Arts Drew Belz reviews Outlook Swine flu vaccine Slavovsky’s ambitious hits the streets “Chalk Circle” Sports Lady Scots defeat Bryan 1-0

Vol. 53,56, No. 175 TheThe student newspaperBagpipe at Covenant College since 1955 Thursday, October 8, 2009 Mountain Affair shines under new management

by Sarah Dollar dignity,” Forman said. “It was obvious that This past Friday some of Covenant’s Matt and Dave had been on the other side best performers took the stage for Moun- of things before. They really found a beau- tain Affair. As always, the chapel was tiful balance in their management.” packed for the event. But the show was “There have been transitional years in noticeably different this year due to new the past for Mountain Affair, and we felt management. like this year’s event was another positive Admissions representative Matt Brown step in the right direction,” said Hess. and alumnus Dave Hess (‘09) took the The Tough Customers, which included helm of the event this year. It had pre- Ben VanderHart, Colin Stayton, Josh ciously been headed up by former Vice Barret and Forman, took first with their President of Admissions Wallace Ander- rousing original song, “Captain Matador.” son. Grady Dickinson and Michael Kendall “Wallace was in charge of the entire took second for their cover of Jerome preview weekend. There was a lot on his Kern’s “All the Things You Are.” Colin Students working for Admissions are going the extra mile to keep GARRETT REID plate, so that was hard on musicians. We Stayton won third place for his original enrollment numbers high in the face of a struggling economy. saw this as an opportunity to change a composition on the guitar. couple things,” said Brown. Performances ranged from singing and John-Michael Forman, member of dancing to harp-playing and rapping. Admissions Office faces off winning band The Tough Customers, saw “I really liked the variety of perfor- a clear difference between the former and mances, from classical to folk to rock to current management groups. against the down economy see MOUNTAIN AFFAIR, page 4 “Musicians were treated with so much by Lauren Holmer the admissions process, McMahan says she enjoys her job. More than most students, Waverly “For me, it’s really fun to talk to stu- McMahan knows how the recession has dents,” McMahan said. affected Covenant. McMahan is a student One of McMahan’s strategies for worker in Admissions, and in the down smoothing over what can be a shocking economy it is inevitable that finances come tuition figure is to immediately follow it up up more frequently in conversations with with information about financial aid and potential students and their parents. scholarship. A key part of her job is to encour- She encourages students to fill out the age potential students to keep looking at application forms and see what assistance Covenant, even if it seems out of their Covenant can offer. She prods them to try price range. Despite the difficulty of these see page 2 conversations and the ups and downs of ADMISSIONS, New Vocational Center among first fruits of Strategic Plan

The Center for Vocation will be revital- by Kaitlin Fender GARRETT REID izing the career services provided by Cov- The Tough Customers receiving their award from President Nielson The three-year strategic plan, adopted enant. New students will be assessed with last spring, is already seeing checkmarks CareerDIRECT from Crown Ministries, next to some of its items. One of these is the and Anthony Tucker will present a seminar recent establishment of The Center for Vo- reviewing their results. cation, which will replace Career Services. Tucker also plans to increase summer Read The Bagpipe online! Two years ahead of schedule, Anthony internship opportunities, and ultimately Tucker was hired this past summer to direct channel students toward post-grad jobs. He Visit bagpipeonline.com to comment on articles and the center. Last Monday, Leda Goodman was hired as his administrative assistant. see VOCATIONAL CENTER, page 2 read papers dating back to 1999. RETRACTION: Joe Dodd’s article, “Brand New album not to be missed,” was in- correctly attributed to Austin Humbles in last week’s Bagpipe.

2 Thursday, October 8, 2009 NEWS The Bagpipe New Center for Vocation working hard to help graduates secure career goals Other targets include addition of majors, increased diversity

from VOCATIONAL CENTER on page 1. “This partnership will help take this sight Committee, which meets three times diversity “ethos” through curriculum, project above and beyond its original poten- a year. Faculty, staff, alumni, students, chapel music, guest artists. would also like to create more “pipelines” tial,” said senior Abigail Smith, secretary of stakeholders, are all involved in the plan’s The college is also hoping to develop for Covenant students where they can plug Tri-Beta. fulfillment. The plan has four main tra- more study-abroad programs. Eames into internships and jobs with other Cov- Tucker will also be teaming with the jectories—academic program, learning said Covenant’s intercultural experience enant graduates. science department to ensure that students environment, connections & communica- requirement will be developed into a Tucker hopes to combine all the resourc- are prepared to apply for medical school, tions, and operations & resources. more academically rigorous program, es available to Covenant students—alumni, graduate school, research opportunities, Everything from the addition of majors probably including more credit hours and professors, the local community, and the and more. to future facilities is in the works as part of coursework. college connections—to help students Jenna Brock, a senior business major, the plan. Though the entire plan is detailed secure a career. said the Center for Vocation has already Dr. Kevin Eames, the Director of and ambitious, the college is determined “I want to help students and alumni helped her gain traction in her job hunt. Institutional Research, said one key to see it fulfilled. identify their skills and interests and then “Anthony Tucker has been very help- area Covenant has decided to focus on “There’s often a plan that never hap- help them connect those to a need in our ful,” Brock observed. “He was willing to is “cultural competence.” Covenant is pens, but Dr. Nielson didn’t want that world,” said Tucker. “I want them to be see me at short notice to help prepare for a seeking to become more ethnically diverse to happen,” said Eames. “The plan isn’t change agents.” career fair, and he followed up afterwards. by working with more diverse churches, sitting on a shelf.” Tucker is working with the Tri-Beta He’s definitely gone the extra mile.” holding a campus-wide service project in Biology Honors Society to help them form The rest of the strategic plan is being the community, and shaping a campus an internship database. directed by the Strategic Planning Over-

Admissions gets tough to combat applicants’ financial concerns Strategies: stressing financial aid options along with Covenant’s value, staying optimistic

many families make a renewed commit- ple….we don’t want people to make unwise funds, we are doing all we can to enable from on page 1. ADMISSIONS ment to Covenant despite their personal financial decisions, but we also want to push students and families to continue at Cov- financial struggles. people who have ruled us out to give us a enant,” said Nielson. “It’s encouraging to for scholarships, even if they doubt good “I think when the reasons for going to a second chance.” see this mutual effort during these challeng- results. college are vague, it is easier to settle for a Ocando admits it was somewhat uncom- ing times.” That’s because McMahan believes lower-cost alternative during hard times,” fortable to talk about the economy the first The staff members encourage each Covenant’s education is worth the price, said Nielson. “But I think the sharper the few times it came up in conversations, but is other, too. Ocando says maintaining moti- and this attitude prevails among the entire reasons for wanting to be somewhere, the now routine. vation was difficult last year, since everyone Admissions staff. more a family is willing to say ‘we’ll look for Some recent changes in the way finan- knew recruiting would be tough. But at The economy topic is often sensitive, lower-cost alternatives for other parts of our cial aid decisions are made has made these weekly meetings everyone would encourage which is why Associate Director of Ad- lives, but this is a priority.’” conversations more encouraging. Last year each other, especially after a story surfaced missions Sarah Ocando says talking with Admissions Representative Amy Smith Covenant began allowing accepted appli- about a student who was able to come to interested students must be “distinctly states that there are many students current- cants more time to decide if they wanted to Covenant despite hard financial circum- relational.” Accomplishing this goal means ly attending Covenant who are a testament accept their financial aid packages. stances. spending time with every visitor to the cam- to God’s faithfulness in the area of finances. Ocando said this gives families more Director of Admissions Matthew Bryant pus, and plenty of phone conversations. “It’s about having faith that if the Lord time to consider their options, and work also points out that this year’s incoming When the economy comes up, Ocando wants you at Covenant He will provide a with Financial Aid to receive packages that class was larger than expected—a pleasant says staff members do their best to com- way for you,” Smith said. take into account special circumstances not surprise. He said when it comes to predict- municate not only useful information about Despite these success stories, the Admis- covered in the FAFSA. ing enrollment numbers, “The trend seems financial aid, but also what a valuable sions staff is dedicated to being as open and Nielson said the college is doing its best to be that there is no trend.” investment Covenant’s unique education informative as possible, even if it means to rise the to the increased need. And with the numbers of previewing is. While Covenant has always approached bearing hard news. “With designated gifts from generous students last weekend exceeding those of education from this perspective, in the “I think one of the strengths of Cov- donors for additional financial aid assis- last year, the Admissions Office has reason down economy it rings true more than ever. enant is being upfront,” said Ocando. “We tance to students as well as to increased to be encouraged. President Niel Nielson said he has seen want to be honest and upfront with peo- financial aid awards from the college’s own

Have a faculty quote you’d like to see published? Faculty Quote of the Week: Email it to [email protected] “Do not pronounce ‘a-n-y’ ‘inny.’ An inny is a type of belly button. We do not wish to inadvertently refer to the umbilicus, even though we are in the science building.”

- Professor Camille Hallstrom, in Accents and Dialects The Bagpipe OPINION Thursday, October 8, 2009 3 Chattanooga Stand completes world’s The Verdict J FeaturingFRIDAY9 p largest community vision survey Yes... to the large-group A m Mountain Affair rendition of by Sarah Dollar gram called Vision 2000. This change, not for government Sufjan Stevens’ “Chicago.” Z - program was meant to set goals officials, Chattanooga’s Mayor 1 You’ve probably seen yellow for Chattanooga that would be Ron Littlefield and Hamilton No... to the sound fail- Z signs for Chattanooga Stand reached by the year 2000. 1,700 County’s Claude Ramsey have ures during the Smallman rap. 2 recently, or maybe you’ve even people were surveyed with Vision both endorsed and taken the sur-

Seeing those pink shorts once was I taken their survey. This grass- 2000 and 40 goals were estab- vey. Also, 400 surveys have been more than enough. o a roots program is working to lished. Many of these goals were completed by local government N m n S change Chattanooga in big ways. completed such as the aquarium, employees.

According to their website, the Walnut Street Bridge, the Stand has stopped

D t TRUMENTALo Stand is a “community visioning airport, and the restoration of the taking surveys and is

Letters to h effort led by residents across the Tivoli. now in the pro- the editor are e OCTOBERt t welcome! O Send them by email to i [email protected], with “Letter to V e the Editor” in the subject line.

Or send letters to: E B The Bagpipe Box 169, 14049 Scenic Highway r Lookout Mountain, GA 30750. R o

• Make letters topical and keep them under c Chattanooga region.” Stand is in- Chattanooga Stand came out cess of reviewing and coding the 200 words. L tended to reach out to every area of this tradition. According to information collected. The pur- • Letters may be edited for clarity and k MAGIC of Chattanooga by taking surveys Chris Nystrom, who works for pose of the evaluation is to find length. O • Letters should be signed with full name, L a wthat assess n how residents feel that Stand, a speech by Mayor Ra common themes and concerns in class standing, and declared major, if Chattanooga could improve in msey in 2008 was actually what order to share this information applicable. O 9 tangible ways. The initial goal helped spark the conversation with the Chattanooga com- was to gather 25,000 surveys; the leading to Stand’s formation. munity, as well as organizations program has exceeded this goal Though Stand makes clear on interested in causing change. Be K T H by the hundreds. their website that the information on the lookout for changes that The Bagpipe In the 1980’s Chattanooga gathered should be for residents Stand will initiate in Chattanoo- Venture had a similar pro- of the community to make ga in the near future. Established in 1955 Zach McElrath Editor in Chief committee members as they work Isaiah Smallman A word from Student Senate to help us fulfill our calling. You Managing Editor / Layout can support them by recycling KATE HARRISON News Campus Stewardship: Just “Going Green,” or Something More? at designated areas (please ask LUKE MOSHER Arts by Alex Anderson where these areas are), reducing HANNAH VANBIBER Outlook energy and food conservation, and systems to help us be better stew- your food waste in the Great Hall, SAM BELZ Sports WILL LUTZ Faith Many of you are familiar with global mindedness. The volunteers ards of God’s creation. and providing encouragement to GARRETT REID Photo the Cultural Mandate. Genesis on this committee are dedicated The CSC is working across the CSC. If you have questions AMY REED Copy 1:28 reads: “Be fruitful and mul- to raising awareness about these campus, and these efforts take or ideas about campus steward- ENOCH ELWELL Circulation DAVID INOUYE Web tiply and fill the earth and subdue issues and providing tangible ways time. Please support the CSC ship, please contact Rashad or any it and have dominion over the fish to fix these problems by creating Chair, Rashad Gober, and his member of Student Senate. of the sea and over the birds of Cliff Foreman Faculty Advisor the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” This is a Covenant College student publication The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect This verse could also be known those of the College or the student body. as the Stewardship Mandate. We 14049 Scenic Highway • Lookout Mountain, GA 30750 have the duty to rule over the earth, cultivate it and care for it as If you would like the Bagpipe God cares for his creatures. to run a story on something, Unfortunately, in recent his- send your suggestion by email tory, Christians have not been to [email protected] with champions of stewardship in the 1) 15% discount after 5pm every day except “Story Idea” in the subject line. public sphere. According to Gen- Wednesday for students who present their esis, however, we should be the first “You must be the change you college ID wish to see in the world.” to care for God’s world. I am not advocating “tree hugging”, but a 2) Wednesday is .65 cent Chicken Biblical view of dominion over all For advertising inquiries, areas of creation. Tender special all day each 3) WIFI contact Zach McElrath: Student Senate has created the Campus Stewardship Committee Wednesday ph: (602) 625-0486 (CSC) to actively pursue steward- 4) Catering and delivery for Large Parties [email protected] ship from a Biblical perspective. Their targets include recycling, 808 Scenic Hwy. Lookout Mtn. TN. 37350 Phone: 423-468-4460 4 Thursday, October 8, 2009 ARTS The Bagpipe Mountain Affair a big hit under direction of alumns Hess and Brown

from MOUNTAIN AFFAIR on page 1. situation.” Forman was impressed with how well jugglers,” said one previewer from Rob- the audience responded to the difficulties. binsville, Ga. “The crowd seemed to be so supportive Several of the pieces performed were through those glitches, which was really the performers’ own original compositions. encouraging to all of us. It was a fantastic Competing in the event meant several crowd.” nights of mandatory rehearsals, often end- Mountain Affair takes place on preview ing around midnight. weekend each year. The event is meant to “I genuinely appreciated that there showcase the talent of Covenant students were enough musicians to put in all the for visiting previewers, and in years past, time every night this week in order to the event was an overt plug for the college. perform consistently and give it their all. The plug was successful, in the case It was beautiful.” said freshman Geneva of freshman Josh Sheets, who performed Stegall. this year with the 2C Family Band. “This Hess stressed that though the evening is my second Mountain Affair. I saw it was a display of talent, it was also a great as a previewer and loved it,” Sheets said. opportunity to think about the role of wor- “It’s a great atmosphere and a really great ship in performance. portrayal of Covenant.” “Sometimes it’s tough for an audience VanderHart felt that this year Brown to see the gracious hearts and humble, and Hess focused more on the performers diligent spirits behind an excellent perfor- than on the image the college was present- mance,” Hess said. “Everyone knew we ing to previewers and their families. And couldn’t possibly give one perfect perfor- in doing so, “They succeeded in painting a mance, but God wants our hearts despite much better picture of Covenant.” The Tough Customers, who won first place at Mountain Affair. CHRIS THORNTON our weakness.” The only hiccups of the evening were rupted several acts. Hess made clear that the AV team and noted that the problem With reporting by Morgan Bayer a few technical difficulties that inter- the problems were outside the control of was fixed “amazingly fast considering the Muse Progresses with grandiose sound of The Resistance

by Ben Bingham evidenced by the showcasing of Chopin on British rockers Matthew Bellamy, Dom- “United States of Eurasia”, a piece from the inic Howard, and Chris Wolstenholme, aka opera Samson and Delilah on “I Belong To Muse, have come into their own with their You (Mon Coeur S’ouvre A Ta Voix)”, and self-produced effort The Resistance. Muse has a modern 3-part symphony entitled “Exo- expanded and outgrown the metal roots genesis” featured at the close of the album. displayed on early albums like Origin of Sym- Two standout tracks are “United States metry and developed an original sound that of Eurasia” and “Undisclosed Desires.” The was first showcased onBlackholes and Revela- first features an Eastern scale in the middle tions. The Resistance continues in this vein of the song and screams of heavy influence with a move away from guitar-driven songs from fellow British superstars Queen. The that allows for bigger and more eclectic track manages an abrupt yet smooth transi- instrumentation. tion into Chopin’s “Nocturne in Eb Major.” Muse kicks off the album with a familiar “Undisclosed Desires” is possibly Muse’s feel for those that have been paying atten- most radical leap, but they pull it off bril- tion from its origin. “Uprising” feels like its liantly. The track is, in essence, a mellow name, carried by a driving rhythm, haunt- dance number. It boasts a thumping, asym- ing synths, and a howl every now and then metric beat and an anthemic chorus crying, from the guitar. This and the middle three “I want to reconcile the violence in your tracks are the only ones on the album that heart/ I want to recognize your beauty’s match the feel people typically associate not just a mask/ I want to exorcise the with Muse. demons from your past/ I want to satisfy Perhaps the most prominent differ- the undisclosed desires in your heart.” They ence is the piano that emerges from the went for a different feel and hit it perfectly. background. Piano has long been a part In the end, Muse created a versatile of Muse’s music, but on The Resistance the album that displays growth and musi- piano carries most of the songs. As a whole, cal maturity. While The Resistance differs the album has a more classical flavor, as substantially from previous efforts and there is a lot of diversity within the album itself, The Resistance finds Muse coming of age the final product is cohesive and gives the with versatile and complex symphonic listener a solid feel of their music. instrumentation. The Bagpipe ARTS Thursday, October 8, 2009 5 Drama Review: PRAY THE JUDGE IS DRUNK: The Caucasian Chalk Circle Childers owns the stage as the narrator and What you will find is that playwright Ber- the audience’s coach (this is a morality play, tolt Brecht aims not at entertainment, but at after all). Autumn Brown (Grusha) melts all distancing the audience until they engage in hearts steely and cold in her rich alto furnace, mental participation. singing her man Simon (Kevin Hartzell) off The play requires it. It is long and asks to war. Janel Corbett’s cold tyranny as the for more than passive consumption, which Governor’s Wife freezes them back again. we all seem to have plenty of anyway. The And in the Second Act, B. Mitchell as Azdak play could be two stories. The first act holds court in more ways than one. follows the milkmaid Grusha’s sacrifice These actors forge a charismatic core for a lost child; the second traces the judge around which other cast members work like Azdak’s mad rise to power, and his drunken tectonic plates, shifting and slipping into new rule over the trial that lends the play its title. roles, like they were made for this. (I particu- When a man is drunk, he is either larly liked Jon Davis as the rapacious-young- profoundly profane or profanely profound. ironshirt turned hundred-year-old-divorcé.) Brecht’s play acts a bit like a drunken man. And can enough be said about Justin There is wisdom in it. There is nonsense Johns? The man directs and performs a too. I can’t say for the slurred speech how remarkable score of his own composition; much was profound, but even a parable in then later this year he graces the stage as Tony the mouth of a fool has some use. The show in West Side Story. Give it up, ladies and g’s. is both amusing and enlightening—though Ambitious director Claire Slavovsky showcases prime Covenant talent in GARRETT REID Give it up. I can’t know how much to credit the play the dissonant and compelling “Caucasian Chalk Circle.” With Covenant’s Theatre Department, itself. What the Covenant players have done we’ve come to expect a lights-out cast. “The with it, though, through a little ambition, is By Drew Belz twenty. She picked a German playwright Caucasian Chalk Circle” is no exception. But the thing that counts, and for that reason I Professor Claire Slavovsky must be who emphatically wanted to “alienate the that doesn’t cover everything. The play can say: get thee to the stage this weekend! ambitious. Her first work directing at audience.” Then she gave herself a little seem muddled if you don’t know what to ex- Covenant features an original score and over a month to pull it all off. pect. So get to Sanderson 215 this weekend over sixty roles, filled by a cast of less than But she hired the right guns. Laura in time to read Slavovsky’s program notes. Book Review: “I am Charlotte Simmons” exposes fundemental truths about college By Luke Irwin his ability to describe precisely what goes no matter how she achieved it?” ought to define them, in the face of their on that deprives Charlotte’s observations Wolfe’s fundamental question here is social context, be it religion, vocation, or Tom Wolfe’s latest novel has been of anything enticing. In fact, they have a one of identity, and if any person is capable college. around for five years, but his book is so horrific scientific clarity to them. The long, of retaining what defines them, and what relevant to the situation of any student that agonizing chronicle of Charlotte losing her it bears reviewing and re-reading. Wolfe is virginity to a frat boy ubermench is perfect most famous for novels like The Electric Kool in its gory dissection, and a clear murder Aid Acid Test, The Right Stuff, and Bonfire of the of any romance the reader could hope to Vanities. Charlotte Simmons reads as a 700 scrounge. page muckrake of the university system, a You might argue we get enough of the careful exposition delivered entirely via the above –contractually and otherwise—as it grotesque and tragic commentary of its frat is without reading Charlotte Simmons. And boys, basketball players, aspiring intellectu- you’re right, which is why Wolfe’s greatest als, faculty, and Charlotte herself. achievement in this novel (for us anyway) I had a hard time picturing a 74-year- comes at the end of the book, the culmina- old Mr. Wolfe wearing his trademark white tion of an interesting kind of determin- suite to a frat party and carefully observing ism he has developed along the way. He the finer points of grinding. However, he prefaces the novel with a selection from a uses Charlotte, a gifted but naïve freshman fictional study that one of the Nobel-win- from a strictly moral Appalachian town, ning professors of Dupont has written about and her shocked observations to capture the inevitable conformity of any animal to the relentlessly sex-charged atmosphere of whatever society it is subsumed into. the fictional Dupont University, based most For Charlotte, with her inherited yet closely on Duke. isolating morals, the pressure of Dupont Expecting a place where students are proves too great. Back home, her academic finally attuned to the “Life of the Mind,” drive was a mark of distinction. At Dupont, Charlotte encounters the salacious fea- she has to find something else. On the last tures of an entirely different education: page, as she’s sitting, watching her basket- beer funnels, “sexiling,’’ the quite literal ball Division I Champion boyfriend, the illiteracy of star athletes, and the carefully peak of Dupont’s social hierarchy, her con- exclusive social hierarchy for which sex is science asks: “Wasn’t it Charlotte Simmons both a doorway and a mark of distinction. who wanted a life of the mind? Or was Wolfe’s style is objective enough not to be what she wanted all along to be considered an outright condemnation, however; it is special and to be admired for that in itself, Tom Wolfe probably wouldn’t have stuck out at a frat party. 6 Thursday, October 8, 2009 FAITH The Bagpipe An inconvenient weekend: Are previewers just a burden to be tolerated? by Sophy Beers it’s just for show and totally unrealistic. Their view is that Preview Weekend is all just a The phrase some Covenant students gimmick to get people in the door, at which seem to regard with the most hatred is point they will be shocked to discover that “Preview Weekend.” It’s that dreaded time movies aren’t played every weekend on the twice a year when high school kids steal your chapel lawn. In my experience, this is totally seats at Mountain Affair, bug you about bogus. But even if it were true, it should in no where Mills 280 is, and make seating in way affect our view of and attitude toward the Great Hall unbearable. But don’t think the previewers themselves. We are all a part you’re masking your feelings about them— of the body of Christ, they are guests at our the previewers hear it, loud and clear. They college, and the whole thing only lasts a know you’re upset that they waited in line couple of days. one and a half hours before Mountain Affair So then, at what point does CPW become to get their front row seats, just like you could so unendurably uncomfortable for us that have, but didn’t. They get the hint when you we would rather do away with an event that complain about us to your friends and gripe the Lord may be using to bring people to a about them in the blink. As a student who, place where they might know Him better? Is like other “Florida Bus” kids, came to more it when we have to sit on the floor during a GARRETT REID than one Campus Preview Weekend (CPW), Students and prospective students line up outside the chapel for Mt. Affair class? Is it when we lose an hour of sleep talk- I know all of this first hand and it’s disap- sances we were, or how bad we made things. me wrong here. If you know me, you know ing to a previewer? pointing to see it in a place I love as much as Though none of these things have made me I love Covenant and my classmates. That’s God used Covenant in a huge way in I love Covenant. disgusted with Covenant, it upsets me that why I feel like this issue should be addressed. my life, even before I actually enrolled. I Quite a few of the students I stayed with we weren’t wanted, or even merely tolerated! From the Lord’s Word and out of concern for encourage you to reevaluate where you stand those weekends were great hosts and encour- Where is the Christian hospitality? When the Covenant community, I think I have to on the issue, and how you are showing love. aged me about my dream and passions, even are they supposed to see the community that bring to our attention that this is not the way You never know how God might use you gave up their own bed for me! Others didn’t Covenant provides? Christians should behave. 1 Peter 4:9 says next Preview Weekend to show hospitality even care about me at all and never spoke Whether or not I actually heard the “Offer hospitality to one another without to these people that He may show himself two words to me, even though they knew I comments makes no difference, as it still grumbling.” more deeply to during their time here at was staying with them. Still other students amounts to the same thing—complaining. A lot of my friends claim that their Covenant. I overheard grumbling about what nui- We all do it, and we all shouldn’t. Don’t get justification for their disdain of CPW is that Selling out for success: As churches dilute the gospel to swell their ranks, many Christians smile and nod by Anna Phillips for our beliefs and actions. A lot of times Christians get distracted with all the Scripture commands us to speak the outward aspects of the Christian life and truth of the gospel faithfully into the lives completely forget about what is going on of others. However, it seems that some in the hearts of individual believers. It is Christians and churches today are more like playing a game of darts where you concerned with having more members, get more points for the outside rings than the coolest graphics, or the most hip wor- for nailing the bulls-eye. It is missing the ship service, than with considering how point. Scripture calls us to live. I am afraid that The point of the Christian life is not the gospel is being diluted and changed to how awesome our church’s worship ser- make it more palatable or tolerant. vice is, how many members our church The scary thing is that many Chris- has, how many people we have led to tians who are members of these churches Christ, or how great our youth program are going right along with this dilution is. These things are okay, but not when and not looking to Scripture themselves. they become the focus. Our faith is about 2 Tim. 4:3-4 and Rom. 16:18 describe how God is moving in the midst of his how easily people will latch on to false people and more often than not God works doctrine—taking Scripture out of context quietly and faithfully, not in a way that or twisting it to mean what we want it to. captures everyone’s attention. Christians must preach the truth of the Humility is foundational to a strong gospel from Scripture without trying to sense of community. Only with humility make it “easier” for people to hear. We can we effectively relate to others around need to believe that God will be faithful to us. Community is a joke unless Christ is at Are churches like Joel Osteen’s Lakewood sacrificing true Christianity to in- work in peoples’ hearts—the gospel does the center of it. I believe that having faith crease their membership? not have to be attractive to be powerful. in Christ is not just about community but People should think about and examine about preaching the truth of His word Scripture for themselves and just not into the lives of others and ourselves which glory and to enjoy relationship with Him given the fulfillment, sense of purpose, joy, believe everything they hear proclaimed as helps us form authentic relationships with through that. By surrendering our lives and happiness that we all desire. This is “the gospel.” those around us. Our lives are not about fully to the lordship of Christ we will be why we do not need to dress up the gospel. We should have a Scriptural basis us at all. We are given life to bring God The Bagpipe OUTLOOK/OPINION Thursday, October 8, 2009 7 First batch of swine fl u vaccine on its way

by Susanna Griffi th demand is high. In June, the World Health Organization declared swine fl u to be the A vaccine for swine fl u is on its way. fi rst global pandemic in 40 years. Since its Doses left the manufacturers last week arrival in april, H1N1 (a subtype of Infl u- and are currently arriving at 90,000 desig- enza type A) has affected millions of people nated administration locations. The Center worldwide. The vaccine being shipped now for Disease Control and Prevention warns is the fi rst available immunity against swine that the introduction of the much-anticipat- fl u. ed vaccine will be a little bumpy. Wondering how to get a dose of the Distributing the vaccine will likely be a vaccine? Pregnant women, parents and logistical nightmare. Health department of- caregivers of babies under 6 months old, fi cials face the daunting task of organizing and health care workers will receive prior- thousands of workers who will administer ity, followed by children, young adults up to 250 million doses of swine fl u vaccine living in close proximity to others and this fl u season. With just fi ve manufacturers adults with health conditions that put shipping vaccinations to 90,000 adminis- them at a high risk of fl u complications. trators, some areas will inevitably be over- Children under 10 will be most likely to stocked while others will be left hanging. fi nd it at their pediatrician’s offi ce. Some The vaccine should have begun to schools will receive doses, but pharmacies arrive in doctors’ hands two days ago. and supermarkets will generally not have Around 600,000 doses will arrive in the it available. Well-prepared school districts fi rst batch. They are being sent to 21 states have already reserved space for vaccination and 4 major cities. Almost all doses of it will clinics and distributed permission slips for be the FluMist nasal spray version, which parents to sign. Hospitals are in the process is not recommended for pregnant women, of deciding which of their employees should infants under 2, adults over 49, or people receive the vaccination fi rst. A complete list who suffer from a range of health problems. of administrators should be available online FluMist is an FDA-approved nasal spray by mid-October. vaccine. A quick spray in each nostril sends Because the federal government paid a weakened, live virus designed to help the for the swine fl u vaccination, providers will body develop antibodies against the fl u. only be permitted to charge an administra- The spray is ideal for people who do not like tion fee and many will give it for free. Public needles, but not for people with particularly health offi cials assure the public that the weak immune systems. Injectable doses con- vaccine has undergone extensive testing taining a killed virus are expected to arrive and is safe, and clarify that an H1N1 vac- in mid-October. cination is not a substitute for the seasonal The supply is unpredictable, but the fl u vaccine. The fi rst wave of the swine fl u vaccine began trickling out Oct. 6 CDC.GOV Healthcare Reform: A Quest for Utopia? by Jonathan Cate does it take 1000 pages to get uninsured citizens is a good thing. Chris Thornton believes it about what I believe liberty to be. I believe it is insurance? Considering the president’s vague is, and he believes it for admirable reasons. dangerous, and I believe that often it will look address to congress last week, I’d guess he isn’t Behind many people’s desire for universal messy. I also believe the true test of liberty is I’m not a huge fan of responding on a quite sure. medical care lies a heartfelt care for the poor. to accept that equality of opportunity will not name-basis to articles. However, I would like Also, the legislation he was seeking to press Also, Chris’s very understanding of liberty necessarily produce equality of outcomes. If to say a few more things about what I believe through before the recess would not even have rests on implementing a national medical care we see every unequal outcome as a reason concerning the medical care debate, and by gone into effect until 2013. If it’s so urgent, why system. to give more power to politicians, we will be doing this indirectly respond to Chris Thorn- not bump the date of effect up and let the needy I disagree, for reasons which seem harsh doing nothing more than embarking on a ton’s piece in the Sept. 17 issue of The Bagpipe. experience your vast love a little sooner, Mr. even to me sometimes. However, in a world Utopian quest. It is my belief that the Obama admin- President? Could it be that they may not like like this, I gravitate to the harsher explana- I do not believe the justifi cation that a istration is seeking to nationalize America’s your medicine, and not reelect you in 2012 if tions of reality. I’ll say plainly that the presi- minority of Americans do not have health medical care system. I believe this for several they have time to think about it? dent is trying to convince us that there is such insurance is a reason for a hasty and vast reasons. First, there is footage (viewable on Now the question becomes whether or not a thing as a free lunch. Well, there’s not. overhaul of our country’s medical care system. YouTube) of Barack Obama proudly pro- one thinks the nationalization of medical care Often in a universe which is not perfect, We have time to bear with the inequalities claiming his support for a single-payer system we fi nd that we are dissatisfi ed with many of an imperfect world; we have time to slow before a cheering crowd. I don’t believe the things. However, if every time we feel this down and think about what it may mean to President has changed his goal, but I do think dissatisfaction we decide that it is good reason rush a 1000 page bill through congress which he has changed his tactics of achieving it, as I to turn more power over to a politician who will drastically alter America’s medical care outlined in my article several weeks ago. The offers a “solution,” we might just do so at system. insurance company reforms being proposed the expense of our liberty. It is essentially a If we allow ourselves to give in to a crisis- would effectively achieve nationalization over Utopian quest, with an endless search for solu- based mentality, then we will be willing to time. tions to the things which grieve us about the give more and more power into the hands of Second, I believe the president has world we live in. It is dangerous to assert that solution-preaching bureaucrats. This is about exposed how politically-based this issue is for the government should “do something” about taking the time to look for long-term solutions. him. His frantic urging of congress to pass the everything that ticks us off. If that’s what we choose, goodbye liberty, 1000-page bill as quickly as possible shows his Edmund Burke said “It is no inconsider- and hello Utopia. desire to pass the bill without resistance, and Is Obama’s pursuit of healthcare reform able part of wisdom, to know much of an evil with as little consideration as possible. Why a search for Utopia? ought to be tolerated.” I’ve talked in the past 8 Thursday, October 8, 2009 SPORTS The Bagpipe Lady Scots Down Bryan College in 1-0 Win

by Staff Writer close as the score suggested. The Scots defense, along with goal- DAYTON, TN - Wednesday night keeper Bethany Holman, held firm to allow marked the latest match in what has the Lions a meager three shots all game. become a series of epic contests between As Covenant maintained possession and Covenant and Bryan Colleges. Squaring pounded the Bryan goal, defender Caitlin off in a match with plenty of regular season Ezell saw her long distance shot hit the AAC implications, the visiting Lady Scots crossbar, and two Covenant cornerkicks knew they needed to fight hard in order to were cleared off the line as the Bryan de- come out on top. fense tried to keep it close. Indeed, it was Covenant senior Jenny In the end, though, it was the Jenny Carter who wasted no time in leaving her Carter goal that proved to be the difference mark on the game, scoring early for the as the team recorded its first back-to-back Lady Scots after some fine dribbling al- wins of the season. Up next, the Lady Scots lowed her to make room for a well-placed will look to make it three in a row when shot. Her 12th minute goal was one of they travel to Kentucky to face Union Col- seventeen shots the ladies managed to take lege on Saturday. in a game that never really looked to be as Scots Volleyball Struggles on the Road by Mitch Prentis

The last week has been a lot of things for the Lady Scots Volleyball Team, but “ideal” is not one of them. Our ladies came up short during their last five games, all of which were on the road. Jenny Carter scored the only goal in the Lady Scots’ 1-0 defeat of Bryan. GARRETT REID On Sept. 29, the team traveled to Bryan College, where they lost one set to three. The Lady Scots started off strong, Scots dethrone Monarchs narrowly losing their first set by two points goal of his own with the help of Brian Stair. (26-28), and routing the Lions in the second By Greg Steele Scott Schindler moved up from anchoring set to win (25-22). Later their momentum the defense to score the last goal in the 74th faltered, and they dropped the last two sets On Saturday morning, the Covenant minute. Todd Fleming gave him the set-up by scores of (16-25) and (20-25). Sophomore Scots traveled to Fayetteville, NC, to take pass. The Scots played stellar defense, not Jesse Jakes led the team in points with 12.5 on the Methodist University Monarchs. allowing the Monarchs to crack a single and Sophomore Erica Adams led the team The Scots were ready to bounce back from shot at the goal. The Scots prevailed with in blocks with 13. a heartbreaking 0-1 loss to Emory Univer- the final score of 3-0, allowing them to im- The Lady Scots traveled on to play sity on Wednesday. prove their record to 4-3-1 on the season. Union College and Cumberlands this past They didn’t waste any time in making The Scots are now looking ahead Saturday. They were shut out in both games. their presence known. Julian Allgeier scored to their away game at rival Bryan’s field on While the Lady Scots had a very difficult the first goal of the game within the first Wednesday evening. Then they will have time in their first game against Union Col- two and a half minutes, assisted by David another home game against King College lege, losing with scores of (15-25), (21-25), and Pifer. 34 minutes later, Pifer picked up a next Saturday afternoon. Come out to sup- (16-25), they showed marked improvement in their match against Cumberlands, losing Photo of the week: a heartbreaking third set with a score of better, losing their last two matches, against by Garrett Reid (24-26). Bryan on Sept. 29 and Union College on The JV squad has not fared much Oct. 3. On both occasions the score was one set to two. The Lady Scots Varsity team will play again on October 10, when they travel to face Lee University with of hope of revers- ing their bad luck on the road. The JV team will travel to Hiwassee College on October 8, where they too hope to bring home a win as well. Good luck Lady Scots!

Freshman Callum Sears mans a station at a free basketball clinic at Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe High School for children ages 5-12 on Saturday, Sept. 26. 13 players from both of Covenant’s varsity basketball teams joined UT-Chattanooga players and several area high school coaches for the event which Cornerstone Church orga- nized. Covenant basketball practice starts Oct. 15.