as much as it know now that it was the only reality for efforts, partly just for fun. Like the background, but very soon we will could have, and as much as it certainly my mother. At childhood Christmases she Valentine's Day, the holiday is now so be suddenly remembering that we has for others with would ever hang a strongly tied to distorted, Hollywood must buy gifts for parents and siblings similar or worse versions oflove that do more harm than When we arrive small stocking for and best friends before slogging home experiences. my deceased sister good. But Valentine's Day is a simple through December slush. And when we Two years above the fireplace holiday, based primarily on legends and arrive, we will be faced with the reality ago in a chapel home, we will be alongside the rest trivial customs. Christmas is not such a of how we feel about this particular service before faced with the of the family's throwaway holiday. Christmas has roots holiday. Christmas break, larger, teeming that are vitally important to Christian Christmas is associated with joy and Dr. Bruxvoort reality of how we stockings. She beliefs, and it should not be treated in warm fuzzies, and comes with a wildly Lipscomb read her asked that we write the same way. Both overly positive heightened atmosphere, more so than essay "On Death feel about this notes to Baby Jesus and overly negative perspectives on any other holiday in our society. It's m December," and place them in Christmas are too simplified to do it an atmosphere fed by people of many explaining her particular holiday. the stocking, and I justice. different backgrounds-Christians associations never understood I have found great hope in the place exaggerated emphasis on family, between death and Christmas. She listed the connection between my sister and Christmas story of Jesus' birth and love, and giving of oneself, and in three tragic deaths her life that had each Jesus, until two years ago. But for her, and promise, but I have also found great general, everyone focuses on parties, occurred in December, and each involved for Bruxvoort Lipscomb, and for many hope in Bruxvoort Lipscomb's version food, festive dacor, good cheer, and a mother losing a son. Her essay focused others like them, Christmas has always of Christmas, one that takes an honest buying presents-of which consumer on a painting of Madonna and Child by meant something a little different. look at the future of the baby Jesus. culture takes eager advantage. Bellini in which the Christ-child appears It's common for people with Taking both viewpoints together can In the movie Love Actually, a dead, and she pointed out that Christmas contrasting experiences to feel animosity lend to the holiday the depth and dignity compilation romantic comedy set on is, in reality, the celebration of a baby towards one anothen Those who have had that it deserves. Don't cheat yourself the backdrop of the countdown to who was born so that he could eventually mostly pleasant Christmases throughout this Christmas by focusing on only one Christmas, the characters constantly die. She concluded with confession that their lives, as I have, tend to feel that those aspect of your experience. To be sure, use Christmas as both a reason and when she thinks of the births of her own who appear more cynical are putting a Christmas is a time of deep joy, but it is an excuse for their various behaviors. children, she thinks also of their inevitable damper on the Christmas spirit. Those not a holiday to be taken lightly. * A secretary confesses her love to the death. In that moment, it seemed to me an who have not been so fortunate tend to feel Prime Minister, "Because, if you can't unnecessarily morbid distortion of what isolated and misunderstood. Christmas Lvdia is a senior art and writing major
he mission of the We at the Star would like to express our own T Houghton Star is to grief and deepest sympathies with those preserve and promote the mourning the loss of Marina Slavin. In her values of dialogue, transparency 0 and integrity that have memory, we would like to encourage her characterized Houghton College 0 friends, classmates, professors, and those since its inception. This will be that knew her to submit remembrances and 0 done by serving as a medium for the expression of student thought reflections to be published in the January 24, and as a quality publication 2014 issue of the Star. Tributes should be up of significant campus news, to 400 words long and should be sent in by Houghton area news, and events. the first week of classes next semester.
the houghton SARAH HUTCHINSON Editor-in-Chief STEVE MCCORD Digital Media & Web Editor GRETCHEN REEVES News Editor LUKE LAUER Graphics & Photo Editor
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2013-2014 LYDIA WILSON Opinions Editor SUSAN BRUXVOORT LIPSCOMB Faculty Adviser * 8 1 FEATURES DECEMBER 13, 2013
. '..-.-I.I.- - ARTIST OF THE WEEK
R - -I *- 1 1.1 ke. i".7&.4. L 4 =Clk k ..eat, * - /2ZT« 44'2 04«-St U - The Garden Gate, watercolor Dare We to Touch? ceramic LUKE LAUER itt» JANE j STAIRS I'm an art education ma- jor with no concentration media. It is not the mate- rials that motivate me to make art, but the ideas that I can communicate through them. Someday, I aspire to spark this love of ideas in my students. The Water Fountain, watercolor Jane is Junior Art Education Major r The Cafe, watercolor Music Stand, wood CHRISTMAS SUDOKU PHOTO OF THE WEEK: BEST OF THE SEMESTER 2 3 4 1 8 9 10 11 12 13 15 16 5 417 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 U V GOLF 40 41 42 43 GOLF 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 / 68 69 70 71 72 73 © Statepoint Media Last week's winner was: TEIRA HAWKINS! RACHEL WOODWORTH Gone, but never forgotten.