BAGP THE IPE
1955 2012
C O E V E E G N A N T C O L L THEThursday, April 12, 2012 - Vol. 58.25 14049 Scenic Highway, LookoutBAGPIPE Mountain, Georgia, 30750 bagpipeonline.com Bakertree Making Booths History
by Grace Sharrar by Adrienne Belz As this year’s Bakertree Festival approaches, a handful of students Everything from Nancy Drew have decided take a break from to pirates was discussed at this studying to be vendors at the year’s Eighth Annual Southeast April 14 event, selling food, art, Tennessee Regional Student and music to support a cause History Conference. or make some extra spending While many students were money. busy mingling with profession- Sophomore Hannah Copeland, als in Carter Lobby last Tuesday, the current Community Coor- five upperclassmen history ma- dinator for Campus Activities jors gained professional experi- Board, described Bakertree Fes- Tad Evearitt ence presenting history papers. tival as “a fun, summery music Nielson congratulate Halvorson after the announcemnet of his presidency was made. “They did great,” said Professor and arts festival.” The event will of History at Covenant College, bring students and families from Dr. Jay Green. “They got to get the community together from 12 a feel for what historians do,” he to 5 p.m. on Saturday to listen The Prospect of Providence said. The students not only got to to local music acts and shop at present, but also got to meet and artist vendors from around Chat- talk with professionals from four tanooga. by Rebekah Taft Halvorson will become President “This is a sudden opportunity other colleges. In the evening, Covenant will of Covenant this summer. In a that we are doing due diligence Lee University, University host a 7 p.m. concert headlined For students at Providence March 16th email to the student in studying in order to make the of Tennessee in Chattanooga, by mewithoutYou and opened Christian College in Pasadena, body, Chairman of the Board wisest decision for both insti- Southern Adventist University by Amy Wilson, Rigoletto, and California, Covenant feels closer Martin Moore explained the tutions,” said Covenant’s Vice and now Bryan College attended Wake. to home than it was a month decision. “The board of trustees President for Student Develop- along with Covenant. The confer- So take a break from studying ago. There is a chance that their unanimously voted to sign a ment and Dean of Students, Brad ence is a yearly event, held at one this Saturday and go to Baker- independent reformed liberal letter of intent with Providence Voyles. of the participating colleges every tree Festival. Here’s a sneak peek arts college will be acquired by Christian College, expressing Covenant assembled a task year, and it only comes to Cov- of some vendors to be run by Covenant before their fall 2012 Covenant’s intent to acquire force composed of several Cov- enant College every four years. Covenant students. semester begins. Providence,” he said. enant administrators to receive The conference consisted of The news of a potential Since the board meetings, Cov- questions and concerns from ad- 75-minute sessions with a num- To Ireland with Love acquisition came along with enant’s administrators have been ministration, faculty, and students ber of sessions presenting at once. Dinah Steele, a spunky senior, the announcement that Provi- investigating ways to make this at both Covenant and Providence Most sessions had a main theme Continued on page 2News Continued on page 2News Continued on page 2News dence’s current President Derek proposed acquisition a reality. Arts Opinions Feature
A New Wacth Your Words: Dr. Halvorson Sound Speak No Evil Gets Real with The Bagpipe News: 2 The Bagpipe Vol. 58.25
Bakertree that she has already made, but Providence the Southern Association of Col- History Continued from front page she will also be taking commis- leges and Schools (SACS), would sions. Anyone can stop by and Continued from front page approve such a venture. Continued from front page buy a personalized piece. But the It is also crucial that there be a is going to Ireland this summer sisters also just want to meet and sufficient donor base to support on a missions trip with World fellowship people in the Cov- in the weeks following the an- the new site, which would cost with one whole session devoted Harvest. To help raise support, enant community. “I love people nouncement. the college approximately $2 mil- to the subject of pirates. One she will run a booth at this year’s and I would love for those on While many options are being lion to run. paper in a more mystery-centered Bakertree Festival. With help campus I don't know to come considered for this partnership, “We need to see if their donors session focused on the feminine from her mother, Dinah will sell and introduce themselves,” said certain avenues have become are primarily giving to Providence identity in Nancy Drew. baked goods and albums of her Kate. more likely than others. Christian College or to Reformed Mary Roberts, a senior history parents playing music together. “One of these ways is to open a higher education,” said Hall, major, presented in the confer- 458 Cakes site in Pasadena that could serve who explained that if the donors ence and discussed evangelical- Girl with a Kiln Meredith Bartholomew, who is Covenant College students,” said are giving to Reformed higher ism in czarist Russia. Although Not everyone will know this a freshman at Covenant, started Dr. Jeffrey Hall, Vice President of education in general, there is a she had already presented her about freshman Catherine Mul- making cupcakes after she took a Academic Affairs at Covenant. higher chance they would support topic for her Senior Integration lins, but she makes dichroic few cake decorating classes at Jo- A site in Pasadena would be a Covenant site. Project (SIP), she values the glass pendants. Catherine began Ann Fabrics and she is excited beneficial for Covenant as a solu- “We are currently putting to- experience of getting feedback making these pendants about to be sharing her cupcakes with tion to its lack of space. The rise gether a white paper to be taken from other teachers and asked five years ago when she her the Covenant community. “I love in enrollment for the 2012-2013 by the Providence staff to many questions about her work. parents gave her a table top kiln. cupcakes because you can make school year puts Covenant at 98 of their top donors. Additionally, Junior history major Greg She explained that “making the each one unique and everyone percent capacity. With a Cov- there will be an agreed upon list Steele, who presented on the pieces fit together can be fun, but loves a good cupcake,” she said. enant site in Pasadena, students of questions that will be asked political theories of Martin Luther it pales in comparison to the ex- Bartholomew will have three would have the option of tak- of the donors, and the answers and John Calvin, said that through citement of firing the pendants.” different flavors of cupcakes at ing their Covenant education to will be brought back to us,” said the conference he learned what it Along with these pendants, the Bakertree festival so that “ev- Providence’s campus, where there Troy Duble, Vice President for takes to present well. “You have to Catherine plans to sell other eryone can have a cupcake that is plenty of room. Advancement. know what’s going on around your beaded and wire jewelry. satisfies their own taste buds!” A site would also be an oppor- While much of the decision paper,” he said. “As small as it was, tunity for Covenant to advance its timeline is still up in the air, Hall it was a great opportunity.” Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee Oven Mates mission in a different part of the is insistent that it needs to hap- Because the conference only Sophomore Juliet Cangelosi Abbi Cooke and her fall 2012 country and serve a new student pen in “weeks, not months.” comes to Covenant every four described this coffee as “the most roommates enjoy baking recipes demographic. Meanwhile, students at Provi- years, and now possibly every five delicious coffee that will grace that they find on Pinterest, so “How exciting is it to consider dence await the decision with years since Bryan has joined the your taste buds.” The Land of a they decided to share that inter- the churches of the West coast mixed feelings. “The younger stu- group, Green was disappointed Thousand Hills Coffee company est with everyone at Bakertree by being attended and led by Cov- dents feel better about the poten- more history majors and friends does service work in Rwanda and selling their baked goods. “Who enant grads from Pasadena. Add tial merger than the older students of presenters didn’t come to rally Haiti through the nonprofit or- doesn’t like baked goods?” said to this the potential for access to do. The older students understand- them on. ganization it owns, the Do Good Cooke. the Pacific rim and Asian broth- ably feel a deep sense of identity “We’ve had more non-pre- Institution. Cangelosi will be ers and sisters; this could be a with Providence,” said Providence senters come to these things in interning with the organization Little Artifacts wonderful kingdom opportunity,” admissions representative and the past,” said Green. He thinks this summer, and through the Ryu Pierro, a junior art major, said Voyles. Covenant graduate Max Belz. it’s important to acknowledge vendor, she hopes to raise aware- will be selling ink drawings, Providence would equally ben- But while the idea of a merger friends’ hard work on their ness, share amazing coffee, and prints, photos, hair accessories, efit from such an acquisition. The hasn’t fully settled in, Belz is op- presentations. He noted that a raise support for her internship. and will also be drawing sharpie college is currently experiencing timistic about the future, whether person might not understand the tattoos at this year’s festival. “All financial troubles and lacks ac- Covenant is in the picture or not. subject and that it’s okay not to Sister Act of the pieces I am selling are creditation, which Voyles says is “Providence still is — and will add to the discussion. Kate and Molly Follett are sisters definitely an expression of my the “single largest hurdle to their foreseeably be — a place that However, he also notes that and artists. Kate Follett is a style that is boiled down into growth.” These problems won’t emphasizes the following things history is not like physics. freshman here at Covenant and little artifacts. Each piece is an persistent if Providence becomes from a Christian foundation: “People can follow well enough Molly is a junior at Lakeview individual and that is why I love a Covenant College arm. close-knit community, engaged to ask rudimentary questions,” Fort Oglethorpe High School. making and selling them,” she But opening a site in Provi- perspective of LA and south- he said. In five years, he hopes to They will sell art that they made said. dence is still tentative and can’t ern California, [and] a vibrant see more people engaged in the as well as beaded jewelry. Kate move forward until Covenant is student body of participators and conference and grappling with will be displaying various pieces sure that its accreditation agency, leaders,” Belz said. the issues presented. Faculty Quote of the Week “Take credit whenever you can. It’s just a good rule” - Dr. Davis in Epistemology Vol. 58.25 The Bagpipe News: 3 The Verdict
Yes... Santorum dropped out. Yes... Holcombe is going to write an article about it.
BAGP THE IPE
1955 2012
C O E V E E G N A N T C O L L THE BAGPIPE Naomi Belz
Adrienne Belz Editor in Chief Life, Art, and Dinah’s SIP Grace Mullaney by Bethany Daniels Being forced to slow down and t-shirts pushes Steele to become Steele’s project reflects a simi- Managing Editor rest made Steele’s theme ironi- more creative both aesthetically lar theme among other senior For senior Dinah Steele, learn- cally relevant. “We, as artists, and conceptually. artists at Covenant. ing to rest in the Lord is more tend to treat our concepts as Morton said, “She’s building a “One of the most common Grant Thomas than the theme for her art Senior abstractions,” Art Professor Jeff nest, so she needs to think like a things about our SIP class is how Layout Editor Integration Project (SIP). It is Morton explained, “Dinah had bird.” And so she has been imi- social the artists want to be. They her reality. A mono diagnosis to meet her theme head-on as tating a mother bird, collecting want to connect with the com- seven weeks before graduation she learned that her art is really t-shirts from friends and those munity,” said Morton. Annie Huntington Copy forced Steele to rest despite the an extension of her life.” who wish to be involved with her “For me, Dinah’s project rep- huge quantity of work standing The evolution of Steele’s theme project. Her nest represents rest- resents her coming to terms with Rebekah Taft News between her and the completion began last semester, but her idea ing in the realization that God is her own limitations and fully of her art and music majors. to create a nest came from her the only one who can satisfy and giving over to God for His pro- Walter Somerville Arts “I had a certain idea of how sculpture class with adjunct Pro- fulfill her if she will only let go vision and grace to her, and more my time at Covenant was going fessor Ray Pedron. Pedron chal- of her desire to do it herself. importantly His love for her. Prentis & Bestvater Opinions to end. When I got mono, I lenged his students to think about Sophomore Emily McKeon, And he is faithful,” said senior had to cancel my flute recital,” what is sacred to them. Steele’s a close friend of Steele’s, offered art major Tim Goldsmith. John Drexler Sports said Steele. “This has been my theme of rest stems from what she another perspective on the theme: Despite her struggle through struggle to let go of the need to described as an “inner restlessness “A nest is also a symbol of start- her sickness, Steele remains Naomi Belz Photo create my value through my ef- and desire to be satisfied.” ing something new. Birds rest, but optimistic about the completion forts and accomplishments.” “I started with the idea that art they don’t stay there forever.” of her project and upcoming Zach Knuth Distribution Tired but recovering, Steele con- is not about trying to prove my The nest is interactive art. graduation. tinues to work on a human-sized identity through what I produce When displayed, students will “Covenant has been my nest nest which will be displayed on but instead it is an expression of be able to climb in it and think for the past four years. This Faculty Advisor campus beginning April 25. A spe- who I am in Christ,” said Steele. about their own interpretation of project is the weaving together Cliff Foreman cific location is yet to be decided, “This year has been God freeing rest and what it means to them. of the lessons, memories and but Steele hopes that the nest will me from the pressure to produce Hannah Freel, Resident Assis- people who made up that nest. I For inquiries or comments, contact be placed near or in a tree. There something grand in order to feel tant on Dinah’s hall Fourth South, think God is more glorified if I Adrienne Belz at [email protected]. will be a reception for all the senior good about myself.’” said, “I believe Dinah's theme is graduate realizing that my worth This is a Covenant College student publication art majors on April 25th at 7 p.m. The ongoing process of creat- one that is intricately connected comes from him saying I am The views expressed herein do not necessarily in the art gallery on the second ing a 2.5 by 4 foot nest made to the gospel. It's about trusting valued rather than me trying to reflect those of the College or the student body. floor of Kresge Memorial Library. from wire, rope and donated enough to believe in God's grace.” prove it,” said Steele.
If you have something you wish to read about or would like to write an article for News, please contact News editor Rebekah Taft at [email protected]. Arts: 4 The Bagpipe Vol. 58.25 A New Sound
by Garrison Dale “Everyone in the band listens plays the bass and sings harmony. to mewithoutYou. They have “We all bring differences to the Rigoletto is bringing a new sound influenced so much of who we table. Kirk is passionate, Caleb to the Covenant music scene. are as a band and who we are is reserved, Chris is genuine, and Seemingly everyone on campus as dudes. We’re so grateful to I’m something. The chemistry is knows how to play a G-chord and get to share the stage with the perfect. It feels like having three can cover at least one Bon Iver men whose music raised us and brothers, no joke,” said Snipes. song on his or her acoustic guitar. shaped us,” said Snipes. The band kept writing through- But Rigoletto’s Corey Snipes, Kirk Also, Rigoletto will be play- out the fall and spring semesters. Ellis, Chris Williams, and Caleb ing a new song that has yet to be They recorded their first EP, Katches are not playing folk cov- performed live. Prodigal Again, over the summer. ers. They are doing something new The band came together last It was released on August 1, 2011. and it sounds delightfully distinct. year when Katches and Ellis Snipes had the main hand With influences ranging from moved onto Second Central. in writing the lyrics for the the fresh indie-rock of Band of Snipes had been busy listening to EP. “When I write music, I try Horses, the ambient sounds of Damien Rice and playing drums to write from my heart,” said As Cities Burn, the uninhibited for Raenbow Station with his Snipes. “So whatever my heart is aggression of La Dispute, the older brother, Brandon, before dealing with at present is what dance beats of Bloc Party, and the guys started Rigoletto. the song will address. The Prodi- the classical grit of Led Zeppe- “We got together one day and gal Again EP was written during Rigoletto has continued to make things. It’s a place where we can lin, Rigoletto’s sound is intense, played some music in the com- a very rough period of my life write since their EP’s release. A be completely honest with ourselves, new, and interesting. mons and wrote a song called where I learned a lot about grace. sample of one of their new songs, as well as listeners, about the things we “The lyrical style is similar to ‘Lamp Posts.’ Then we searched for So the overarching theme in our “War Stories,” is available on the deal with,” said Snipes. that of Listener and mewithoutyou. a bassists for about a month,” said songs for the EP is grace.” band’s Facebook page. Rigoletto will release their new We’re not too hard, not too soft,” Snipes. After shuffling through a Fan Ross Blaising said, “Rigo- “Our new songs are about specific single, “All We Fell,” on April 14th. said Snipes, the band’s frontman. number of prospects, Chris Wil- letto is honest music. When stories and relationships that teach us “It’s going to be a fun sum- Rigoletto is scheduled to play at liams filled the position perfectly. those guys played ‘Lamp Posts’ to be human. The songs are not meant mer. We’re writing a full-length the upcoming Bakertree Festival. Snipes plays guitar and is the lead at Mountain Affair, my ears were to convince anyone to act or believe a album during the first part of the They will be opening for one of their vocalist, Ellis plays the drums, Katch- on fire. Corey’s writing is really certain way. Rigoletto is a creative out- summer and touring towards the biggest influences, mewithoutYou. es plays lead guitar, and Williams genuine and accessible.” let for us to vent and be human and end,” concluded Snipes. Minaj Reloaded
topping single “Starships.” Although showcase Nicki's pop side which are just enough autotune in order to the three songs differ stylistically, it is sure to be a hit on all the radio sta- compare herself to one of the most the unexpected mixture of pop and tions this summer. The unique part troubled figures in entertainment rap that has brought the album great of her pop is that she manages to history. The song is perhaps the success. Only Nicki can tastefully incorporate rap into a song without deepest on the album and, surpris- blend rap and pop on the same al- its dominating the entire track. One ingly, is not terribly cliché. bum while managing to not alienate of the best examples of this is “Whip As a whole, this album is any of her fans. While many criticize It.” It's catchy and poppy, but at the unique and always entertaining. the incorporation of both styles, same time Nicki raps both verses, Minaj definitely aims to please saying it's all over the place, I believe which to me is incredible. all audiences. My advice: listen this is one of the smartest decisions On her mixtape section of the to it thoroughly before making she could make as she continues her album, Minaj shines in “Roman any sort of negative judgement. rise to the top of the industry. The Reloaded,” a song that many There’s a lot here to love. versatility Minaj displays is what sets believe aims to jab Lil' Kim, Nicki's her apart from all other artists today. greatest enemy in the industry. “I My top 5: The album breaks down into what Am Your Leader” is another one Roman Reloaded by Jamison Shimmel album grew as a result of multiple could have been made into two of her better songs. Nicki channels Whip It promotional events. These events CDs. The first nine songs are Nicki Roman throughout the track, inter- I Am Your Leader This past Tuesday, famed rapper included the release of the first at her finest, rapping as both herself rupted by two sick verses from Ross Marilyn Monroe Nicki Minaj released her sophomore single, “Stupid Hoe,” her grammy and one of her alter egos, Roman and Cam'Ron. My final favorite Starships album entitled Pink Friday: Ro- performance of “Roman Holiday,” Zolanski. This is fairly reminiscent of is the pop ballad “Marilyn Mon- man Reloaded. The hype for the new and finally the debut of the chart her early mixtapes. The last 13 songs roe.” Nicki shines by using rap and Vol. 58.25 The Bagpipe Arts: 5
the songs lack meaning, little to no charac- ter development exists..." The characters, in a sense, are already developed and if he was paying attention the entire play takes place in Letter a week! The songs lyrics are even part of how they feel and what they are trying to convey. Let's see the Bagpipe develope some character in that amount of time! Your well chosen critic goes on to even scoff at the budget and time to the of Covenant college, "...it would have had to be produced on a less awkwardly shaped stage, and with jaw-dropping costumes." Where's the funding? We work with what God gave us and apparently He didn't give enough to prove Editor Aida's worth as an entertaining musical. The music was written by Elton John! The Dear Bagpipe, fact that Covenant college even considered allowing a play with Elton John's hand in it The article written Thursday, March 29, 2012 amazes me. Do not compare Aida at Cov- Upcoming-movies.com critiquing the play Aida was like dried monkey enant to a Broadway musical, because those meat. Its words were so tainted I vomited for are two separate ball games. The fact of the days. Instead of writing in the spirit of the so- matter is that soul should be recognized called ghost of Austin Humbles, it seems the brotha! As Bob Marely said, "Anyting cyan be spirit of the indecisive Charlie Sheen melting copied ya know? It about da feel." Being cyni- down decided to grace the pages of the Bagpipe cal and writing an article about a play during Rampant Cop with a review of Aida. I am not saying that a its performance that is nonetheless trash does puff piece should be written about the play. In not do anything but insult the time people put no way does Mitch Prentis have the justifiable into something they like to do. Plus, the article by Andrew Mollenkof different mothers. Brown is a terrible fa- right to critique something he didn't want to gave a bad taste of the play in the mouths and ther who is sarcastic and drinks too much. do anyway. Drawing straws and he got the minds of those who haven't even seen it. Movies have the power to show us Somehow, in ignorance, he never realizes shorter straw? Is this how the bagpipe works? Ask anyone who went and I'm sure there events we can never live ourselves, and the what a terrible father he is until he says to The students worked very hard to perform this will only be one person who thinks it was film Rampart displays an unapologetic pic- his children, “I hurt those people but did and so did the orchestra and the sound people. great/good/terrible/boring/either way you'll be ture of one man’s life on the edge of sanity. I ever hurt you?” In response, his children The students themselves are missing valuable entertained/ poor direction/the cast appeared The film is essentially a character study of walk away from him. This revelation puts study time to perform this play. They are also to at least be enjoying themselves/ clueless, Dave Brown, a Vietnam veteran cop who Brown in immense emotional pain as he not up there because they shouldn't be. They are lost looks/needs more flash. If I read that I has carried the bitterness of the war with begins to realize that his sense of justice up there because they want to be. would not give the time or day to go see Aida, him for a long time. Serving his own brand and morality have been entirely spurned by The singing is phenomenal, and the acting so how many people has this affected? of street justice, Brown contents himself by others. is getting better and better (not that it was less I believe that the Bagpipe owes the cast, terrorizing, beating and killing “bad guys” Brown’s heart gets broken so many times better in the beginning). Maybe if your writer director, and orchestra an apology for this bias behind his LAPD badge. His actions are that in the end all the film seems to be were paying attention and trying to get into article. No doubt the cast is feeling down about finally challenged when Brown is caught about is heartbreak. Brown is not a hero. the story just a little bit he would have used his such a review. Everyone is entitled to their on tape beating a black man with his billy One of the investigators in his trial for the imagination. Yes, I agree the stage sets are kind own opinion. My opinion: Get it together. club. Brown’s entire worldview comes un- assault of a black man informs him that of weird and confusing. The lighting how- There should be an unbiased article written der attack when his badge is threatened. the date rapist he killed had children and ever is awesome and sets the mood and the about this play after it is over by someone who The film shows us Brown’s sense of jus- their lives were ruined. Brown finally ac- orchestra perfectly accents this. Perhaps Mitch might just pay attention and see it for what it tice throughout and does not try to vindi- knowledges that everything he has tried to Pretis hasn't seen Romeo and Juliet? "Aida... is worth.So that when a good article comes out cate Brown, but instead reveals his exploits live by is false. The sex, drugs, and violence has the gall to talk back to him (the captain). people wish they would have went to see it. Or and allows the viewer to make decisions have only served to make him miserable. For some reason, this seems to be a major maybe you can print my biased opinion? about him. Early on in the film, Brown’s Misplaced self-confidence only serves turn on for Radames, who then falls in love I am not attacking the character of the writer, daughter calls him “date rape,” which is Brown until the facade of his bravado with her, despite her slave status." If your critic or their tastes. I am criticizing the bagpipe for the nickname Brown has been given by comes crashing down. were paying attention at the end before he allowing someone who does not care about Aida his fellow officers. On a case years before, Rampart aptly shows depravity and fell asleep he would have noted that Radames to publish such an article. The writer does not Brown had murdered a serial date rapist, its consequences, but it is ultimately too explains to his betrothed (before being buried owe an apology in anyway because he has put his hence the nickname. Brown carries a sense depraved. The sex scenes in the film are a-freakn live) that Aida was everything he opinion out there per the Bagpipe's request. He of justified pride for this killing throughout somewhat graphic and could offend many wasn't and saw the world differently because of represents the Bagpipe, and I will misquote the the film. This pride gives important insight viewers. Brown’s bizarre drug-fueled trip her. Their fate together is sealed and he stands movie Dodgeball as an example by saying, "You into Brown’s mind: hate and violence are to a red-light district brothel is enough to his ground, not based on being "turned on" by work for the (Bagpipe). The (Bagpipe) works okay as long as that hate and violence is make many viewers turn the film off. The her defiance, but being stunned and changed for Covenant. Ipso facto, (the Bagpipe it's your directed towards the “bad guys.” As the violence and mania that is portrayed is through her character and nobleness. Did your fault)." "Are there shackles/editing in the back? film progresses Brown discovers that he often visceral and difficult to watch. Har- critic pay attention to the songs? "The show But seriously, there is."I don't buy it, or pick it up. can’t maintain this philosophy. relson does an excellent job playing a man gave little dialogue, creating a long string of Either it is a lack of leadership, editing, or caring Brown attempts to actively hate only the on the edge, but this is perhaps not a good songs and solos throughout the entire play." that leads to things like this. bad guys but unintentionally allows his enough reason to see the film. What is singing but glorified dialogue. Pay In Christ, bitterness to spill over into every aspect of attention. He goes on to say, "A majority of Keagan Bakelaar his life. He is a father of two girls from two
If you have something you wish to read about or would like to write an article for Arts, please contact Arts editor Walter Somerville at [email protected] Opinions: 6 The Bagpipe Vol. 58.25 The Politics of Gloom by Thomas Holcombe is entirely crushed. The Republicans waiting for someone to give to you. tion. Ronald Reagan of ten years ago were not much American ingenuity and individu- began his presidency “Ask not what your country can better. The debate under George W. alism catapulted this nation ahead with a commitment do for you — ask what you can Bush was not in the size and scope of all others in the 20th century to defeating the do for your country.” of government, but rather who was through advances in manufactur- Soviets in the JFK famously spoke these words in charge of spending the money. ing, industry, science, and medicine. Cold War, and it at his inaugural address in 1961. Fifty years ago, JFK gave the fa- These advances were a direct result was accomplished My, how the times have changed. mous quotation above. Where is the of the US providing a favorable through the Our country today faces a cross- Democratic party of 50 years ago? environment for businesses to thrive. tremendous growth roads for our political, economic, Why does an entire political party Through stifling taxes, the US in the American and social future. We can re-elect believe that everyone deserves a gov- has the world’s highest corporate economy and the Mr. Obama and rubber stamp his ernment handout or that the govern- income tax rate, and burdensome technological ad- Lbcommuter.com worldview onto America, or we can ment is sole authority upon which to regulations, around $2 trillion each vances in our military. elect Mr. Romney and signal that rule people’s individual lives? year, our government has managed With respect to energy, the only best days are ahead of us in the we do not want four more years of We need to stop living in a world to keep American growth at bay. thing preventing the US from full bright hope of tomorrow. Democrat rule. But what do these where the first thought is “What is American exceptionalism is energy independence and $2.00-a- Though this brief column can- choices actually mean, and what this person going to do for me?” The an idea spoken of by Republican gallon gas is our own close-minded- not give a full explanation to the makes them significantly different? notions of individualism, freedom, presidential hopefuls on a regular ness. The same ingenuity and innova- state of the nation, it should get As of right now, Barack and liberty upon which our nation basis. But what does this concept tion that put a man on the moon is you thinking about the direction Obama’s Democratic party is was founded lie at odds with the mean? It means that there is some- not lost in our country. Innovation, of our country. I will close with positioning itself to be the party of notions of collectivism, statism, and thing uniquely American about our though, comes from the private sec- the words of former President big-government, state-run wel- (let’s be honest) socialism that are country in terms of our identity, our tor. Markets need to be encouraged Reagan: “Above all, we must real- fare. Through programs such as being espoused by the president and values, and our vision. American and incentivized, not have winners ize that no arsenal, or no weapon Obamacare, food stamps, Planned his party. The “Greatest Generation” exceptionalism means the ability for and losers chosen by the government. in the arsenals of the world, is so Parenthood, ACORN, and oth- (those born before or during the the US to overcome any obstacle The same arguments with formidable as the will and moral ers, the Democrats would see the Great Depression) were raised to in our path. JFK proclaimed at the more complexity can be made for courage of free men and women. government take over larger and believe that anything worth having beginning of his presidency that healthcare, education, and national It is a weapon our adversaries in larger shares of people’s lives. These is worth working hard for. Genera- the US was committed to putting a defense. We should not limit our- today's world do not have.” programs generate a cycle of de- tion Y (those born in the ‘80s and man on the moon by the end of the selves to the problems of the past, pendency whereby the incentive to ‘90s) are being raised to believe that decade, and we did it through our but look toward the future with work and make a living for yourself anything worth having is worth unique sense of unbridled imagina- anticipation and optimistism. Our
with the fact that we deal with the is the King who told his disciples destination of eternal souls in a class- that they would be capable of doing Orthodoxy & Orthopraxy room. By forcing our relationship greater works than he did. Did you with Christ into text we lose both catch that? Greater works than Jesus! emotional and experiential aspects This is because of the Spirit which by Ruth Myers forget that doctrine is fallible and is diminishing other denominations’ of a relationship. Think of what only He promised to them and which is indeed manmade. As we fill our lives ways of interpreting our same books paying attention to what is written promised to us. Jesus even said it was The Reformed tradition has been with the words of Martin Luther of Scripture. No longer do Re- down by your significant other as to his disciples’ advantage that Jesus part of my life since my infant and Abraham Kuyper, we can easily formed Christians need to wrestle truth would do to your relationship. go so that the Holy Spirit would baptism. My father is an ordained lose sight of Jesus. with big questions before God, You would miss out on every touch, come. If we dare to believe this pastor in the Presbyterian denomina- How does reformed doctrine bringing them to him in fervent every loving word spoken, every claim, we must live in the reality of it. tion. We were raised memorizing reason its way out of belief? With prayer. Instead, our “questions” are thought and every feeling. What Christ has defeated sin and death. catechisms, singing hymns, and were systematic, intellectual doctrine, answered in a booklet with theologi- relationship can exist if stripped of Why do we still live at the tomb? He involved in our church community in reformed tradition seems to inter- cal reasoning and support. every experience? By over emphasiz- is no longer there! We are called to just about every possible way. All of pret Scripture in light of tradition We take for granted the world- ing the Word and forgetting about live lives in celebration of His glori- my life, not only did I strive to live by over the Word itself. Potential for view that frames many of our beliefs the Spirit, we break away from our ous defeat of death! Scripture calls the words in Scripture, but the words miracles and supernatural occurrenc- that may or may not be Biblical. I relationship with Christ and live us more than conquerors in Christ, of theologians and of the catechisms. es today, such as speaking in tongues am no theologian. Like all of us, in the era before Jesus delivered us. as conquerors over our sin and over To my regret, I have seen a huge and prophecy, has been written off I am flawed. Yet I do spend time We forgo the gift of the power and Satan. None of this is true because of underlying problem in the tradi- (although this is not necessarily true with the Creator in prayer and have communion of the Spirit for the our doctrine, but because of His love. tion of Reformed faith. We reason of all who are Reformed in their directly experienced his presence. comfortability of textual proof. Revisit the Scriptures, consult our way out of faith. Maybe you thinking). By systematic planning Scripture says that the Lord’s sheep Brothers and sisters, I feel it is Christ in prayer and ask him to think that is too harsh to say about and academic writing we have know his voice ( John 10:27). I beg our call to examine ourselves (as reveal himself freshly to you. It is my the wise men who have written our diminished our faith. It is as if we you to evaluate your heart and mind Hebrews so passionately calls us). prayer for Covenant that we would doctrine. Maybe you can point to assume our Reformed tradition to be and “to lean not on our own under- As Christians serving a supernatural not interpret Scripture through the verses that support the statements part of the Gospel. standing” but to lean on His. King we are called to supernatural eyes of any tradition, but that we made in the creeds, catechisms and Too often have I heard or felt the Another complaint is the way lives. Let’s not reason our way out would be lead by the Holy Spirit in doctrinal assertions. Yet I think we superiority in our claims, thereby that doctrine is presented. I wrestle of having to follow King Jesus. This all things. To Christ be the glory. Vol. 58.25 The Bagpipe Opinions: 7 Faculty Appreciation Day?
by Faith Preston ter after encounter with Cov- to certain professors, I am struck most noteworthy, fascinating, to keep my eyes open, listen and enant professors has reminded with a different type of awe. The thought-provoking men I have try to comprehend the poetry in As I reflect on my academic life me that God has gifted every almost dehumanizing and utterly ever met. I am so grateful to have his prayers. I can say with full in public school, I cannot recall professor on campus with spiri- disrespectful reviews of a profes- had the privilege to learn from confidence that Mr. Pettit is one one teacher who left an impres- tual gifts, talents, and personal- sor or class are beyond unneces- him these past two semesters. faculty member who has left an sion on me for the better. Sure, ity traits that make them more sary. We must remember that Sophomore Ivy Ritchie described impression on me for the better. there were those who favored my than just teachers at the front of these men and women, who have her experience with Mr. Pettit So, as we are receiving emails to work ethic or those who taught the classroom, but mentors and sacrificially given up the excess to me. “He asks the hard ques- critique our time in classes from with more purpose than others, spiritual leaders that deserve money and prestige they could tions and teaches us to ask hard this semester, I beg that each of but honestly none have inspired respect. The diversity in their have found at a more resourceful questions that push us to wrestle you remember why you’ve come me to seek after good and last- stories and the diversity in their public or more renowned private with ambiguity in our material,” to Covenant, remember that ing truths. Because of this real- views overflow into their work, university, have come by the tug Ritchie said. “He is a servant of we are not only being taught by ity, I sought hard after finding making each class different but of God‘s calling and their love for God foremost...he knows himself scholars but we are being discipled a school that employed faculty valuable learning experiences. Covenant. If I were to give shout- and his struggles and he allows it by men and women of God, and members who cared about the Nonetheless, over the course of outs to every professor who has to enter the classroom...There‘s remember to give opinions in light education of their students. 50+ credit hours of faculty/student inspired, influenced, and helped a rhythm in his speech and his of the way Christ taught us to When I discovered Covenant, interaction, I still find myself wit- me apply myself here, it would fill prayers are poetic. It’s beautiful!” love. Appreciate your professors! I saw that faculty members here nessing students who don’t seem the pages of this newspaper. Personally, I have realized how Learn from them; don’t cross them not only care about my educa- to recognize how great a faculty However, I would like to much his hard questions have publicly. Finally, critique them well tional path, but would also care we have here at this institution. acknowledge Mr. Ethan Pettit. helped mold my worldview. I also with only their edification in mind about my spiritual life. Encoun- When I hear of the critiques given He is in my opinion one of the understand why I simply have (1 Thessalonians 5:11-13). Watch Your Words: Speak No Evil
by Austin Shelton being covered, but the way news article. Where a news most, I would like to think) calling building walls. Because when you authors are communicating their article strives for objectivity, any a woman a “slut” or “prostitute” use aggressive language, it means There have been several instances opinions about the topic at hand. kind of arts review is necessar- (or the equivalent) is unacceptable I might not read your opinions in the Bagpipe recently where I Two instances in particular I ily biased. The article was not and should be counted as an insult. with the care and thought they have noticed a troubling trend in would like to call attention to are attempting to report the play, it Rush Limbaugh did not have to deserve. And then I may choose the kind of writing being pub- the “Letter from the Editor” and was attempting to review it.” use these words, and if he hadn’t to write an aggressive article in lished. Not the Dr. Haddad’s “Letter to the Edi- Moving past how coddling it would have made his opinions response. And someone else may con- tent tor” about Thomas Holcombe’s that may sound, I believe that this seem more like legitimate concerns do the same to me. And then earlier article on contraception. somewhat misses the point of the and less inflammatory rambling. we’ll never get anything done. In “Letter from the Editor” it is outrage. Prentis attended the per- He could have even used the same As Dr. Haddad said, “Let’s opt noted that Mitch Prentis’ article formance on its opening weekend, words for his later concerns. Minus out altogether from the perni- caused outrage among a percent- when the production and cast had calling her a slut, he could have cious political game of demon- age of the student populace. more than a few kinks to work out simply said, “It concerns me because izing the evil ‘them’ and idolizing And while I am greatly appre- that necessarily only show up dur- I feel like I, as a taxpayer, am paying the godly ‘us’.” I wouldn’t con- ciative of this acknowledge- ing a live performance. I know what for you to have sex,” or something sider myself an expert on divine ment and the apology that a review is, and given the circum- along those lines. That is a legiti- discourse. But it seems to me that came along with it, the second stances I expected some criticism. mate concern, and one that I think “choose your words carefully” is point of the article reads as However, I am not upset because could be shared by people on both another way to say “speak the follows: “2. Prentis’ personal the article he wrote was “necessarily sides of the argument. truth in love.” I might not have take on the play is called a biased.” I am upset because of the Put simply, the underlying is- to read The Bagpipe, but I really review. This type of writing is wording he used when expressing sue here is that we should choose want to, and a lot of other stu- different his criticism — for example, open- our words more carefully. Some dents do too. You have the right from ing with “I drew the short straw.” might counter by saying, “It’s the and are encouraged to express a Along the same thread, I agree opinion section, it’s supposed to your opinions, but doing so in a with Dr. Haddad’s criticism of Mr. be biased,” or “You don’t have way that doesn’t feel like a per- Holcombe’s article, when she as- to read it.” And that is true. sonal attack or irrationally biased serts that Mr. Limbaugh’s com- But neither do you have to use criticism is the more beneficial ments about Sandra Fluke provocative language that might option than masses of readers were in no way “comi- make others feel irrationally putting down the most successful Digitaltrends.com cal.” In our culture (and defensive, and consequently start student publication on campus.
If you have something you wish to read about or would like to write an article for Opinions, please contact Opinions editors S. Bestvater or M. Prentis at [email protected] or [email protected] Sports: 8 The Bagpipe Vol. 58.25
Contursi.freeyellow.com Check Out the Chattanooga Lookouts
by J. Drexler & G. Mullaney price that can’t be beat ($2 - $9 per Let’s face it: we don’t go to AT&T Stadium is to know and chance to join the hot dog eat- ticket). Although they’ve put out baseball games to count wins and feel tradition in the Chattanooga ing, baseball loving, insult throw- With summer just around the cor- valiant efforts, the Lookouts have losses. We go for the cheap hot story. It brings you close to your ing fans gathered in your own ner, Baseball season is in full swing. gotten off to a rough start this dogs and to hear sweaty drunks own humanity, and for a mo- backyard. And though it might not measure season, losing 1-4 in a five-game scream, “RAG-ARM!” at the ment, you can only view yourself The Lookouts begin a series up to the atmosphere of St. Louis series with the Tennessee Smok- opposing pitching staff. We go as a humble link in a long line of against the Birmingham Barons or Boston, a Chattanooga Lookouts ies. But who really cares? When because it’s the great American hot dog eaters and baseball lov- at home next week. Snatch up game ain’t nothin’ to sneeze at. A the Lookouts are on, they’re really tradition, and because for these ers. It’s remarkable.” some tickets from the Lookouts minor league team affiliated with the on. In their sole win in the series AA hopefuls, baseball is religion. The Lookouts transcend their Box Office at AT&T Field in Los Angeles Dodgers, Chattanooga they outscored the Smokies 10-2, In the words of graduate own smallness and give fans that downtown Chattanooga, online Lookouts games give fans a real scoring nine of the 10 runs in one Johnny Cate, “To watch the raw baseball experience for just at www.lookouts.com, or by call- taste of all-American baseball at a inning. sun set over the outfield wall of a couple bucks. Don’t miss the ing (423) 267-4849.
If you have something you wish to read about or would like to write an article for the Sports, please contact Sports editor John Drexler at [email protected]