Volume XIII | Issue I | Winter 2014 the IVY LEAG UE CH RISTIAN OBS ERV ER

Love and Fidelity Network Conference Page 6 Nudity Week Organizers Unashamed at Brown Page 15 Loving Justice, Walking Humbly at Columbia Page 20 Cornell Students Serve Their Community Well Page 21 Choose Life at Yale Hosts Inaugural Conference Page 22 ‘Linsanity’ Documentary Chronicles Harvard Alumnus Page 25 Penn Chaplain Compiles Collection Searching for the of Poems Historical Jesus Page 28 New Testament Scholar N. T. Wright Speaks at Princeton’s Veritas Forum Navigators Staffer Serves at Dartmouth in Honor of Late Husband Page 4 Page 34

Brown ■ Columbia ■ Cornell ■ Dartmouth Harvard ■ Penn ■ Princeton ■ Yale Developing Christian Leaders to Transform Culture

The Ivy League Christian Observer is published by the Christian Union, an independent Christian ministry. PRAY WITH US FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHRISTIAN LEADERS WHO WILL TRANSFORM CULTURE

At Christian Union, we are prayerfully seeking God for transformation at Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, Penn, Princeton, and Yale. Each year, thousands of students pass through the halls of these institutions and move out into positions of leadership in our society. Unfortunately, over 90% have had no regular Christian influence in their lives during these critical college years.

Christian Union sends out monthly, campus- specific e-mails that describe the needs of the ministry. E-mails are available for Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, Penn, Princeton, and Yale.

Will you join us and pray regularly for the development of Christian leaders at some of our nation’s leading universities?

To receive Christian Union’s prayer newsletter each month, send an e-mail request to: [email protected]

240 Nassau Street | Princeton, NJ 08542 | 609-688-1700 | www.ChristianUnion.org If youy u longg toto knowknok ow theh mind of God, yyouu must learnleearn toto useusse youry own.owwn.

If you’reyou’re lookingoking forfor truth that can trtransformansfformorm youyourur liflifefee and change the world, devotedevote youryourselfself to diligent, disciplined study of God’s Word.Word. Becausee a ffaithaithi h that’sh ’ trulyl maturmaturee requiresrequires a mind that’s well-infwell-informed.fformed.ormed.

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ATLANTAAATLANTTLANTTAA | CHARLOTTECHARLOTTE | HOUSTONHOUSTON | JACKSONJACKSON | MEMPHISMEMPHIS | ORLANDO | WASHINGTONWWAASHINGTON DC | GLOBALGLOBAL www.rts.eduwww.rts.edu A WORD FROM THE PUBLISHER 240 NASSAU STREET PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY 08542 [email protected] Conditional and Please help us get this magazine into the hands of those who want it. E-mail or write us in order to: Unconditional Grace • pass along the names of fellow Christian alumni, parents, staff, faculty, or friends who “C onditional grace is nearly unintelligible to many would enjoy this quarterly update from the contemporary Christians who assume that uncondi - Ivy League universities. tionality is the essence of all grace.” • update us on any address change you have. —John Piper, Future Grace • be removed from the mailing list.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF othing hinders the western church more than a theological misunderstanding Matt Bennett, Cornell BS ’88, MBA ’89 Nof grace. Much unconditional grace has been poured out on humanity such as the gift of life, or the offer of salvation. However, as Piper discusses at length in his MANAGING EDITOR book, Future Grace , more grace from God is available for the Christian in this life Tom Campisi, College of New Jersey ’88 and the next. This grace often comes with conditions. “Strive for…the holiness without which no SENIOR WRITER one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). “But He gives more grace. Therefore it says, Eileen Scott, Mount St. Mary ’87 ‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’ Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and He will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will FIELD REPORTERS draw near to you” (James 4:6-8). There are many such passages in the New Testa - Luke Foster, Columbia ’15 ment where blessings are promised in response to specific conditions being met. In Brian Zhang, Harvard ’15 James 4, the Christian is promised God’s opposition when he is proud, and God’s fa - Molly Michaels, Yale ’15 vor (or grace) when he is humble. Furthermore, he is promised that God will draw PHOTO EDITOR near to him as he draws near to God, and that the devil will flee when the Christian Pam Traeger resists him. Misunderstanding ensues because Christians confuse conditionality with merit. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Just because something is conditional doesn’t mean it has been earned. All grace Please send us your feedback regarding events from God is unmerited, but not all grace from God is unconditional. Take salvation and topics described in this magazine at the e- as an example. Salvation only comes to those who repent and believe the good news, mail or regular mail address listed above. but salvation is in no way earned by anyone. Similarly, God’s presence and power come to the Christian as he draws near to God, but that doesn’t mean it has been earned. For example, a CEO may offer a job to his nephew as a favor, even though other applicants may be more qualified. Showing up at 6:00 a.m. at the construction site is a condition for the favor of employment, but the nephew has not earned or By God’s power and with the help of other min - merited the job in any way. The CEO has shown him conditional, unmerited grace. istries, the mission of Christian Union is to This is why many of us are fasting and praying for 40 days (see christianunion. change the world by developing Christian lead - org/40days). We are seeking favor from God for our nation, communities, and fam - ers and networking them together to make an ilies as we humble ourselves before Him. He takes great delight in His children when impact for Christ in the larger culture. Matt we expend effort to draw near to Him. This type of effort is a condition for His in - Bennett (Cornell BS ’88, MBA ’89) founded the ministry in 2002 in Princeton, New Jersey. To creased favor, but this does not mean we have earned or merited anything from God. learn more about Christian Union, please visit We are in desperate need of God’s grace across the nation and on the Ivy League www.Christian-Union.org. campuses.

The purpose of The Ivy League Christian Ob - server (this free quarterly magazine) is to in - Yours sincerely in Christ, form Christian alumni, students, parents, staff, faculty, and friends about the spiritual activity at eight of the country’s most influential col - leges, including Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Matthew W. Bennett Dartmouth, Harvard, Penn, Princeton, and Founder and President, Cornell ’88, MBA ’89 Yale. Our desire is that you would be encour - aged to pray for these universities, give finan - cially to Christian initiatives on the campuses, P.S. The Ivy League Christian Observer reports on the programs of Christian Union and use your influence for the cause of Christ. and those of various other Christian organizations. While it is our desire to foster Cover image courtesy of Fortress Press unity, encouragement, and awareness among campus ministries, Christian Union is not an umbrella organization.

2 | The Ivy League Christian Observer TABLE OF CONTENTS

ON CAMPUS INTELLECTUAL ENGAGEMENT 12 THE IVY LEAGUE CONGRESS ON FAITH AND ACTION 4 SEARCHING FOR THE 10 REDEEMING THE GIFT OF Christian Union Will Host Triennial Event HISTORICAL JESUS POWER Scholar N.T. Wright Speaks at Andy Crouch Challenges Leaders in 13 DEVELOPING CHRISTIAN Veritas Forum New Book LEADERS 6 LOVE AND FIDELITY 11 PRODIGAL PRESS Christian Union Expands to Penn, Annual Conference Focuses on Marvin Olasky, Yale ’71, Releases 25th Harvard Law Marriage, Family, and Sexual Integrity Anniversary Edition of Seminal Book 14 EXPOSING PORNOGRAPHY 7 WHO IS JESUS? Events Educate Harvard Community Veritas Forum Presents Jewish, about Misconceptions Muslim, and Christian Perspectives 15 NUDITY WEEK HELD AT BROWN 8 MARRIAGE AND THE SOCIAL Students Feel No Shame in Organizing Event GOOD Ryan Anderson Speaks at Princeton 16 ‘UNCLASSIFIED MUSIC’ University Event Gospel Singer Launches Christian Program on WPRB 9 THE CULTURAL REVOLUTION ON THE COLLEGE CAMPUS 17 ‘WISDOM IS THE PRINCIPAL Why What Happens at Yale THING’ Matters to You 4 Chesterton House Now Offers Accredited Courses

18 THE POWER OF LOVE IN PERSON 34 CONTINUING A LEGACY OF Missionary’s Testimony Inspires Penn DISCIPLESHIP Students 24 A MISSIONAL MINDSET Cindy Benson Takes Position at Michael Oh Leads Lausanne Movement Dartmouth in Honor of Late Husband 15 25 LINSANITY 35 A PRECIOUS OFFERING DVD Chronicles Harvard Player’s Faith, Dartmouth Senior Is Co-Founder of the Rise to Fame Alabaster Group 36 GENERATION NEXT 26 BLAZING A NEW TRAIL Church’s Outreach in Princeton Attracts Faith-Based Organization Forms in Teen Crowd Response to Scouts’ Policy 27 HOME IS WHERE HER HEART IS 21 Alumna Experiences God’s Grace as a Wife, Mother, and Author

28 THE DARK BEFORE DAWN Penn Chaplain Compiles Provocative Collection of Poems

SOCIAL JUSTICE 29 DEFENDING RELIGIOUS FREEDOM Kyle Duncan Is Lead Attorney for Hobby 19 AND JUSTICE FOR ALL Lobby Case Harvard Alumni Correlate Poverty and Violence 30 FAITH, WORK, AND ‘POWER’ Columbia Alumnus Is a Servant Leader 20 LOVING JUSTICE, WALKING at PSEG HUMBLY AT COLUMBIA Students Are Passionate about Serving 31 A CHARTER MEMBER the Poor and Vulnerable Governor Lauds Rhode Island’s Religious DEPARTMENTS Freedom Legacy 21 CARING FOR THE ‘LEAST OF 37 News-in-Brief THESE’ Cornell Students Serve Their 42 The Mission and Vision Community Well ABOUT MINISTRY of Christian Union 22 VITA ET VERITAS 33 A LEADERSHIFT 45 Prayer for the Ivy League Choose Life at Yale Hosts Inaugural Christian Union Hosts Benefit Events in Conference New York and Dallas 47 Ivy League Prayer Needs

Winter 2014 | 3 INTELLECTUAL ENGAGEMENT By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer SEARCHING FOR THE HISTORICAL JESUS Scholar N.T. Wright Speaks at Veritas Forum

The study of Jesus Christ and the far-reaching, immense impact of Christianity is a legitimate topic for study within the academy. That was one of the themes from N.T. Wright when the noted New Testament scholar visited Princeton University during the fall as part of a Veritas Forum en titled, “Searching for the Historical Jesus.” Wright termed it “strange” to suggest Christ is off limits for scholarly inquiry at universities when many other historical figures are not. Rather, by many accounts, no figure in the entire world has influenced recorded history as much as Christ.

During his appearance at Princeton, Wright emphasized that a review of the historical evidence points toward Jesus living, dying, and rising from the dead, as outlined by the New Testament.

4 | The Ivy League Christian Observer In his prolific writings, understanding history it - the longtime academic chal - self.” lenges believers to embrace “If a goal of the university a serious study of Jesus in is to provide a framework a historical context. Schol- and the tools for under - ars and theologians recog - standing the world we live nize Wright, author of in, it seems that the histori - The Challenge of Jesus: cal Jesus and resurrection Rediscovering Who Jesus would be of the utmost im - Was and Is , for providing portance.” a provocative but histori - Among his key points, cally credible portrait of Wright said the accounts Christ. The narrative run - found in the four gospels of ning through Scripture the New Testament show Je - points to Jesus as the fulfill - sus unequivocally believed ment of God’s divine plan to He was the long-promised redeem creation, Wright During a visit to Princeton University, New messiah. Likewise, the Sav - told students when he ap - Testament scholar N.T. Wright told students that ior believed He was estab - peared before a packed au - the life of Jesus Christ is a legitimate topic for lishing God’s kingdom on dience in McCosh Hall on study within the academy. earth via His suffering and November 18. The retired death, an antithetical ap - Anglican bishop spoke at the invitation of Princeton’s proach to one expected by Jewish authorities. Office of Religious Life and several campus ministries, The fulfillment of God’s promise to bring His king - including Aquinas: Catholic Campus Ministry, Athletes dom to earth did not “look like people thought it would In Action, Baptist Student Fellowship, Episcopal look like,” Wright said. Church at Princeton, Faculty Commons, Hallelujah!, As for the central question of whether Jesus rose Lutheran Campus Ministry, Manna Christian Fellow - from the dead three days after He was brutally beaten ship, Orthodox Christian Fellowship, Princeton Evan - and hung on a cross, Wright steadfastly maintained lit - gelical Fellowship, Princeton Faith and Action, eral resurrection is the only conclusion that makes Princeton Graduate Christian Fellowship, Wesley sense in light of historical evidence from the first cen - Foundation at Princeton, and Princeton Presbyterians. tury and beyond. Princeton Faith and Action is a leadership development “Otherwise, it’s very, very difficult to make sense of ministry supported and resourced by Christian Union. Christianity and everything else that took place,” he Wright, a research professor of New Testament and said. Early Christianity at the University of St. Andrews in Wright said he arrived at his conclusion after exam - Scotland, previously taught for 20-plus years at Cam - ining alternative theories, including one that Christ’s bridge, Oxford, and McGill universities. He earned a followers simply experienced postmortem visions of doctor of divinity degree from Oxford University. their teacher. “I tried to examine all of the theories out Mark Catlin, Christian Union’s teaching fellow at there,” he said. Princeton, said Wright drove home the point that con - Other messianic movements of the era quickly faded sideration of Christ’s resurrection belongs in academic away after the demises of their appointed leaders, of - settings. ten from violent causes. “This argument is rooted in the fact that, whether one As students consider the place of Christ in history, is of the Christian faith or not, we all come from a per - Wright told them to avoid the practice of compartmen - spective. No one studies a text from a neutral position. talizing the spiritual arena from academic endeavors. Thus, the Christian and the non-Christian alike bring a Ultimately, Jesus staked His life on His belief He perspective,” Catlin said. “The question is which perspec - was God incarnate. “The one bore the sins of the tive best explains the available evidence.” many,” Wright said. Christ’s resurrection “doesn’t During his appearance at Princeton, Wright empha - make sense in the old world, but as the focal point of sized that a review of the historical evidence points to - the new creation.” ward Jesus living, dying, and rising from the dead, as At Princeton, Catlin said Wright’s appearance has outlined by the New Testament. Such a perspective is opened doors for follow-up conversations with stu - the only convincing explanation for the accounts of Je - dents about the ultimate meaning and implications of sus and the rise of early Christianity, Catlin said. If the Christ’s resurrection. “Many students who brought resurrection is true, “then this event changes history it - friends reported their friends were now thinking self. It makes the resurrection and historical Jesus not deeply about Christianity in ways they had not previ - only a viable option for study, but the starting point for ously,” said Catlin. ■

Winter 2014 | 5 INTELLECTUAL ENGAGEMENT By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer LOVE AND FIDELITY Annual Conference at Princeton Focuses on Marriage, Family, and Sexual Integrity

The long-term impact of falling philosopher Matthew O’Brien, Princeton be on the verge of shrinking – just like I fertility rates can wreak havoc ’03, explained how the issues surround - counterparts in Europe and Asia. If popu - ALL IVY upon a country’s economic sta - ing the redefinition of marriage are criti - lation trends in the United States continue bility. cal to university culture. Likewise, to taper, the nation could resemble the Rather than experiencing doomsday Jennifer Marshall, director of domestic present demographics of Florida by 2035. scenarios of overpopulation, many coun - policy studies at The Heritage Founda - “You wind up having all sorts of really tries, instead, are confronting economic tion, addressed students about their role problematic macroeconomic stuff going stagnation because of declining popula - in shaping the future of the national mar - on when you have a very old population,” tions of younger workers and, subse - riage debate. Last told students. quently, consumers. The lineup included columnist Mona Along those lines, world-class economies That was one of the messages offered Charen, Columbia ’79, who encouraged depend upon people ages 20 to 40 to drive by Jonathan Last, a senior writer at The students to return dignity to a culture technological innovation and commercial Weekly Standard, during the sixth-an - marred by betrayal. In addition, econo - expansion. Young adults tend to be more nual Sexuality, Integrity, and the Univer - mist Catherine Pakaluk, Penn ’98, Har - risk tolerant and aggressive with business sity conference in November at Princeton vard Ph.D. ’10, probed the role of prospects than their greying counterparts. University. contraceptives in shaping American cul - Some 97 percent of the world’s popula - tion lives in countries where fertility rates are heading south, Last said. A host of factors are contributing to de - clining fertility rates. Most of the elements are central to the culture of modernity, in - cluding increased urbanization, greater access to birth control, the emergence and prevalence of cohabitation, delayed mar - riage, higher divorce rates, and skyrocket - ing college indebtedness. Also in play are lower infant mortality rates, as well as flat middle-class wages and the lingering re - cession in the United States. Of particular relevance, Last told stu - Students from 35 colleges, including five Ivy League universities, attended the dents to be aware that higher college at - sixth-annual Sexuality, Integrity and the University conference in November at tainment usually translates into lower Princeton University. fertility rates. While many young adults embrace the so-called “success se - Approximately 260 students, alumni, ture, and scholar and social scientist Dr. quence,” the biological window for repro - and faculty from 35 colleges across the Jason Carroll explored the costs and ben - duction remains fairly fixed. United States attended the weekend con - efits of delayed marriage. Last pointed to input from some re - ference, which focused on issues related As for Last, the author of What to Ex - searchers who blame self-absorption for to marriage, family, and sexual integrity. pect When No One’s Expecting, warned declining fertility rates. They noted a Attendees included 50 students from Co - that residents of Western societies are trend among young adults to be more lumbia, Dartmouth, Harvard, Princeton, having too few babies, a fate as sobering self-centered and less connected to their and Yale universities. as the threats of overcrowding. families and larger societal duties. The Love and Fidelity Network, which Statistics from around the globe show Along related lines, Carroll, a professor provides training to collegiate chastity or - population growth has been slowing for at Brigham Young University, urged stu - ganizations, hosted the conference. Chris - two generations and suggest the world’s dents to consider the benefits of estab - tian Union served as a co-sponsor. The population will begin shrinking within the lishing a family as they make critical Love and Fidelity Network (www.love - next 50 years. Fewer young people means decisions impacting their young-adult andfidelity.org) was founded by Cassan - a smaller pool of wage-earners to produce years. He warned students against buying dra Hough, Princeton ’07. Hough, the resources and support the entitlement into the cultural mantras urging them to organization’s senior adviser, launched programs securing the elderly, he said. sow their wild oats while in their 20s. the Anscombe Society (blogs.princeton. Minus the wave of immigration the “You’re not getting anything out of your edu/Anscombe) at Princeton in 2005. United States has experienced over the system,” he said. Rather than focusing Among the speakers, scholar and last three decades, the nation also would upon themselves, Carroll told students to

6 | The Ivy League Christian Observer concentrate on the needs of others. While older marriages generally fare exceed the disadvantages, though many Also during Carroll’s session exploring better than their younger counterparts, singles associate marriage with losses, issues with delayed marriage, he told stu - couples who wed in their 30s and beyond such as deprivations of freedom, Carroll dents the average age for first-time mar - often struggle with issues tied to rigidity said. Nonetheless, marriage usually riages is reaching historical highs, even and handling transitions. translates into better economic, health, pushing past 30 in some urban areas. Overall, the benefits of marriage often and mental stability. ■

By Luke Foster, Columbia ’15 WHO IS JESUS? Veritas Forum Presents Jewish, Muslim, and Christian Perspectives

The central question of Mark’s room to hear Christian Union Ministry said things like “Take up your cross and C Gospel comes in Chapter 8, Fellow Jesse Peterson present on historic follow me.” But, Peterson went on to ar - COLUMBIA verse 27: “Who do you say that I Christianity’s understanding of Jesus as gue, “If Jesus really is Lord, that initial in - am?” Jesus is a category-breaker, He’s the Messiah and fulfillment of God’s Old convenience which turns our whole lives deeply unsettling, and He forces everyone Testament promises to Israel. Sarit Kat - around actually situates us in the only He meets to rethink. And that insistent tan-Gribetz, research fellow at the Jewish path that makes any sense of the world.” question, demanding that readers of the Theological Seminary, As the conversation Gospel accounts make a choice, has responded to Peterson’s evolved through Kattan- reverberated down through the ages. C.S. presentation with a his - Gribetz and Diagne’s Lewis based his famous Liar, Lunatic, Lord torical overview of Ju - presentations, it ulti - trilemma on it. Flannery O’Connor, in her daism’s decision to view mately emphasized com - short story, “A Good Man Is Hard to Find,” Jesus as yet another monalities in Muslim, portrays a convict who’s felt the radical messianic pretender of Jewish, and Christian power of Christ’s call more deeply than the the first century. Colum - theology and down - superficially religious people he confronts: bia Philosophy Professor played the radical Chris - Souleymane Diagne then tian claim that the “Jesus was the only One that ever expounded on the Qu’ran’s Creator has been re - raised the dead,” The Misfit contin - portrayal of Jesus as a vealed in the form of a ued, “and He shouldn’t have done it. great but merely human carpenter from Nazareth. He’s thrown everything off balance. prophet. The lively question and If He did what He said, then it’s The event was the first answer session focused nothing for you to do but throw away of its kind at Columbia, a on the question of his - everything and follow Him, and if He remarkable opportunity torical truth. Peterson didn’t, then it’s nothing for you to do for genuine truth-seeking had argued that whether but enjoy the few minutes you got left conversation among be - Christian Union Ministry or not the Gospels pres - the best way you can—by killing lievers in the three Abra - Fellow Jesse Peterson ent an accurate por - somebody or burning down his hamic religions. Peterson presented the Christian trayal of the historical house or doing some other meanness gave a compelling analysis perspective at the Veritas man, Jesus matters to him. No pleasure but meanness,” of Jesus’ claims in the Forum’s “Who Is Jesus?” deeply for faith. Profes - event. he said and his voice had become al - Gospel of Mark and chal - sor Diagne, however, most a snarl. lenged his hearers—as stated that personal be - Lewis challenged his readers in Mere lief and historical fact do not have to be On November 18, the Veritas Forum Christianity —to look beyond the superfi - interconnected. presented that question to the Columbia cial image of Jesus as a good teacher. The Simply having the conversation and a campus community. “Who Is Jesus? A religious authorities of Jesus’ own day cer - willingness to listen to each other’s teach - Jew, a Christian, and a Muslim Examine tainly understood that His claims, if false, ings about the person of Jesus was deeply Their Sacred Texts” brought Columbia/ amounted to blasphemy. meaningful for all three religious commu - Barnard Hillel (the center for Jewish stu - Peterson acknowledged the radical dis - nities. Over 20 students stayed for more dent life) and the Columbia Muslim Stu - comfort that taking Jesus seriously pres - than an hour after the question and an - dents Association into conversation with ents for all of us, whatever we believe in. swer session was over, conversing, snack - campus ministries about the identity of Like O’Connor’s misfit, some people have ing, and fervently expressing a desire for Jesus of Nazareth. a hard time feeling comfortable with a more events like this to address tough Over 100 students packed into a class - carpenter-prophet from Nazareth who questions with rigor, yet respect. ■

Winter 2014 | 7 INTELLECTUAL ENGAGEMENT By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer MARRIAGE AND THE SOCIAL GOOD Ryan Anderson Speaks at Princeton University Event

Marriage between a man and a same-sex marriage in California. tionship between a man and woman and P woman is something that is However, in a sign that neither victory as a union with the capacity to create and PRINCETON natural and built into the cre - was complete for gay rights, the high nurture children. “Gay marriage” ac - ative order; it’s also an issue of social jus - court did not address the validity of the tivists, however, assert that marriage is tice when it comes to what’s best for gay-marriage bans in California and other essentially an emotional, amorous bond children, according to Princeton Univer - states. Likewise, a provision of the federal between two people. sity alumnus Ryan Anderson. Nonetheless, Anderson contends if Anderson ’04 appeared before a same-sex couples marry simply because large audience in Princeton’s Mc - they are in a loving, supportive relation - Cosh Hall on October 17 at the in - ship, there is little reason the government vitation of The Anscombe Society, should not also recognize marriages be - a student organization at Prince - tween three or four people. ton University “dedicated to af - For Anderson, committed, exclusive firming the importance of the marriage requires special legal status, one family, marriage, and a proper un - bestowed in the best interests of children. derstanding for the role of sex and The arguments in support of redefining sexuality.” marriage fail and usher in social conse - The Heritage Foundation fellow quences, he said. has been a vocal proponent of Despite pleas for “marriage equality,” marriage, co-filing an amicus brief Americans need to pause to consider what with the U.S. Supreme Court after specific components of marriage make it a it agreed to hear twin cases tied to protected, privileged union ideally suited the federal Defense of Marriage for the nurturing of children. “Social jus - Act and California’s Proposition 8, tice requires telling the truth about mar - which barred same-sex couples riage, especially for children,” he said. from state-sanctioned matrimony. For Anderson, marriage “unites the Anderson, a doctoral candidate spouses comprehensively. There is a bod - at Notre Dame, is the co-author of ily connection,” he said. “The action that What Is Marriage? Man and unites husband and wife is the act that Woman: A Defense , along with Commentator, author, and Princeton creates new life. They are raising new life Princeton University Professor University alumnus Ryan Anderson ’04 spoke to participate in human good.” Robert George, Harvard Theology at his alma mater to address the issues At a practical level, Anderson told listen - ’81, Law ’81, and Sherif Girgis, associated with the definition of marriage. ers to consider the long-term impact of re - Princeton ’08, a doctoral candi - vamping the definition of marriage upon date at Princeton and law student at Yale marriage law allowing states not to recog - communities. “Why is the state in the mar - University. nize same-sex unions from elsewhere re - riage business?” he asked, rhetorically. In response to Anderson’s appearance mained in place. Parenting is not carried out under ab - on campus, a few dozen members of As for Anderson, the Washington, D.C. stract conditions but, rather, under chal - Princeton’s LGBT community gathered resident told students Western tradition, lenging ones, Anderson said. outside McCosh for a protest. Most car - from Aristotle to Plato, is built on the “Children deserve a mother and father. ried placards from the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey reading: Marriage Equality . “Social justice requires telling the truth As well, the protestors challenged An - derson with tough queries during a lively, about marriage, especially for children.” impassioned Q and A session that was marked by the presence of officers from —Ryan Anderson, Princeton ’04 the university’s police force. Anderson’s appearance at Princeton framework of marriage existing between It produces optimal social outcomes,” he came nearly four months after the U.S. husband and wife, in part, because of the said. “Children do best with both a Supreme Court struck down a provision requisite physical bond. mother and a father.” of the Defense of Marriage Act and Anderson maintains a traditional view Likewise, Anderson cited research cleared the way for the resumption of of marriage as a “comprehensive” rela - showing gender-differentiated parenting

8 | The Ivy League Christian Observer produces better outcomes. Such studies study of children raised by same-sex cou - For Anderson, the legal status of mar - “disavow notions that mommies make ples preliminarily echoes those results, riage remains an issue of social justice, good daddies and vice versa,” he said. suggesting higher sexual activity and in - one aimed at promoting stable, healthy Anderson also pointed to research creased depression for such individuals. environments for children. showing myriad disadvantages for chil - The gold standard for parenting rests “Marriage is a personal relationship dren raised in homes with single, cohabi - with married couples raising their off - that has giant social consequences,” he tating adults or stepparents. At least one spring, Anderson told Princeton students. said. ■

By Dr. Albert Mohler THE CULTURAL REVOLUTION ON THE COLLEGE CAMPUS Why What Happens at Yale Matters to You

Editor’s note: The following culture—the broadcast networks, dren may or may Y story originally appeared on newspapers, the legal and many not attend one of YALE Dr. Mohler’s blog at www.al - other professions, Hollywood, book the most presti - bertmohler.com. Reprinted with permis - publishing, and, most important, the gious colleges in sion. Dr. Mohler is the president of the massive, insensate, crush-every - the nation. But in Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. thing-in-your-path mega-glacier almost any other known as the U.S. federal bureau - institution they Dr. Albert Mohler Several years ago, sociologist Peter cracy—and even more important will study under professors who want to Berger argued that secularization has than that, the education establish - be associated with (or eventually hired been most pervasive in two social loca - ment charged with indoctrinating by) one of those elite institutions. Excep - tions—Western Europe and the American our children from kindergarten up. tions to this pattern are rare, and the in - college and university campus. The cam - fluence of these elite schools extends puses of elite educational institutions are That’s why it matters to you. And that’s throughout the culture at large. among the most thoroughly secularized how the future direction of the culture is David Gelernter is in a position to places on our planet. This should concern anyone with an interest in higher educa - tion, of course. But it really matters to “The campuses of elite educational every American—or at least it should. A wonderful and concise explanation of institutions are among the most why this is so was provided in the pages thoroughly secularized places on our of The Weekly Standard last fall by David Gelernter, a professor of computer sci - planet. This should concern anyone with ence at Yale University. In the course of making a proposal for the “reclamation” an interest in higher education, of of higher education, Professor Gelernter wrote this very important paragraph: course. But it really matters to

Since the cultural revolution culmi - every American—or at least it should.” nating in the 1970s, the left has run nearly all of the nation’s most influ - set by the current culture of the elite col - know. After all, he is a professor at Yale. ential, prestigious universities. leges and universities. Many parents are As he makes clear, what happens at Yale Their alumni, in turn, run American unaware of how this happens. Their chil - doesn’t stay at Yale. ■

Winter 2014 | 9 INTELLECTUAL ENGAGEMENT By Eileen Scott, Senior Writer REDEEMING THE GIFT OF POWER Andy Crouch Challenges Leaders in New Book

While Lord Acton may have be - “The creation is waiting for the return While it has implications for politics C lieved “absolute power cor - for true image bearing that would cause and all institutions, it is not a Republican CORNELL rupts absolutely,” author Andy the whole cosmos to flourish,” he said. or Democrat issue; rather, Gerson said, it Crouch, Cornell ‘89, believes that power “True image bearing would lead not to di - is an issue of social justice. can create beautifully. minishing, but to flourishing, and cre - “As soon as you start reading this book, Crouch is the executive editor of Chris - ation groans for this kind of power to be you’re hearing a wise, balanced, sophisti - tianity Toda y and the author of a new exercised.” cated distinctive voice,” Gerson said. book, Playing God: Redeeming the Gift Crouch’s emphasized the good that can Crouch and Gerson spent part of the of Powe r. This fall, he spoke about the come from power well used, as it leads to evening taking questions. In response to a book during “An Evening Con - question about how to guide versation with Andy Crouch and young people of influence, Mike Gerson” at the National especially “strivers,” Crouch Press Club in Washington, D.C. referred to his experience as Gerson, a columnist with the a former campus minister Washington Post, was a speech - with InterVarsity at Har - writer and advisor to President vard. George W. Bush, Yale ’68 and At Harvard, Crouch said Harvard MBA ’75. he saw three kinds of stu - The talks, co-sponsored by dents: “legacies,” who as - The Trinity Forum and Inter - sumed they should be there; Varsity Press, were presented as “strivers,” who walked with part of Pepperdine University’s their heads down, oblivious School of Public Policy lecture to the beauty around them, series, “The Moral Sense in Pol - A new book by Andy Crouch, Cornell ’89, extols the creative and solely focused on suc - itics and Policy.” element of power. cess; and “children of Crouch shared the fundamen - grace,” students with an tal message from his book that amazing sense of delight power is a gift from God to His image a flourishing that multiplies and edifies. and surprise. To children of grace, Crouch bearers on earth. Power, he purported, is To test one’s use of power, Crouch sug - said, “their whole experience was a gift.” about creation and not coercion. How - gests asking questions such as: “When I The challenge inherent in rescuing the ever, it is a gift that is often misunder - use whatever power I’ve been given, does strivers, Crouch said, is that striving is stood, even by those who possess it. it deepen relationships?” “Does my use of working well for them. “Most idols work Many people of power prefer eu - power balance vulnerability and author - really well for a while,” he said, “The most phemisms like influence because of the ity?” “Does my power make escalating de - powerful (ones) work for a long time.” negative connotations attached to the mands of others, exploiting others, or And so, in the heart of the nation’s cap - word, contends Crouch. Through his lasting abundance?” “Does my power lead ital, where abuse of power is often mani -

“We are to bear His image in the world. What it means to be a true image bearer of God is go to the heart of systems of idolatry and show there is another way of holding power.” —Andy Crouch, Cornell ’89 book, he encourages the powerful to see to flourishing or mere affluence?” fest in selfish pursuits, Crouch spoke themselves differently. “Andy proposes to tame and direct power about redirecting the way God’s gift is Referring to the words of the Apostle with character and the spiritual disciplines; perceived and encouraged attendees, and Paul, Crouch reminded attendees that “the and that is deeply, personally challenging to readers alike, to embrace their power as whole creation is groaning for the reveal - those of us in Washington and anyone who image bearers and impact the culture ing of the sons of God” (Romans 8:22). reads his book,” said Gerson. with flourishing. ■

10 | The Ivy League Christian Observer By Eileen Scott, Senior Writer PRODIGAL PRESS Marvin Olasky, Yale ’71, Releases 25th Anniversary Edition of Groundbreaking Book

A quarter century ago, Marvin ously absent from the stories. Told from a true,” Olasky writes. Y Olasky wrote Prodigal Press: liberal perspective, the news feed left out Olasky calls it “journalistic humility,” YALE Confronting the Anti-Christian some of the hard and, at times, uncomfort - which attempts to convey God’s perspective, Bias of the American News Media . Last able fiscal, moral, and ethical facts. rather than give readers what they want to year, with the help of journalist and col - In an interview with BreakPoint, Olasky hear: “We distinguish between issues on league Warren Smith, Olasky, Yale ’71, re - recalled how he slanted articles in the which the Bible is clear and those on which leased the 25th anniversary, revised Boston Globe 40 years ago. A former it isn’t. We also distinguish between jour - edition of the book, which contin - nalism and propaganda: we’re not ues to remain relevant, even in a willing to lie because someone thinks vastly different media world. it will help God’s cause.” “When Prodigal Press came out In the BreakPoint interview, in 1988, it was a seminal book and Olasky also noted that Christian had a huge impact on a generation journalism needs to reflect the “infi - of young Christian journalists,” said nitely interesting” world the Lord Smith. “But in the past 25 years, created. While reporting ought to much has happened. Cable news be done from a Christian world - has proliferated. The Internet has view, it should also be shared in an dramatically changed both the entertaining and arresting way. news and the advertising environ - That means also engaging the tech - ment. Satellite and Internet radio nology, but also being mindful of has tens of millions of daily listen - “the devil in the electronics.” ers in the U.S. alone.” “Talented Christians now, per - Olasky is editor-in-chief of Marvin Olasky, Yale ’71, (pictured) and Warren Cole haps for the first time in the elec - WORLD Magazine and the Distin - Smith released a revised edition of Prodigal Press: tronic age, have the opportunity to guished Chair in Journalism and Confronting the Anti-Christian Bias of the American show on television the extent of Public Policy at Patrick Henry Col - News Media. Christ’s lordship on public-policy lege, while Smith is vice-president questions and in every aspect of of WORLD News Group and the associate member of the Communist Party USA, life,” write Olasky and Smith. publisher at WORLD Magazine. In Prodi - Olasky wrote about class warfare from a The authors also share the good and the gal Press, they reveal the bias within biased perspective. bad of the secular and Christian media. mainstream media, and also call out “The editors loved it,” Olasky said. “As a Even going back to biblical times, they Christian journalists who play P.T. Bar - member of the Communist Party, I had no show where biblical P.R. went wrong and num for God. The revised version takes problem working for the Boston Globe .” where pure “godly relations” prevailed. cultural and technological changes into But that doesn’t mean that now, as a Christian journalism is a vocation that can have a profound impact, whether it’s done well or poorly, they say. “Over the past quarter-century, I’ve learned “God does have a preferred medium: more about the importance of offering salt, the Word,” write Olasky and Smith. And how that Word is incorporated and how not sugar. We print what we believe to be words are used to reflect what is true makes all the difference in what the cul - true, not what we’d like to be true.” ture ultimately comes to know about the events and issues of the day. —Marvin Olasky, Yale ’71 “If Christians are willing to report faithfully that God is sovereign, that Sa - account and includes an appendix itemiz - Christian journalist, Olasky thinks the pen - tan is active but under control, that man ing examples of media bias year-by-year dulum needs to swing fully in the opposite pursues evil by nature but can be trans - from 1988 to the present. direction. What he purports is writing and formed, and that God does answer A few years ago, Olasky and interns at reporting in a way that tells the whole truth. prayers in the way that is best for our WORLD sifted through Associated Press “Over the past quarter-century, I’ve growth in grace—then, with God’s grace, articles on current events, and noted how learned more about the importance of of - Christians will have the most insightful the views of conservatives, and Christian fering salt, not sugar. We print what we and exciting news publications and pro - conservatives in particular, were conspicu - believe to be true, not what we’d like to be grams in the United States.” ■

Winter 2014 | 11 ON CAMPUS By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer THE IVY LEAGUE CONGRESS ON FAITH AND ACTION Christian Union Will Host Triennial Event in New Haven, Connecticut

At first glance, Baroness Caro - policies for orphaned and abandoned ings have galvanized students to consider line Cox appears an unlikely children in the former Soviet Union. their faith as they contemplate career de - candidate to traverse the globe Other keynote ILCFA speakers include cisions and options for Christian service. as a tireless campaigner for human rights Charles Gilmer (Penn ’81), president of The “What has been particularly meaningful and advocate for persecuted Christians. Impact Movement, Inc.; author Ken El - at congresses in the past has been the However, the former deputy speaker of dred; and Nick Nowalk, a Christian Union oppor tunity for students to interact with the House of Lords and grandmother has teaching fellow at Harvard University. Christians who are accomplished in their crisscrossed jungles, deserts, and moun - Gilmer and his wife Rebecca Gilmer, fields of study,” Weiss said. “The Apostle tains in her quests to investigate Paul encouraged first-century churches to oppression and alert the political find men and women worthy of imitation elite of the United Kingdom and as they faithfully imitated Christ.” beyond to the neglected casualties The ILCFA (www.ilcfa.org) will feature of far-flung war zones. panel discussions involving believers who In March, Baroness Cox will labor in the arts, business, and education serve as a keynote speaker for the sectors. It also will spotlight professionals Ivy League Congress on Faith and from the academy, finance, government, Action. Christian Union is hosting law, and medicine as well as figures from the triennial event from March 28 the media, ministry, science, and other are - to 30 at the Omni New Haven Hotel nas. in New Haven, Connecticut. “We’re trying to be as comprehensive as Since 2008, the Ivy League we can be. College is a launching pad. Even - Congress on Faith and Action tually, the students will leave us. We want (ILCFA) has attracted students them to think about who they are going to from across the Ancient Eight for a be in the future,” said Teal McGarvey, a weekend of world-class speakers, The 2011 Ivy League Congress on Faith and Christian Union ministry fellow at Harvard. dynamic prayer and worship, and Action in Cambridge, Massachusetts featured In addition, the congress will showcase peer interaction. keynote speakers, ministry leaders, and performances from a gospel choir, prayer “Good things happen when panelists who challenged 380 students to gatherings and seminars on the seeking- Christians from the Ivy League set serve God wholeheartedly in college and in God lifestyle, pro-life causes, and cultural aside a weekend to seek God collec - their future vocations. transformation. tively,” said Don Weiss, Christian Ryan Anderson (Princeton ’04), a so - Union’s ministry director at Harvard. Penn ’80, launched Impact, Cru’s sister cial commentator, will lead a presenta - “Over the years, we’ve seen students ministry for African-American students tion on traditional views of marriage. The deeply challenged and strengthened in (www.impactmovement.com), in 2002. Heritage Foundation fellow is the co-au - their faith, inspired to radical, true disci - Reaching African-American college stu - thor of What Is Marriage? Man and pleship, and grateful for the opportunity dents has been the passion of Charles Woman: A Defense and a doctoral candi - to network with peers and professionals.” Gilmer since his undergraduate days at date at University of Notre Dame. A highlight of the event will center on Penn, where he studied applied science. Likewise, John Paul Jackson, an inter - an appearance by Cox. After graduation, he joined Cru over an national minister and author from Texas, The founder of the Humanitarian Aid offer from IBM. Today, Impact has will give a talk on modern supernatural Relief Trust has endured a steady diet of touched more than 20,000 African- manifestations. danger in the pursuit of advocacy for the American participants, and has a pres - Ultimately, congress organizers say world’s traumatized and hungry. In par - ence on about 70 college campuses. they want to equip and motivate students ticular, Cox champions the causes of per - Eldred, an author, philanthropist, and to transform the cultures of their cam - secuted Christians, whose plight often is founder of Ariba Technologies and Inmac puses and future vocational spheres. neglected by the mainstream media. Corp., has researched the impact of busi - “The point is essentially that we would The globetrotter’s missions have taken ness leaders around the world on the eco - be casting a vision for what God is doing her to myriad battlegrounds, including nomic, social, and spiritual fronts of and wants to do in and through students ones in Sudan, Nigeria, and Uganda. As developing nations. He also established who graduate from the Ivy League,” said well, the unconventional baroness has Living Stones Foundation, and he serves McGarvey. visited North Korea to help to promote as chairman of the advisory board to “We want them to think about the next parliamentary initiatives and medical Parakletos Ventures. step – how they will operate in their voca - programs. She also has pushed to revamp Congress organizers say past gather - tions as Christians.” ■

12 | The Ivy League Christian Observer By Eileen Scott, Senior Writer DEVELOPING CHRISTIAN LEADERS Christian Union Expands to Penn, Harvard Law

This summer, Christian Union Supply Company. At Harvard Law, the leadership devel - launched leadership develop - Cunningham received his M.Div. from opment ministry is led by Jim Garretson ment ministries at the Univer - Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and Jared Wortman. The men arrived on sity of Pennsylvania and Harvard Law where he also worked with at-risk youth campus in August and began meeting stu - School. and served as a mentor with several or - dents, hosting welcoming events, and With the addition of an undergraduate ganizations in the area. leading Bible courses for students at the ministry at Penn, Christian Union now “Our goal is to develop men and women world’s preeminent law school. resources and supports leadership devel - with the fervent faith, excellent leader - Garretson, Christian Union’s director of opment ministries at seven of the eight ship training, and strategic positioning to ministry at Harvard Law, earned a mas - Ivy League universities—Columbia, Cor - impact culture for Christ, here on campus ter’s degree and M.Div. from Regent Col - nell, Dartmouth, Harvard, Penn, Prince - and, God willing, out in the wider cul - lege and also holds a doctoral degree in ton, and Yale—and plans are being made ture,” said Mills. homiletics from Westminster Seminary. for a potential launch at An ordained minister, he Brown in 2014. previously taught at Knox In August, a successful Theological Seminary. Gar - outreach to incoming fresh - retson’s academic research, men began at Penn with a much of which has been series of welcoming events. published, has focused on In the fall semester, 31 the influence of Princeton freshmen were enrolled in Theological Seminary. four Christian Union Bible Wortman, a Christian Courses. Those Bible courses Union ministry fellow, holds are led by Justin Mills (Penn a Master of Theological ’05), Christian Union’s di - Studies from the Divinity rector of ministry at Penn, School at Duke University, and John Cunningham, a and was a teaching minister Christian Union ministry and an invited presenter for fellow. the Society of Biblical Liter - The highly credentialed ature and the American Christian Union ministry Academy of Religion. faculty at Penn and Harvard The goal of the law school Law will play a vital role in Justin Mills (Penn ’05), Christian Jim Garretson, Christian ministry, according to Gar - advancing Christian Union’s Union’s director of ministry at Union’s director of ministry at retson, is “to graduate lead - vision to match students’ in - the University of Pennsylvania Harvard Law School ers who would be a tellectual vigor with its rig - Christian influence and orous, four-year proprietary curriculum “We have much to thank God for in our transform the culture.” He emphasized and exceptional, spiritually mature min - first semester of ministry at Penn. Stu - the impact the law school has already had istry faculty mentors. dents are enrolled across four Bible on the nation, noting the number of Mills was a member of Cru while a stu - courses to study scripture intensively in a Supreme Court Justices, U.S. presidents, dent at Penn, and served as an intern with setting that fosters intimacy, accountabil - and government leaders who have all the ministry after graduation, working at ity, and practical application. In addition, graduated from Harvard Law. Penn and Princeton. He then spent seven we have been received on campus with a “Harvard is a very influential school, years honing his business acumen while sense of partnership by other Christian with students who go on to become inter - consulting at Accenture and managing ministries, as well as the Chaplaincy at national and world leaders,” said Garret - various departments at McMaster-Carr Penn.” son. ■ “Our goal is to develop men and women with the fervent faith, excellent leadership training, and strategic positioning to impact culture for Christ..." —Justin Mills, Penn '05

Winter 2014 | 13 ON CAMPUS By Eileen Scott, Senior Writer EXPOSING PORNOGRAPHY Events Educate Harvard Community about Misconceptions

While Sex Week at Harvard cott called the timing of WRAP fortuitous, themselves, “Should I be doing this?” H promoted tolerance and the and believes it helped organizers make “The first step was to make people real - HARVARD “exploration of diverse and their point. ize that our viewpoint is legitimate, varied sexual activity,” another group of Brewer’s message of “True Manhood in widely held, and worth consideration,” students simultaneously held events that an Age of Empty Indulgence” resonated said Jones. sought to warn the campus community with sophomore Todd Jones, the student Not surprisingly, campus response to about the dangers and misconceptions of organizer of the event. the event was less than generous, with pornography. “His talk revolved around an ideal of only marginal coverage in the campus White Ribbon Against Pornography virtue, and the way in which today’s con - newspaper, The Harvard Crimson. Week (WRAP) was sponsored by the Har - ception of manhood has corrupted that “We had a little bit of ‘official’ coverage vard Catholic Student Asso ciation ideal,” said Jones. on campus, but it was largely negative,” (www.harvardcatholic. org), the Anscombe Both Westcott and Jones also see the said Jones. “Individual students’ re - Society (harvardcollegeanscombesoci - corruption of virtue through pornography sponses, however, varied from scorn to ety.wordpress.com), The Knights of at Harvard, as it is on many college cam - excited support.” Columbus at Harvard (harvardknights. puses. In The Harvard Crimson article, the blogspot.com), and Harvard College Faith “Harvard is just as awash in pornogra - writer refers to the Anscombe Society’s and Action (www.harvardfaithandac - phy and other harmful sexual practices as “long and strange history of pretending tion.com), a leadership development any campus,” said Westcott. that it is fundamentally acting in women’s ministry supported and re - interests,” and describes sourced by Christian Union. WRAP week as having “pat WRAP is a nationwide regurgitations of conserva - event organized by Morality tive norms.” in Media and cosponsored However, to those who by hundreds of groups. see opposition to pornog - “Pornography corrodes raphy as conservative or one’s ability to see the other oppressive, Jones says, it’s as [another human being],” actually just the opposite. said Fr. Matt Westcott, “Pornography can be as Catholic Chaplain at Har - addictive to some people vard. “It leaves one unable to as hard drugs, and no ad - love and promotes a selfish diction can claim to be a worldview that ultimately beacon of sexual freedom. leaves one completely iso - In short, I challenge those lated. It is certainly not people to quit. If they harmless. It destroys even can’t, then what was the Father Matt Westcott, Catholic Chaplain at Harvard, and Todd Jones the possibility of full rela - true source of oppression ’16 played key roles in the White Ribbon Against Pornography event tionships and a healthy sex - all along? If they succeed, at Harvard. ual life within marriage.” then they’ll see for them - WRAP at Harvard offered selves how much happier a week full of events, including the Jones said that there is “almost an as - they become.” screening of the documentary Out of sumption” that most people view pornog - Both Westcott and Jones cite the heal - Darkness, which tells of a former porn raphy on campus and knows men who ing power and forgiveness that comes star’s journey to Christ, and presentations have found themselves in an addictive from Jesus Christ as a source of freedom by speakers such as Dr. Peter Kreeft, an grip. from pornography, which can be isolating author and professor of philosophy at “A solid majority of people our age, for those burdened with it. Boston College; Dr. Anthony Esolen particularly men, engage in pornography “Faith in Christ can be the powerful re - (Harvard ’81), an author and professor of with at least some degree of regularity,” minder of solidarity that a pornography English at Providence College; and Har - said Jones. “It’s prevalent, it’s damaging, addict needs,” said Jones. “The solution vard alumnus Michael Brewer ’07, a for - and, for whatever reason, people don’t to pornography is solidarity, and faith is mer supervisor of young adult outreach give it the concern it deserves.” the best place to turn when fighting that for the Knights of Columbus. WRAP offered time to raise the con - fight.” While not specifically scheduled to co - cern, not by promoting any specific mes - Additionally, Westcott says that Jesus incide with Sex Week at Harvard, West - sage, rather by inviting students to ask stands ready to forgive. “There is no sin

14 | The Ivy League Christian Observer more powerful than His mercy. Christ will sue—or even a Protestant issue. However, likely than your average group of Ameri - provide the grace one needs to live as He in the absence of secular concern over the cans to support—not merely to tolerate— calls. There is always hope,” he said. matter, Jones says, he and his peers are pornography on an intellectual basis,” he While the majority of the sponsoring ready to take a stand against the perva - said. “Nobody else seems willing to rep - organizations were Catholic, Wescott and sive nature of pornography. resent the alternative viewpoint, at least Jones note that this is not a Catholic is - “Harvard students are much more publicly, so that task has fallen to us.” ■

By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer NUDITY WEEK HELD AT BROWN Students Feel No Shame in Organizing Event

A week-long celebration of nu - ets, very intentionally and to understand jects as sexual creatures. B dity at Brown University at - and respect the purpose of the space,” “Pornography and nudity week support BROWN tempted to combat issues with they wrote to Huffington . being looked at, not being seen,” Owens body image via a slate of unusual activi - Activities during the week included: said. ties. unclothed cabaret, nude body painting, In 2011, Owens took over as executive However, believers say there are more personal testimonies, and a panel that director of the Theology of the Body Insti - respectful ways to embrace the beauty of discussed sensitive issues, including the tute, which is headquartered in Exton, the human body. intersection of body image with race and Pennsylvania. The job allows Owens op - Student coordinators with “Nudity in class. Organizers forbid phones, cameras, portunities to highlight the dignity of the the Upspace” said they designed the week or bags into the revealing activities. human person and the role of sexuality to confront stigmas associated with ex - While some of the intentions behind within marriage. posed bodies and to tackle topics consid - nudity week, namely the ered social taboos. The activities included ones tied to helping students nude open mic and undressed yoga. This confront body-image issues, was the second year for the series, which may prove meritorious, receives some funding from activities Christian alumni of top-tier fees. universities said there are Despite the efforts of organizers to more wholesome ways to characterize the event as an intellectual achieve such goals. Likewise, exercise, the student-run event generated they noted believers clothe headlines across the nation for its contro - their bodies out of respect versial nature. for their individual worth Michael Gabrielle ’15 told The Huffing - and the sacredness of sexu - ton Post some news outlets, including one ality, which is reserved for national network, mischaracterized Nu - marriage. dity Week, which was held September 30 “As Christians, we don’t to October 5. “We’re not at a frat party cover ourselves because we getting naked,” Gabrielle said. think the body is bad,” said For their part, student leaders readily Damon Owens (Brown ’88), defended their event’s activities. executive director of the In an e-mail to Huffington Post , organ - Theology of the Body Insti - Students at Brown University staged Nudity in the izers Rebecca Wolinsky ’14, Gabrielle tute, a Catholic nonprofit Upspace, a weeklong event “to confront stigmas Sclafani ’14, and Camila Pacheco-Fores foundation. associated with exposed bodies” and to tackle topics considered social taboos. ’14 said audience members from last year “We cover ourselves be - commented how the forum “had a pro - cause our bodies are so good.” found effect on the way they thought Likewise, nudity can serve as a distrac - Ultimately, “God proclaimed the hu - about their own bodies and the role that tion to viewing an individual as a whole man body to be good,” Owens said. nudity plays in our society on an everyday person. “Walking around nude doesn’t Cassandra Hough, founder of The Love basis.” solve the problem,” Owens said. and Fidelity Network, which provides The trio indicated they designed the The deep desire of every human is to be training to collegiate chastity clubs across 2013 event with respectful, mature be - valued, not merely looked upon, Owens the country, echoed those comments. havior in mind. “People tend to attend the said. Pornography, in particular, influ - “That the human body is beautiful and events, especially those that require tick - ences consumers to view its featured sub - should be celebrated and respected is not

Winter 2014 | 15 ON CAMPUS

a novel idea. Anyone who has visited an ment, the Brown student body histori - inspiration and inner-healing, according art museum can see how the human body cally has embraced a handful of traditions to believers who embrace the theological has been a source of admiration and in - tied to immodesty, including the Naked teachings on the dignity of the body and spiration for centuries,” said Hough, Donut Run, Sex Week, and risqué parties. immense value of the individual. Princeton ’07. Of considerable notoriety, Queer Al - “A week of nudity may make some peo - “Similarly, Christianity has advocated liance’s Sex Power God party in 2005 re - ple more comfortable with public nudity the dignity of the human body for millen - sulted in two dozen students requiring and even more appreciative of the human nia now, most recently through such rich medical attention, mostly for intoxica - form,” Hough said. resources as the Theology of the Body.” tion, according to news accounts. “But, it is ignorant to think that such a Despite the media circus surrounding Nudity and pranks among college stu - week can accomplish very much or offer Nudity in the Upspace, fleshly exploits at dents are not new, nor is the role of nu - anything new to our discussion and un - Brown are not new. dity as a form of artistic expression. But, derstanding of the dignity of the human Far from being a source of embarrass - nudity is not a novel path to meaningful person.” ■

By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer ‘UNCLASSIFIED MUSIC’ Gospel Singer Launches Christian Program on WPRB

For decades, disc jockeys have “I’ve been in church all of my life,” said WPRB is one of the world’s strongest col - P defined radio. They have been Saint-Ulysse, who began musical studies lege radio stations. The signal penetrates PRINCETON the gurus of popular culture at 4. Philadelphia, the outskirts of New York who deliver entertainment and informa - Likewise, Saint-Ulysse plays the piano City, and into Wilmington, Delaware. tion with immediacy and even intimacy. for Truth Thursday, Princeton Faith and “I’m sure there are people who are up With that platform in mind, a Prince - Action’s (pfanda.com) gatherings to re - and in need of a savior,” he said. “I’m just ton University junior recently launched flect the cultural heritage of students trying to do a show pointing to Christ.” an early morning segment on the univer - of the African Diaspora. Princeton Faith As for the future, Saint-Ulysse, who sity’s student-run radio station that fea - and Action (PFA) is mulling options for tures Christian music. is a leadership de- grad or law school, During the summer, Darren Saint- velopment ministry dreams of a career in Ulysse applied to host a show on WPRB supported and re - sports or political 103.3 FM after noting the station, which sourced by Christian broadcasting. “The purports to play all formats of music, did Union. In addition, goal has always been not air spiritual programming. he participates in to work in some kind “Nothing was happening in a segment the Seventh-Day Ad- of broadcasting,” he of music that represented a very large ventists outreach on said. part of society,” said Saint-Ulysse, the campus. For now, Saint- vice president of Princeton University As for the practi - Ulysse wants to satu - Gospel Ensemble. cal aspects of his Darren Saint-Ulysse ‘14 launched an rate Princeton with a In response, WPRB awarded the sociol - show, Saint-Ulysse early morning gospel music segment spiritual message that ogy major a show at 3 a.m. on Tuesdays. The records the pro - on Princeton University’s radio will not fade away, a two-hour program, entitled Unclassified gram, which usually station. goal that is obvious to Radio , also can be heard on WPRB.com. includes 25 minutes his faith mentors. “The station has been incredibly sup - of commentary, on Monday evenings. So “I am excited to see how the Lord uses portive,” said Saint-Ulysse, a native of ru - far, he has yet to repeat a song from an Darren to transform culture,” said James ral Warren County, New Jersey who eclectic selection of spiritual tunes. Field, a Christian Union ministry fellow hopes to pursue a career tied to the “There is a certain beauty (to Christian who leads the weekly PFA Bible course broadcasting field. music),” he said. “Hopefully, people can that includes Darren. “While he is very re - As for his program, Saint-Ulysse airs a sense that when they listen.” served in what he says, when he speaks wide range of inspirational music – “as While his broadcast slot is far from everyone wants to listen.” long as it points to Jesus.” drive-time, Saint-Ulysse said he hopes he For Saint-Ulysse, being behind the mi - The music enthusiast, who also serves is offering encouragement to students crophone is a powerful tool to connect lis - as pianist on weekends for his hometown studying in predawn hours and company teners to the Gospel. church, enjoys sharing the energetic, up - to those behind the wheel or working the “Jesus is the answer for culture,” he lifting sounds of gospel music and related third shift. said. “I’m pointing to Him as ultimate re - genres. With 14,000 watts of stereo power, deemer.” ■

16 | The Ivy League Christian Observer By Eileen Scott, Senior Writer ‘WISDOM IS THE PRINCIPAL THING’ Chesterton House Now Offers Accredited Courses

A partnership between Chest - students with a vision for their lives and So why offer more study requirements C erton House and Gordon Col - their chosen professions. to students already filled to the brim with CORNELL lege has resulted in accredited The inaugural course being offered in academic demands? course offerings in biblical, theological, January is on biblical wisdom and focuses “Cornell students are among a small cultural, and ethical studies at Cornell. on Proverbs. and elite group of young adults today Chesterton House, a center for Chris - “We chose Proverbs because, as with all who are able to study at an institution tian studies at Cornell, ancient wisdom literature, with world class faculty, students, facili - seeks to inspire discus - it was written to equip the ties, and learning opportunities. These sion and exploration of woman and man on courses provide a context where stu - the questions of human the street to live out their dents are encouraged to make the most life and value. The new religious commitments in of their experiences here while develop - courses will help stu - their various vocational ing the sense of responsibility that dents better understand arenas. Wisdom literature, comes with such a privilege,” said O’ - their university experi - therefore, provides a con - Dowd. ence and encourage text for students to think Offering accredited courses at Chest - them to study the Bible. about what it means to be erton House has been a two-year “We found an out - a Christian in a world of endeavor. Two significant factors con - standing institutional increasing diversity and an tributed to the sense that the timing is partner in Gordon Col - almost infinite array of right to launch the courses, explained lege,” said Chesterton professional careers,” said Johnson. The first was finding the best House Executive Direc - Johnson. possible scholar to teach, and the second tor Karl Johnson, Cor - The courses will be was a $100,000 grant provided by the nell, ’89, Ph.D. ’11. offered to all students. Lilly Endowment as part of its Campus “Gordon is a premier According to Johnson, Ministry Theological Exploration of Vo - Christian liberal arts surveys and conversa - cation program. Dr. Ryan O’Dowd is teaching college, and the faculty tions with students indicate “Ryan is both an excellent scholar and Gordon College courses at and administration have that many in agriculture, an outstanding teacher who is very Chesterton House. a vision for bringing engineering, and other non- thoughtful about pedagogy in general and Gordon’s vision of Christian learning and humanities disciplines are interested in Christian formation in particular, so the spiritual formation to other locations the opportunity to study Christianity and entire board was enthusiastic about hir - such as Ithaca, New York.” the Bible. ing him to teach,” said Johnson. “Gordon College is thrilled to partner There is a modest fee for taking the Chesterton House seeks to raise an ad - with Chesterton House in providing classes, and students will receive credit ditional $115,000 in gifts and pledges by coursework that advances Christian from Gordon College, located in Wen - the end of January in order to complete thought on all human endeavor,” said Gordon College President D. Michael Lindsay, Princeton Ph.D. ’06. “I have al - “These courses will offer the structure ways been impressed with the ministry of Chesterton House, and all of us at Gordon and rigor offered by Cornell courses, are thrilled with this opportunity to part - but with the theological focus and ner in the Gospel.” Dr. Ryan O’Dowd, the Chesterton worldview of biblical studies offered House senior scholar and instructor for the courses, said they will “offer the struc - by campus ministries.” ture and rigor offered by Cornell courses, but with the theological focus and world - —Dr. Ryan O’Dowd view of biblical studies offered by campus ministries.” ham, Massachusetts. They can then work the Chesterton House Capital Campaign Additionally, he said that while the with Cornell to see if the credits will and fully fund the initiative. courses provide a place for a high-level transfer. The class work is in addition to “We certainly hope to continue offering study of biblical and theological ideas, the students’ regular academic load at the these courses for many years to come,” there is also an emphasis on providing university. said Johnson. ■

Winter 2014 | 17 ON CAMPUS By Eileen Scott, Senior Writer THE POWER OF LOVE Missionary’s Testimony Inspires Penn Students

In November, students at the students rekindle their own love for the through persecution makes those stories P University of Pennsylvania Lord and to view their lives in a fresh way. in the Bible tangible. Connecting that im - PENN heard a love story, not about a “What Dan said is so right. God loves us pact with our American lives is what I feel man and a woman, but about the love of a so much and there are no conditions,” is important about this event and the man for his God and the transformative said pre-doctoral student Xiao Linda message of the speaker.” power that inspired him to reach out his Kang, Penn ’12. Hu also pointed out that the interna - hand in friendship to the one who had tor - “I guess after being here so many years, tional awareness of many Penn students tured him for nine months. I might have gotten jaded. I had too much added to the relevance of the message. Dan Baumann served as a missionary spiritual pride. But being reminded that I “For our believing students involved in in Afghanistan and traveled to Iran to couldn’t do anything by myself has been political discourse, in the present and fu - share the Gospel, where he was arrested an incredible lesson. I think Jesus has re - ture, I feel it is a very valuable story and in 1997. He was held in isolation in an ally been trying to draw me closer to Him experience to have when viewing Iran and Iranian prison and beaten almost daily. and that’s a confirmation for me to keep for any conversations they may have sur - The torture became so much, and the de - going in whatever situations.” rounding it,” said Hu. spair so great, that he tried to end his life When he arrived in the Middle East, Although the message was geared to - four times. Unable to actually end his life, Baumann had a vision of Jesus waiting ward the students, it also edified Hu as he

Former Middle East missionary Dan Baumann spoke to Penn students about love and God’s fidelity.

Baumann fell broken on the prison floor. for him at the airport. He sensed the love works with students who walk through It was there that he saw a vision of Jesus and friendship of the Lord and that the their own dark times and face moments of Christ and heard a message of love. He mission would draw him closer to God. doubt and uncertainty. was assured by Christ that he was not In addition to the personal message of “Knowing that if God met Dan in what alone and that the Lord would walk with love and hope in a foreign land, Bau - could be considered the most hopeless of him on this dark journey. mann’s story also served to bring the situations, it gives me confidence in en - Spiritually resurrected by the vision, Bible into a new light of relevance for the couraging struggling students that God is Baumann approached his days in captivity students. with them there,” Hu said. differently, and he even came to befriend “Hearing the way God worked in Dan’s Therefore, this story of a man’s love for the man who tortured him each day. life, both in meeting him and using him to God and God’s love for all men continues As a result, the prison guards who once lead several of his captors to Christ, to bring light into the darkness and give abused him were also converted to Christ. seems like something we read about in hope to the lost, as God redeems all situ - As he shared this story during a presen - Acts,” said Michael Hu, director of Cam - ations and speaks into the heart of the tation sponsored by PennForJesus (www. pus Renewal Ministries at Penn. “To see Penn community. ■ pennforjesus.org), Baumann helped Penn the joy in the demeanor of one who went “Hearing the way God worked in Dan’s life, both in meeting him and using him to lead several of his captors to Christ, seems like something we read about in Acts.” —Michael Hu, director of Campus Renewal Ministries at Penn

18 | The Ivy League Christian Observer SOCIAL JUSTICE By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer AND JUSTICE FOR ALL Harvard Alumni Correlate Poverty and Violence in New Book

In his soon-to-be-released book, the president of the transforming local judicial systems cannot be understated. H International Justice Mission exposes the pivotal role During his time at the helm of IJM, Haugen has observed that HARVARD of violence in perpetuating poverty. when perpetrators are prosecuted, they leave the disadvantaged Gary Haugen, Harvard ’85, offers a startling look at the ram - alone. “Those who oppose the poor are not brave people,” he pant brutality undermining efforts to assist the poor in The said. Locust Effect: Why the End of Poverty Requires the End of Vio - As such, Haugen points to one clear path to bettering the wel - lence . Haugen co-wrote the book, slated for release in February, fare of suffering individuals. with Victor Boutros, Harvard ’99, a human-trafficking prosecu - “Everyday violence threatens their capacity to build a life at tor for the U.S. Department of Justice. all,” said Haugen, a California native and physician’s son. “Be - In impoverished corners of the globe, raw barbarity in the cause they are not safe, they can never build a future. That’s what form of rape, forced labor, and the like is commonplace, over - has to change in our era.” whelming efforts to lift the underprivileged Haugen’s efforts have not gone uncele - and rehabilitate communities, according to brated. In 2012, the U.S. State Department’s International Justice Mission (IJM). Trafficking in Persons Division awarded Haugen and Boutros penned The Locust Haugen with its Hero Award, the highest Effect to expose the myriad atrocities hinder - honor bestowed by the United States for ef - ing initiatives to combat deprivation and to forts to oppose slavery. Across the globe, offer inspiration for solutions to some of the Washington, D.C.-based IJM has aided more world’s most formidable social justice chal - than 11,000 individuals since 2005 and pro - lenges. tected tens of thousands more, including vic - “My hope with The Locust Effect is that we tims of sex trafficking, according to the actually change the way we see poverty,” said organization. When former U.S. Secretary of Haugen via an IJM promotional Web site for State Hillary Clinton, Yale Law ’73, pre - the humanitarian’s newest book. sented the award, Haugen was only the sec - At its core, the problems ravishing the des - ond American to receive the prestigious titute in developing regions are aggravated by honor. local justice systems in “utter collapse,” leav - Haugen also is the author of Good News ing the poverty-stricken especially vulnera - about Injustice; Just Courage: God’s Great ble. Expedition for the Restless Christian ; and “It’s time now to address this plague of Terrify No More: Young Girls Held Captive predatory violence amongst the poor, so the Gary Haugen, Harvard ’85, is the and the Daring Undercover Operation to poor can actually have hope and can actually president of the International Win Their Freedom . benefit from all of this assistance that we Justice Mission. As for Boutros, in 2007, the Texas native want to provide them with,” he said. joined the Justice Department, where he has Haugen, a former senior trial attorney with the U.S. Depart - handled human trafficking and civil rights cases. ment of Justice, has devoted his professional energies during the Not surprisingly, he credits Haugen for the direction of his ca - last two decades to seeking justice for oppressed individuals. reer. In 1999, while pursuing a master in moral development at In 1997, he founded IJM, a Christian organization that has ex - Harvard, Boutros attended a lecture by Haugen. panded into a global human rights force. During an earlier stint “Gary provided a basis of hope rooted in God’s character, that investigating genocide in Rwanda for the United Nations, Hau - we serve a God who takes sides and who has asserted Himself to gen was profoundly touched and returned stateside with an en - be on the side of justice,” Boutros told Baylor Magazine . “I think trenched determination to advocate on behalf of suffering people Christians sometimes feel paralyzed by the overwhelming evil in in remote regions. the world.” Today, IJM professionals work in 16 field offices across Asia, From Harvard, Boutros attended Oxford University, where he Africa, and Latin America to partner with regional officials to se - completed a master in philosophical theology before heading to cure victim rescue and aftercare, prosecute perpetrators, and en - the University of Chicago’s law school. courage legal protection of the underprivileged. “Like most things God cares about, He could do it Himself,” While much of the Western world is safeguarded by law-en - Boutros told Baylor Magazine, “ but He chooses to use His peo - forcement systems that restrain violence, such systems are inef - ple.” ■ fectual or corrupt in developing countries. The importance of

Winter 2014 | 19 SOCIAL JUSTICE By Luke Foster, Columbia ’15 LOVING JUSTICE, WALKING HUMBLY AT COLUMBIA Students Are Passionate about Serving the Poor and Vulnerable

Columbia University’s location—on tranquil Morning - “We’ve got to be careful of harming people when we think we’re C side Heights rising above the bustle of the great city of helping. Christianity teaches us to love and serve and seek to COLUMBIA New York—means that her students have vast opportu - heal the whole person. There are material, moral, and spiritual nities to engage with the city’s needs. Columbia and New York are needs and we’ve got to see those as interconnected.” places of vast wealth, power, and privilege, but Evelyn Kim, a junior at Barnard College, is the gleaming skyscrapers and the grandeur of the social justice coordinator for InterVar- Low Library tell only part of the story. Home - sity Christian Fellowship (www.columbia. less New Yorkers on street corners are visible edu/cu/ivcfg). She was in charge of spear - reminders of poverty and suffering; the pain heading the Price of Life at Columbia, part of of the 40% of New York pregnancies that end a citywide initiative against human traffick - in abortion is largely invisible. ing throughout the first week of October. The Marcos Martínez, a sophomore in Colum - events ranged from a Department of Justice bia Faith and Action (www.columbiafa. prosecutor’s overview of the legal regime sur - com)—a leadership development ministry rounding trafficking to the Veritas Forum’s supported and resourced by Christian “More than Money” to a panel called “Porn Union—has been helping to set up a commu - and Prostitution: Does It Really Hurt Any - nity service team to tackle some of the abun - one?” dant need he sees. He explains, “Serving “The Price of Life was especially relevant at others goes to the heart of the Gospel. Co - Columbia because human trafficking is such lumbia’s student culture tells us to care a lot a huge issue throughout New York,” Kim about ourselves and our needs. Creating op - says. “Students have to take action because portunities for service helps Christians on those who are exploited are robbed of the campus learn to live out Jesus’ message.” Evelyn Kim, a junior at Barnard dignity they were given when God created Martinez goes on to reflect on the respon - College, spearheaded the Price of them in His image.” sibilities that Ivy League students have to Life at Columbia to draw attention She explains that even though these issues the poor and vulnerable in society. “It’s vital to human trafficking. are terribly uncomfortable to think about, the to develop habits oriented towards serving Price of Life had a spiritual impact because it others. Graduating with a degree from Columbia, we’ll be in helped Columbians reconsider the worth of human life and their positions of power. We could live a life of utter privilege if we own role in perpetuating exploitation. “We can be a part of the chose to, ignoring poverty and oppression. But Christianity solution,” Kim says, whether by refusing to buy products sourced teaches us that material things are worthless without God. As from slave labor or by rejecting pornography because of the sex - students, we have to build an other-centered culture of expect - ual commodification wrapped up in it. ing to use our influence to benefit others.” Kim explains how her faith shapes her understanding of jus - Social justice is a much talked about concept at Columbia. tice. “The world’s biggest problems can’t be solved through hu - Many students want service and generosity to be part of their man effort alone,” she said. “We desperately need God’s grace to renew our spirit whenever there’s been exploitation. Both “It’s vital to develop habits oriented towards victims and perpetrators need to see new life come out of serving others. Graduating with a degree from death.” Martínez comes to a similar Columbia, we will be in positions of power.” conclusion. “We understand —Marcos Martínez, Columbia ’16 that this mission to serve is be - yond any of us, because we are so flawed. But service is a lives in some fashion. But this takes various forms. Some stu - chance to see Jesus in that needy person,” he says, alluding to dents, for instance, see protecting “the right to choose” abortion Matthew 25:40: “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the as a first priority of social justice. Martínez has a different take: least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” ■

20 | The Ivy League Christian Observer By Eileen Scott, Senior Writer CARING FOR THE ‘LEAST OF THESE’ Cornell Students Serve Their Community Well

A day set aside to show compassion for the local Cor - “The local community has so much to offer, including culture, C nell community turned into a display of faith and family, and friendship,” said Karys. “It’s been great to help them CORNELL unity in Ithaca, New York. out and learn from them, share our friendship and stories of Cornell students and campus ministers were among the 130 God’s amazing work in all our lives, and learn some practical people who participated in Care Day in Ithaca, helping to frame skills.” cottages and provide shelter for the homeless. Participants were Even after Care Day, members of Cru returned to the site on members of various campus ministries, including Cru (www.cor - subsequent Saturdays to continue the work and serve their nellcru.com) and The Living Room, a local church that meets on neighbors. campus. The homeless men who will find refuge in the shelter that Sec - Care Day was sponsored by Community Faith Partners in ond Wind is providing are not the only ones to benefit from the Ithaca and Second Wind Cottages, an advocate organization for home - less men. The project was founded by Ithaca resident Carmen Guidi, who donated the land on which the cottages are being built. Stan Matusz, Cornell ’93 and Penn Law ’96, is the chair of the Second Wind Cottages advisory team. “I tangibly felt God’s Cornell students helped build shelters for the homeless during Care Day in Ithaca, New York. presence,” said Matusz, who was overtaken with emotion as so many worked together in service for the Lord. “It cooperative spirit of Care Day. The students and volunteers from was such a sweet sight. I’ve never seen anything like it before.” Cornell have also been blessed by the venture through reaching Cru Intern Kelsey Karys ’13 agreed that Care Day was some - beyond the university’s ivy gates, and joining hands with their thing special. neighbors in the joy of service. “There was just such a sense of love for the peo - ple around us. And there “Jesus calls us to love the hungry and broken, to was unity and order in pulling together a mot - seek justice, and love mercy. What better way (to ley bunch of people, many of whom had show this) than to build a community for these never picked up a power men, to house them, and [to give them] a chance tool in their lives; and there was joy in the to meet Jesus, the man that will be their eternal work we were doing,” said Karys. “This is all a provider and comforter?” reflection of the Lord.” “Jesus calls us to love —Kelsey Karys, Cornell ’13 the hungry and broken, to seek justice, and love mercy. What better way (to show this) “Although God has gifted me with an Ivy League education, I than to build a community for these men, to house them, and [to personally feel called to use that gift to help those less financially give them] a chance to meet Jesus, the man that will be their or educationally blessed,” said Karys. “However; I have learned eternal provider and comforter?” that it’s not a one way relationship. I have learned more in two The event also served to help to build relationships between work days with Second Wind Cottages than I could learn in a Cornell students and Ithaca residents. whole year in an Ivy League classroom.” ■

Winter 2014 | 21 SOCIAL JUSTICE By Molly Michaels, Yale ’15 VITA ET VERITAS Choose Life at Yale Hosts Inaugural Conference

The first-ever pro-life conference at Yale united and ther discussion amongst students, speakers, and attendees. Y encouraged students from across the nation. Vita et Christian Union Founder and President Matt Bennett, Cornell YALE Veritas 2013: Promoting a Culture of Life and Truth ’88, MBA ’89 was among an interfaith panel composed of a sec - was held October 17-19 in New Haven, Connecticut. ular pro-life speaker (Kelsey Hazzard), a Muslim pro-life speaker The event was hosted by Choose Life at Yale (CLAY) and co- (Suzy Ishmail), and a Jewish pro-life speaker (Cecily Routman). sponsored by Students for Life of America, St. Thomas More This panel held an open discussion on the converging paths of Chapel, Christian Union, Intercollegiate Studies Institute, Life religious and secular perspectives on abortion. Matters Journal , and Consistent Life. Christian Hernandez, secretary for CLAY, comments, “Our On Ivy League campuses, where intellectual and philosophi - hope was to have a successful event so that future years would cal vigor is a main desire for many students, the conference’s vi - have the groundwork to move forward. In terms of changing campus culture, we hoped to get as many students as possible to at least one event, which explains the diverse number of speak - ers.” One of the talks that attracted many students was a panel ti - tled: “Beyond the Pro-Life Pep Rally: Where Do We Go from Here?” with Michael Hannon, managing editor of The Thomistic Institute , Tristyn Bloom and David Nolan, junior fellows at First Things, and Nora Calhoun, a registered nurse and doula. Han - non commented that, overall, pro-life conferences are great for spreading the pro-life message, but warned against portraying abortion as a complicated moral question because, in reality, “abortion is the most black-and-white issue there is.” Hannon said the most important question we should be asking is not whether abortion is moral or if the unborn have personhood, but “why does everyone not agree” on the meaning and value of life, and “what do we do about it?” Bloom spoke to attendees about why many people accept Anthony Tokman, Yale ’16 Christian Union Founder and President Matt Bennett, abortion and how absolute personal autonomy fuels the abortion Cornell ’88, MBA ’89, (second from left) was part of an industry as it fuels other parts of our consumerist society. interfaith panel at Vita et Veritas. Calhoun added, “The problem is that we’re emphasizing the abilities and merits and strengths of the unborn, whereas I feel sion was to make the pro-life vision intelligible to students. strongly that the real message of hope and justice that the pro- Pro-life student groups from universities in New England, the life movement carries is that there are no abilities or strengths Mid-Atlantic, and the Midwest regions attended the conference, that confer status, not even being viable or sentient or undam - as well as many Yalies, who were intrigued by such a discussion. aged or wanted…That’s the real message we should be promot - Prominent leaders spoke about their personal roles in policy, ing: that you cannot win or forfeit humanity.” medicine, philosophy, and advocacy in the pro-life movement. Other speakers included Sally Winn, a pro-life feminist, and “The most important thing about the weekend was building a Mary Meehan, a pro-life liberal. culture of life on the campus,” said Courtney McEachon ’15. “The great thing about holding it at a place like Yale is that we “CLAY’s weekly meetings touch only our friends. The Vita et Ver - hope students who wouldn’t normally identify as pro-life could itas conference brings our mission statement to the campus.” come to a lecture,” said McEachon. “Hopefully students who McEachon and Anna Wichorek ’15, the primary coordinators support abortion could start to see why their position is wrong. of Vita et Veritas, thought initially that the conference would Our reason for having talks like, ‘Why Liberals Should Be Pro- only reach the Yale community, but, as speakers were secured Life’ and ‘Refuse to Choose: Reclaiming Feminism’ was to show and publicity grew, there was interest from other schools, in - how these viewpoints could be compatible.” cluding Harvard and Dartmouth. Overall, about 50 colleges were When talking about his involvement in the pro-life movement, represented. Hernandez states, “Coming to Yale and growing more in faith The conference began with a lecture by Hadley Arkes, a faculty helped me understand why abortion just can’t be a personal is - member of Amherst College who was the main architect of the sue, based on the facts of what is taking place. It needs to be bill that became known as the Born-Alive Infants’ Protection Act. talked about more openly and I have a personal responsibility to An impressive line-up of speakers from various organizations be more public with my support of the movement.” such as First Things, Feminists for Life, and Americans United “It is up to our generation to show the nation the face of pro-life,” for Life filled Friday and Saturday, as well as a reception for fur - said McEachon. “After 40 years, we can’t wait any longer.” ■

22 | The Ivy League Christian Observer MARCH 28-30, 2014 OMNI HOTEL NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT

THE IVY LEAGUE CONGRESS ON FAITH AND ACTION is a weekend conference for undergraduates taking place March vocational panels, and in-depth seminars, ILCFA 2014 will en- courage participants in their faith in Jesus Christ and challenge them to put that faith into action on campus and in the world.

Learn more and register here: www.ilcfa.org

Twitter: @ILCFA 

ILCFAA is brought to you by ChristianCh Union.n. IN PERSON By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer A MISSIONAL MINDSET Michael Oh Leads Lausanne Movement

An Ivy League alumnus is us - gathering for young missionary leaders. contributed to books including Living and P ing his new position with the In December, Oh spoke at the Cross Leading Like Jesus: Plenary Addresses PENN Lausanne Movement to spread Conference, a student missions event in from the 2006 Lausanne Younger Leaders the Gospel across the globe. Louisville, Kentucky, and also at Cru’s San Gathering , Finish the Mission : Bringing Michael Oh, whose extensive credentials Diego Winter Conference in California. the Gospel to the Unreached and Unen - include a doctorate in cultural anthropology At Lausanne, Oh succeeded Rev. Doug gaged , and the ESV Global Study Bible . and education from the University of Penn - Birdsall, who became the president of the In addition to his doctoral studies, Oh sylvania in 2007, is serving as the executive American Bible Society in March before holds three advanced degrees. director of the Lausanne Movement, a subsequently leaving the organization in The scholar earned a master of arts global partnership that the fall. with a concentration in East Asian Stud - mobilizes leaders to col - For his part, Birdsall ies in 2001 from Harvard University, a laborate for evangeliza - praised Oh’s apprecia - master of science in education in 1993 tion. tion of Lausanne’s rich from Penn, and a master of divinity with Oh called his new du - history and its dedica - an emphasis on missions in 1997 from ties with Lausanne a tion to “the whole church Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. “tremendous privilege – taking the whole gospel As an undergraduate, Oh secured a there is an amazing to the whole world.” bachelor of arts in political science in legacy of truth and Oh’s commitment to 1992 from Penn, and is an ordained min - trust.” Likewise, he is inspiring young adults be - ister in the Presbyterian Church in Amer - preparing to help the or - gan during his under - ica. He and his wife, Pearl (Penn ’93), ganization celebrate its graduate studies at Penn, have four daughters and one son. 40 th anniversary in 2014 where he became a leader Not surprisingly, Christian leaders in in the Switzerland mu - with InterVarsity (www. Japan expressed pleasure at Oh’s decision nicipality of its roots. ivcf.org). He was also con - to reside in Japan while leading Lau - “The Lausanne Move - nected to InterVarsity sanne. At Christ Bible Seminary, Oh is ment also has been for during his graduate stud - passionate about raising up young believ - me a compelling influ - Ivy League alumnus Michael ies at Harvard. As a ers to evangelize in Japan. Oh, whose credentials include ence in terms of my un - speaker at InterVarsity’s The Lausanne Movement grew out of a doctorate in cultural derstanding of missions,” anthropology and education 2009 Urbana Student the 1974 International Congress on World he said. “I was very much from Penn (’07), is serving as Missions Conference, Oh Evangelization, which was convened in drawn by the spirit of the executive director of said he considers his in - Lausanne, Switzerland by Rev. Billy Gra - Lausanne – friendship, Lausanne, a global partnership volvement with the cam - ham and his confidant, Anglican Bishop prayer, partnership, and that mobilizes leaders to pus ministry as formative Jack Dain of Australia. hope.” collaborate for evangelization. to his spiritual calling. Given the assortment of nationalities, As well, Oh is presiding As a student, he at - ages, and affiliations, TIME Magazine as head and founder of Christ Bible Semi - tended the Urbana ’90 Student Missions described the gathering as “a formidable nary in Nagoya, Japan. Conference, where he was deeply impacted. forum, possibly the widest-ranging meet - A member of Lausanne’s board since “I was personally challenged to consider the ing of Christians ever held.” The event 2007, Oh has served as a keynote speaker nations,” Oh told InterVarsity. highlighted the need for the church to for the organization and as part of the In response, Oh pursued a spiritual take on cross-cultural evangelization. planning team for Lausanne’s Younger calling to become a missionary in Japan, Shortly after his appointment, Oh spent Leaders Gathering. in spite of the suffering his family experi - time with Graham, Lausanne’s aging pa - As such, the Korean-American is focus - enced in Asia at the hands of Japanese triarch, at his home in North Carolina. ing his new duties with Lausanne on de - conquerors during World War II, accord - In 2010, the Third Lausanne Congress veloping young leaders. “Lausanne is ing to InterVarsity. on World Evangelization brought to - getting younger, stronger, and more rep - “I started to receive a heart for the gether 4,200 Christian leaders from 198 resentative of the rich diversity and depth world during my time at Penn,” said Oh, countries to a gathering in Cape Town, of the global church,” said Oh. who participated in Cru missionary trips South Africa. Among those initiatives, Oh plans to ex - to South Korea and the Philippines as an While structurally lean, the Lausanne pand efforts to train and bolster emerging undergraduate. Movement strives to be a catalyst for theologians. In particular, he wants to pair In June, Oh was installed at the Lau - partnerships and alliances among mis - younger leaders with their senior counter - sanne Global Leadership Forum in South sional Christians who pursue global evan - parts. Likewise, he is planning another Asia. Among his other credentials, Oh has gelization. ■

24 | The Ivy League Christian Observer By Brian Zhang, Harvard ’15 LINSANITY DVD Chronicles Harvard Player’s Faith, Rise to Fame

When “Linsanity” erupted across of Lin’s struggles is a man bolstered by covered and led his team to a state cham - H the globe in February 2012, fans faith. Born in California to Taiwanese im - pionship. Though he was overlooked by HARVARD and the media were captivated migrants, Lin learned from his family to many colleges, he ended up at Harvard, by the story of how an Asian-American bas - place “God first, family second, athletics where he graduated with a degree in eco - ketball player from Harvard went from a third.” nomics in 2010. Lin currently plays for virtual unknown to one of the highest scor - Lin excelled at basketball from a young the Houston Rockets and has spoken ers in the NBA. And that story has now age. In his junior year at Palo Alto High about becoming a pastor and doing non- come to both the big and small screen. School, his team made it to the state profit work in the future. The documentary Linsanity , which semifinals, but he injured himself the Bryan Padilla ’15 said that he thinks opened at select U.S. theaters on October Lin’s story has been a positive 4 and was released on DVD in November, factor in how people view Har - provides a close-up look into the basket - vard. Padilla is a member of Har - ball career and personal life of Jeremy vard College Faith and Action, a Lin. Through candid interviews with Lin leadership development ministry and his supporters, one learns of the re - resourced and supported by peated setbacks that he faced and how he Christian Union. was carried by his faith. “I think he’s perceived as a really The film begins with Lin recalling an hard-working, successful individ - encounter shortly after joining the New ual,” Padilla said. “People might York Knicks in December 2012. Walking think of Harvard as elitist, but I into Madison Square Garden, he was think Jeremy Lin is able to show stopped by a security guard who told him, that he can be an all star, but at the “Sorry, this is the players’ entrance.” same time be humble.” “I was just kind of standing there, and Padilla went to watch Linsanity then another security guard came up and with his friends when it opened in whispered, ‘I think he plays on the team,’” Boston theaters. He said he appre - Lin recounts. ciated seeing Lin’s Christ-like, Up to that point, his second year in the humble character shining through. NBA, Lin had been waived twice – by the The film's director, Evan Jack - Golden State Warriors and then the son Leong, began following the Houston Rockets – to open up salary op - story while Lin was still at Har - tions for other players. He was picked up vard, and thus the documentary by the New York Knicks, but played includes many clips before star - poorly his first few games and was con - dom. One excerpt, recorded June signed to sit on the bench. 28, 2011, shows Lin speaking to a In February, with his NBA contract set group of children at the Jeremy to expire in a few days, Lin knew that if Linsanity , a documentary about the life of Lin Basketball Academy. nothing changed soon, his basketball NBA player Jeremy Lin (Harvard ’10), was Seated in the middle of the gym dream would come to an end. recently released on DVD. and clutching a basketball, Lin “I pretty much saw the writing on the shares about his frustrations in his wall. And I was resigned to the fact that I night before and had to watch his team first year playing in the NBA. At one was going to get let go,” Lin says. lose from the sidelines. point, he had written in his diary that he After getting a chance to play point “My brother sent me this really long wished he could quit basketball because guard, Lin excelled beyond anyone’s ex - letter,” recalls Lin in the film. “He talked he was not having fun. pectations, igniting the Knicks to a win - about how God gives and takes away. And “What got me through those times [was ning streak and playoff run while putting so God took what I really cared about at knowing] that God loves me, and that He up astounding numbers, averaging that time to show me that I can’t do what has a perfect plan for me,” Lin says to the 27.3 points, 8.3 assists, and 2.0 steals in I want to do, I can’t accomplish what I students. “Now when I play basketball, I his first four starts. Linsanity was born. want to accomplish without Him.” don’t play for anybody else any more. I On the DVD, what emerges in the midst In his senior year of high school, Lin re - only play for God.” ■

Winter 2014 | 25 IN PERSON By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer BLAZING A NEW TRAIL Faith-Based Organization Forms in Response to Boy Scouts’ Radical Policy

A Brown alumnus is helping to “Trail Life USA will be inclusive of ago as a faith-based option to the Girl B shape a new, faith-based group boys, regardless of religion, race, national Scouts. BROWN for boys, which formed months origin or socioeconomic status, and ac - “Our vision is to be the premier na - after the Boy Scouts of America revamped cept boys who are experiencing same-sex tional character development organiza - its membership policy to admit “homo - attractions or gender confusion,” accord - tion for young men, which produces godly sexual” youth. ing to a statement from the group. and responsible husbands, fathers, and Rob Green, Brown ’89, is serving as in - “However, it will not admit youth who citizens,” said Stemberger. terim executive leader of Trail Life USA, a are open or avowed about their homosex - Earlier, the Florida attorney and con - Christian alternative uality, and it will not servative activist founded On My Honor, to the Boy Scouts. admit boys who are a group that vigorously fought the policy Trail Life, which aims not ‘biologically male’ change within the Scouts. As well, Stem - to focus on adventure, or boys who wish to berger, president of the Florida Family character, and leader - dress and act like Policy Council, oversaw the campaign to ship, touts “walk wor - girls.” amend Florida’s constitution to define thy” as its motto. In May, more than marriage as the union of one man and one Green previously 60 percent of some woman. served as chief exec- 1,400 delegates in the Responding to the new policy for the utive officer of the Boy Scouts’ National Scouts, some churches have announced Boy Scouts’ Palmetto Council voted to allow they will not continue to sponsor troops, Council in Spartan - openly gay youth to while others backed the change. burg, South Carolina. join troops, beginning In his resignation letter, Green wrote The father of four left in January. The or - that a nationwide survey found a majority his post after it be - ganization maintained of respondents against the policy change. came clear the na - its ban on gay adult In the Palmetto Council, constituents tional organization’s leaders. overwhelmingly favored the traditional “progressive values” As for Trail Life, stance, according to news reports. and his “biblical val - Rob Green, Brown ’89, is helping to adult leaders must sign Of his decision to step down, Green ues were diverging,” launch Trail Life USA, an alternative a statement of faith wrote he could not in good conscience en - according to news re - to the Boy Scouts of America. and commit to purity, dorse the organization’s new direction. ports. essentially agreeing As for Trail Life, “we decided, from the In early June, a any sexual activity out - beginning, we would be completely mar - week after national leaders of the Boy side traditional marriage is immoral. ried to biblical values,” said Green, a for - Scouts of America voted to permit openly During its organizational convention, mer collegiate football player who “homosexual” boys to participate in Trail Life’s chairman told the assembled committed his life to Christ during his un - scouting, Green announced plans to re - crowd that “real men value truth over tra - dergraduate studies at Brown. sign. Green left after a two-decade career dition,” according to news reports. While Trail Life will reflect Christian with the Scouts, including nine with the “Real men value principle over pro - principles, the bulk of the activities will Palmetto Council, which serves more gram, and they value integrity over insti - focus on outdoor experiences. than 5,500 youth. tutions,” said John Stemberger, a former More than 500 troops preregistered Trail Life, which launched in January, Eagle Scout. with Trail Life USA to launch with the or - aims to become a premier Christian or - In September, more than 1,000 people ganization in January, and hundreds ganization for boys, grades K to 12, who attended Trail Life’s inaugural gathering more Boy Scout troops have contacted are eager for action and exploration. in Nashville, including former Arkansas Trail Life about switching affiliation. The Orlando-based organization has Governor Mike Huckabee. Leaders are “It’s a grassroots movement,” Green spelled out policies on homosexuality for partnering with American Heritage Girls, said. “It’s overwhelming.” ■ potential members. a group that formed more than 15 years

26 | The Ivy League Christian Observer By Eileen Scott, Senior Writer HOME IS WHERE HER HEART IS Dartmouth Alumna Experiences God’s Grace as a Wife, Mother, and Author

Nearly 17 years after graduating Russell is married to Brandon L. Rus - “It’s a privilege to do the things I do for D from Dartmouth, Jeneil Palmer sell, an Army pilot, and is also the mother my daughter,” she said. “It’s OK to pour DARTMOUTH Russell isn’t quite where she of two daughters, one of whom is autistic out my life for my daughter, because He thought she would be. However, as a wife, and suffers from a seizure disorder. Her has given His love to me. That helps me mother, and computer programmer, she is responsibilities as a wife and mother have go on.” right where she wants to be. put post-graduation plans for med school And in looking back upon her time in Admittedly, the years since graduation on hold. Ethiopia, Russell believes God was prepar - have offered joy and struggle as an Army It’s a goal she doesn’t know if she will ing her to care for her child. When her spouse and the mother of a special needs ever achieve, as she anticipates the con - daughter was diagnosed, she went through child. However, the experiences have tinuous care her daughter will need. a time of anger, bitterness, and disap - been fodder for sharing God’s profound goodness and provision. Russell has writ - ten about these precious moments as a contributor to Chicken Soup for the Soul books, including the recently-released, Devotional Stories for Wives. In 2001, she wrote Sunburned Faces , an account of a missions trip she took to Ethiopia as a Dartmouth undergraduate. Russell went alone to the impoverished nation and worked with Mother Teresa’s Sisters of Charity, caring for the poorest of the poor and working at a home for mothers with AIDS and their orphans. Russell, Dartmouth ’97, witnessed physical poverty and suffering, but also saw a richness of faith that caused her to reflect on her own beliefs. “When I went [to Ethiopia], I was sure of myself. I had parents, an education, and money if I needed to fall back on them. When I got there, all the things I Jeneil Palmer Russell (Dartmouth ’97), pictured with her husband Brandon and stood on were gone, except for my faith in children, writes about her experiences as a mom and military wife in Chicken Christ,” said Russell. Soup for the Soul: Devotional Stories for Wives. The juxtaposition of her physical wealth and health and the stark poverty However, it’s a sacrifice she willingly and pointment with God. Yet, during those and infirmity of the poor and suffering lovingly makes, and she relies on the Lord hard moments, she kept thinking of caused Russell to “dig deep.” She asked for strength and perseverance. Ethiopia, and she was reminded, once the tough questions like “Is God really “Lifelong care weighs heavy,” said Rus - again, that God is faithful and worthy of good?” “Does He have a purpose in all of sell, who admits balancing the demands her trust. this?” and “Where am I in His plan?” of her responsibilities can be hard, partic - As a result, Russell continues to see Rather than being shaken by uncer - ularly when her husband is deployed with God’s faithfulness in the “mind-blowing” tainty, Russell found strength in the firm the Army. But she shares her burdens progress her daughter makes, and in the foundation of Jesus Christ. Amidst the with the Lord, and finds relief in His presence of hope that each day brings, de - sick and poor, she saw spiritual health Word. spite the challenges. that was contagious. And there she recog - “I came across verses about how Jesus Russell admits she did not expect to nized God’s faithfulness. lays down His life for us; so should we lay live such a sacrificial sort of life when she Today, far away from Ethiopia, God re - down our lives,” Russell said. “Christ graduated from Dartmouth. However, mains faithful, and Russell continues to gives to me every day, nonstop.” she wouldn’t change it. see His presence amidst the challenges of In return, she gives love, compassion, “This is not the story I wrote,” Russell everyday life. and care to her daughter and her family. said. “God’s story is so much better.” ■

Winter 2014 | 27 IN PERSON By Eileen Scott, Senior Writer THE DARK BEFORE DAWN Penn Chaplain Compiles Provocative Collection of Poems

Sometimes you have to endure “It’s about sitting bedside as someone Yet, as a minister, Howard saw the P the awful to arrive at the awe. is saying goodbye. There is an awful pain power of sharing these thoughts of suffer - PENN That’s the profound message of and sadness. Yet how can we not have ing and triumph and doubt and redemp - a new compilation of poems by Chaz open-mouth awe when someone is cross - tion. Although originally written as his Howard, the chaplain at Penn. ing over and going home?” said Howard. personal and ministerial journal, the Howard, Penn ’00, is the author of The The poems also tell of working on the work became a more formal compilation Awe and the Awful , which is inspired by street, where he saw awful examples of as a Lenten devotional. people showing little “I thought they could help during the care and compassion, journey from Ash Wednesday to Easter,” yet also saw inspir - he said. “It’s meant to be a bit of a window ing, deep faith from into how God is in even those most others. Within the painful moments of life.” lines of prose, read - In Miles (Maundy Thursday) , Howard ers hear the whispers writes of washing the feet of the home - of the homeless and less: the weak. Howard Take water, a towel. And remember shares that pain, Whom you learned this from. their struggle, and Look closely at his feet. their hope through See the miles. poetic snapshots of The body keeps score. their lives. Take water, a mirror. And remember He gets into the Who is really being washed. harsh and distasteful realities of homeless - The writing also serves as an exhorta - Chaplain Chaz Howard, Penn ’00, describes the beauty and ness in the poem, In - tion for Christians to live holy lives. In darkness of the human condition in The Awe and The Awful . difference: A Ramble: Ambition , Howard proclaims, “Do not strive to be great./But rather strive to do thoughts and emotions brought forth Shame that some folks feel safer on great things for God.” from his time spent as a hospice coun - the street than in shelters. In Search of Absurdity challenges selor and chaplain to the homeless. Many souls. readers to “break away from the com - The small book contains big insight Bag ladies with everything they own mon....to wake up instead of being into the soul of the orphaned, widowed, in bags that are pillows. asleep.” homeless, and the lonely. At the same Winos Make me crazy for you Lord. time, it also offers hope, as the writing ul - Who are trapped in addictions I pray you wake me up to that which is timately turns the reader toward the that chain them to the street. absurd and abhorrent to you. Lord. However, the collection is a not a Did you ever think about how hard it is and then create in me a courage that is simple nod to the Loving Father; rather, to find somewhere to go to the absurd to the world it’s an honest telling of the doubt, fears, bathroom And I will care as you do, with an ab - tears, and frustration that come with be - surd love. ing a follower of Christ and living in a bro - when you’re homeless. ken world. That love was profoundly displayed in The poems offer a glimpse into the A humble reflection on working as a the resurrection and this compilation journal of a Christian working among the chaplain in an urban environment, stands firm as a reminder of the ongoing poor and afflicted, while trying to make Howard entitles one poem Minister’s conflict in life and the ultimate salvation sense of it all. The words carry the tale of Lament: found in Christ. his ministerial moments of pausing to “It is important for all of us to see both Should I take my collar off before take in all that God is doing in the world, the awe and awful,” said Howard. “We I cry? attempting to understand the awful acts have to go through the cross of Good Fri - of humanity. He touches on violence and They told me early day to get to the resurrection. And, we neglect, compassion and hope, and the A minister’s life is lonely. have to go through the awful to get to the search to find God in all situations. It is. awe.” ■

28 | The Ivy League Christian Observer By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer DEFENDING RELIGIOUS FREEDOM Kyle Duncan Is Lead Attorney for Hobby Lobby Supreme Court Case

A Columbia University law For Duncan, his work as general coun - needs to decide.” I alumnus says he simply wants sel for the Washington, D.C.-based non- In part, the justices will be asked if they ALL IVY to serve God as he prepares to profit is tied to his principled embrace of agree with the “corporate-conscience” ar - enter the nation’s highest judicial stage in individual liberties and gument, meaning that his quest to champion religious liberties. his personal faith. “We’ve for-profit corporations In November, the U.S. Supreme Court made a basic commit - can hold religious beliefs agreed to hear twin cases testing the ment in this country to and, thus, opening the strength of the Religious Freedom respect religious con - door to religious exemp - Restoration Act. The 1993 measure com - science,” he said. tions from federal man - mits the federal government to safe - In the case of Hobby dates, according to news guarding an individual’s “inalienable Lobby, the Green family reports. right” to exercise religion. has openly reflected its At a personal level, Kyle Duncan, Columbia LL.M. ‘04, is Christian beliefs through “when the Supreme Court the lead attorney for Hobby Lobby Stores, its operation of craft decides to weigh in, it’s Inc., which is challenging a regulation stores for four decades. extremely satisfying,” within the federal healthcare law requir - Likewise, the Hahn fam - Duncan said. “It’s impor - ing employers to offer access to so-called ily’s Mennonite faith is tant to my client and the morning-after pills. In addition to the re - embedded in its longtime nation.” tailer’s claims under the religious-free - woodworking business. Hobby Lobby is among dom act, the court plans to examine In June, a majority of 40 or so corporations, Courtesy of the Becket Fund constitutional issues. the justices on the 10th ranging from industrial- Kyle Duncan, Columbia LL.M. That case and a similar lawsuit from U.S. Circuit Court of Ap - ’04, is dedicating his career material shredding to Conestoga Wood Specialties Corporation peals agreed with Hobby to championing religious property management, involve religious liberty objections by Lobby, ruling corpora - liberties. seeking exemptions simi - family businesses to provisions in the Pa - tions have similar reli - lar to the ones the health - tient Protection and Affordable Care Act. gious rights to humans. The prevailing care law grants for nonprofit religious On spiritual grounds, they oppose the jurists said the contraception require - organizations and churches. act’s requirement for employers to ex - ment posed a violation of the corpora - In tackling the central issues, the pand health coverage to include contra - tion’s religious freedom under federal Supreme Court is likely to decide whether ceptives linked to early abortions. law, according to news reports. such businesses amount to “persons” un - The Hobby Lobby case “will answer the Two other cases handled in the 3rd and der the religious act and whether the U.S. question of whether religious faith ex - 6th appellate circuits held for-profit cor - Congress meant to equate corporations as tends to people who are simply trying to porations do not have religious rights. In persons. If the high court decides a busi - ness is incapable of practicing faith, it “Churches and charities have religious may decree such firms can exercise the religious preferences of their owners. freedom. The government says there’s As for Duncan, the father of five chil - dren and practicing Catholic, said he is no religious freedom if you’re running a simply motivated to use his talents to honor his Creator. “All I really want to do business.” is what God wants me to do with the tal - ents He gave me,” said Duncan. “The —Kyle Duncan, Columbia LL.M. ‘04 Supreme Court hears very few cases.” President Barack Obama, Columbia earn a living,” said Duncan. “Churches an unusual twist, Hobby Lobby welcomed ’83, Harvard Law ’91, signed the health - and charities have religious freedom. The the Supreme Court‘s decision to hear the care act in March 2010 as his signature government says there’s no religious free - government’s appeal of the arts-and- piece of legislation and as the most signif - dom if you’re running a business.” crafts chain’s victory, hoping for a favor - icant regulatory overhaul of the U.S. Duncan, who is representing Hobby able resolution to the so-called circuit healthcare system since the introduction Lobby on a pro-bono basis via The Becket split. of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965. U.S. Fund for Religious Liberty, readily asserts “This is a highly important case that the Solicitor General Donald Verrilli, Yale ’79, the chain’s owners have a “meaningful, court needs to resolve,” Duncan said. “It’s Columbia, ’83, is representing the gov - valid rejection of the mandate.” the kind of issue that the Supreme Court ernment in its case against Hobby Lobby.

Winter 2014 | 29 IN PERSON

As for Duncan, the Louisiana native is so cases that have landed before the Fund, which seeks to protect expressions not a stranger to the high court. In 2010, court. of faith. Duncan argued Connick v. Thompson be - Duncan, whose diverse background in - “These are areas of the law that are in - fore the Supreme Court, obtaining the re - cludes a stint at the University of Missis - credibly rewarding. We need people who versal of a $20 million civil-rights sippi as a law professor and as Louisiana’s are fighting in these realms,” Duncan judgment against a district attorney’s of - solicitor general, said he relishes his new said. “They are important to our Constitu - fice. He also has worked on another 10 or role championing liberties for the Becket tion and in our public interest.” ■

By Eileen Scott, Senior Writer FAITH, WORK, AND ‘POWER’ Columbia Alumnus Is a Servant Leader at PSEG

The business of power and en - his employees. eastern region was slammed by the storm C ergy can be frenetic and ten - The Ivy League-educated executive of the century, he had to decide who got COLUMBIA sion-filled, especially during a originally wanted to be an auto mechanic, their power turned on first. monster storm. But for Ralph Izzo, CEO seeing the stable pro - When the opportu - and chairman of Public Service Electric fession as a way to keep nity to move PSEG out and Gas Company (PSEG), having a faith- food on the table. How - of Newark, New Jersey informed perspective truly keeps him ever, a high school for better economic re - grounded. guidance counselor en - turn was proposed, Izzo Izzo, Columbia B.S. ’78, M.S. ‘79, and couraged Izzo to con - thought of the local la - Ph.D. ‘81, shared his thoughts on religion, sider college and borers who would be vocation, and ethics during an interview enticed him to attend a displaced, and worked sponsored by the Faith and Work Initia - workshop on career to keep the company in tive at Princeton University. He re - and college planning its urban neighborhood. counted his role as a leader during the with Pepperidge Farm. Additionally, a poig - chaos and confusion brought about by Professor David Miller, nant question from his Super Storm Sandy in Metro New York who heads up the Faith daughter about whether over a year ago. and Work Initiative at his company would bring Reflecting on his faith and family back - Princeton, said much of about the end of polar ground, Izzo spoke about how these per - Izzo’s approach to work bears got Izzo thinking sonal convictions drive his daily decisions and ethics are attributa - about the industry and and help him guide a company that keeps ble to the foundations global warming and the the lights on in millions of homes across of Catholic social teach - consequences. He real - the northeast. With a faith in Jesus Christ ing. For example, Izzo’s ized he had been passive that is rooted in the tradition of the emphasis on equity, his Ralph Izzo, Columbia M.S. ’79, about climate change Catholic Church, Izzo begins and ends his concern for the laborer, Ph.D. ’81, is CEO and chairman and decided to become day praying the words known as the and his acceptance of of Public Service Electric and more active. Prayer of St. Francis: taking larger benefit Gas Company. At the Faith and Work cuts because he can seminar, a member of O Divine Master, grant that I may not more readily afford them, all reflect these the audience asked if his scientific back - so much seek foundational beliefs. Izzo said the three ground causes a conflict in accepting the To be consoled as to console; things that shape his ethics are: how he tenets of faith and God as creator. He did - To be understood as to understand; was raised, ongoing attendance at church n’t hesitate in responding, “No.” To be loved as to love. and spiritual reading, and what kind of fa - “The science in me drives the faith,” he For it is in giving that we receive; ther his children think he is. said, explaining that there are elements of It is in pardoning that we are par - He joked how his 90-year-old, Italian creation and the universe that cannot be doned; mother still ends her phone calls by ask - explained through science, and which And it is in dying that we are born to ing him, “Are you being a good boy?” point toward God. eternal life. However, while the sentiment may be When he was asked how he managed to The humility and simplicity of the sweet, his mother’s indelible influence is sustain his strength and focus during the prayer helps Izzo guide a large company apparent. massive power outages caused by Super as a servant leader, keeping him ap - Izzo wades through ethical questions Storm Sandy, Izzo deflected attention, de - proachable and focused on the welfare of on a regular basis. Last year, when the ferring to a talented team and his respon -

30 | The Ivy League Christian Observer Reflecting on his faith and family background, Izzo spoke about how these personal convictions drive his daily decisions and help him guide a company that keeps the lights on in millions of homes across the northeast. sibility to keep them in stock of donuts about in his classic book, Good to Great: Izzo, saying, “That type of leader is goal- and coffee. Why Some Companies Make the Leap... driven, humble, and tenacious. I think And that’s precisely the kind of “Level And Others Don’t. Professor Miller you embody those qualities.” ■ Five” leader author Jim Collins talks referred to the book when describing

By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer A CHARTER MEMBER Rhode Island Governor Celebrates State’s Role in Establishing Religious Freedom

Brown University alumni, in - Brown, heralded the charter and its far- sity celebrate its 250 th anniversary in B cluding Gov. Lincoln Chafee reaching influence. Likewise, in June, a 2014. The former director of the John BROWN ’75, helped to celebrate the new museum dedicated to the historic Carter Brown Library also previously 350 th anniversary of the Rhode Island charter opened in the State House. served as a speech writer to former Presi - Colonial Charter, which played a role in estab - lishing religious free - dom in the New World. When King Charles II approved the document in July 1663, it marked the first time a modern monarch granted the freedom to worship with - out government interfer - ence. Such a choice was radical in a period char - acterized by religious wars and ongoing perse - cution, scholars noted. The poignant lan - Gov. Lincoln Chafee, Brown ’75, helped to commemorate the 350th anniversary of the Rhode Island guage granting “free - Colonial Charter, which played a role in creating religious freedom in the New World. dom of religious con- cernments” soon resonated in the char - “To a large degree, our little state fla - dent Bill Clinton, Yale Law ’73, and an ad - ters of other col onies and in the principles vored the whole American experiment,” visor to past U.S. Secretary of State of the U.S. Constitution and other docu - said Ted Widmer, a Brown administrator Hillary Clinton, Yale Law ‘73. ments, according to the Rhode Island and historian, via the commission’s Web Not surprisingly, Widmer heralded the 1663 Colonial Charter 350 th Anniversary site. “Many basic American ideas come colonial charter as one of the most impor - Commission. out of Rhode Island.” tant archives of American history. “This Chafee established the commission to As such, the Ocean State possesses document really is very special,” said organize a celebration of the ground- “more history than a lot of states can Widmer. breaking document, including a statewide claim,” said Widmer, Harvard ’84, Ph.D. Like the Declaration of Independence, tribute in July. Members of the commis - ’93. “Rhode Island was really very impor - the charter was “a product of an amazing sion include a series of notable Brown tant to religious tolerance but, also, in just confluence of stubborn resolve, diplomatic alumni and graduates of other top-tier general ideas about democratic self-gov - skill, and ability to capitalize on a moment universities. ernance.” of opportunity,” wrote Stanley Lemons, Throughout 2013, prominent Rhode Is - Widmer, assistant to Brown’s president historian and professor emeritus of Rhode landers, including figures with ties to for special projects, will help the univer - Island College, for the commission.

Winter 2014 | 31 IN PERSON

In 1663, Rhode Island and Providence sachusetts in search of a place to pursue Plantations was a remote outpost when religious freedom. In addition to found - statesman John Clarke implored Eng - ing Rhode Island, Williams preached land’s King Charles II to grant religious that mixing church and state corrupted toleration to the diminutive colony. the church. As well, the Cambridge-edu - The young monarch, weary of the cated minister asserted that “forced conflicts and bloody wars ravishing Eu - worship stinks in the nostrils of God.” rope, was open to paths for stability and In 1644, the English Parliament, peace – and consented to establish an which was ruling briefly without a overseas laboratory, according to com - monarchy, granted Williams’ renegade mission research. request for a charter for Providence, Such a royal pronouncement gave Portsmouth, and Newport to form a colonial Rhode Islanders more liberty colony, in part, to protect the region than British subjects in the motherland, from boundary disputes with Massa - according to Christianity.com . chusetts. Although the original charter The charter recognized the settlers did not reference the separation of ventured to the New World to pursue church and state, such a philosophy can “with peaceable and loyal minds, their be inferred from the repeated mentions

Chafee established the commission to organize a celebration of the ground- breaking document…Members of the commission include a series of notable Brown alumni and graduates of other top-tier universities. sober, serious, and religious intentions, of a civil government. of godly edifying themselves, and one Upon restoration of the monarchy in another, in the holy Christian faith and 1660, the fate of the primitive colony worship.” was threatened as the original charter of Of key significance, the document 1644 lacked a royal seal. In drafting the highlighted the desires of the Rhode Is - 1663 version, Clarke, also a minister and land patriarchs to “hold forth a lively ex - physician, incorporated core views from periment” in the practice of religious Williams on religious freedoms. freedoms. Scholars note Williams’ revolutionary The charter declared “every person convictions, based in biblical interpreta - and persons may, from time to time, tion, also are woven in the founding and at all times hereafter, freely and documents of other American colonies. fully have and enjoy his and their own Likewise, Chafee honored the efforts judgments and consciences, in matters of Rhode Island’s founders in helping to of religious concernments…” establish the tiniest state in the Union as Another instrumental figure in estab - the cradle of liberty. lishing Rhode Island’s heritage of reli - “What was born here – the separation gious liberty was Roger Williams. The of church from state and freedom to clergyman served as one of the petition - worship without interference from gov - ers of the famed charter and as author of ernment – is a principle of universal an earlier charter establishing the colony. value,” Chafee wrote for the commis - In 1636, the Puritan outcast fled Mas - sion. ■

32 | The Ivy League Christian Observer ABOUT MINISTRY By Tom Campisi, Managing Editor A LEADERSHIFT Christian Union Hosts Benefit Events in New York and Dallas

Christian Union gave God the “We believe when this happens, there soon-to-be-released Drucker & Me about glory for 11 years of significant will be a shift in the culture and the na - his relationship with his mentor, Peter growth and blessing at its tion will be extraordinarily impacted,” Drucker. Leadershift 2013 benefit events this fall. said Bennett. “It will give amazing glory Building on the tremendous response “Praise God that He is a God who hears to God.” to Halftime , in 1998, Buford launched an our prayers,” said Christian Union Since launching a leadership develop - organization by the same name that in - Founder and President Matt Bennett, ment ministry at Princeton 11 years ago spires and equips business and profes - Cornell ’88, MBA ’89. “We are thankful with three students enrolled in Bible sional leaders who are pursuing deeper for His provision.” courses, Christian Union has experienced significance in life. Leadershift events were held at the steady growth each year. As of fall 2013, Among his many ventures, he was Harvard Club in New York City on Octo - there were approximately 1,100 students founding chairman of The Peter F. ber 28 and at the Belo Mansion in Dallas in Christian Union’s in-depth, rigorous Drucker Foundation for Nonprofit Man - on November 11. Christian Union staff, Bible courses at seven of the eight tar - agement (now The Drucker Institute), and helped launch The Buford Founda - tion, Leadership Net - work, and Leader to Leader. Buford, a Dallas res - ident, is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and of the Owner/President Man- agement Program at the Harvard Business School. “Bob Buford exem - Christian Union Leadershift events were held at the Harvard Club in New York City (pictured) and at plifies the transforma - the Belo Mansion in Dallas. At the Dallas event, Bob Buford, pictured with Christian Union Founder tive effect Christians and President Matt Bennett, was honored as Christian Union's Texas Christian Leader of the Year. can have on society when Christian con - ministry fellows, student leaders, donors, geted schools, including new additions viction aligns with creative energy and or - and friends gathered for the annual Penn and Harvard Law School. ganizational excellence,” said Bennett. events, which featured a report on the in - “Devoted Christian Union ministry fel - “Bob’s great commitment to helping de - crease in Christian Union Bible Courses, lows and student leaders are making a velop Christian leaders is marked by a one-on-one discipleship, and leadership difference on campus,” Bennett said. willingness to sacrifice personal comfort, coaching; student testimonies; and a Bob Buford, a businessman and author, career, and reputation to be obedient to glowing vision for the next six years. is an example of what can happen when a God’s call.” By the year 2020, Christian Union seeks Christian leader commits to transforming As for the development of future lead - to see 20 percent of Ivy League undergrad - culture. At the Dallas Leadershift event, ers on some of the nation’s most influen - uate, graduate, faculty members, and uni - he was given the Texas Christian Leader tial campuses, Bennett thanked the versity administrators involved in Christian of the Year Award by Christian Union. faithful Christian Union donors for being community, either local churches or cam - Until the sale of his company in 1999, catalysts in a mighty movement. pus ministries. Approximately 10 percent Buford served as chairman of the board “Extraordinary things are happening at of the students are currently involved in and CEO of Buford Television, Inc., a each of these schools. It takes the gen - ministry. family owned business that started with a erosity of all of you to make it go. You are Citing research that indicates about 50 single ABC affiliate in Tyler, Texas, and changing many lives,” he said. “Moses percent of our nation’s leaders in busi - grew to a network of cable systems across took an offering to build the tabernacle; ness, media, law, and other key sectors of the country. In 1995, he wrote Halftime , a Nehemiah took an offering when he was society are alumni of these eight universi - best-seller that addressed the midlife pro - rebuilding the walls. People gave out of ties, Bennett sees the potential for a fessional’s search for meaning and fulfill - their own means. God does this to create “Leadershift” when the 2020 vision is re - ment. Buford went on to author four faith in the donors and faith in the re - alized. more successful books – including the ceivers. We are thankful and grateful.” ■

Winter 2014 | 33 ABOUT MINISTRY By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer CONTINUING A LEGACY OF DISCIPLESHIP Cindy Benson Takes Position at Dartmouth in Honor of Husband

The widow of a Navigators hearty laugh made him especially popular where students, likewise, take turns lead - D minister at Dartmouth College with undergraduates. The outdoors en - ing worship. DARTMOUTH recently joined the organiza - thusiast spent much of his life outside of “The Navs tend to focus on one-on-one tion on a full-time basis to honor the his family business coaching sports and mentoring,” she said. “My goal is just to memory of her husband. ministering to young people via youth continue building relationships with the In January, Cindy Benson stepped into groups, Bible studies, church services and, students and teach [them]. We’re also full-time service with the Navigators to eventually, campus ministry. looking for ideas on ways to do commu - carry on the work of Paul Gardner “They would come to our house and nity service.” “Benny” Benson, who died on Jan. In September, the William Jewett 31, 2013, after a yearlong battle Tucker Foundation recognized Benson as with cancer. a campus minister on behalf of Naviga - “I really felt like God brought tors, a Colorado-based organization fo - me to the place where I would put cused on evangelism and discipleship. myself out there,” said Benson. “I During the fall, Dartmouth students felt like God was really leading me participated in a retreat with undergradu - to go full-time and take over where ates from Colby-Sawyer, and, in Febru - Benny left off.” ary, students from both campuses plan to Many of the student testimonies attend the Northeast Navigators Winter that poured in after Benny Ben - Conference in Massachusetts. son’s passage inspired Cindy Ben - Not surprisingly, Benson noted she has son to expand her involvement been touched by the warm reception she with campus ministry (dartmouth. has received from Dartmouth students, edu/~navs). “All of the testimonies whom she also described as brilliant and made me feel like, ‘We are making fascinating. a differen ce.’ I just believe in this,” “We both found them to be so great – she said. down to earth, fun and affectionate,” said Through full-time service, Ben - Benson, a longtime educator whose ca - son is able to mentor undergradu - Cindy Benson (center) recently joined the reer has spanned diverse age groups and ates who crave the gift of time from Navigators full time to honor the memory of public and private schools. a nurturing adult. Campus min - her late husband Benny. “It’s been refreshing to me.” istry is “very rewarding – they’re so The Bensons, who were married 35 appreciative,” Benson said. “They give me hang out for the evening. I got really close years, met while attending Gordon Col - big hugs.” to the ones he had developed relation - lege in Massachusetts. The couple raised As a result of her move, Benson is scal - ships with,” Cindy Benson said. “We were two daughters. ing back her hours at nearby Colby- really close to all of them. The students Today, Benson cherishes time with her Sawyer College, where she has worked as just brought him out. It was really his grandchildren, three in New Hampshire an international student advisor and writ - groove.” and one in North Carolina. Son-in-law ing tutor for more than a decade. “I want Like her late husband, Benson will David Swanson is attending Duke Divin - to keep in touch with the international minister for the Navigators at both Dart - ity School. community,” Benson said. mouth and Colby-Sawyer. Undergrads in On campus, Benson’s service already is Shortly after Cindy Benson joined the latter represent a dozen or so nation - impacting students. Colby-Sawyer, the Bensons began minis - alities. “She brings a great warmth and wis - tering on a part-time basis for the Naviga - Since September, Benson has served dom to the students that allows them to tors at the college in New London. alongside Rick and Anne Pinilla at Dart - feel comfortable sharing their lives openly In 2008, the Navigators asked Benny mouth on a part-time basis. The Pinillas, and asking the hard questions about their Benson to expand his duties to disciple former missionaries to Germany and par - own faith,” said Kevin Collins (Harvard students full-time at both Dartmouth and ents of three grown children, joined the ’89), Christian Union’s ministry director Colby-Sawyer College. Dartmouth stu - Navigators in February 2013 after moving at Dartmouth. dents treasured their time with Benny to nearby Newport. “To see God leading Cindy to Dart - Benson and even held their fall 2012 re - As part of Benson’s theme of “unity and mouth to carry on Benny’s legacy, while treat at his home, 45 minutes away in An - community,” the New Jersey native is also bringing her own gifts, passions, and dover, as his illness progressed. inviting campus minsters from across vision to the campus, is really encourag - Benny Benson’s contagious warmth and Dartmouth to speak at Nav meetings, ing and special for all of us.” ■

34 | The Ivy League Christian Observer By Eileen Scott, Senior Writer A PRECIOUS OFFERING Dartmouth Senior Is Co-Founder of the Alabaster Group

As the woman from Bethany tion that is at the core of Alabaster Group. rowed her focus and set priorities, keep - D poured out precious alabaster “I saw how God was able to transform ing Alabaster high on the list. As a result, DARTMOUTH upon the feet of the Lord, stu - me,” said Lee. “In the past, I would try to she said she hasn’t struggled with balanc - dents at Dartmouth and other leading be holy, but it always ended up in discour - ing her faith and academics, or putting universities are pouring out their lives at agement.” the foot of the cross as they seek a move - Recognizing her helplessness ment of the Holy Spirit among their in being able to renew herself, peers. Lee surrendered to Christ. The Alabaster Group—whose name is “It was so amazing after that inspired by Matthew 26:7-10—is a stu - point,” she said, “God really dent-run organization that is seeking to helped me become closer to Him. pursue God in a passionate way and usher I had such a passion to bring my in the presence of the Lord on several classmates into this encounter campuses. with God.” Carolyn Lee, Dartmouth ’14, and Daniel While the students are eager to Li, a senior at the Massachusetts Institute share their faith and have Al - of Technology, founded the Alabaster abaster Group present on many Group after attending Closer Conferences campuses, they are not in a rush and seeing a need for consistent commu - to expand. The campus min - nity and fellowship. istries remain small with leader - “We found a lot of students were on ship coming from a core team board with the vision,” said Lee. that meets every other weekend Currently, the ministry has a presence in New Jersey. at Cornell, Dartmouth, Yale, and Prince - “One of my concerns is that I ton. Being a student-run ministry poses don’t want Alabaster to grow challenges, says Lee, such as students faster than the Lord is taking us. learning how to preach and lead worship. We want to be sensitive and dis - And while she admits there are feelings of cerning how fast we go,” said inadequacy in leading, she says success is Lee. not defined by how good the sermon Traveling from Hanover, New sounds, but how palpable the presence of Hampshire to New Jersey twice a God is. month to meet with Alabaster This January, the Alabaster Group team members from the other hosted its winter conference, EXALT schools is a hefty commitment Carolyn Lee ’14 is the student president of 2014, in Edison, New Jersey. The confer - for the senior with aspirations to Alabaster Group. ence was a time for students to exalt the be a physician scientist. How - Lord and experience God’s love in a way ever, Lee has found that allowing that school above God. that inspires them to share the Gospel time for Christ has enhanced, not bur - “In the grand scheme of things, I don’t and inspire others to seek Him back at dened, her academic experience and suc - remember the times I gave up in the study their campuses. cess. rooms,” she said. “I remember the times I It’s this kind of personal transforma - As her faith matured, Lee said she nar - was with the Lord.” ■

“God really helped me become closer to Him. I had such a passion to bring my classmates into this encounter with God.” —Carolyn Lee, Dartmouth '14

Winter 2014 | 35 ABOUT MINISTRY By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer GENERATION NEXT Church’s Outreach in Princeton Attracts Teen Crowd

When Kung-Li Deng returned nas of society, namely business, arts and spend with us, and then we offer mentor - I to Princeton, New Jersey to entertainment, education, religion family, ing or partnership,” Deng said. “We have ALL IVY plant a church in 2008, the government, and media. a small network around the East Coast. electrical engineer never envisioned he We are able to accompany would be ministering to a vibrant, grow - them in their spiritual walk ing teen scene. in college.” Today, about 50 youths gather on Fri - Along related lines, Deng day evenings for 5 Rock Academy’s weekly said he has a vision for help - outreach, which is strategically located at ing to restore Ivy League in - the Christian Union’s Wilson Center on stitutions to their spiritual Nassau Street. Activities include worship roots, and he seeks to make music, Bible lessons, games, and even students aware of the her - karaoke and Hoagie Haven nights. itage and founding missions Deng, who earned a doctorate from of the universities. Princeton University in 1999, set out to Despite the thriving crop attract graduate students when he began of youths who regularly at - holding outreach events on Friday tend 5 Rock activities, Deng evenings at the Wilson Center near has no current plans to enter Princeton’s dining and shopping hub. vocational ministry. “Once we opened the door, it was mostly “I have to work. Youth local high school kids,” said Deng. “We’re don’t bring money,” he said. learning about the next generation.” “College students don’t As part of his efforts to disciple young bring money.” people and provide a foundation for their Deng is the founder and future academic and career success, Deng president of Enlighting, Inc., established the 5 Rock Academy as a ma - a rapidly growing startup jor outreach of his church, Agape House that specializes in the devel - Fellowship. opment of innovative con - Deng was inspired by the model of Log Kung-Li Deng, Princeton *99, established the 5 Rock sumer electronics. His wife, College, a forerunner to Princeton Univer - Academy as an outreach of his church, Agape House Hsiao-Wei Deng, who com - sity. Founder William Tennett believed in Fellowship. pleted a master of public a holistic approach in training and equip - health from Harvard Univer - ping people. Tennett, who said youths As well, 5 Rock Academy has raised sity in 1995, is a senior statistician with a possess the potential to become leaders in money for charitable efforts, including the major pharmaceutical company. The cou - their fields of interest, also believed aftermath of the 9.0-magnitude earthquake ple has an eight-year-old son. emerging adults needed more than raw in Japan in 2011. Much of their time also is spent shep - academic skills for success. More importantly, the ministry does not herding the Agape House Fellowship, As such, 5 Rock seeks to encourage and simply hand off participating youths as which hosts 50-plus regular worshipers. train young people to pursue their pas - they graduate high school. Rather, Deng In September, the church moved its Sun - sions with excellence and integrity and to maintains online Bible studies via video day services to Plainsboro to accommo - equip them with personal, academic, and conferencing for students as they enter col - date growing attendance, but the Friday relational skills. lege and even graduate school. Of the night activities remain at the Wilson Cen - Key programs include Ivy League dozen or more regular participants, the ter near the hub of downtown Princeton. Longstay, which allows youths to visit top majority are studying within the Ivy “Our church’s outreach is for the universities and interact with students League. younger generation,” Deng said. “We’re and scholars, and the Fusion and Revolu - “It’s very natural to gather online. They raising up leaders.” tions weekend camps. bring their new friends from college to Ultimately, Deng said he is trusting Fusion retreats use skits, as well as fel - join us,” Deng said. “The Internet is a God as he ministers to young people. lowship and games, to help students ex - great tool.” “It was a step of faith for me to change perience God’s presence. Revolutions The outreach is part of Agape’s nontra - my lifestyle. I thank God for everything camps discuss what it means for youth to ditional approach to ministry. He’s done for us,” he said. “It’s a journey be culture changers in the seven key are - “They enjoy the couple of years they of faith.” ■

36 | The Ivy League Christian Observer NEWS-IN-BRIEF

ALL IVY Christian leaders, including Kevin Social Network Influences Jenkins, president of World Vision Divorce, Marital Success Jamful Jamful! International. Mandela “believed in jus - New research from Brown University A cappella groups Under Construction tice,” said Jenkins, Harvard MBA ’85. examined the effects of both divorce and and Full Measure were featured at the healthy marriages on close friends and “Jamful, Jamful!” concert on November Fellowship and Thanksgiving found that both may be contagious— 1 at Harvard’s Paine Hall. The free per - Students throughout the Ivy League cele - findings formance included the songs of Ne-Yo, brated Thanksgiving through fellowship that echo Whitney Houston, and service to others. Some of the events biblical Mariah Carey, and included students volunteering at the principles. Tenth Avenue North. Harvard Square Homeless Shelter during In the their break. The shelter is the only student- October The “Jamful, run outreach of its kind in the nation. issue of Jamful!” concert Thanksgiving dinners and celebrations Social featured a cappella were also hosted by various campus min - Researchers at Brown groups Under Forces , University suggest that Construction and Full istries and organizations, including the scholars divorce may be contagious. Measure. Newman Center (www.newman. noted the upenn.edu) at Penn, Manna divorce of a close associate spikes the Under Construction has been perform - (manna.mycpanel. odds of dissolution for an individual. ing at Harvard for more than a quarter princeton.edu) at Researchers analyzed three decades of century with a vision to share “God’s Princeton, and the data from thousands of Framingham, message with the Harvard campus and Yale Law Christian Massachusetts residents. They found beyond through the medium of a cap - Fellowship. study participants were 75 percent more pella music.” Similarly, Penn’s Full likely to disjoin if a friend is divorced. Measure seeks to “worshipfully compel Students throughout Likewise, friends have a similar influence others to know Jesus Christ more the Ivy League celebrated on other life decisions. “We suggest that through music and our lives.” Thanksgiving with attending to the health of one’s friends’ fellowship and service. marriages might serve to support and Ivy League Honors enhance the durability of one’s own rela - Nelson Mandela tionship,” scholars concluded. Across the Ivy League, administrators BROWN and alumni paused to pay tribute to Protestant Services Renamed, Brown Retreat Focuses on Nelson Mandela, the South Reworked ‘Living with God’ African leader and human-rights advo - Brown University Students involved with Cru Brown (cru- cate who died in December. has revamped its brown.org) ventured to Connecticut for Among the accolades, Brown President non-denomina - their annual fall retreat. Over the week - Christina Paxson recalled Mandela’s tional Protestant end of October 11-13, the struggle against apartheid, which res - services. undergraduates travelled to Camp onated on American campuses. Paxson In addition to Wightman in North Stonington, (Columbia Ph.D. ’87), a former Princeton shifting timeframes Connecticut, where they joined students University dean, described Mandela as a for the Sunday and from Athletes in Action’s outreach at “courageous leader who committed his Wednesday serv - Brown (aia-brown.org) and Cru’s branch life to advancing justice for all people.” Brown University ices, the Office of has revised and at the University of Massachusetts at In 2010, Brown awarded Mandela an the Chaplains and renamed its Dartmouth. Camp Wightman is a 50- honorary doctor of laws degree. Religious Life has Protestant plus-year-old ministry of the American Tributes also dubbed the new services. Baptist Churches of Connecticut. poured in from services as Sunday Worship and prominent Wednesday Inspiration: 30 Minutes for Ivy League alumni Your Soul. The Sunday service replaces A paused to pay Call to Worship and Imani Jubilee, tribute to Nelson which reflected styles from the black Mandela, the church. The new Sunday service follows South African a more traditional religious format. As leader and for Wednesday services, they are human-rights advocate who designed to feature a spiritually moving Cru Brown held its fall retreat at Camp died in December. time of reflection. Wightman.

Winter 2014 | 37 NEWS-IN-BRIEF

CHRISTIAN UNION Campus Kindness and Mere Tree Lighting Includes Gospel Christianity Choir, Mandela Tribute CFA Hosts Holiday Celebrations, Book Giveaway Harvard College The annual tree lighting was held at Faith and Columbia on December 5, ringing in the Students involved with Cornell Faith and Action—a Christmas season. Various a cappella Action—a leadership development min - leadership groups performed during the festivities, istry supported and resourced by development including Columbia’s Gospel Choir Christian Union—celebrated the end of a ministry sup - (www.columbia.edu/cu/gospel/). fruitful semester with a Christmas party. ported and However, the festivities were also More than 50 students participated in resourced by sobered as students remembered the the festivities on December 8 at the Christian contributions of human rights activist Carriage House Café, where they also Union—engaged and former South African President shared poems and songs. in campus kind - Dr. Frank James, Nelson Mandela. president of Biblical Students involved with ness with a book Those gathered for the tree lighting Seminary in Cornell Faith and Action giveaway in the Philadelphia, gave a were asked for a moment of silence in recently distributed fall semester. lecture at a salon honor of Mandela, who died earlier that copies of Rev. Tim Students and hosted by New York same day. Keller’s book, Counterfeit leaders involved City Christian Union. Gods: The Empty Barnard Dean with HCFA Promises of Money, Sex, Avis Hinkson ’84 and Power, and the Only (harvardfaithandaction.com) distributed participated in the Hope that Matters . copies of C.S. Lewis’ classic book, Mere Columbia annual Christianity . On December 11, HCFA tree lighting that In November, the undergraduates held capped a very productive semester with a also paid tribute a Thanksgiving dinner and a book give - Christmas party. to former South away, distributing hot chocolate and African President passing out 700 copies of Rev. Tim Nelson Mandela. Keller’s Counterfeit Gods: The Empty COLUMBIA According to the Columbia Spectator , Promises of Money, Sex, and Power, Barnard Dean Avis Hinkson ’84, spoke and the Only Hope that Matters. Catholic Ministry Adds New Assistant Director of Mandela, citing “his activism, his com - mitment to integrity, his concern for Fasting and Feasting Fr. Jonathan Morris is the new assistant humankind worldwide, and his commit - Over 100 students involved with director of Columbia Catholic Ministry ment to peace and to equity.” Christian Union’s leadership develop - (www.columbia.edu/cu/earl/ccm). ment ministry at Dartmouth gathered on Morris, an author and frequent guest on Compass Christian Koinonia news programs, is a priest in the November 15 for a Thanksgiving celebra - Provides Graduate Ministry tion. Archdiocese of New York and a special Compass Christian Koinonia Graduate After a day of fasting, the students assistant to Cardinal Student Fellowship assembled for a turkey dinner and time Timothy Dolan for (www.columbia.edu/cu/cck/grad/) is of prayer. Kevin Collins (Harvard ’89), media and communica - holding weekly Bible studies that bring Christian Union’s ministry director at tions. students together for Scripture, food, Dartmouth, shared a message and stu - Author and media and community. dents prayed for the freshman class and personality Father The ministry is also known as upperclassmen who will study abroad Jonathan Morris is the CCKgrad. Believers and seekers are all for the winter quarter. new assistant director of invited to the ministry’s events, which “We took time to express our gratitude Columbia Catholic Ministry. include Sunday worship services at to the Lord in prayer,” said Caroline Compass Albanese, a Christian Union ministry Fellowship fellow. The director of The Catholic Channel on SiriusXM satellite radio, he served as Church. an advisor on the film, “The Passion of CCK also the Christ,” and authored the books, God offers a Wants You Happy: From Self-Help to similar God’s Help and The Promise: God’s ministry for under - Purpose and Plan for When Life Hurts. Compass Christian Koinonia graduate Morris is currently a doctoral candidate Graduate Student at Regina Apostolorum Pontifical Fellowship hosts Bible students at University in Rome. studies on Friday nights. Columbia.

38 | The Ivy League Christian Observer CORNELL A 36-Hour Prayer Surge only for members of the ministry. Dartmouth Senior Hilary Johnson Campus on a Hill Hosts Speaker From Friday morning, October 25, to Saturday evening, October 26, the shared the Gospel, focusing on the From Redeemer Presbyterian Christian community came together for importance of giving thanks and appreci - Church thirty-six hours of prayer and adoration ating the surrounding beauty. In early November, Campus on a Hill of the Lord. “It blessed me to see the whole min - (campusonahill.org) sponsored a series The Campus House of Prayer at istry serving and to see so many people of events with Bijan Mirtolooi, the com - Cornell (www.facebook.com/Cornell there who don’t consider themselves munity group director at the West Side HouseofPrayer) sponsored the “36 Hour Christian,” said one member of Agape. Prayer Surge” in an effort to combat a A Christian Union grant helped fund Bijan Mirtolooi, the event. community group time in the semester when coordinators director at say “fervor for God often wanes, and Redeemer darkness and spiritual warfare intensi - Apologia Web site Undergoes Presbyterian Church fies.” The purpose of the 36-hour stretch Facelift in New York City, of prayer spoke to Cornell was for stu - students in the fall dents to semester. press into Congregation of Redeemer Presbyterian God’s pres - Church in New York City. Mirtolooi ence and to spoke about the meaning and power that be watchful Jesus’ death gives Christians; conducted of His The Apologia , a journal of Christian a practical workshop about how to use Students at Cornell movement Scripture as a means for Christian participated in a 36-hour on the cam - thought at Dartmouth (www.dart - growth; and gave a sermon at First surge of prayer. pus. mouthapologia.org), is working on a Ithaca Chinese Christian Church on how Students redesign of its Web site to keep up with the church community impacts and and community members signed up for the current digital trends in journalism. affects members’ growth. individual time slots when they commit - The journal has a significant following ted to devoting themselves to prayer at on campus and is seeking to enhance its Lacrosse Team Suspended the Campus House of Prayer. ability to present the Gospel message for Hazing on Dartmouth’s campus through the Internet. In September, the entire Cornell DARTMOUTH A Christian Union grant will help fund Lacrosse Team was put on temporary the redesign. suspension due to hazing allegations. In Agape Christian Fellowship November, the university fired the Hosts Outreach Banquet LGBT Housing Approved team’s coach, Ben DeLuca. The Dartmouth College Board of According to a report posted on the Trustees approved a $3.6 million con - university Web site, an investigation struction project to provide housing for revealed, “the presence of a culture the “homosexual” community. Called within this group of treating new mem - “The Triangle House,” the residence will bers as less than equals.” Additionally, have 27 beds and an apartment for an the team was found to be involved in advisor. The housing advisor, Reese alcohol-related hazing, which involved “a Kelly, told Dartmouth Now that the ‘keg race’ in which underage freshmen facility’s name is a reference to a badge members, aided by seniors, were chal - worn by gay Holocaust prisoners. lenged to drink large amounts of Agape Christian Fellowship held its annual President Phil Hanlon ’77 told alcohol…” Thanksgiving Outreach Banquet on Dartmouth Now that, In addition to the suspension, the team November 16. “The Triangle House was required to partici - Agape Christian Fellowship (www. will be a welcome addi - pate in anti-hazing dartmouth.edu/~acf/fellowship.htm) tion to Dartmouth, and education programs held its annual Thanksgiving Outreach a tangible sign of the and workshops. Banquet on November 16. Ministry mem - board’s commitment to Dartmouth Board of Trustees bers invited non-Christian friends to the Cornell’s lacrosse team increase the diversity approved multi- was suspended and its event and prepared and served the food. of social, intellectual, million dollar coach was fired due to Turnout for the event exceeded expec - and residential options housing for alcohol-related hazing. tations, and resulted in standing room on campus.” LGBT students.

Winter 2014 | 39 NEWS-IN-BRIEF

HARVARD ulty in discussions of life’s hardest ques - students with communities of faith, tions and the relevance of Christian schools, and neighborhood organizations Ichthus Issues Apology perspectives to these issues.” serving West Philadelphia. In response For Essay on Judaism to a White House challenge, CHORDS is The Harvard Ichthus received media atten - Leadership Roundtable Features deepening its community partnerships tion this fall when the editor apologized for Bestselling Author with more service opportunities, intern - ships, and student-leadership training. an anonymous essay published on its blog, The Leadership Connection Roundtable Fish Tank . The essay, entitled “Why Us?”, on Science and Religion was held at the was written by a Jewish convert to Harvard Faith Leaders Condemn Christianity and declared, “We, the Jews, Faculty Club on Vandalism against Secular collectively rejected God and hung Him up November 6. Group on a cross to die, and thus we deserved the The event fea - In November, Penn Secular Society’s punishments that were heaped on our tured New poster on Locust Walk was defaced four heads over the last 2,000 years.” York Times’ times in two weeks, but campus religious The Boston Globe reported the story Bestselling leaders were quick to condemn the acts, and the apology by Ichthus Editor-in- Author The Harvard Faculty Club Chief Aaron Gyde ’14, which stated, “We In November, Penn Secular Society’s Matthew Pearl, was the site of the poster on Locust Walk was defaced four apologize for inadequate editorial over - whose works Leadership Connection times in two sight in the publishing and re-publishing include The Roundtable on Science weeks. In and Religion in November. of this blog post...” Dante Club , response, campus The Poe Shadow, and The Last Dickens, religious leaders condemned the and University of Indiana-Bloomington acts. Professor of English and author Christoph Irmscher, who wrote Louis according to The Daily Pennsylvanian . Agassiz, Inventor of American Science . Some of the graffiti included the The Leadership Connection Roundtable phrases, “hell is real” and “no way” near offers dinners and discussions surround - a quote by Thomas à Kempis. The priest ing a variety of issues. Events are modeled of the late Medieval Era said, “If God The editor of the Harvard Ichthus on contemporary university faculty semi - apologized for an essay which was were our one and only desire, we would considered offensive to the Jewish nar patterns to foster co-exploration and not be so easily upset when our opinions community. cooperation between Christian and non- do not find outside acceptance.” Faith Christian academic administrators and leaders spoke against the vandalism, faculty. which also prompted a series of guest Veritas Forum Examines New editorials in The Daily Pennsylvanian . Testament in Modern Light On November 15, the Veritas Forum at PENN Study Links Reproductive Morals Harvard featured a discussion between Campus Organizations Serve to Religiosity notable theologian and scholar N.T. West Philadelphia A recent study by University of Wright and Sean Kelly, the chair of the Pennsylvania professors found attitudes philosophy department at Harvard. The Students involved with Penn Cru toward sex are a better indicator of reli - discussion topic was “The Bible: Gospel, (phillycru.org) volunteered in West giosity than attitudes about lying and Guide, or Garbage?” The event was Philadelphia stealing. designed to be a respectful conversation through a The results indicate reproductive between the two scholars, rather than a community morals, including beliefs about casual debate of beliefs. partnership pro - sex, abortion, or homosexuality, are a Harvard has been hosting Veritas gram led by the stronger reflector of Forums at the campus since 1992, with Office of the religiosity than the goal of “engaging students and fac - Chaplain and Students involved with Penn’s inter - cooperative morals, The Veritas Forum Penn Cru volunteered faith student including attitudes in West Philadelphia in featured a leadership toward bribery, the fall semester. discussion between group. On lying, and stealing. Sean Kelly, chair of Individuals who the philosophy October 26 and 27, members of campus oppose abortion department at religious organizations performed serv - Harvard (pictured) ice projects through the CHORDS and shun casual sex and theologian and partnership. Since its founding in 1998, tend to be more scholar N.T. Wright. CHORDS has worked to connect Penn religious.

40 | The Ivy League Christian Observer In a series of Western nations, a per - Lecture Series Discusses ‘Loving Chi Alpha Kicks off at Yale son’s reproductive morals are six times Thy Neighbor’ Chi Alpha Campus Ministries more likely to predict religiosity than dif - Theologian Vincent Bacote appeared at (www.chialpha.com) launched a new ferences in cooperative morals, Princeton University in November to dis - ministry at Yale this fall. Built upon according to the study. cuss how Christians are called to “community, cross, and creation,” Chi approach loving their neighbors as an Alpha at Yale PRINCETON expression of God’s care for His creation. is led by min - Developing Character Bacote, an associate professor of theology, istry is the director of the Center for Applied directors Rob Christian Miller (Princeton ’99), associ - Christian Ethics at Wheaton College. He and Sarah ate professor of philosophy at Wake appeared on Malcolm. Forest University, continues his work on November 23 in Rob Malcolm the study of character. After completing McCosh Hall as earned a a three-year study entitled The Character part of a lecture Ph.D. in geo - Project, Miller launched the Developing series hosted sciences and Character Project in 2013. by Manna an M.A. in Miller’s work has also culminated in Christian practical the - the recently released book, Moral Fellowship ology. Sarah Character: An Empirical Theory and the (manna. Malcolm forthcoming mycpanel. received her Moral Psychology . Rob and Sarah Malcolm princeton. B.A. in reli - are the directors of Chi He also writes a edu). Bacote Theologian Vincent gion and an Alpha at Yale. blog for framed his dis - Bacote spoke at M.A. in prac - Psychology Today . Princeton University cussion in light tical theology. Miller’s work in November. of the issues Chi Alpha—a ministry of the focuses on meta- tied to race, eth - Assemblies of God—has chapters on ethics, moral nicity, and class that often surface in campuses throughout the world. psychology, theory reconciliation practices. A prolific of action, norma - writer, Bacote has contributed to books tive theory, and Law Fellowship Serves including On Kuyper and Aliens in the philosophy of reli - Homeless Christian Miller, Promised Land . gion. Princeton ’99 Students with Yale Law Christian Fellowship volunteered at Columbus Catholic Ministry Relocates to YALE House this November, Modern Facility serving dinner for 100 people. Columbus YDS ‘Community Matters’ The Aquinas Institute (princeton - House, an emergency shelter located in Spotlights Gender, Sex Issues catholic.org) is settling into its new New Haven, Connecticut, serves people ministry headquarters at 24 Charlton The Yale Divinity School recently who are homeless or at risk of becoming Street, near Princeton University. The launched Community Matters, an initia - homeless. Catholic chaplaincy relocated from its tive that will bring issues of gender and historic mansion on Stockton Street to sexual orientation to the forefront of be closer to campus. The new base fea - conversation and build a “more inclusive Members of Yale tures amenities including an observation environment.” In “Notes from the Quad,” Law Christian deck and home theater. The five-story, Chloe Starr, assis - Fellowship fed modernistic residence sold for $1.8 mil - tant professor of dinner to the homeless at lion on July 17, according to Asian Christianity and theology and Columbus House Realtor.com. Father David Swantek, who last semester. came to chair of the Princeton Diversity in fall Committee, stated 2011, initi - that a 10-year Yale Law Christian Fellowship is a stu - ated the diversity plan is dent-led, non-denominationally affiliated move. being developed to organization that consists of members of “ensure an ongo - a variety of faith backgrounds. The pur - Chloe Starr is ing focus on the chair of pose of the organization is to “encourage The new home of The Aquinas Institute in privilege and mar - the Diversity spiritual growth in members of the law Princeton, New Jersey. ginalization.” Committee at Yale. school community.”

Winter 2014 | 41 CHRISTIAN UNION By Matthew W. Bennett, Founder and President, Christian Union THE MISSION AND VISION OF CHRISTIAN UNION

Following is the mission and 100,000 college stu - extremely prominent vision of Christian Union, dents—out of 21 mil - nationally and interna - printed in each issue of the Ivy lion nationwide—on tionally but, unfortu - League Christian Observer to keep new just a handful of cam - nately, also are generally readers informed of the ministry’s pur - puses will occupy 50 secular in orientation. pose and passion. percent of the most Heroic efforts have been strategic roles in the made in these cities in INTRODUCTION United States. Gradu - the last few decades The United States is unusual in the in - ates from these schools to strengthen Christian dustrialized world for its possession of also will exercise tre- communities, and much significant spiritual devotion, but lack of mendous impact on more needs to be done Christian vitality among cultural innova - the international scene. to see these cities be - tors. Many of the most influential leaders Currently, these cam- come known for their in academia, the arts, business, educa - puses are extremely love for and devotion to tion, government, media, medicine, and secular in their out - Jesus Christ and His Christian Union Founder and law are decidedly secular in their individ - looks, representing a purposes. President Matthew W. Bennett, ual outlooks. Regretfully, the Christian slow-motion train wreck Cornell BS ’88, MBA ’89. community itself is mostly to blame for that has been nega - FOUR VALUES OF this sad state of affairs. More than a hun - tively impacting this THE MINISTRY dred years ago, large segments of the country and world for a generation. More In its mission, Christian Union has four Christian community decided that intel - than 90 percent of the students on these values of paramount concern that charac - lectualism and positions of cultural influ - campuses have no regular Christian input terize its approach. First, Christian Union ence were to be avoided and, therefore, in their lives. The campuses are Brown, works deliberately to engage students and left those arenas to secularists. Now, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, marketplace professionals. To have a re - Christians lament that so much of the cul - Penn, Princeton, and Yale universities. alistic chance of seeing such individuals ture is directed and shaped by those hold - Even with the help of local churches develop into Christian leaders in just a ing values contrary to the gospel of Christ. and godly national campus ministries, the few short years, the ministry utilizes Of course, this should be no surprise. proportion of Christian involvement and workers of substantial caliber to mentor strengthening on these key campuses has and teach. The Christian Union’s ministry WHY THE MINISTRY EXISTS not changed in 50 years. There is no good workers are called “ministry fellows,” and In 2002, Christian Union was founded reason to expect the United States will they possess exceptional professional and to rectify this imbalance by developing substantively change spiritually in the educational credentials. Many hold ad - Christian leaders to impact the larger cul - next 50 years if these campuses are not vanced seminary training, including mas - ture. The ministry strategically focuses on dramatically changed in our present day. ter of divinity and master of theology a highly influential and unreached seg - New approaches and energy need to be degrees, and several possess doctoral de - ment of the U.S. population—current and poured into making it a priority for the grees. Others have substantial experience future leaders who shape many of the de - Christian church to ensure the lives of fu - at some of the top companies in the cisions that affect the daily lives of all ture leaders are strengthened with the world, including Merrill Lynch and Americans. Such influencers are found in gospel of Jesus Christ. Therefore, the mis - McKinsey and Co. Years of educational two primary places: the top tier of aca - sion of Christian Union is to develop training and life experiences give ministry demically-oriented universities and a Christian leaders at these colleges to re - fellows the ability to mentor successfully handful of powerful, “global” cities in the shape dramatically the direction of the students and professionals, as well as in - United States. nation. struct them in biblical depth, theology, a Christian worldview, and the integration UNIVERSITY CHRISTIAN UNION CITY CHRISTIAN UNION of faith into academic disciplines and vo - One of the two branches of Christian In addition to University Christian cations. Union is known as University Christian Union, the second branch of the ministry, Secondly and perhaps more impor - Union, and it develops Christian leaders City Christian Union, concentrates on a tantly, Christian Union emphasizes the at eight university campuses with handful of the country’s most influential relevancy of seeking God wholeheartedly. extraordinary influence. Research has cities, starting with New York City. Other What’s the point of having a Christian in shown that just eight of the 2,500 universi - cities of focus to be given increasing atten - a position of cultural influence if his or ties in this country produce 50 percent of tion in the future include: Chicago, Los An - her devotion to God, faith, and spiritual the most powerful leaders. It’s incredible geles, San Francisco, Washington D.C., and strength is so weak that the individual’s to consider that a tiny segment of only Boston. By many measures, these cities are values do not significantly differ from sec -

42 | The Ivy League Christian Observer ularist peers? Daniel of Bible fame serves expertise helps the ministry to be strategic personal mentoring as described below. It as an inspiration. He was organized and and purposeful in its goals and objectives. culminates in a leadership project that purposeful in his leadership, which was to Every quarter, the ministry compares its each student individually conceives and be expected of a man second in command progress against goals in a series of key in - implements. The initiative needs to im - in the most powerful nations in the world dicators. Jim Collins’ monograph, “Good pact the campus environment for good in his day: Babylon and Persia. He also to Great in the Social Sector,” has been a and can take a variety of different forms. was known to be extremely intelligent, which is why he was selected to enter the king’s service in the first place, learning the literature of the Chaldeans. Yet, he also possessed a devotion to God so strong that even under the threat of death, he would not eat food defiled by idols, bow down to the golden image of Nebuchadnezzar, and cease praying three times per day. While teaching students and professionals to be good leaders or - ganizationally and developing their intel - lectual knowledge of the Christian faith, the Christian Union also instills a deep appreciation for the importance of seek - ing God wholeheartedly day and night. Participants learn to pray fervently, prac - tice humility, read the Scriptures often, repent of sins daily, and obey the Spirit promptly, persevering day in and day out in love and devotion to the only true God of the universe. Only with such qualities will Christian leaders have the spiritual power by the Spirit of God to fulfill His purposes for their lives. Thirdly, the Christian Union networks participants for the purpose of cultural engagement. Christians can make mis - takes on both ends of the spectrum. Ei - tremendous aid in providing direction for Among them, students may engage social ther, they are fully engaged in the culture, a disciplined, metric-driven approach. leaders on campus to reduce reliance on but lack Christian companions and con - alcohol or the hook-up mindset, interact tacts and become weak spiritually and ACTIVITIES ON CAMPUS with professors who have been advocat - unable to call on a wider range of re - As of Winter 2014, University Chris - ing anti-Christian worldviews, or reach sources for impact, or they have many tian Union is active at Princeton, Har - out evangelistically to peers. Christian friends, but do not expend the vard, Yale, Dartmouth, Columbia, Penn, energy to interact with the larger culture and Cornell and it plans to expand to Bible Courses that needs the salt and light of Jesus Brown in the near future. Christian The centerpiece of the ministry on cam - Christ. For Christian leaders to be suc - Union fulfills its mission on these cam - pus consists of Bible Courses comprised cessful, they need a network of close, like- puses through a variety of strategically of eight to ten students of the same sex minded friends who love and urge them conceived activities. The following are and a Christian Union ministry fellow as on as followers of Christ. They also bring the ministry’s principle offerings on cam - the leader. These are extraordinarily pop - additional resources to bear in key cul - puses. ular, and there is often a waiting list for tural struggles, and they need to be out - students to join. Students need sponsor - wardly focused, looking for ways to Leadership Certification Curriculum ship to be able to join a Bible Course, so engage and improve the larger culture Christian Union employs a proprietary there is great need for additional support and make sacrifices for the purposes of two-year curriculum to develop students to touch the lives of more young people. Jesus Christ. intellectually, spiritually, and socially for (For information, see www.christian- Lastly, the ministry is organizationally the purposes of cultural engagement. The union.org/sponsorship.) Every under - disciplined in its approach. Several lead - curriculum comprises 2,000 pages of graduate sponsored means one more ers in the ministry possess master of busi - reading, participation in Bible Courses, student receives the opportunity to de - ness administration degrees, and their attendance at weekly lecture series, and velop into a Christian leader.

Winter 2014 | 43 CHRISTIAN UNION

one-on-one interaction, Christian Union tellectuals and influencers of the day in ministry fellows provide personal mentor - order to make the impact for which they ing to guide students spiritually, and to have been called. Salons are periodic provide leadership coaching. gatherings of 10 to 20 participants, hosted by an NYCU member, to hear from Conferences a leading, Christian cultural influencer. To augment instruction students re - ceive through the above activities, the CONCLUSION ministry also hosts a variety of confer - Christian Union exists because of Jesus’ ences and retreats during the academic words in Luke 12:48: “Everyone to whom year and longer programs during the much was given, of him much will be re - summer months. World-class theolo - quired.” All who have received much in gians, leaders, and speakers convene to terms of education, industry influence, inspire and teach students in a context wealth, and prestige need to be inspired, of worship, fervent prayer, and relation - ship building. The power of these week -

photo credit: Daniel Yue, Harvard ’16 end or week-long gatherings is so strong that often more Christian growth and Weekly Leadership Lecture Series strengthening happens during a confer - Every week on campus, the students ence than through a whole semester of are taught in a lecture setting by Christian other programming. Union’s ministry fellows or special lectur - ers from across the nation and beyond. ACTIVITIES IN NEW YORK CITY Topics include biblical depth, theological THROUGH CITY CHRISTIAN UNION grounding, Christian vocational or aca - Ministry to New Yorkers began in demic integration, and other subjects. To 2005, but only recently is New York City succeed as Christian leaders, students Christian Union able to make a stronger need deep teaching from the Scriptures impact because of the hiring of both a di - and role models of Christians in various rector and an event manager. The min - vocational fields. Weekly lectures provide istry is expanding its impact through the the necessary intellectual strengthening following programs: for success. NYCU Bible Courses Personal Mentoring The New York City Christian Union Educational theorist and University of Bible Courses are similar to the ones Chicago Professor Benjamin Bloom dis - offered to students on campuses, except covered years ago that one-on-one in - that the application of the biblical text is strengthened, and equipped to use what struction dramatically increases a geared toward working professionals they possess for the purposes of God in the student’s learning when compared to con - and parents. The emphasis on rela - world. He blesses His people so that they ventional teaching methods. Reducing tionship building and deep biblical can turn and be a blessing to others. We class sizes down to four or five students teaching remains the same for the pur - look forward to the day when the United only modestly improves learning. How - poses of spiritually strengthening the States is dramatically changed because of ever, one-on-one input radically improves participants. the selfless leadership of countless devoted understanding because tutors are able to Christians using their positions of leader - give tailored feedback and allow students NYCU Salons ship for the purposes of Jesus Christ. to master a subject before moving on to Christian leaders need periodic interac - For more information about Christian other concepts. Because of the impact of tion and inspiration from the leading in - Union, see www.christian-union.org. ■

Because of the impact of one-on-one interaction, Christian Union ministry fellows provide personal mentoring to guide students spiritually, and to provide leadership coaching.

44 | The Ivy League Christian Observer PRAYER FOR THE IVY LEAGUE By Caroline Albanese THE MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION

s long as we live around people and work with people, we on Matthew 18:15-17. Meeting might as well brace ourselves for being hurt on a weekly with the person one-on-one can A basis. People will hurt us on purpose, but will also do so be scary and therefore requires unintentionally. It’s just part of living in this world. Yet, it’s a courage that can only come from strange thing when you see believers in the church who will not the Lord. If we pray with sincer - speak to one another, but talk to everyone else about a person ity about our conflict, I firmly be - with whom they have conflict. If God has reconciled us to Him - lieve He will not only give us self through Christ, how can we not pursue reconciliation with perspective on the situation, but one another? also the strength and courage we As I work with students as a ministry fellow at Dartmouth, I need to go directly to the person am grieved when I see Christians who are upset with one an - and resolve the issue. When we other, but are unwilling to resolve their frustrations in the man - meet with the one who has wronged us, we express the ways in ner God has prescribed. On the other hand, nothing gives me which we have sinned and ask for forgiveness. Although we may more joy than when I see two students go directly to one another, deem it necessary to share graciously and gently how we have confess and ask for forgiveness, and experience a restored personally been hurt, our primary goal is reconciliation. Even if friendship as a result. the person never confesses to doing anything wrong, we still for - Jesus said that those who are peacemakers will actually be give. Indeed, we forgive because Christ has forgiven us (Colos - blessed (Matthew 5:9). Yet, our natural response is often not that sians 3:13). Grateful that God has cancelled our debt, we are of making peace. When we feel hurt by someone, we may re - driven to extend mercy to others. Peacemaking is driven by love. spond in one of these two ways: I once had a roommate who literally made my life miserable. Avoidance. One of the most common responses, we simply Her behavior and speech made me feel as though she hated the avoid the person with whom we have a conflict. We may com - world, including me. Stomach in knots, I was filled with fear in pletely ignore the person, not making eye contact or pretending the very place that should have been a refuge to me. I would go that we just don’t see him or her. There may be an “elephant in and work out at the gym just to get out because there was so the room,” but it feels more comfortable to pretend the issue much tension in our apartment! Thanks to my roommate, I doesn’t exist. We brush it under the rug and may even build up ended up in great shape physically! I was stronger and burned a walls of bitterness in our hearts. Perhaps we gossip about the per - ton of calories! But if I was honest with myself, I knew that I was son who hurt us, making the issue even more dramatic, and caus - handling the situation poorly. Not only was I giving in to the ing the listener to think negatively of the person about whom we “avoidance” pattern in response to conflict, I was developing a are speaking. Avoidance can be driven by a fear of confrontation. lot of bitterness in my heart toward her. Accusation. When we respond with accusation, we aren’t When our lease was up and it was time for us to move out, I’d afraid to address the ways that we have been hurt, but we do it in say I was more than slightly excited that I’d never have to live a way that is lacking in love and grace. We are harsh and abra - with her again. I may have even taken a picture of her empty sive, coming at the other person with an accusatory tone. Our room to remind myself that she was gone! A few years passed hearts are far from humble. We think we are right and have no and I rarely thought about that awful situation, except for an oc - problem telling the other person that they were completely out of casional “I’m so thankful I don’t live with her anymore!” But in line, essentially communicating, “How could you do such a my times of prayer, God began to bring my old roommate to thing?” There is no category for imperfection in our minds. We mind. I would ask the Lord to “please reveal any area in my life expect other people never to fail and are devastated when they that is displeasing to you,” and He kept bringing her to mind! I not only fail, but when their failure directly hurts us. We are hurt felt that God wanted me to ask her to forgive me for ways I had and therefore lash out in hurt. Accusation is often driven by not loved her well when we lived together. I thought, “But she is pride and anger. the one who needs forgiveness!” For several months, He re - Rather than giving into avoidance or accusation, Christ pres - minded me of my former roommate and called me to action. ents us with a better way. He has given His disciples the ministry With God’s strength, I finally wrote to her and asked for her for - of reconciliation as described by the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthi - giveness over ways I sinned while we lived together. To my sur - ans 5:18. Rather than “venting” to others, reconciliation means prise, she quickly responded with grace and ended up saying that we go directly to the person with whom we have a conflict, based she should be the one asking for forgiveness.

If God has reconciled us to Himself through Christ, how can we not pursue reconciliation with one another?

Winter 2014 | 45 PRAYER FOR THE IVY LEAGUE

Several months later, this same old roommate asked if we ministry of peacemaking. One of the reasons that peacemaking could talk. She needed counsel and encouragement while going is so crucial for the believer is because it testifies to the validity through a tough situation. I listened and tried to comfort her as of the Gospel of Christ. Not only does peacemaking in relation - she poured out her heart to me. After I hung up the phone, I ships remind us of the truth of the gospel in our own lives, it also thought, “Wow. Now that is the power of reconciliation!” All I can be evangelistic. If the watching world sees Christians bicker - did was write her and ask that she forgive me, and now she felt ing with one another, holding grudges, and gossiping about one that she could be vulnerable with me; that I wouldn’t condemn another, they will have a hard time seeing the beauty of the her when she was struggling. I am still absolutely amazed at Gospel. If we only know how to deal with conflict through avoid - God’s faithfulness in restoring that relationship. Before pursuing ance or accusation, what kind of message does that send? On the peace with her, I would have not been able to look her in the eye other hand, if nonbelievers see Christians work through their if I ran into her somewhere. I would not have been able to smile hurts when they are wronged and ultimately respond with grace at her with sincerity. But after the effort at peacemaking, a and forgiveness, they will observe the outworking of the Gospel weight was taken off my shoulder and doors opened up for min - in action. Peacemaking, driven by love, is essentially living out istry with her. the gospel in our relationships. ■ I praise God for using me to bring reconciliation in even a small way. I am far from perfect, but by His grace, I seek to obey Caroline Albanese, a ministry fellow at Dartmouth, earned a God’s command to “live peaceably with all” (Romans 12:18). And Master of Divinity degree from Trinity Evangelical Divinity I believe that God wants every one of His children to embrace the School before joining the Christian Union faculty.

If the watching world sees Christians bickering with one another, holding grudges, and gossiping about one another, they will have a hard time seeing the beauty of the Gospel.

THE ADVERTISE YOUR SCHOOL, MINISTRY, IVY LEAGUE OR BUSINESS IN: CHRISTIAN OBSERVER Eachquarter,theIvyLeague Christian Observer is read by people who care about the spiritual well-being of our future leaders. By advertising withus,youcanconnectyour ministry, business, or school with this special audience.

The Ivy League Christian Observer is a publication of Christian Union. For advertising information, contact Managing Editor Tom Campisi: [email protected].

46 | The Ivy League Christian Observer PRAYER REQUESTS

BROWN HARVARD

■ Judson Center, Christian Union’s ministry center at ■ Pray for the staff of Fellowship of Catholic University Stu - Brown, is used by many ministries and campus organiza - dents at Harvard as they serve the students through Bible tions. Pray that the Judson Center continues to serve in Studies, one-on-one mentoring, and other activities. Lift the cause for Christ and that each meeting, Bible study, up the Catholic students at Harvard and pray that they will and activity will be a blessing to the Brown community. seek the Lord fervently. ■ Pray that students attending the Reformed University Fel - ■ Pray for unity amongst the various Christian ministries at lowship’s winter conference in Newport, Rhode Island will Harvard and pray, too, that student believers will have a have a life-changing experience with the Lord. sense of urgency for evangelism amongst their peers.

COLUMBIA PENN

■ Pray for any racial tensions among the students to be bro - ■ Pray for each and every campus ministry leader as they de - ken down and replaced with harmony. vote themselves wholeheartedly to their work. Pray they will be used by God in profound ways in the lives of many ■ Pray for the women of Columbia, that God would provide students as they share the Gospel. godly role models to mentor and disciple them. ■ Pray for Christian faculty and staff members, that they will ■ Pray that Christian students at Columbia would impact share their faith boldly with colleagues and students who not only the campus, but New York City as well. cross their paths.

CORNELL PRINCETON

■ Pray that students with depression and eating disorders ■ Pray for Scott Luley with Faculty Commons as he minis - will be able to share their struggles with someone and find ters to the Princeton faculty through investigative Bible help. Studies, speakers, and various other events. Pray that the Christian faculty will be bold in their stand for Christ with ■ Pray for the students with Fellowship of Christian Athletes their everyday contacts. as they plan their spring break missions trip in March to Urban Promise in Delaware. Pray that the experience will ■ Pray that God would raise up hundreds of Christians, both draw them closer to God and each other and give them a on and off campus, to pray with urgency for spiritual heart for evangelism. transformation at Princeton.

DARTMOUTH YALE

■ In January, Christian Union’s leadership development ■ Yale Faith and Action: An Undergraduate Organization ministry at Dartmouth held its winter conference at held its winter conference in January in Vermont. Please Singing Hills Christian Camp in New Hampshire. Please pray that each student who attended is used mightily to pray that this conference will produce lasting fruit in the impact the Yale campus this semester. spring at Dartmouth. ■ As the various Christian campus ministries engage with ■ Pray that each Christian athlete will set aside time daily for students from different cultures and backgrounds to personal devotions. Pray also that they effectively balance spread and teach the Word, pray that many will come to a heavy academic workloads, demanding athletic require - saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. ments, and social activities.

Winter 2014 | 47 DISCOVER YOUR CALLING

ALLIANCE DEFENDING FREEDOM COLLEGIATEACADEMY A prestigious one-week summer program that launches highly accomplished college upperclassmen and recent graduates on a path to future leadership in law, government, and public policy. Strengthen your competence, credentials, and character for your future career – your calling.

The cost of airfare, lodging, and materials is fully covered for those selected to this program.

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Thank you! Through your generous giving, Christian leaders are being developed to change culture.

5    201 Hannah Jung  / Chicago, Illinois town: South Korea ; Sociology minor Home in Creative Writing hetoric (RWIT) sh, Concentration e for Writing and R Major: Engli gia Editor; Institut : Dartmouth Apolo shmen Campus Activities uate Advisor to fre ecent Undergrad d .ado A Cappella; r e feeling isolated, an Tutor; X d Christianity left m ult. Hostility towar ld His love and rtmouth were diffic , God began to unfo rst two years at Da ination. ankfully ugh Christian “My fi sm–a painful comb ring I received thro my own perfectioni cripture and mento and to bet- I battled ough the study of S ith my core beliefs e at Dartmouth thr rned to go deeper w y purpose for m ese. As a result, I lea ned faith,’ the abilit low Caroline Alban e to develop ‘reaso Union ministry fel ble courses helped m Christian Union Bi articulate my faith. ter d faith with reason. s. During to defen ommunication skill my leadership and c into tunities to sharpen ditions. I led them ng me many oppor facing terminal con ne. Now, God is givi al space of patients le of faith in medici I entered the person ervations on the ro edical internship, nd detailed my obs iculates Christian a m t their spirituality a run journal that art conversations abou pologia, a student- support a focused ith the Dartmouth A nations and prayers serve as an editor w for all those who do Also, I now unity. I’m thankful .” he academic comm of faith and reason perspectives in t d at the intersection lped me to serve Go ministry that has he

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