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Lead + Follow Global Warming? #1 NBA Draft Picks “JESUS IS KING” Student Senate Constitution Covenant singer-songwriter to Covenant’s Dr. Phill Broussard an- Active #1 draft picks ranked ac- A closer look into Kanye West’s Thoughts on how the new release new album this winter swers questions students may have cording to their current game most recent album amendment may impact the student body negatively Page 1 Page 2 Page 4 Page 6 Page 8

INCARCERATION RATES IN TN: 10% HIGHER THAN NATIONAL AVERAGE by Sarah Dreher Last year Tennessee had an all- time high incarceration rate, which was 10% higher than the national average, according to a report released in October. This is shocking because in the past decade, incarceration rates in middle and west Tennessee have been declining, and state- wide admissions have also been declining. However, according to the same report, incarcer- ation rates in east Tennessee have grown 11% in the past de- Current Multicultural Program leaders - photo from covenant.edu cade. In addition to high rates of in- carceration in east Tennessee, longer sentencing also played a role in the rise in Tennessee’s prison population. Excluding STUDENT SENATE INTRODUCES NEW life sentences and death row in- mates, the average time served was 58 months in 2018. While people are being admitted into POSITION: MULTICULTURAL LIASON Tennessee prisons at a slower rate, they are staying for longer, by Mya Bosgraf position after a conversation Once these issues were brought leading to an overall increase of with the Multicultural Program This position is not just to be an up, Peeples began to work on people in the system. On November 8 students re- about a lack of communication advocate for the Multicultur- the issues that the Multicultur- ceived an email with the sub- between them and Student Sen- al Program. The person in this al Program members brought As of June of this year, the Ten- ject title “The Multicultural ate. After this, Peeples said, “We position will also care for all of up and moved forward with the nessee Department of Correc- Liaison, The New Senate Po- were brainstorming ways in the clubs that further both Stu- Ad Hoc committee. tions (TDOC) was operating sition” which informed them which we could do better.” He dent Senate and the Multicul- at 94% capacity, according to that Senate had unanimously felt the need to give the multi- tural Program’s mutual goals on After working through these a TDOC spokesperson. Since decided on a 15th position that cultural students the opportu- campus. They will oversee clubs issues with the Multicultural 2017, the TDOC has spent over would be proposed to be added nity to be heard on campus. related to the Multicultural Program members and Sarah $1 billion per year on state in- to their staff. Program by attending meetings Ocando, the then-Associate carceration costs. In light of this, Peeples formed and keeping both organizations Dean of Students for Student This concise email let the Cov- an Ad Hoc committee, a tem- updated on the issues and top- Life, the updated version of the The October report that re- enant community know that porary committee of Senate ics being discussed within these position was proposed and was leased these findings is from a new position, which will be members, focused on brain- clubs. approved, which allowed the the non-profit Community elected by the student body, will storming ideas regarding this process to move forward into Resources for Justice, which be entirely devoted to someone issue. It included three Senate Initially, Senate and the Multi- the fall of 2019. presented its findings to a task to advocate for multicultural members and two Multicultur- cultural Program did not unan- force that will be recommend- students. Attached to the email al Program leaders. The com- imously agree. Two of the main Nesha Evans, the current As- ing policies to Tennessee Gov- were three documents with in- mittee’s goal was to figure out concerns that the Multicultural sociate Dean of Students for ernor Bill Lee over the next two formation regarding the pro- what the details of the position Program members had with the Student Life, says that she years. Lee is in his first term as posal of this amendment as well would look like. proposed position were: since thinks the new position will be governor, and he is prioritizing as a letter to the Student Asso- the student body is not com- a positive addition for future criminal justice issues. ciation of Covenant College. The mission of the Multicultur- prised of mostly minorities, the students and said, “It will give al Program is to “provide safe student body voting for a leader multicultural students a voice The task force includes sever- Student body president Erik spaces and community where to represent the minority could where they previously didn’t al local officials, such as Rep. Peeples ’20, the then-vice pres- these students feel welcomed be an issue, and that one mi- have one.” Since multicultural Yusuf Hakeem, D-Chattanoo- ident, headed up the proposal and comfortable,” said Jed Wil- nority would represent all mi- for this position early in the liams ’20, one of the Multicul- norities on campus. CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 fall of 2018. He proposed the tural Program leaders. CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

apart because of his own bro- “The overall reaction [to the kenness.” album] was incredibly posi- COVENANT SINGER/SONGWRITER MARK tive,” said Perry. “Humbling- Though the album finishes with ly so. One person afterwards a hopeful end for Reid, Perry thanked me, saying that one of PERRY TO RELEASE DEBUT ALBUM recognizes that many of the the themes from the songs ar- by Mary Haynes some of the music from the al- had no idea how to think about themes and topics discussed ticulated their thoughts in such bum and tell their friends about those things from my sheltered, on his album are serious, heavy a way that hadn’t been done be- On Thursday, October 24, sev- it. But I also ended the concert Christian home-schooler back- subjects. fore. That was just a really hum- eral dozen Covenant students by sharing a Kickstarter link so ground, and songwriting was bling moment for me of, like, filed into the chapel, where, on that people could not only lis- a means of processing those “Both during the concert and in wow, some part of this was able stage, there sat two objects: a ten to the music, but support it things.” the album, I wanted to be really to speak into someone’s life and grand piano and a man in sus- if they wanted to. That was the careful and considerate of what give words to things that didn’t penders and patterned socks. third reason.” A total of twelve songs long, other people were feeling,” said have words before. That was a The grand piano was a Stein- The album that Perry is releas- “Leaden Fellow” is a concept Perry. “Some of the album art is big blessing for me to hear from way; the man was Mark Perry, ing, “Leaden Fellow,” is a work album, each song telling a dif- pretty explicit in what the songs someone else.” a Covenant senior majoring in of labor long in the making: ferent part of the story of a man are talking about, like [self- music. As advertised on poster Perry first started writing the named Reid, a fictional charac- harm, for example]. Some peo- For those interested in listening boards in the week preceding, album while in high school. ter. ple write that off as something to “Leaden Fellow,” Mark Perry, this event was a free concert Though many of the songs have people do in high school and whose artist name is Lead+Fel- (with animal crackers) and all been re-worked since then, the “Reid is living life as a very then grow out of, but I wanted low, will be releasing his album were welcome. inspiration for each remains broken and sinful person,” ex- to recognize that that’s not al- this winter both as a CD (com- the same. plained Perry, “trying to find ways the case. I think that it’s plete with CD art) and through “The purpose for the concert hope but not knowing what really important for us to talk online streaming sites such as was three-fold,” said Perry. “At the time I was writing the that looks like. Throughout the about those things.” iTunes, Apple Music, and Spo- “One, I just wanted to let the songs,” said Perry, “they were album, he goes through these tify. Perry hopes to release it by student body know that I’m primarily about the experiences different stages of depression After the concert, people filed late December, but it may be as an artist who’s making music. I was having or observing with and no sense of self-worth, and into the chapel lobby to con- late as January. He can also be Second, I’m releasing an album the close friends around me, trying to meet someone and gratulate Perry on his new al- followed on Instagram @lead- this winter, and I wanted to give topics like depression and self- falling in love with them, but bum and to chow down on the nfellow. people the chance to listen to harm and suicidal thoughts. I watching that relationship fall long-awaited animal crackers. NEWS 02 the tendency of the average climate change is having on about 1.7 billion tons of CO2 tion in the yield of major crops, GLOBAL WARMING: temperature of the Earth is to the Earth is mostly due to wa- emissions a year.” and a 200-400% increase in the WHAT’S THE BIG change very slowly. He said ter vapor and carbon dioxide area burned by wildfire across that, “[The Earth’s temperature] in the atmosphere. “The water Emissions! Another buzzword. the Western U.S.” DEAL? has usually varied about 1°C vapor produces about ⅔ of the There is lots of talk in climate over a timescale of tens of thou- warming,” said Broussard, “and change circles about humans So, is everything gloom and by Anna Rogers sands of years. The current rise carbon dioxide gives the re- emitting carbon dioxide and doom? What can we do as hu- of 1°C is over 60 years.” maining ⅓.” trying to become a zero emis- mans, as Christians, in the face Tuesday, November 12. A sions country. But what’s really of our changing climate? Re- normal Tuesday, right? Well, This is a large increase, as not These gases are part of the the big deal? What’s so terrible ducing emissions and/or cut- almost. That was the day it only is the Earth heating up, but greenhouse effect, which is about emissions and the Earth ting them out all together is a snowed — snowed — in Chat- it’s also heating up more quickly when the greenhouse gases in heating up a couple of degrees? large part of curbing the rising tanooga and on the moun- than in the past. In fact, accord- the atmosphere trap in heat temperatures. “In order that tain. Usually, for this part of ing to the Natural Resources from the sun that has bounced Christian scientist Katharine we prevent totally irreversible the south, the brunt of winter Defense Council (NRDC), “All off the Earth’s surface. This is Hayhoe explains this by dis- changes in our climate,” Brous- is after the New Year, and cer- but one of the 16 hottest years a natural and necessary pro- cussing the human body and sard says, “we must zero out tainly any chance of snow fall in NASA’s 134-year record have cess. What’s not natural and the Earth. Over time, the Earth’s carbon emissions in about 8 is during that time as well. So occurred since 2000.” This is necessary is too much of those temperature has been about as y e ar s .” what in the world? Does this cause for at least some attention greenhouse gases. The reason stable as your body’s tempera- early snow indicate that global and investigation. carbon dioxide is promoted as ture. However, if your body This is tricky, and would take warming is reversing, or maybe so big and scary is because the heats up by one degree Celsius, large-scale reconstruction and is just a myth all together? This warming has a lot to do increase of this gas is causing nearly two degrees Fahrenheit, industrial change. In addition with Earth’s atmosphere and some big and scary issues. your body temperature jumps to backing this change, Brous- Sorry to break it to you, but no, (yep, you guessed it) green- from 98°F to almost 100°F. sard urges us to think of those of course it doesn’t mean that. house gases. Greenhouse gases “Carbon dioxide levels have Now imagine it going up an- who will be the most affected In fact, there’s a chance that get a bad rep, and the term is now increased from 320 ppm other degree Celsius. It’s cause by climate change, the poor. this early snow could even be thrown around a lot in climate [parts per million] in 1960 to for some alarm. “The poor are the ones who a side-effect of global warm- change discussions, but they’re over 400 ppm in 2016,” said suffer from the pollution due ing. How does that make sense, not all evil. Greenhouse gases Broussard. There are studies On her YouTube channel called to fossil fuel usage, and are the you might ask? Doesn’t global are a part of Earth’s atmosphere that have shown that as this “Global Weirding,” Hayhoe ex- ones who suffer most from the warming mean that things will contributing to the greenhouse rise in carbon dioxide occurs, plains some of the effects of this extremes of weather,” he says. be, you know, warmer? effect. the average temperature of the increase in temperature. She The common response among Earth has risen with it, about explains that the world would Christians is to “deny the reali- To answer these questions, and Broussard said, “If the Earth 1°C since 1960. And what’s be affected economically, and ty of climate change,” and often many more, our very own Dr. had no atmosphere, the average causing that CO2 to rise? Yes, that if the world warms by be last in the fight to limit the Phill Broussard has graciously temperature of the Earth would that would be us humans. 2°C, the average GDP of many damage of a heating-up planet. offered his insight and wisdom be about -22°C. The reason the poor countries would drop by into the issue as a whole. As a Earth’s average temperature According the Broussard, “The 5-10%, as climate change is As Covenant students, Brous- professor of physics and a lover is NOT that cold is due to the increase in carbon dioxide can likely to most negatively impact sard also encourages us to vote, of all things science and stew- greenhouse effect of the atmo- be directly tied to our use of the impoverished. It would also and be mindful of those whom ardship, Broussard has done a sphere.” Greenhouse gases are fossil fuels, mainly coal, oil, and affect population, as warmer we vote for. Understand what hefty amount of study on the not inherently a bad thing, in natural gas, to produce the en- temperatures would increase candidates believe in terms of concept of global warming and fact they make the Earth pleas- ergy we use for heating, trans- air pollution. An increase in climate change and how it af- is here to enlighten us all. So ant and liveable. When the portation, and electricity.” Earth’s temperature by 2°C fects us, and see what industries with his help, let’s see if we can greenhouse gases start to pile would mean an additional 150 candidates might be funded by understand a little bit better up, that’s when it becomes an The NRDC agrees, stating million deaths (on top of the 4 (via opensecrets.org). In 2017, what’s going on in our world, issue. Enter, carbon dioxide. that in the United States every million deaths already occur- Broussard mentioned in his and what it means for our fu- year, the burning of fossil fuels ring) from air pollution alone. Chapel talk that “God views ture. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one to make electricity produces no faithful effort as too small, of those terms you hear all the about 2 billion tons of CO2, In a report by the National but we do need to respond,” So yes, global warming does time when talking about glob- with coal-burning power plants Academy of Sciences that she which is an excellent remind- mean that overall, the Earth is al warming, and how big, scary being the number one polluters. coauthored, Hayhoe also says er for us lowly Covenant stu- getting warmer. What’s alarm- carbon dioxide is heating up “The country’s second-largest that per degree of warming, dents. Change can occur, but ing about this most of all is the the planet. Exaggerated or not, source of carbon pollution,” the “we expect a 3-10% increase in not without an attempt towards rate that the Earth is warm- there’s definitely some truth to NRDC says, “is the transpor- the amount of rain falling in the such goals. ing. Broussard mentioned that that. The warming effect that tation sector, which generates heaviest events, a 5-15% reduc-

Students who struggle with ing someone in person.” looking around on campus, it RISING DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY depression or anxiety in col- doesn’t seem like anyone else is DISORDERS RISING NATIONALLY lege often don’t know the signs Psychologist Mary Fristad, going through what you’re go- associated with the issues, or from the Department of Psy- ing through… it was probably by Hannah Urban marily due to cohort, which is simply won’t get help because chiatry and Behavioral Health the loneliest experience.” a cultural trend that can affect of the stigma surrounding the at the Ohio State University, From 2009 to 2017, depressive people based on their age or environment of counseling. organized a focus group of stu- After taking a leave of absence episode rates increased 63 per- generation. MDE increased by dents at Ohio State who all re- for mental health and coming cent in people ages 18 to 25, 68% from 2006 to 2017. In a journal article about de- ceived smartphones when they back senior year, she found that according to the American Psy- pression and anxiety stigma were 13 or 14 years old. These the entire department of coun- chological Association (APA). Mood disorders tend to de- from 2018, stigma was defined students mentioned struggling seling had changed. Students The average onset for several crease over time and with old- as “socialized, simplified, stan- with pressure to build a brand, shared publicly their struggles mental health conditions is ages er age. For instance, the APA’s dardized image of the disgrace comparison, and not getting with mental health in an open 18 to 24. Age, time period, and study found that people over of a particular group.” The par- enough face-to-face interaction mic night, all of her friends cohort are all factors that may the age of 26 did not struggle ticular group this article focus- due to their phones. went to counseling, and she affect these mood disorders. with depressive episodes or es on is people struggling with openly discussed her mental serious psychological distress depression or anxiety. The three In the NPR article, Fristad said health with others. The APA did a study exploring nearly as much. kinds of stigma associated with “There’s just a lot of heightened trends in psychological distress these mental health issues are tension around this,” referring Researcher and clinical psy- and major depressive episodes In the past, there has been in- personal stigma, perceived stig- to the frequent use of social chologist with the University of (MDE) from 2005 to 2017. consistency between the per- ma, and shame. media and smartphones. How- Kansas, Steve Ilardi, developed Serious psychological distress ceptions of mental health issues ever, there are ways to avoid a treatment approach based on increased 71% in adults ages and how people actually com- The article did a study on which that tension and help students cognitive behavioral therapy 18-25 in 2017. This was pri- municate about mental health. of these stigmas was more stay healthy and avoid stigma that helps young adults change prevalent in college students during their college years. their lifestyles to become struggling with depression and healthier individuals. Accord- anxiety. Using a 5-point scale, Over the 2015-16 school year, ing to him, behavior change they found that, on average, more than 40% of college coun- often “helps kids get unstuck attitudes toward mental health seling centers hired more staff from their perpetual sense of issues in the personal stigma members. There continues to be anxiety, stress, and depression.” column were higher. There- experimentation and allocation fore, more students experience for more ways of monitoring Ilardi told NPR, “Kids buy internalized, personal shame student health and treatment. into it when you lay it out for from depression and anxiety them and explain they can be than external. In an article from TIME maga- empowered to make changes zine, Nelly Spigner explains her themselves that can make a big Many studies suggest that one experience with mental health difference in how you feel, how of the factors that could be issues during her freshman your brain, mind, and body contributing to the increase year at the University of Rich- functions.” of these mental health issues mond in 2014. At the time, she is the amount of time young felt worn down and lonely but The high increase in students adults spend on social media did not want to brave the coun- who struggle with depression and smartphones. In an NPR seling center, which was hidden and anxiety in the past few years article, professor of psycholo- away in the psychology depart- is troubling, but many colleges gy at San Diego University Jean ment. are creating new programs to Twenge said that “Spending help students live healthy lives time on social media tends not She felt defeated. She said in and feel comfortable getting the Percent with serious psychological distress in the last month by age group, to be in real time… it’s just not the article that “when you’re counseling they need. 2008–2017. Permalink: http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/abn0000410 as emotionally fulfilling as see- going through that and you’re NEWS 03 MULTICULTURAL natures of 10% of the student INCARCERATION RATE Tennessee has a history of un- Only 1 in 4 people in Tennessee body. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 usually long average sentences, jails and prisons are there for CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 including the passing of the violent crimes. 33% are there Within the Multicultural Pro- 1995 “Truth in Sentencing” law. for property crimes and 27% gram, students are excited, This law requires that someone for drug crimes. Of new in- students are not the majority and some feel that this should ga, and Alexander McVeigh, a sentenced to life with the pos- mates admitted in 2018, nearly on Covenant’s campus, Evans have been done much sooner. Hamilton County judge. Task sibility of parole must serve at 40% were incarcerated for pa- thinks that having someone Williams said that “many are force members have cited both least 51 years before that pos- role and probation violations. on Senate who represents the interested in running for this the opioid epidemic in Appala- sibility of parole is available to needs of these students who are position.” chia and implicit racism as fac- them. Before this law, the min- As of 2014, Tennessee had a the minority will be beneficial. tors in Tennessee’s high incar- imum was 25 years, and the 47% 3-year recidivism rate, Before this decision could be ceration rates. current 51-year minimum is meaning that nearly half of Any member of the Covenant acted upon, a Constitutional the longest in the nation. It has those released from the pris- student body is able to run for Amendment needed to pass al- The Appalachia opioid epidem- applied when sentencing mi- on system were back within 3 this position as long as they are lowing the number of students ic could explain why higher nors, some of whom were sen- years. According to the Chat- focused on bridging the gap on Senate to change from 14 rates of incarceration are com- tenced for crimes committed at tanooga Times Free Press, between the multicultural stu- to 15. Students voted on the ing from counties in east Ten- as young as age 14. The Truth Governor Lee has directed the dents and Senate. It does not amendment and it passed on nessee. Hakeem has cited im- in Sentencing law was passed task force to recommend pol- have to be a minority student. November 20. This begins the plicit racism as an explanation during a “get tough on crime” icies and programs that will This will be enforced by re- process of adding a Multicul- for why Tennessee incarcerates campaign where President help ex-prisoners’ re-entry into quiring the candidate to have a tural Liaison to 2020-2021 Sen- roughly 1110 per 100,000 Af- Clinton was offering federal society, including education, petition with the signatures of ate which students will vote for rican Americans and only 345 funding to states that increased vocational training, and sub- four leaders of the Multicultur- in the Spring of 2019. per 100,000 whites. their sentencing laws. stance abuse assistance. al Program as well as the sig-

tions over the internet is a sys- borders as well. Israel retaliated leaders of Iran is simple: you Age, an Australian newspaper. AROUND THE tematic assault on the right to against recent Iranian rock- are no longer immune. Any He said, “If a fire occurs, you freedom of expression,” said et attacks on the Israeli-con- place you dispatch your tenta- will not survive.” WORLD IN 600 Philip Luther of Amnesty In- trolled Golan Heights. While cles, we will chop them off.” WORDS ternational, “and suggests that the Iranian rocket attack on To the north, the sexual en- the authorities have something November 19 failed, the Israeli Meanwhile in southern Africa, slavement of women and chil- by Leif Le Mahieu to hide.” response the next day did not. millions of individuals could dren was condemned by Pope At least twelve Iranian-linked starve from a drought, accord- Francis as he visited Bangkok, The Iranian government has The protests, triggered by a 50 facilities in Syria were struck by ing to the UN. They believe Thailand. Visiting the National instituted an internet blackout percent gas hike announced on Israeli missiles killing 23 as re- that in countries like Mozam- Stadium, Francis administered starting November 16th in light November 15th, have spanned ported by US News and World bique and Zimbabwe, around the Holy Mass and included a of recent protests against the across at least 20 Iranian cities Report. According to Syrian 11 million people could starve. denouncement of sexual ex- government. The web restric- and have turned violent. An State media outlets, the casual- The long drought coupled with ploitation in his homily. tions and decreased internet estimated 106 protestors have ties included two civilians. disastrous cyclones have led to availability have been tracked been killed in confrontations the low availability of food. “Here I think of children and by NetBlocks, a nonprofit orga- with the Iranian government, “The rules have changed: who- women who are victims of nization which tracks internet according to Amnesty Interna- ever fires on Israel during the Farmers in South Africa are prostitution and human traf- coverage. tional. day will not sleep at night,” said also struggling to maintain ficking,” said Francis, “humil- Israeli Defense Minister Naftali their agriculture and feed their iated in their essential human “Shutting down communica- Iran’s troubles extend beyond its Bennett. “Our message to the livestock. Drought aid relief is dignity.” set to come in from Agri-SA (a farmer’s organization) and the Infamous for the prevalence of South African government. Ac- prostitution, a 2014 UNAIDS cording to the AP, the drought report found that Thailand had is expected to continue. about 123,530 sex workers. Many of these workers are ex- “It is clear that southern Afri- ploited by some of the annual can farmers, water managers 35 million tourists to Thailand. and government entities need However, Reuters also reported to prepare,” said meteorologist that in 2019, a record number Christien Engelbrecht. of people had been rescued from trafficking in Thailand. Australia is also experienc- ing environmental troubles as bushfires spread across parts of South Australia and parts of Victoria. According to the BBC, the fires which are burn- ing in many parts of southern Australia have led to the death of six people and the destruc- 1955 2019 tion of about 500 homes. Residents in the northern part of Victoria are recommend- ed to evacuate as a “code red” warning has enacted in the state. “Do not be there,” local fire Iranian missiles fired in exercises near Qom, Nov. 2, 2006 - photo from reuters.com chief Steve Warrington told The Sarah Dreher Editor In Chief

Nate Plating for Records Office staff to in- er. For some classes (e.g. up- Managing Editor COVENANT INSIGHT: COURSE SCHEDULING dependently waive a prerequi- per-level major classes), the in- site without input from faculty. structor has control. We try to Will Payne AND REGISTRATION Under special circumstances, make sure the course offerings faculty may ask/instruct us to provide every student with the Layout Editor by Liv Mineo needs also factor in. Some waive pre-reqs for individual opportunity to take a full slate courses are on a rotation that students. It is common for a of classes that help them stay Suzannah Guthmann News At Covenant College, students determines when they are of- professor to waive a pre-req on track with graduation. We have long been interested in fered (e.g. BIO 111 every fall, when he/she determines it ap- also try to balance course en- Grant Kierpa Arts how exactly the classes are run BIO 112 every spring). propriate for a particular stu- rollments in core sections when David Kraus Opinions and how they are set up so that dent. In my experience our possible (we want to avoid hav- every student gets exactly what Does the level of interest for a faculty do this with wisdom ing 40 students in one Doctrine Isaac Parker Sports they need. David Darden, As- class decide how many teach- and care. They try to determine section and only 8 in another sociate Registrar in the Office ers/sections are there? “what is in the best interest of section). Paige Hungar Copy of Records helped to give some the student in this situation? Eden Anyabwile Photo clarity on 5 common questions Darden: Level of interest is one Does he/she have the knowl- How common is it for you students may have. factor. Level of interest plus edge and skills needed to suc- guys to add sections for class- Kyle Kraus Web level of need plus availability ceed in the class he/she is re- es after pre-registration? Mary Haynes Staff Writer Who decides what classes are of instructors determine the questing?” offered? number of sections. For exam- Darden: Very unusual for a sec- Anna Rogers Staff Writer ple, there may be enough in- When there are more people tion to be added. David Darden: The short an- terest for 8 sections of CHOW, in the allotted seating and Aaron Anand Distribution swer is: The faculty. They are but the faculty may only offer 6 waitlist, do you add more There is always someone behind responsible for structuring the sections if most professors al- seating or do you add another everything that happens in this curriculum (e.g. requirements ready have full teaching loads section? Or is that something school and it is always nice to Cliff Foreman for majors) and creating the and many students can wait to professors control? learn these things. It gives us Faculty Advisor courses. But there are also sys- take the class later. insight into the way of life that tems the faculty have set up Darden: Sometimes more seat- we have at Covenant. Picking that determine when courses How common is it for the Of- ing is added, sometimes an- classes isn’t an easy task, but For inquiries or comments, please contact are offered. For example, they fice of Records to wave the other section is added. Both it is always nice to know that Sarah Dreher at [email protected]. This is a Covenant College student publi- have to work together to make prerequisites and let people solutions are used sometimes. there are people who are doing cation. The views expressed herein do not sure courses are offered that take a class? Sometimes neither option is the best they can in making it a necessarily reflect those of the college or the fulfill students’ degree require- feasible and students have to smooth transition for us. student body. ments....so student demand/ Darden: Very, very uncommon wait and take the course lat- SPORTS 04 drag them up from irrelevancy. He has adapted his game to his 11. Deandre Ayton: Speak- A DEFINITIVE RANKING OF age, adding in more shooting, ing of playing, these next guys and may be just the veteran his are not. Ayton had an impres- team needs. sive first season with the Suns, somewhat overshadowed by ACTIVE #1 NBA DRAFT PICKS 8. Dwight Howard: Yes! Dwight Luka Doncic and Trae Young, is back and I couldn’t be happi- who are outstanding. But Ayton by Nate Plating to adapt his game to his body He is a dead-eye three point er. After a tumultuous few years looked good at the beginning of and has made his team, along- shooter, and seemingly only and a disappointing season for the season before failing a drug As a Cleveland Cavaliers fan, I side Anthony Davis, legitimate getting better. His scoring and the Wizards, Dwight is back and test and getting slapped with a have spent this season marvel- NBA Finals Champion threats. rebounding are quite impres- not better than ever, but doing 25 game suspension. Hopeful- ing at Tristan Thompson and sive, earning him a high spot alright for the Lakers. Once the ly he retains his form when he the threatening post-presence 2. Anthony Davis: AD, finally on this list. Alongside Andrew next Shaq, he has found a place returns, catapulting him up the he has become, weighing the on a team that has other peo- Wiggins, who is coming up on for himself as a backup center list. odds the team slips into one of ple that can help him out who this list, Minnesota could put who can pull down rebounds those last Eastern Conference are not named Jrue Holiday, is together something impressive. and play defense. His riches to 12. John Wall: Wall, a once ex- playoff spots, and wondering thriving. Statistically he is un- rags to less riches but still some citing player, has become an in- just how the team got where derperforming, but this is a 5. Ben Simmons: The 6’10” riches story gains him this spot jury machine. But we wish him they are today. How they went good sign because it means he point guard for the 76ers is on the list. a quick recovery and quick re- from drafting Kyrie Irving, hav- is sharing the load with players nothing but unique. He is wild- turn to action. ing consecutive number one like LeBron. Come playoff time, ly athletic, paired with his huge 9. Derrick Rose: Speaking of overall picks two years later and he is going to be one danger- frame, and great dribbling. His riches to rags to less riches, 13. Zion Williamson: Please turning them into Kevin Love, ous basketball player, looking shot is trash, but maybe he’ll Derrick Rose. Once perhaps the come back. You’re only at the winning the Finals, and now to make that run at the Finals work on it. That aside, he is put- best point guard in the NBA, bottom since you’ve never being led by Tristan Thomp- alongside Lebron. ting together another excellent Rose has also found a home in played in an NBA game. We son and two shoot-first point season on the strongest team in Detroit. After a rough couple of are all so excited to see you play guards. And all this wondering 3. Kyrie Irving: Sure, since leav- the East. years, he has reestablished him- and for you to have a long and led to some more wondering— ing Cleveland he has made a self in the league since last sea- fruitful career and someday be who are the best and who are name for himself as a bad lock- 6. Andrew Wiggins: This is the son. Rose will always be a fun at the top of a list like this. the worst active number one er room presence. But his han- season of Andrew Wiggins. A player, and is a good addition to overall NBA draft picks. I’ll dles are undeniable and he is consistent player, Wiggins has the strange Detroit Pistons. Honorable Mention: Antho- break it down for you based on settling in nicely in Brooklyn. increased his scoring output, ny Bennett. Drafted ahead of the players’ current form in the Once KD comes back, they will assists per game, and field goal 10. Markelle Fultz: Poor Mar- Victor Oladipo, Otto Porter, NBA: be quite the one-two punch of percentage. He has come out kelle Fultz and his hitch. Some- Giannis Antetokounmpo, the shot creators. swinging this season, and it’s day he might be really good. Olynyk Clinic, and Rudy Gob- 1. LeBron James: This is an easy about time. But for now he is playing and ert, Bennett is perhaps the big- one. In his 16th season in the 4. Karl-Anthony Towns: All the dunking and sometimes mak- gest NBA draft bust. He’s tech- NBA he is putting up normal way up there in Minnesota, for 7. Blake Griffin: The Clippers ing shots. But at least he is play- nically a free agent, so I’ll slide LeBron numbers, which are a few years now, KAT has been did Blake dirty. But after his big ing. The bar could not be low- him in as an honorable 14th exceptional normal basketball establishing himself as one of move, Blake has made the Pis- er for Fultz, and hopefully he place. player numbers. He continues the best Centers in the NBA. tons his team, doing his best to shocks the world.

LeBron James - photo from wikipedia.com Anthony Davis - photo from nba.com

Kyrie Irving - photo from nba.com Karl-Anthony Towns - photo from washingtonpost.com

is one positive way to look at probably not even in the box field goal percentage is also sit- this. Tottenham’s slogan is “To score. Whether it’s a three to ting at an impressive 46.2%. He WILL’S THOUGHTS dare is to do,” and it seems fit- stop an opposing team’s run is an all-time glue guy and has ting that the man who taught us or a hustle rebound/put-back, been a wonderful and needed by Will Kirkpatrick club occurred last June when he to dream, to dare, is replaced by he has just been everywhere, surprise this year for my Den- led Tottenham to the Champi- Jose, a proven winner, who can right when you need him. He ver Nuggets. This article was written only ons League Final, in which we teach us to do. has also improved defensive- hours after my Tottenham absolutely outplayed Liverpool ly this year. His NETRTG (net Also: THE DAWGS ARE Hotspur Football Club fired and were robbed by one of the Another thing I wanted to talk rating) is higher this year than BACK, BABY. BRING ON LSU. my all-time favorite manag- worst handball calls in recent about that occurred before any other year by a whomping DE’ANDRE SWIFT IS THE er, Mauricio Pochettino. I saw history. my heart was broken, spit on, 12 points, and his three-point NEXT BARRY SANDERS. the news on my phone as I was ground up, and run over by a walking to my car after spend- Pochettino will always have a truck, was how sensational my ing hours at Starbucks writing special place in my heart. I was all-time favorite, way too lanky my intercultural essays. Not ex- absolutely floored when I heard and discoordinated to be in the actly a pleasant surprise. the news, and I will probably NBA, basketball player in the be very broken inside for the league has been this year. Will, Pochettino took the helm at next few weeks. Daniel Levy, the THRILL, Barton is the only Tottenham in 2014 after a the chairman of the club, sure- reason the Nuggets aren’t 3-9 prolonged period of disarray ly has someone in mind to re- right now. The Nuggets’ offense within the club. The club had place him, but no man will be has been wildly inefficient and not won a trophy since 2008 able to replace the void left in lackadaisical throughout this and was on its third manager our hearts. The top candidate first month of the season, and in the same number of years. right now to take the job is Jose that is in large part due to Jok- He came from Southampton Mourinho, who seems like the ic’s apparent poor play and the and brought with him a beau- perfect replacement and hon- entire teams’ wild infatuation tiful brand of football and a estly a great appointment for with taking floaters and dumb renewed sense of pride in the the new position. However, I runners instead of layups and club. Under Pochettino’s lead- need a few weeks—and a few pull-up jumpshots. Barton has ership, the Spurs finished in a wins—to be ready to love him. come up time and time again Champions League spot each of I honestly feel like I just got with that little extra play that the last four years, and perhaps broken up with by a girlfriend does not show up on Sports Former Tottenham Hotspur FC manager Mauricio Pochettino the pinnacle of his time at the of four years. This stinks. There Center the next morning and - photo from forbes.com ARTS 05 In large part, “Half the Sky” has been criticized as mythicizing succeeded in its mind-chang- women, but you’ll find none THE BOOK LIST: GLOBAL FEMINISM AND ing mission since it was pub- of that here. Shiva’s writing lished in 2009. Increasingly, is deeply rooted in the strug- WOMEN’S RIGHTS governments put women’s gle of small-holder farmers in rights on their lists of diplo- northern India and the Pun- by Will Payne powerful work by a somewhat Available in Kresge: No matic priorities, and there has jab, where she grew up, and her less well-publicized Indian In One Sentence: A powerful been improved publicity for proposals are as pragmatic as The Book List is a biweekly book philosopher and eco-feminist, collection of firsthand stories rights issues in the last decade. they are fierce. review and recommendation Vandana Shiva. This book is a from women in the Global However, none of the problems column by senior Biology and potent, persuasive expression South, interspersed with per- which are addressed in “Half “Staying Alive” is a hard book Community Development ma- of the importance of women’s suasive essays on policy and the Sky” have fundamentally to describe because it is so jor Will Payne. Each edition knowledge in agriculture and action, which decries the global changed. Women are still en- forcefully articulate, and covers reviews 1-3 books that follow a natural ecosystems. burden of gender-based vio- slaved, subjected to violence, a remarkable breadth of topics. similar theme. Past editions can lence, human trafficking, and and economically disempow- The best word for it is probably be found at: As is often the case with The gender inequalities in health- ered in many areas of the world. “virtuosic.” Building from the- bagpipeonline.com/thebooklist Book List, these books are in- care and education. There is a great deal of work left oretical critiques of modern de- tended to be in conversation to be done. This book has the velopment and modern science Feminism, in its most basic with one another. While “Half Kristof and WuDunn are a hus- power to spark action, and is in the first two chapters, the definition, is a belief in the the Sky” enthusiastically em- band-wife pair working for the highly worthwhile reading for book enters a discussion of the equality of the sexes. This sim- braces capitalism and rapid New York Times, and are the anyone who wants an introduc- ways that changes in agricultur- ple principle has diverse effects economic development, “Stay- first-ever married couple to tion to contemporary global al practice, particularly GMOs when applied: social, econom- ing Alive” is a cautionary ac- win a Pulitzer Prize. In “Half women’s issues. and the “Green Revolution,” ic, cultural, relational, and po- count of technology and econ- the Sky,” they recount the life have hurt the poor—especially litical changes are all implicat- omy gone awry. “Half the Sky” stories of dozens of women in *** poor women. Shiva’s approach, ed. The meaning of feminism is written for Americans, while countries from Congo to Thai- although an intense criticism for most of the world’s women “Staying Alive” is unashamed- land, focused on the ways that Staying Alive: Women, of the entire establishment of is far more personal and ur- ly Indian in perspective. Both women and girls are denied Ecology, and Development modern agriculture, is nonvi- gent than the issues that get books are sometimes political- opportunities and subjected to olent—she advocates re-estab- the most airtime in the West— ly inconvenient—for instance, violence in the modern world. lishing a “feminine principle” global feminism is implicated “Half the Sky” sharply criticiz- The book is an unashamed in agriculture and development in a struggle for fundamental es popular progressive views call to action—the authors say which respects traditional rights, often the mere right to on prostitution, and “Staying in the introduction that they knowledge and develops nat- personhood. The increasing Alive” censures the global de- want to change the conversa- ural resources over long peri- gap between rich and poor, velopment system’s focus on the tion around women’s issues, ods of time. Shiva links these regressive religious values and creation of food surplus. How- bringing them to the forefront principles to Hindu cosmolo- social norms, widespread sex ever, both books are united in of international politics and di- gy, making an argument for a slavery and trafficking, the -de their commitment to seeking plomacy, as well as humanitar- feminine ethos of “Prakrti,” in struction of global ecosystems practical justice for oppressed ian action. agricultural production, which and traditional food produc- women, and to building a more respects both traditional beliefs tion, and misogynistic gradi- sustainable, equitable future. “Half the Sky” focuses on four and traditional ecological prac- ents in the availability of educa- Let’s turn the first page! loci of violence and disempow- tices. tion, healthcare, and economic erment that disproportionately opportunity have conspired to *** affect women: sex trafficking, Shiva is an activist and a radi- make the modern world a pro- rape, reproductive health, and cal, and her work can be chal- foundly unequal and unsafe Half the Sky: Turning education/finance. These sto- lenging to adjust to—it can place for many women. Oppression into Opportunity ries are often heartbreaking to be easy to perceive some of for Women Worldwide read. Combining unflinching image from penguinrandomhouse.com her claims as overblown, par- For people in the West who be- journalistic technique with an ticularly when she discusses lieve in equality and redemp- intense empathy for their sub- Author: Vandana Shiva her zero-tolerance stance on tion, there is much to learn jects, the authors present both Genres: Ecofeminism, Philos- GMOs, or her wholesale inter- from women elsewhere in the the most extreme depths of ophy of Science, Development pretation of science as misog- world. The progress of West- horror and the brightest points Theory ynistic. Some critical thought ern feminism can be enhanced of inspiration and hope. Available in Kresge: No is helpful when reading these by these narratives, and even In One Sentence: An eloquent claims. However, Shiva’s over- more importantly, all societies If “Half the Sky” has a weakness, defense of the knowledge and all approach is quite valuable, everywhere can enjoy greater it’s the book’s focus on global- practice of female agricultur- and is well worth considering. equality through the apprecia- ized economic solutions—Kris- alists, with a sharp critique of There are major undiscussed tion and application of diverse tof believes, for instance, that global development and West- problems inside the “progress” global knowledge. sweatshops can improve wom- ern science and a call to redis- of modern development, and en’s economic power. While cover ecological agricultural there are under-studied alter- This week in The Book List, this may be true, sweatshops practices. natives to dominant econom- we’ll look at two important are certainly not the best pos- ic and agricultural practices. works that have broadened sible economic solution, and Vandana Shiva is one of the Combining elements of fem- the conversation on feminism are rife with their own forms most prolific writers of the inism, conservationism, and and women’s rights. The first, of abuse. However, the authors’ ecofeminist movement, a type human rights can have a very “Half the Sky,” covers contem- acceptance of the macroeco- of intersectional feminism productive impact on the de- porary rights issues for women image from amazon.com nomic status quo does make which links the destruction bate, and Shiva’s perspective is in Africa and Southeast Asia. the book highly pragmatic— of women’s traditional role as a valuable contribution on the It’s widely been considered one Authors: Nicholas D. Kristof there are numerous creative agricultural producers to both side of small-holder farmers, of the most influential human and Sheryl WuDunn suggestions for working within female disempowerment and rural women, and traditional rights works of the decade. The Genres: Journalism, Women’s present economic realities. environmental degradation. In agriculture. second, “Staying Alive,” is a Rights the West, this movement has

this track, along with many others on the record, Combs COMBING THROUGH sings about the beautiful sim- plicity that lies at the heart of COUNTRY MUSIC his, and many of his fans’, rural American upbringing. His the- by Jackson Elling marked for, like rueful breakup matic range also includes ten- stories and beer—lots of beer. der, emotional topics, like fa- An overall-wearing, wheat- Combs is quickly ascending therhood in “Even Though I’m stem-chewing banjo player the Coors-stained staircase of Leaving,” that pluck the twangy from southern Mississippi two- country music, and he has used heartstrings of country fans. steps into your mind as you his new connections with the He stays true to the style of au- hit the play button on Luke genre’s legendary superstars thentic country by avoiding the Combs’ opening track, “Beer to land features from the likes snap tracks and house drums Never Broke My Heart.” Af- of Brooks & Dunn and Eric that have become a staple of ter just the first two measures Church. modern pop-country, and thus of the song, however, our Bil- keeps the respect that he has ly-Bob-looking friend slings Even though the new album earned from old-school coun- his banjo over his shoulder and is driven by heavy rock drums try music homers who want to hops behind a drum kit. He and flashy electric guitar riffs, preserve the genuine country smacks those skins harder than an attuned ear can detect the sound. anyone ever has, thumping us authenticity in the classic man- into the blazin’, twangin’ coun- dolin, banjo, and dobro twang Luke Combs is a relatively new try-rock sound of Combs’ new in Combs’ music. Some of his country star who has, with his album, “What You See Is What songs highlight country’s deep new music, jumped boot first You Get.” Luke Combs’ second roots more than the others. to the forefront of the tradi- full-length album crashed into “Dear Today,” for example, be- tion-rich genre. So if you de- the country scene on Novem- gins with pure acoustic guitar. cide to give “What You See Is ber 8, although he had pre- Combs’ lyrics are especially What You Get” a listen, fire up viously released several of its rich with the experience of a your truck, roll them windows songs as singles. The record blue collar country boy. He down, trade your flatbill for image from youtube.com deals with many of the themes even has a song on the album that worn-out ball cap on the that Combs has become trade- called “Blue Collar Boys.” In dash, and crank it on up. ARTS 06 scripture in the work, for exam- how much more should they releases, but just as the Church ple, the song “Selah.” Selah is a be able to pray for someone is called to pray for the harvest, KANYE’S NEW KING? word that appears several times who says he wishes to proclaim it should be unafraid to pray throughout the psalms, and Christ as king? It is unneces- for Kanye West and hope he by Banjo Jones Some critics considered it to be it’s meaning is unknown but is sary for the Church to search continues to serve the King of Kanye’s best produced album usually thought to be a musical the place of Kanye’s soul or to Kings and Lord of Lords. In October, Kanye West re- with moments of brilliance and term. affirm or condemn his latest leased his 9th album, JESUS talent. Others wrote it off as a IS KING. In November, he too-short, try-hard, cliche-rid- Perhaps the best piece on the produced his opera “Nebu- dled, botched effort. album for the Christian com- chadnezzar” and spoke at Joel munity to reflect on is, “Hands Osteen’s church while also per- It’s fair to say the album is un- On.” In this song, Kanye asks forming with his Sunday Ser- expected and different from the church to pray for him, ac- vice Choir. Public reception for anything Kanye has done be- knowledging his sinful past and this new Kanye has been mixed, fore. He beautifully blends the how he deserves the criticism to a sometimes scathing degree. sounds of the gospel choir with of the Church. The song pleads Is this new change the result of his own signature style in an with the Church listening to a new heart-change or genuine innovative way. His lyrics are not dismiss his new lifestyle conversion? Or is this merely largely well done and are espe- but to pray for him that his life the stunting of a ego-centric cially noteworthy for the mo- would be committed to Christ. multimillionaire. ments of bona fide theology. “What if Eve made apple juice? If the Christian community can Kanye gives enough reason in / You gon’ do what Adam do? / make nothing else of the new his new album to give Chris- Or say, ‘Baby, let’s put this back Kanye, this request seems at tians reason to hope his new on the tree’ ‘cause / We have least the place to begin. If any- lifestyle is genuine and at the everything we need,” he says in one is asking to be prayed for very least the Christian com- the song “Everything We Need.” and is seeking to change their munity should give him enough life to cling to Christ, surely it credit to pray for his heart to be It’s hard to say what exactly all would be wrong for members changed and keep him in this this means to Kanye, but this in the Church, whether they new walk of faith he professes verse suggests a certain depth believe Kanye to be genuine or to be on. to his understanding beyond not, to refuse him prayer. mere Sunday School examples. JESUS IS KING met with a There are several other notice- After all, Christ calls his disci- confusing mix of reviews. able and impressive allusions to ples to pray for their enemies, image from thecrimson.com

good, and Javert cannot recon- the law and had always done his cile that with his preconceived duty with incredible pride and INSPECTOR JAVERT: idea of Valjean’s character. His joy, but he knew he could not response to this kindness is to continue to do his duty with THE ADMIRABLE “VILLAIN” OF LES MIS pay it back to Valjean in a way his new knowledge of Valjean’s that goes against his duty and character. by Gethsemane Bray other criminals that came from existence of a genuinely good his understanding of right and poverty were not forced into a criminal. Regardless of what wrong: Javert allows Valjean to Javert is indeed the main an- It’s been a couple of weeks life of crime; rather, they chose Valjean may say or do after leave without attempting to ar- tagonist in this story; he pur- since the Tivoli hosted Broad- the easiest means of escaping breaking parole, Javert cannot rest him, which is so contrary to sues Valjean, the hero, with a way’s “Les Misérables,” but its their suffering. Essentially, they believe that he has a truly re- Javert’s nature that it complete- vengeance that seems unjust, showing here in Chattanooga were lazy and deserve to pay pentant heart because he never ly destroys his sense of identity. and he represents a dark time has sparked some interesting whatever consequences the law turned himself in on his own This sequence of events shifts in Valjean’s past. However, he discussions among my friends deems fit. This is a harsh pos- volition. If Valjean truly were Javert’s entire worldview to is by no means a villian. Javert and fellow musical lovers. To ture for him to have, especially sorry for his past actions, he such an extent that he cannot is a character with many more categorize “Les Mis” as just a in light of the injustice and cor- would accept his punishment recover, so he commits suicide. complexities than most peo- musical, however, would be ruption prevalent throughout without hesitation or resis- ple attribute to him. His severe somewhat misleading and dis- the French judicial system at tance. There is no denying that Essentially, there are two rea- and uncompromising inter- courteous to the true nature of the time, but it is still under- this is a severe standard for sons why Javert chose to kill pretation of the law is a main Victor Hugo’s narrative master- standable. Javert to maintain, but in light himself: he could not compre- source of conflict in the story, piece. The music and presenta- of his interpretation of the law, hend why Valjean showed him but it also serves to emphasize tion of Broadway’s depiction of In addition to his instinctive its necessity and infallibility, it mercy, and he could not forgive the integrity of his character. “Les Mis” has earned it much and visceral disapproval of any is, once again, understandable. himself for failing his duty to He never acts maliciously or for acclaim, and rightfully so. But form of criminal, Javert has a arrest Valjean and serve jus- his own personal gain. Rather, it all started because of the in- healthy respect for the rule of With this insight into Javert’s tice. The first reason revealed to his motivations remain true to credible story and character de- law, one that exceeds normal reverence for the rule of law, Javert his gross misunderstand- his desire for order, justice, and velopment in Hugo’s book. standards. Maybe his ability to the circumstances surrounding ing of the law and its relation discipline. With this in mind, succeed through his own ef- his suicide become much more to people. This final interaction one must consider at what The wholesome and astound- forts and rise out of his pover- interesting and significant to with Valjean proved, without a point he goes wrong because ingly good nature of Jean Val- ty while remaining within the his final character develop- doubt, that some good people his ideology certainly is taken jean cannot be contested. It’s bounds of the law is the driving ment. Valjean saves Javert’s life become undeserving victims too far, but it would be a mis- virtually impossible to dislike force behind his admiration. and helps him escape from the of the law. The second reason take to write off his actions as him. On the other hand, the Or it could be something more; French revolutionaries. This set up a paradox that was too entirely evil and unworthy of antagonist, Inspector Javert, maybe the early years of his life act of compassion is so purely much for him to bear. He loved admiration. is a bit more of a controversial were so filled with chaos and character. Javert, initially Val- disorder that he came to see the jean’s prison guard and then an rule of law as an escape, a way inspector dedicated to catching to structure his life and keep the ex-convict, is exceeding- him from the misery of crim- ly devoted to his job. He has a inals. Either way, Javert has great love for certain admira- grown to hold the law in high ble principles: law and order. esteem, and he is passionate to However, he struggles to see a point of obsession about its past the black and white world maintenance. he has created for himself with these ideals, into the gray areas Javert sees Valjean as a crimi- of reality. It is from this under- nal who chose theft, an action standing of Javert that I will be that is not only illegal but also analyzing his character, specifi- morally reprehensible, as a cally his single-minded pursuit solution to his problems; and of Valjean and his decision to he disdains him for it. Valjean, (spoiler alert) commit suicide. as Javert understands him, has no appreciation for the order of The little that we learn about law and lacks moral integrity. Philip Quast as Javert in the 10th Anniversary Concert - video still from youtube.com Javert’s past, at least from the His multiple attempts at escape musical adaptation, is that he further prove Valjean’s anarchic was born to a destitute crimi- nature, and when he finally nal, much like what Valjean was breaks parole, Javert takes this when he first encounters Jave- as a flagrant affront to the legal rt. From personal experience, system put in place to protect Javert understands the hard- productive members of soci- ships associated with poverty, ety. For this reason, Javert feels but he holds no sympathy for bound, on principle, to hunt those who choose crime over a down Valjean, a man whose legal means of obtaining com- utter disregard for justice (as fort and status. perceived by Javert) stands in such stark contrast to his own Javert’s personal history teaches zealous pursuit of it. him two things that play a ma- jor role in his development: a Javert conflates the justice sys- healthy respect for the law, and tem with the moral code of a disdain for those who break Christianity to such an extent it. In Javert’s mind, Valjean and that he cannot believe in the Russell Crowe as Javert and Hugh Jackman as Valjean in the 2012 movie adaptation- video still from collider.com OPINIONS 07 CONFESSIONS OF A CONTRACT BREAKER

by Jessica Florey This is a unique time in our lives and a unique setting; be- I broke the Standards of Con- sides other college campus- duct this semester by drinking es, there are few other places a glass of champagne during where so many people in the a wedding in Florida. Don’t same stage of life are in one worry, Student Development place. Not only is it unique in already knows. This is not the sense that many people are about how crampy I think the living so close together, but it is Standards of Conduct are at also unique that over half of the Covenant, but quite the oppo- Covenant students are not of site. Through this experience I legal age to drink. By removing actually learned far more about alcohol from campus, we are what it means to set boundaries then helping our brothers and and uphold my word, as well sisters who may struggle with as the grace for when both of this more (1 Corinthians 8:13). these are broken. Covenant is implementing the Standards of Conduct only to First, I would like to remind cultivate a certain community. everyone why the standards are a part of the school in the Secondly, the Standards are first place (I will be focusing about so much more than on the drinking aspect of the having a drink or not having Standards of Conduct, even a drink. The week after the is not sinning. For example, tice of saying no to things and Lastly, I wish to remind you though it is far more extensive wedding, I did not think a sec- someone might struggle with maintaining our boundaries— that Covenant’s protocol for than that.) Covenant has creat- ond thought about the drink arrogance in how they look. even when breaking them does when one breaks the contract ed these Standards of Conduct as much as what it meant. In That person may have to set not seem bad. By drinking, I is the practice of self-confess- not because it thinks drinking drinking at the wedding, I boundaries like only going to missed out on an opportunity ing and asking for forgiveness. is bad, or because it wants to broke my word. I drank a glass, the gym 3 times a week, un- to hold my desires up to the Let’s face it: we are all sinners, find ways to punish students, did not get drunk, was of age, following workout channels Lord. and this is a practice we will be but because it is trying to create and was far, far away from Cov- or pages, or choosing to go forming for the rest of our lives. a type of community here. enant. a week without make-up. If Yes, I am 21 and can legally those things are broken, it may drink by US standards. But I Sin festers and builds if it is not The reason it is called the “Stan- I thought it had no effect on not seem like they are sinning, didn’t really need to; if I hadn’t brought to light. In all aspects dards of Conduct” is that Cov- what the Covenant community but those boundaries were put had that drink, I would not of the Covenant Standards of enant has standards it wishes looked like in the slightest, but in place for them because of have missed out on anything. Conduct, Student Develop- to uphold in the community. it did, because I broke my word. where their heart is. I had a I was having so much fun al- ment wants us to make a life- Statistics show that alcohol on I said I would not drink during single glass of champagne and ready. There are going to be so long practice of learning to say, campus leads to more reckless the semester, and yet I did. I I am over 21. If I was not un- many more times just like this “I am a sinner and I need for- decisions, more sexual assault, broke a boundary. I lied. I said der contract I would not be where we are going to have to giveness as well as discipline.” and more violence. This does I would do one thing, and I did sinning, but the difference is hold up our desires to God. Student Development always not mean that alcohol in and another. in the boundary that I had and These are only a few years of wants to form a pathway to re- of itself is bad, but that, since the fact that I said I would not your life where you are held pentance and forgiveness, espe- more issues arise at a unique There are so many times in our violate it. under these obligations. This is cially for those who self-con- setting like college, there needs lives where we will set our own a good practice for us to learn fess. to be much more moderation. boundaries, even if it may seem The Standards of Conduct give self-control and self-constraint. like breaking that boundary us practice for a lifelong prac-

stress does its best work. How- many lions chasing after us, we Covenant College students? I LESS STRESS, MORE ever, when our stress persists make our own stressors. want to remind you that you for extended periods of time, were not created to be per- what is meant to be a life-sav- Often, these are persistent sistently stressed. If schoolwork SUCCESS ing mechanism endangers our stressors that don’t go away af- is causing you recurring and emotional, mental, and physi- ter three minutes. Therefore, long lasting patterns of stress, by Bethany Sikkink our problems as exciting chal- cal well-being. we keep our bodies in a state you might consider reevaluat- lenges, but the high stress that of excreting stress hormones to ing what place academics have Work is a gift from God. As inhibits our ability to function What is worthy of stress? There activate our energies. Because in your life. I propose that they students, this means our stud- well and glorify God in our are many things: running from our bodies are not designed to are not worth the health defects ies should bring us great delight work. a lion, saving a child from a perform at this level for long of stress (some of which are ir- and be a form of worship to our burning building, or attacking amounts of time, stress begins reversible). Creator. Too often, however, Stress has a great function for a gunman. The trouble is that to eat at our health. Chronic stress inhibits our ability to sa- our bodies: it helps us escape we’ve extended stress to many stress makes our body more Further, I would suggest find- vor God’s great gift of learning threatening situations by se- aspects of our lives that are vulnerable to diabetes, heart ing intrinsic motivation for in a higher education institu- creting hormones which mobi- not deserving of stress: minor disease, digestive issues, and your studies. In other words, tion. I am not talking about eu- lize our energy. In short periods relationship drama, sitting in other serious health problems. study for the sake of learning. stress, which is a positive form of time (about three minutes), traffic, math tests, etc. Because You’re paying good money for of stress that allows us to view in hazardous circumstances, the Western world doesn’t have How does this apply to us as this education, enjoy it! In- trinsic motivation, or learning to learn rather than to gain an external reward, such as a good grade, is associated with less stress, better performance, and more positive emotions.

In contrast, extrinsic motiva- tion, or doing something to gain an external reward, is as- sociated with more stress and lower performance. Your brain is actually far more productive and creative when you’re feel- ing good, so by viewing your grade as secondary to learning, you are ironically more likely to do well in school.

When stress is evaluated from a design stance, it appears as though the Designer did not intend high stress to be a part of our daily work. It deterio- rates our health, causes us to be anxious, and is often a product of idolizing our efforts. Work, which was present before the fall, should not be the cause of chronic stress, but a worshipful form of relating to our Maker.

OPINIONS 08

NEW CONSTITUTION AMENDMENT: WHY Furthermore, the NCAA re- Many Senators I have spoken quires that all student-athletes with have said that this is some- maintain a minimum of 12 thing that has happened before IT’S A DISASTER FOR STUDENT SENATE hours to be eligible to play a and warrants discussion. Since sport collegiately. The NCAA the Constitution’s creation in by Grant Kierpa being a democratic institution money that Student Senate is is by no means an academic in- 1969, there have been only divided by hall and class. How responsible for. It’s the mon- stitution, and yet still believes two times that a Senator has On November 19, a new consti- is allowing a part-time student ey they hand out to every club in an academic standard. With had to resign for graduation tutional amendment went into to serve on Student Senate fully and use for every single event the current amendment passed, or dropping below the 12 hour effect. It amended the following representing you? How is that you see hosted around campus, a Senator could potentially be threshold. This amendment is a rule: providing leadership and guid- including official CAB events. ineligible to play a sport, yet change for an almost non-exis- ance? Here are a few reasons How is someone who is not eligible to serve on Senate. To tent minority, and doesn’t have Each candidate for a Senate why the amendment is contra- paying into this supposed to be me, this sounds just a bit odd. any historical precedent. position will be a full-time stu- dictory to Student Senate, and considered a representative of As anyone in Student Devel- dent when petitioning for office, why it’s bad for the student the student body? opment will tell you, senators What does this mean going and will remain a full-time stu- body: are held to a higher standard as forward? dent throughout his or her term Contradictory ethos campus leaders. So why, then, A senior could take 13 hours of office. The language is vague When Student Senate takes would we pass an amendment in the fall and then one credit As a former Senator, I can af- seriously their status as repre- that stands in conflict with this in the spring. They could have It now reads: firm that changing the consti- senting the student body, which standard? a full-time job in the spring, tution is an arduous process, is clearly exemplified by the take a one credit practicum, Each candidate for a Senate and that Senate most likely put original unamended version of Context: Changing the Con- and be considered eligible if it’s position will be a full-time stu- a lot of time into this, which this constitution, why would stitution for Two Cases? something that Student Senate dent when petitioning for office, is unfortunate considering they contradict the whole orig- This isn’t the first time such approves. And while I hear the and will remain a full-time the vagueness of the language. inal point of the constitution? an amendment was discussed. argument that it still requires student throughout his or her “Under twelve hours” means Student Development, which Two years ago Michael Taft ’17 a two-thirds vote of approval term of office. Exceptions can someone could take one cred- is a part of the approval pro- was the sitting Communica- from Senate, it’s an organiza- be made, by a ⅔ majority vote it, just a single one credit class, cess, looks at every candidate tions Director. A month into tion that experiences a lot of of Senate, if a Senator is under and be considered eligible for and checks GPA, course load, the school year, he realized that turnover every year. Because twelve hours during their last still serving on Student Senate behavior, and if they were on he was going to graduate in there is so much turnover every semester at Covenant. in their last semester. How is deadline with their application. December, and proposed this year, Senators quickly forget this considered representation? With all these checkpoints in same amendment to be dis- why certain rules were imple- Student Senate’s job is to fully place, which clearly show that cussed amongst Senate. Katie mented, or certain discussions represent the students, and to Part-time representation? the job is one to be taken se- Smith ’20, the current Commu- in relation to new rule changes. provide leadership and guid- If a student is taking six or riously, why would we allow a nications Director, would be ance to the student body on is- fewer hours, they do not pay student who is under 12 hours dropping below 12 hours next sues on campus, by nature of it the Student Fee, which is the to serve on Senate? semester.

a necessary condition for one to home, you feed them, because SLOW DOWN: A be alive, we slip into unhealthy However, the value of eating food is meant to be eaten with patterns. goes much beyond food. Food the people you love. can be a tool through which we REFLECTION ON EATING I’d like to make the case that are emotionally and relation- Americans are not immune to food—what we eat and how we ally rejuvenated. When we eat this value, either. If we’re hon- by Jacob Kortenhoeven ideal. In my busiest days, I eat it—is worth prioritizing in food, we are forced to stop and est, we long to be welcomed think of sleep this way, too. If our lives. Our dietary choic- allow our bodies to be fed slow- into a home and served a home- For Covenant students with- only I didn’t have to sleep, I’ll es most obviously impact the ly. This is especially true when cooked meal, especially as col- out a meal plan, it is difficult dreamily fantasize, I’d get so physical well-being of our fu- we have to cook for ourselves. lege students on a budget. This to spend hours preparing and much more done. Sleep seems ture selves (i.e. help cause or It is sometimes frustrating to is because eating a nutritious eating and cleaning when there like such a waste of time. But prevent various conditions and have to schedule hours of the meal with the people we love are much more pressing things when I’m in my right mind, illnesses), but our choices also day to cook and eat, but if we satisfies a deep relational need. to do. Eating, we reason to our- sleeping is one of my favorite affect our physical well-being break through all of the pres- So why don’t we prioritize this? selves, is a necessary time-con- things to do; I literally can’t get in the present. A wholesome sures around us, we can see that Because of the time, there just sumer because it gives our body enough of it. This isn’t a perfect diet can change the way we in- this is a good thing. The mak- isn’t enough time. the needed sustenance for ev- comparison, but maintaining a teract with the world: we gain ing and eating of food allows erything else we do in any giv- healthy diet is just as import- more energy, confidence, atten- us to set aside everything we This is one of the reasons that en day, but taking the time to ant as having good sleep hy- tiveness, and motivation in ev- are stressed about and breathe. our common practices of eating enjoy the process of eating is a giene. But other things get in erything we do on a daily basis. Eating reminds us in very viv- are so tragic; not only do we eat luxury we often cannot afford. the way, and we have to make Wholesome food can make us id ways that we are fallible and stranger-made food as quickly a choice: restrict or reorganize stronger and more fit to be who limited; like everyone else, we as we can, but in doing so we Cooking and eating with others all our waking commitments, we want to be, while food that must stop and eat. Nobody is deprive ourselves of the rela- is especially challenging; rare- or cut down on sleep and meal lacks nutritional value drains above eating, and that is such tional food we need. In fact, we ly, if ever, do the schedules of times—those necessary evils. us more than we realize. a gift. only feed our loneliness. housemates line up so that they are all in the same place—for Though they exist to give us One of the best ways to devel- Moreover, the very nature of This is not to say that any of this more than a few minutes—at rest and energy, for many of us op a wholesome diet is to be- food invites us into relation- is easy; we live in a society that meal times. Because of all these sleep and food are the first to come a food learner. Take the ship with one another. Food increasingly pushes efficiency complications, we eat out, buy go when the pressures of school time (yes, choose to spend time everywhere, not just at Cost- and productivity over rest and frozen microwavable meals, and work and life hit hard. on this) to do your own shop- co, is found in bulk, and we all contemplation, and the impor- throw together unwholesome ping, read recipes and lists of have to eat it, so why not just tance of the individual over and uncreative culinary piec- But if we are content in our cu- ingredients, read the nutrition share? In many cultures, food the importance of communi- es that become staples of our linary patterns of mediocrity, facts, watch famous chefs and equals love—giving food as a ty. In the heat of the moment, weekly diet, and, most impor- and, for Pete’s sake, we are sur- YouTube moms, shop and cook gift means that you care about slowing down might not seem tantly, we cook quickly and we viving pretty darn well on eggs with your friends, listen to ad- that person’s physical well-be- worth it, but, as my mom would eat alone. and rice thank you very much, vice from others, take risks and ing and that you want to spend always say to me, “No need to why change? It is certainly true try new things. In essence, a time with them. In this way, the inhale your spaghetti, Jacob, As I’ve already alluded to, it that one could “survive” on great way to become a better making and sharing of food is it’s not going to run away from is easy to think of cooking for eggs and rice alone, but, again, eater is to know what you are closely tied to hospitality; when y ou .” ourselves as necessary but not when we think of eating only as putting in your body. you invite someone into your

photo from covenant.edu