THE BAGPIPE FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2016 14049 SCENIC HIGHWAY, LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, GA 30750 VOLUME 62.12

Highland Games The Road To Houston Son Lux Concert “And Again” SIP Show Marriage and the Church You get to throw things like Lol. I suck at this game on the Music video for “Change is Ev- You can take a square, but no We can’t all find a Slovene-American stones and hammers and small messenger app. erything” is still wrecking us. hanging picture frames. jewlery designer and former model children and logs. named Melania. But Trump can. Page 2 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 8 LOOKING BREAK ON IMPACT: STUDENTS TRAVEL AHEAD: THE WORLD A FEW COVENANT IN STATES AWAY CHATTANOOGA by Molly Hulsey At first glance, Clarkston, by McKenzie Barham Ga. looks like any idyl- lic southern suburb: brick Somewhere in the future, ranch homes, strip malls, Covenant College hopes steepled churches lining a to establish a small, sat- railroad track. However, ellite campus downtown after scratching the surface, for students interested in stark differences become the greater Chattanooga much more obvious. Several homes have community. tude of coffee houses and “A neighborhood representatives of each Recently, Dr. Lance been renovated into elabo- restaurants downtown can once filled with a diverse of those voices.” rate temples and mosques. Wescher, chair of the De- be a great escape from the group of people becomes The idea is to set partment of Economics & Shops advertise goods from piles of homework. full of people that all look up Covenant students as Nepal, Somalia, and Bur- Community Development, Students on the the same,” said Wescher. a catalyst for community invited me to accompany ma—to name just a few. field trip nodded in agree- There are many ways to conversations: to address Churches hold services in himself and his US Ur- ment as their peers voiced combat this and we passed the needs of the commu- Urdu, Arabic, and Dzongha. ban Poverty class down various frustrations about by one small apartment nity and to think about Dubbed by Times Magazine to Chattanooga for a field not always being able to complex that had worked the vision of a future as “the most diverse square trip to Main Street. connect to the Chattanoo- out a solution to keep the Chattanooga. mile in America,” Clarkston He and another ga community in the way neighborhood diverse. Students would has ushered thousands of Chattanooga native (who that they would like. A couple bought live in a facility owned by refugees into American cit- preferred not to be men- Dr. Wescher has the whole complex and the Maclellan Founda- izenship since the 1980s. tioned) walked us through an idea on how to ad- promised the renters sta- tion, with apartments for Clarkston and the the history of that particu- dress this. ble rates that wouldn’t in- the students on the top White Swan Yakama Indi- lar street: once known for Six years ago, the crease with the valuable floor and tenants from the an reservation, Wash. were drugs and prostitution, idea started in a conversa- property around them. community on the bottom. ground zero for the 20 stu- Main Street has blos- tion with Robby Holt, head “I often think about There would be space for dents on this spring’s Break somed into a string of fa- pastor of Northshore Fel- the verse that says to love 12-16 students who would on Impact (BOI) trips. The vorite restaurants, baker- lowship, at breakfast on your neighbors, and it’s spend a summer and a se- trips often fulfill Covenant’s ies and art galleries. Main Street. Wescher and not a problem of me walk- mester living there, simi- Intercultural requirement “Fifteen to twenty Holt were discussing the ing down the street and lar to studying abroad. It but also guide some stu- years ago, nobody went dents into long-term mis- problem of gentrification, crossing to the other side, would even count as an in- sion trips and internships. ‘downtown,’” said our a term in urban planning. it’s that I don’t walk down tercultural credit. tour guide. “Now I hear Christiana Fitzpat- When businesses the streets,” said Wescher. “We want it to be rick, Director of Global Ed- students wishing they or wealthier residents “Chattanooga is long enough that actual could spend more time ucation, says that the BOI move into low-income Unum, it is the TVA, it relationships can be estab- trips were created to educate downtown and it blows neighborhoods, there is a is East Lake, it is Look- lished in the community,” my mind.” students how can “be good trend of increasing prop- out Mountain, St. Elmo explained Dr. Wescher. neighbors now and wherev- It seems to be a erty value, which increas- and all 1,500 people who I spoke with Brad er the Lord may take them.” common desire among es the rent payments of were evicted from the Voyles, Dean of Students, Fitzpatrick joined Covenant students, since the locals, forcing them Superior Creek Lodge— concerning the ideas and Mission To the World’s most students occasion- to move out of the area. and we need all of those planning that has already (MTW) Opal Hardgrove to ally feel “trapped” on the This has been happening voices to create a vision begun to take place. He is supervise students on the mountain. The multi- on East Main. of community. We want CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 LUCAS ART WORKSHOP DEDICATION by Anna Smith early days. Halvorson also presented a gift to donor The Lucas Art Workshop David Lucas, who gave a was dedicated on Thurs- few remarks. day, March 17 in a ceremo- Kellogg spoke ny that honored the Lucas about the past of the Art family and looked to the Department and shared past, present, and future his memories of the ear- of the Art Department. ly years. He said that The dedication years ago he became was held outside the new aware of the assump- building. Attendees in- tion that “art is first and cluded Board of Trustees foremost about the art- members, faculty, and art ist, which was at odds students. The Lucas Art with Christian belief.” loss of the old Art Barn, hill with curiosity” to see bors too. We can praise the Workshop is named after He was eager to she had realized that the what they are doing. Creator but we also lament David and Linda Lucas, come work at Covenant Art Department was the Morton reflectedbrokenness too.” Morton who donated money to where “faith wasn’t just body of artists and teach- on the Art Department’s said that the Art Depart- build it. a theory, but more like a ers themselves. future. He quoted Steven ment’s future is connected President Derek love affair.” Kellogg also Although they Henry Madoff’s idea that to their creative commit- Halvorson welcomed and said that he wishes the art lacked a physical space, “teaching art is teaching ments, which are tied to introduced the speakers, students to “be reminded “we already were a place.” life” but said, “life can only the work of Jesus Christ. including Alumna Bekah of their special calling to Meyer said that although be found in the life and Linda Lucas was Meyer ’15, Professor of Art put Christ foremost in the “the Art Department’s work of Jesus Christ.”He unable to attend the cer- Jeff Morton, and Professor world of Art.” geographic location has said, “we need to listen to emony, but David Lucas Ed Kellogg, who Halvor- Meyer reflected on never been an attraction,” our art to nurture relation- and two of their adult chil- son said “was” the Art De- the present. She said that she hopes that “others will ships with our brothers dren were present. partment in the program’s while she mourned the make their way down the and sisters and our neigh- CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 NEWS 02 Mounting short- According to Fitz- “There are a lot of students into a whole succo- BREAK ON IMPACT term mission critique patrick, the trip survived the beautiful things about the tash of cultures— if not on CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 from The Chalmers Cen- program cuts primarily due culture, just like the way a more varied scale than Ya- Clarkston trip, while For- ter, a local community to continued relationships they celebrate and how kama. At the trip’s origins eign Language Professor, development research in- with nonprofits on the res- thankful they are for their five years ago, refugee reset- Dr. Sandy Shaw, and Man- stitute, and growing costs ervation. The Yakama trip food, for creation,” says tlement issues were becom- ager of Alumni Engage- led Covenant to reorient also helps recruit students Mayo. She greatly admires ing increasingly relevant to ment, Amy Smith, headed their BOI program. for summer internship op- the tribe’s collectivist values the world stage. Now that the Yakama trip. “We’ve been think- portunities. Since the trip’s and how their religious be- Clarkston is a prime desti- The customary RUF- ing a lot more carefully establishment, at least one liefs filter through every as- nation for newcomers from led London experience was about long-term impact and Covenant intern returns to pect of Yakama life. Syria, the trip is even more cancelled after only 4 stu- working with groups that White Swan each year. On the other hand, pertinent for students inter- dents applied. Fitzpatrick are already set and involved Sophomore Ear- she was troubled by the cus- ested in NGO or interna- attributes the drop in appli- in the community. All that ly Education major Kassia toms of what she calls Yaka- tional careers. cations to the recent Paris to say, we’re not interested Mayo isn’t considering a re- ma’s “poverty culture”: soar- While the trip only bombings, the absence of a in moving back in that di- turn-trip this summer, but ing dropout rates, domestic scratched the surface of ev- campus RUF leader in the rection for one-week trips,” she found the experience abuse, unemployment, and eryday life in the Clarkston, fall, and the trip’s $2,100 says Fitzpatrick. “One week enlightening—particularly spiritual despondency. Sophomore Biology ma- price tag. is a really short time to dig in regards to the dichoto- Yakama adults are jor, Amaris Capen says she Covenant’s BOI trips in the cross-cultural way my of cultures on the res- particularly challenging learned much about the val- have evolved significantly that we want.” ervation. While working to reach, so children’s and ue of immaterial gifts and since their start in the 1990s. The Yakama experi- on construction projects at youth ministries predom- hospitality. “I learned how Originally, BOI advertised ence—facilitated by Sacred Hope Fellowship Church, inate the mission field. people are generous with destinations that were much Road Ministries—became she became best acquainted During most afternoons, their time and want these more distant than Clarkston a BOI option more than a with the ministry’s “subcul- the team entertained Ya- relationships to continue, or Yakama; Madrid, Brus- decade ago. Music Depart- ture.” After an informative kama children with crafts, how they are very welcom- sels, and Athens are a few ment Chair, Dr. Brandon orientation tour and a visit games, and bible studies. ing. Even if people are not cities listed on past itinerar- Kreuze spearheaded the to a ritual powwow, she de- Later in the day, resource rich, they are rich ies. In recent years, BOI trips idea after working as a ded- veloped a more formative they networked with vari- in so many other facets of have begun to focus on eth- icated summer volunteer at image of Yakama tradition. ous youth ministries. The their life and it was a bless- nic enclaves in the US due. Sacred Road. Clarkston trip also flung ing to receive from them.” winner. These include the LAW DEDICATION Brae Mar stone, the Caber CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 HIGHLAND toss, the hammer throw, Halvorson present- the sheaf toss, tug-of-war, ed David Lucas a plaque and overall clan spir- with a photograph of the GAMES it. The first four events Lucas Art Workshop and by Maddie Hulting are throwing events, a inscribed with the words measure of the competi- “Lucas Art Workshop / Covenant College’s High- tor’s strength and agility. Dedicated March 2016 / land games are a greatly These four are individual In honor of David and Lin- loved part of student life, events, while the last two da Lucas for providing a but they are not unique are team efforts. place where artists may to the community. People The judges may work, imagine, and share who love Scottish culture at any time add anoth- the beauty of God’s cre- have celebrated highland er event. Last year, they ation. / But now O Lord, games all across the globe judged clan spirit by hav- you are our father; we are for years. The origin of ing volunteers from each the clay and you are our highland games predates clan do their best Scottish potter; we are all the work recorded history, so it is accent. The clan pride is of your hand. Isaiah 64:8” no surprise that many of judged by the clan’s fight A plaque in the its events are integral to songs, face paint, team col- Lucas Art Workshop is the tradition. ors, attendance level, and inscribed with the same Student develop- excitement level. words. ment makes sure to keep The Brae Mar Halvorson said the integrity of the games stone toss is similar to that two years ago when by incorporating its im- the Olympic track and the Art Barn, which dat- portant features into the field event shot put, ed back to the 1920s, was event. Seven clans made which involves the com- declared structurally un- up of students from each petitor throwing a heavy sound, a replacement was of the four residence halls weighted ball in a push- not in the master plan. will compete on the rugby ing motion for distance. He said, “If not for the Lu- about how the building ed it in the wood siding of field on April 9. The caber toss is cas’s generosity, vision, was a gift from God and new building, “especially The seven clans another throwing event, response, and willingness how we were going to use in the color of the stain.” compete to win the claim except this time it is to seize the opportunity, it for God’s glory.” Morton also said to the Highland Games not a stone that is being we would not have this Morton said, “Mr. that some of the tables and sword, which is displayed thrown, but an upright, building today.” Lucas’s words just had a stools in the building are with a plaque inscribed tapered log, which the David Lucas said he special effect on us. My furniture that Ed Kellogg with the year’s winner in competitor lifts and bal- thought the new building painting class was out bought forty years ago and the Blink during the year. ances vertically. Then, was a worthy successor to earlier that day and Mr. were used in the Art Barn. This plaque features the they toss it as far as they the Art Barn. He said that Lucas was hanging out Even with the re- names of all the past win- can, so that it strikes the although he is not a visu- with us and participating minders of the Art Barn, ners of the games and is ground and lays flat. The al artist, he is a creative in the conversation. the Lucas Art Workshop is the source of plenty of competitors are judged person and appreciates Afterwards I asked unique. Morton said that bragging rights and pride. based on the accuracy and what the Art Department the students, ‘Do you the building was build In the interim distance of the throw. does. He said, “We must be know who that is?’ They with a lot of input from between now and the Next is the hammer taught how to live produc- said no, and I told them students and faculty. They Games, for those individ- throw. A large sledgeham- tive lives and be trained in that he donated the mon- decided that they wanted uals or clans who want mer is thrown similarly to the art of living.” ey for the building. Some to include “lots of light to practice their events the Olympic event of dis- The ceremony remembered that he and connection to nature” beforehand, there will be cus, by hurling it around was closed with a prayer spoke in chapel last year which was expressed in training on April 2. the head and heaving it and singing of the college and they all expressed ap- the many large windows. This training is over a shoulder. The sheaf hymn, “All for Jesus.” preciation.” The workshop has required for the students toss requires that the rep- Morton said that The speakers re- a gallery space, studio who participate in the resentative toss a bundle the ceremony was “a won- membered the old Art space, and office space, traditional events of the of straw over a raised bar derful collection of the Barn fondly. Morton said as well as another central Highland games for safety with a pitchfork. The bar people who have been that some windows from space that Morton said is reasons. For each event, is similar to the one used involved with the Art De- the Art Barn were in- “not exactly a functional the clan will select one in the track and field event partment. It was a blast, it corporated into the new space but an “other” space member of their team to pole-vaulting. Finally, was a party.” building, but other parts that allows you to wander represent them. The clan whole clans participate in Art major Jemi- of the Art Barn were the building.” member will be required to the tug of war. ma Barr said, “I thought “quoted” as well. wear a kilt for the duration After this event, it was really cool how He said that they of the traditional event. the crowds cheer, the God-centered the dedica- had hoped to reuse wood There are a total of competitors collapse, tion was, with the hymns, from the Art Barn, but the six events that the judges and the judges announce prayers, and speeches wood was not in good con- will score to determine the the winners. dition. Instead, they quot- NEWS 03 want to recruit students LOOKING AHEAD from a variety of disciplines CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 too,” said Dr. Wescher. “We A WORD part of a committee of se- want business majors to nior administration and look at the community Dr. Wescher that have development projects and been discussing the pro- be able to say, hey, on a ON RUF gram and what kind of fa- practical level this is what cilities would be needed. fi nances would be needed. by Emily Hoeksema “It’s an opportuni- We want English majors to ty for students with a par- narrate the story, we want Although e-mails have ticular interest in living teachers and philosophies been sent out and articles and learning downtown majors—students from a written, a lot of confusion with their peers, under the variety of majors would be still exists regarding the umbrella of Covenant Col- encouraged to apply.” continued absence of Re- lege but learning in a more Students would be formed University Fel- embedded fashion. set up with an internship lowship (RUF) on Cove- The goal is to cre- somewhere downtown and nant’s campus this past ate an educational op- would come back to the spring semester. portunity with Covenant housing facility at night. Due to lack of DNA without being cut “It’s very early, of funding, RUF campus off from community,” course, we don’t even have minister Scott Wells has said Voyles. “It would be blueprints yet. I’m part of taken a break from his Covenant in Chattanoo- a small committee talking on-campus work to raise ga. There would be class- through what kind of facil- support for him and his es on site and the chap- ities would be needed.” family. He doesn’t expect lain could visit, maybe “What type of to return until the sum- once a week. I think Dr. apartments, what kind of mer of this year. Wescher’s idea is for the common spaces? What Many people, stu- many missionaries and meetings, seeing both students to never have spaces would we share dents, faculty, and alum- ministries, comes via the groups of people as inte- to come to campus,” he with the other tenants ni alike, knew Covenant’s donations of individuals gral parts of his ministry said, laughing. of the building and what former campus minister and churches. on campus. Covenant would would be only for Cove- Ron Brown very well and As mentioned by Financial issues hire a program direc- nant? We would need well were disappointed but Jack Roylston in a previ- arose in spite of his eff orts, tor to live in the facility, lit parking lots and make supportive when he took ous Bagpipe article, min- and after much prayer, to run the program and sure we cover the other se- a call to serve as a PCA isters are not employed Wells decided to focus his serve as the RD. curity issues,” said Voyles. pastor in Florida in the directly by the college but attention on raising mon- The program is not “We want to be wise with- summer of 2014. receive funding from a net- etary support so he could for a single major like com- out being obtrusive.” The search process work of supporters. Wells better serve the Covenant munity development. “We for a new RUF minister to has taken a brief break in community later on. replace him was somewhat order to build up fi nancial Although in his lengthy and arduous due support for his family and own words he’d “like to be She said that Stu- to the various job rules his ministry in general. back tomorrow,” he also dent Development wants and requirements. Howev- Wells states that gives a more realistic esti- OUTSIDE to look at who is in the er, Reverend Scott Wells of for him, if he could have mate and places his return majority and who is heard Hixson, Tenn., was chosen written his own job de- to campus in the summer most often to ensure that to fi ll the position in the scription, the position at of this year. VOICES other voices can be heard. spring of 2015. Covenant would have fi t In the meantime, “When you engage with He relocated from his ideals perfectly. in RUF’s absence, he en- by Anna Smith people who are different, the Chattanooga area to He focused his at- courages students to, that can help you know Lookout Mountain with tention on building rela- “take advantage of what Associate Dean of Stu- who you are and what you his wife and two chil- tionships with students, Covenant and their local dents, Student Life Sarah believe, and some of that dren to be closer to Cove- recognizing that it re- churches can provide for Ocando, is forming a com- can come from listening nant’s campus. The RUF quires a lot of time as well them in the way of spiri- mittee to examine how we to different opinions,” student leadership core as close proximity to stu- tual input, conversation, “invite outside voices into she said. team excitedly welcomed dents. He introduced him- and community.” the community to stimu- Voyles also said him aboard. self to anyone who would He also places an late conversation.” that bringing in outside However, what listen, and he listened in overall emphasis on the in- She is researching speakers is a priority: “We most people don’t know return. He ate meals with corporation of Jesus into who has spoken on cam- have a rich resource of is that support for RUF individual students and everyday campus inter- pus to avoid leaving blind faculty and staff ” to draw campus ministers, like spoke in large group RUF actions between students spots in the campus con- and faculty at Covenant. versation. “Inviting out- To echo Jack Royl- side voices into the com- ston’s previous encour- munity” is one of the seven agement, please join the objectives of the 2014-2017 FACULTY QUOTE OF THE WEEK RUF core group in pray- Covenant College Stra- “I like cave trolls. They’re not as scary once you ing for Scott and his family tegic Plan that are being get to know them. They can actually be like Teddy during this time. Financial focused on during the cur- donations can be made to rent school year. Bears.” support him and RUF’s Vice President for Dr. Wingard ministry on campus at Student Development givtetoruf.org. and Dean of Students Brad Voyles appointed from “but we don’t want bringing in outside speak- Ocando to work on this in to become insular.” Stu- ers “doesn’t fall on any August 2015. dent Development wants one offi ce.” The Chapel In October, she be- to hear from people from a Department, Student De- gan with an initial group range of experiences. velopment, the Center for of people as a sounding Although she’s still Calling and Career, aca- board composed of Resi- in the information-gath- demic departments and dent Director of Founders ering stage, Ocando said even student-led clubs in- Isaiah Barnfi eld, Associ- that long term, she wants vite speakers. Sometimes ate Dean of Students and to get an idea of what is speakers ask to speak Residence Life Jonathan going on currently and at the college, as did Mi- Ingraham, and Assistant in the past, to make sure chael Gerson who spoke Professor of Biblical Stud- that “we’re not missing on predatory lending in ies Hans Madueme. Now opportunities.” November 2015. she is in the process of Student Develop- Voyles said that forming a new committee ment, Student Senate, the having this objective in the to continue the work. Chapel Department, and Strategic Plan makes it a Ocando said, “It’s Academic Aff airs, among priority. Although bring- good for any institution or others, could use infor- ing in diverse voices is one community to think about mation gathered to deter- of the special focuses of what voices they get to lis- mine what has been hap- the 2015-2016 year, it will ten to, so it’s not just hear- pening and if they need to probably continue to be a ing ourselves talk.” improve anything. goal next year like most of Voyles said that the other goals of the plan. SPORTS 04 and finals. Losing a single CHASING 73: game in the playoffs, and only two games in the Fi- nals, the Bulls ended the WARRIORS’ season by defeating Seat- tle in game 6 of the NBA RECORD championship. This year, the Gold- en State Warriors are look- SEASON ing for that 73. If they win by Lydia Berglar 73 games, one more than MJ and the Bulls, the War- As I sat down to write riors will have a highly cov- this article about the eted NBA record to their Golden State Warriors, name. Let’s look at their I found myself scroll- season so far. ing through their game Starting with a schedule in awe. 24 game winning streak The line of green before falling to Milwau- Ws signifying a win never kee, the Warriors broke a seemed to end; any occa- 131-year-old record of the sional red-colored loss was best start to a season in drowned out in a sea of re- any professional sport in were 66-8, but the War- ing to his teammates he ize that this season is not cord setting wins. With a America. Led by All-Stars riors are 67-7. One thing can outalk anyone. going to last forever, and record of 67-7 as of March Stephen Curry, Draymond about the Warriors stands With Green as for- they want to enjoy their 30th, the Warriors find Green, and Klay Thomp- out above all else, and that ward, Curry and Thomp- success while playing the themselves chasing the son, the Warriors have a is their teamwork. War- son playing guard and game that they love. Chicago Bulls NBA record stellar team. riors board member Jerry guys like Andrew Bo- Keenly aware of season that will not easily Curry himself “Mr. Clutch” West claims gut as center, the War- why people still talk about be forgotten. broke numerous three- that the players all like riors earned this season the 1995-96 Bulls, the In 1995-96, the point records this season. each other and it shows on through solid teamwork. Warriors remain humble Bulls made history with Looking at a game by the court. Just think about In an interview while ardently striving to 72 wins and 10 losses. Led game comparison of the the team Coach Steve Kerr with Sports Illustrated, achieve the same status by Michael Jordan, the Warriors and the Bulls, it has put together. Curry shows a little bit of as the Bulls. Bulls had all eyes on them is amazing how closely the On the one hand the team’s down to earth With eight games as they won game after two seasons line up. you’ve got Steph Cur- attitude when he says, left, the Warriors can only game, setting records Where they stand ry, humble and calm “There’s no way I’m not afford to lose two more along the way. currently, the Warriors are and 6’3”. On the other gonna have fun. I never games and still beat the The season cli- ahead of the Bulls. After hand there’s Green, 230 fail to savor it.” Curry and Bulls’ record. maxed in the NBA playoffs the Bulls 74th game, they pounds, 6’7” and accord- the rest of the team real-

one expected their run to the Sooners could keep up many people expected the their 19th Final Four ap- THE ROAD come to a screeching halt with the athleticism of the Orange to even make it pearance in program his- against the #1 overall Oregon Ducks, but they out of the first round (heck tory and UNC is hungry to seeded Kansas Jayhawks. proved many wrong with I picked Dayton to beat win another title. TO HOUSTON This game turned into an 80-68 win. them myself.) It has been 7 years one of the better games When talking about But that is why since their last National by Devin Cerrato & Championship and in the Caleb Bloye in the tournament up to this Oklahoma team, it’s they play the game. Syr- this point. Jay Wright impossible not to bring up acuse waxed Dayton off eyes of a Tar Heel that is coached the Wildcats to their star shooting guard the court in the first way too long. UNC was The stage is set and the the 3rd highest picked Madness of March is com- a 64-59 win over the Jay- and Wooden finalist, Bud- round and then destroyed hawks, thus busting mil- dy Hield. Through the first a Middle Tennessee team team to win it all in ES- ing to an end. There have PN’s tournament chal- been a multitude of upsets lions of brackets. four games of the tourna- in the Round of 32 that Villanova was ment, Hield is putting up had just knocked off the lenge after winning the and buzzer beaters. There ACC regular season title has been blood, sweat and able to pull off this upset offensive numbers only two seed of the region in with stifling defense and matched by Stephen Cur- Michigan State. and the ACC tournament. tears shed on the courts. North Carolina This year’s tournament clutch free-throw shoot- ry. Can the Sooners rely on They faced their ing to close out the game. Hield to continue putting first test in the Sweet 16 came into the tournament has been everything we focused and determined could have dreamed and The Wildcats will face the up these ridiculous num- and beat a hot Gonzaga second seeded Oklahoma bers? team who had just upset- to win a title and it is hard hoped for. to bet against them right However, it’s not Sooners in Nova’s first Fi- The logical answer ted third-seeded Universi- nal Four since 2009. Vil- would be no, but Buddy ty of Utah. Then the Elite now. After a rough first over yet. North Carolina, half in the opening round Oklahoma, Syracuse and lanova will attempt to do has been doing this all 8 came around and surely something that no other year long and no team there is no way the 10th versus 16 seeded FGCU, Villanova have all punched the rest of the tourney has their ticket to Houston for team has come close to do- has been able to contain seeded, 19-13 Syracuse Or- ing, STOP OKLAHOMA’S him in the tournament ange could beat the 1 seed- been smooth sailing for what is going to be an un- the Tar Heels. forgettable Final Four. BUDDING STAR, BUD- thus far, despite basing ed ACC runner-up Virginia DY HIELD. their defensive strategy Cavaliers . . . right? Essentially, UNC has dominated its way to Villanova These 2 teams on stopping him. Well sure enough battled in December, re- Although Oklaho- that is exactly what they the Final Four beating their opponents by an av- It seems like every year sulting in a 17 point win ma took down Villanova did. Down 14 at halftime erage of 16 points. Fresh- Villanova wins close to for the Sooners. A lot easily in their previous I doubt anyone even man Brice Johnson and 30 games, dominates all has changed since then, meeting, I would expect a thought Syracuse had a Senior Marcus Paige have of the lesser opponents and Villanova looks like a much closer game this go chance in the second half. led the charge as they in their conference, and team on a mission. round, but still another I really want to know what pounded through FGCU, claims a 1 or 2 seed. And spectacular performance Jim Boeheim said at half- Providence, Indiana, and despite the high expec- Oklahoma from none other than time because a surge in Notre Dame. North Caro- tations for the Wildcats Buddy Hield. the second half brought lina has done exactly what going into the tourna- This is the Oklahoma Soon- the Orange to victory after they should do and what ment, they always seem ers fourth straight NCAA Syracuse being down by 16. they are expected to do. to choke before reaching tournament appearance, Led by freshman Now the test comes the Sweet Sixteen. and their first Final Four The underdog. How is it Malachi Richardson, in the Final Four and be- So even though appearance since 2002. that Syracuse, a 10 seed, Syracuse came out on ing able to finish what they they earned a 2 seed this Head coach Lon Kruger is and a team that many be- top and are on absolute have started. With this Fi- year, I didn’t expect them yet again showing why he lieved didn’t even deserve fire heading into the Fi- nal Four appearance, Roy to make any kind of splash deserves to be in the con- to make the tournament, nal Four. They will face Williams is now in fourth in this year’s tournament. versation for top coaches end up here? North Carolina in an ACC place for most appearanc- Boy was I wrong. After in college basketball. For the first time in matchup for a shot at es in the Final Four by a breezing through UNC Up to this point in NCAA tournament histo- making history. coach. They will have to Asheville and Iowa, they the tournament, Oklaho- ry, a 10 seed has made it to face a hot Syracuse team really turned some heads ma has made it look easy the Final Four. Syracuse, North Carolina in which they beat twice in with their 23-point thump- with double digit wins in in fact, were at 400/1 odds the regular season. ing of Miami in the Sweet every game except VCU when the tournament be- The favorite. Roy Williams Prepare for an Sixteen Round. in which they squeaked by gan to win the whole thing and the Tar Heels are the awesome ACC showdown with a four point victory. and now they are just two only one seed remaining in Houston when these These were impres- in the tournament. This is sive victories, but every- Many questioned whether wins away. I don’t think teams take the court. ARTS 05 A FEW WORDS ON BATMAN VS SUPERMAN by Garrett Sisson sniveling and wisecrack- of tone was I supposed to ing Lex Luthor. He sounds have prepared for? It was a surreal experi- like the Joker. Now, having seen ence watching Batman Step 3: Miracu- the movie, there are a few vs. Superman: Dawn of lously turn what by all things I can say confident- Justice, and even after accounts should be a low- ly, without need for spoil- leaving the theatre I must brain, blockbuster action ers, from a fan’s perspec- say there’s nothing else romp into a deeply nu- tive. As promised, much of like it. On the one hand, anced and well-thought Batman’s characterization I have always wanted to out philosophical treaty in this film is based close- see Batman—my favorite on the nature of heroism ly on the 1986 comic, “The superhero, beat up Su- and godhood. Dark Knight Returns,” by perman—who I distinctly You can observe Frank Miller, and though remember haunting my many of these steps from I don’t care for that par- childhood nightmares, on the previews, which ran ticular take on Batman in the big screen. simultaneously with the Miller’s story, I’ll concede Yet the film is an much-better marketed that Affleck embodies that enormous contradiction, and prematurely leaked version of the character. and what’s more—it seems Suicide Squad trailer. But He more than to know this and gloat in it then the early reviews meets the challenges of at every turn. started pouring in. the role and defies ex- Step 1: Cast Ben Affleck put on more pectations. If you like in, an open-minded au- and subtle delicacy of the Affleck—much maligned than 24 pounds of muscle the source material, you dience should be pleas- many questions the film for his performance in for the role and was so won’t be disappointed, antly surprised with the provokes about the role of Daredevil, to replace successful with test audi- and casual fans will find story’s twists and com- religion in society. Christian Bale—univer- ences that the studio not that Next Gen Batman pelling story. Not only does it sally praised for his child- only sent the film back for is fresh and exciting Watching this mov- pave the way for every- hood-defining turn as the more Batman footage, but to watch. Even though ie feels like reading a great one to pass more Bat- Dark Knight, in a film to granted him a three-pic- he perplexingly uses a comic book. It is epic, fun, man and Justice League chronicle Batman’s re- ture deal with Writer/Di- semi-automatic gun now. and even thought-provok- posters for the next ten turn from retirement. rector/Actor credit. What? The acting from ing. Though sometimes years, this messy master- Step 2: Enter Jesse And the critics the others is good as well, the ideas did get a lit- piece of popular culture Eisenberg—cast against panned it. So I went in with even Eisenberg’s Luthor. tle too heavy to keep up managed to both enter- type and with a full head no expectations. I mean, While it may be tempting with, I left the theatre tain and enlighten. of hair as a high-pitched, after all this, what kind to judge this film going impressed with the range

to lean in and listen closer. with their simple three- This release earned NPR’s piece setup and tight but- SON LUX “All Songs Considered’s” ton-down shirts, but Lott “Best New Artist” award. is a natural performer Son Lux’s second that brings a unique en- CONCERT album, We Are Rising, was ergy to the stage, allow- written in only 28 days ing Son Lux to transcend by Matt Reiter and released in 2011. Son the genre that can be Lux began to feature more restricted by musicians On April 6, 2016, Son Lux electronic elements that who think emptiness is will be at Covenant Col- complement his trembling edgy and designer coffee lege’s Bakertree Festival. tenor. In 2013, Lanterns can be a muse. It’s kind of a big deal. was released, and the fol- Son Lux is genu- Son Lux started lowing year saw an accom- inely interesting with var- out as the solo project of panying 4-song EP release ied influences and sounds, Ryan Lott, a New York- including a version of one and their willingness to based musician who got of Son Lux’s most popu- innovate leaves much of his start writing commer- lar songs, “Easy,” that fea- Indie far behind. cials of all things. Since tured Lorde. Son Lux’s live per- 2008, he has released 5 full Also in 2014, Lott formances are best de- length albums and 3 EPs. produced the soundtrack scribed as a rollercoaster. He calls himself for “The Disappearance The trio deliver a riveting, post-rock, but only for of Eleanor Rigby,” a three- emotional show with mas- lack of a more specific part film series starring sive swells and gripping genre. Son Lux utilizes James McAvoy and Jessi- lows, transitioning be- roll off the tongue as eas- elements from many dif- ca Chastain. In 2015, Son tween time signatures and ily as Baja peninsula and ferent genres, sometimes Lux’s single Lost it to Try- keys with ease. Mexico City. leaning heavily on elec- AN ODE I can only imagine ing was also featured on Lott warbles into tronica and at other times the soundtrack of Paper the mic behind his key- by Charlie Allen that the Texans seced- pulling from hip-hop and Towns, a movie adapta- boards while Rafiq head- ed from Mexico because rock influences. tion of the popular John bangs in front of the ampli- What is this alien elixir? they were coaxed by the At the same time, Green novel. fiers and Chang provides What is this cocoa con- withholding of this elu- he is firmly rooted in Indie As of 2015, Son Lux the backup vocals while coction? Rushing over sive libation. Yes I said Pop. This amalgamation of is a trio. Ian Chang, who delivering massive fills at the taste buds a thousand it, this chili infused treat different stylistic cues cre- moonlights for Matthew the drums. There is very streams of fluid familiarity kowtows to none other. ates a wholly unique and Dear, and Rafiq Bhatia, little transition time in be- turning to a pyro-plastic It carries the kick versatile sound that Lott who has been featured by tween songs, so the crowd flow of molten mystery. of hot salsa with no chip utilizes well. the Washington Post for is always engaged. Has someone hit the re- to counter. It carries the His debut was in his accomplishments, of- It is quite an hon- wind button on history? warmth of brandy without 2008 with At War with ficially joined Lott after or for such a high-profile What I know of now the eroding effects of its Walls & Mazes, where Lott touring together to pro- group to be playing at of what I tasted at that quantity. Who allowed the experimented with per- duce Son Lux’s fourth al- Bakertree. We can expect moment is juxtaposed collusion of these spices cussion and rhythm but bum, Bones, released on Son Lux to put on a show with Mayan predictions and ingredients? focused on lyric writing, June 23, 2015. like no other. and Aztec bloodbaths, A recipe refined resulting in a full sound Son Lux may seem Conquistador conquests by centuries, each gener- that tempts the audience like your typical indie band and Mexican celebra- ation contributing to this tions. If El Dorado was liquid time capsule. a city of gold, its streams I sip, again I sip, and faucets flowed with with my own cadence, tast- this potable liqueur. ing and talking with my If the Mayans in- co-conspirators, of all the vented basketball, their times people just like us players must have played, were reveling in the com- driven by their insatiable munion of great friends, thirst for this royal bev- great food, and Mexican erage. When I sip, names Hot Chocolate. like Tenochtitlan, and the Isthmus of Tehuantepec ARTS 06 shown for 20 seconds each, “Folk Fest has al- floor and if you went to “AND AGAIN” on the artist’s idea. CATACOMBS’ ways had a life of its own, get air on the bottom floor This step forces compared to other music you could see the ceil- the student to realize the FOLK FEST: AN or art events on campus,” ing bend and dust flutter SIP SHOW space limitation of the says Joe Dodd, 2011 alum. down. You couldn’t beat gallery, how much money “It’s not just a bunch of the atmosphere.” by Anne Fuller the student is willing to ORAL HISTORY people getting up and “Yeah, I remember spend, and the amount of playing acoustic covers.” the floor of the art barn Covenant College’s De- time required to produce by Garrett Sisson “Folk Fest gives really bouncing during the partment of Art hosted the the final project. The stu- students an unencum- Flavas set,” agrees alum Senior Integration Project dent then has 6-10 weeks “We sat on the hillside bered platform to share James Harrison. “Nothing (SIP) Show, “And Again,” to make the piece. wrapped in quilts and their work, to believe was the same after that.” last night in the gallery on The show itself is sleeping bags, stocking that the minutia of their Dodd sees the de- the second floor of Kresge the third step. This in- caps pulled tightly down lives matters,” says Cal- velopment positively. “I Memorial Library. cludes the installation over our ears to keep out vin Cummings, a ’15 grad. think it felt like Folk Fest The show opened of the work into the gal- the intermittent stabs of “Folk Fest seemed actu- needed a venue space as at 7:00 p.m. and attract- lery space, its premiere, wind. In the darkness we ally genuine and every- unique as the event itself.” ed friends, family, and and its de-installation 3 appeared as blobs of cov- thing else was so earnest “It was truly a fes- admirers of the seniors’ weeks later. ered cloth unrecognizable it seemed inaccurate.” tival, but it wasn’t for the artwork. The small gal- The final step is to to one another. Only on That first show, performance,” says alum lery space filled quickly, give an oral defense of the the microphone was there held outside Sanderson, Stephen Freas. “It had the generating excited chat- student’s work to 2 read- light: and the musicians was recorded on CD. Over energy of a concert, with- ter in response to the di- ers. One reader is an art and poets who stood be- the years, one may come out the drugs, and not for verse pieces. faculty member, while the fore us to play bared every across the stray camera profit...I remember Tom The five seniors— second reader is a profes- element of their being.” documenting history with Okie on guitar, Fernan- Trent Kelly, Heather sor outside the art depart- So reads the open- snapshots, or that footage do’s comedy on the mic… Harper, Katharine Red- ment and chosen by the ing notes from a 1999 lin- of that one song for You- Lucas Fitts performance berg, Victoria Barr and student. The students are er for the “Roadside Folk Tube and friends. of Phish, but I remember Ellie Shaughnessy—col- graded on craftsmanship, Festival and Y2K Com- However, as time most the open atmosphere laboratively produced how well they drew from pliant Sale,” the first passes and performers where you could talk to the theme of “And art history, how well they Catacombs Folk Fest. graduate, start families, anyone that night and be Again,” in reference to articulated why the work their similar experienc- is important to them, and es with repetition and faith integration. reproduction, despite us- Harper notes how ing different mediums. “And Again” presented a Some artists, like variety of mediums (ce- Shaughnessy, experienced ramics, painting, ink, repetition in the actual photography, and needle- making of her ceramic work), but came together pieces, while photogra- as a cohesive show. “Each pher Harper dealt with of our works all have ele- repetition not in her piece ments that overlap, which but in her process. is unusual for a SIP show. Harper says they For the theme ‘And hoped the show would call Again,’ we had to look for attention to the amount connections in each oth- of repetition that occurs er’s work and what we all “Folk Festival and move on, stories joyful. We had the Spirit.” in art-making—she says, have in common—it’s a was our own answer for from past generations As that first liner “It’s not just again, but part of the art tradition.” Burning at the Stage,” turn into legends. reads, “For music in any it’s and again.” For her own proj- says 2002 alum Mason “I only performed form is primarily a spiri- Harper, who helped ect, it was important for Wolf. “Nothing wrong in one of the songs as a tual thing. It is not sim- orchestrate many SIP Harper’s photographs to with ‘Burning,’ but it was background harmonicist ply melody and rhythm... shows during her time at be interactive with the light on the sort of music for Brian’s rendition of Music is where we sacri- Covenant, is familiar with viewers. Her solution was we were listening to and Last Dance with Mary fice ourselves to one an- the behind-the-scenes ef- to print the photographs making at the time.” Jane,” says Wolf. “...Jade other, where we reveal fort that goes into making onto mirrors, frame them, Folk Fest was the sold candy apples. Fer- our demons and revel in a show happen. “It’s im- and hang them from the brainchild of Jade Alger nando sang a song in our glories. Where we portant to realize that it’s gallery ceiling. and Tom Okie, but even Spanish about animals give up our portion of the collaborative—it comes Her photographs they would never have going to school...We all joy that is life. together with the help of created a network of re- guessed they were be- supported Tom by joining “So as the light illu- a lot of people to make a flective frames, allowing ginning a tradition that the chorus for We Are the minated the details of our real show.” the viewer to engage his or would continue to bring Amish (And We Live on friends and lovers, their The lighting, in- her body in the act of view- a community together for the Catacombs). It was a songs opened their souls stallation, food reception, ing the objects. “I thought years to come. magical night.” and ours. It was not sim- and general atmosphere of I was going to have to can- Nearly every year The festival was ple melodies and verses since, current students held in the old Art Barn sprung from the minds of living on the Catacombs for many years, but was others we heard: it was our dorm have organized an moved to the “MegaBrock” extended evening of per- 118 room in 2008 for safe- formances inspired by ty concerns. Numerous the fringes of society. Past alumni interviewed still festivals have featured as- vividly remember this de- THE VERDICT piring artists and popular tail, and that one raucous Yes, we were finally local bands, folk, alterna- finale when the audience’s asked to change the tive, and original music, as dancing actually warrant- faculty quotes back to well as comedic or theat- ed a fire code warning. normal. rical acts, regular alumni “It was definitely performers, and often, a structural integrity,” says Yes, we’re going to time of reflection and shar- alum Chris Nystrom. “The miss professor Kanye. ing of hall stories. festival was held in the top

own lives...It was us. Tell- ing our stories and singing the show are all important cel my SIP,” says Harper. our tales. factors that contribute to The printer in Chattanoo- “Together one its success. ga she planned on using mind and soul. Voices For art majors, a broke over Spring Break, raised to the funky grooves SIP has four steps. The meaning her SIP show of acoustic guitars.” first step is to write a ra- came together in a week’s tionale, an 8-10 page bi- time. Despite the unex- This year, Folk Fest ography explaining the pected drawback, Harp- will be held on March 9, artist’s personal back- er says “I grew so much in Sanderson 215, and will ground, and must include through the process and feature acts throughout essays of significance. I’m to glad have collabo- the day from 4-11 pm. Ad- The second step is rated with my friends.” mission is free. to give a PechaKucha-style presentation, 20 slides are OPINIONS 07 ing very fi lled by the whole ous. Yes, some are sinful. hall-mates lost her Scots- GET OFF YOUR experience. The people No, not all coping mech- Card and was quite upset. there were so kind and #REPLY- anisms are equally dan- She spiraled into PCA HIGH HORSE welcoming to me and An- gerous. Some need more a temporary depression. by Stephen Bankson drew. I knew this congre- attention and must be When I lost my ScotsCard, gation was just as much a ALL(EN) treated more seriously. I shook it off and fi gured Like a lot of other stu- part of the body of Christ We must recognize when I could sneak into the dents here, I was raised as my congregation back by Margaret Duncan someone is fi ghting a Great Hall until someone attending a PCA church. home was. harder fi ght and be will- returned it. No big deal. My dad is a PCA pastor, so It got me thinking To everyone who has read ing to off er assistance But for me to tell my hall I am pretty PCA through about my view of church the past few issues of The where we are able. mate it isn’t a big deal and and through. worship and what I Bagpipe, thanks for read- Another import- that she should get over Growing up in the thought it should look like. ing my articles. ant distinction is between it would be to ignore the PCA, I’ve noticed a trend Growing up in the PCA, I appreciate know- inherently sinful coping pain she felt. We need to in myself and others to I’ve never been one for lift- ing they were at least a mechanisms and coping listen to our neighbor and more or less elevate the ing my hands during sing- little thought provoking, mechanisms which are acknowledge his or her Reformed tradition above ing, clapping in church, or and I always fi nd it very in- healthy in moderation. suff ering so it can be ad- other Bible believing, gos- saying “amen!” in the mid- teresting to see what other Surfi ng, to use Allen’s ex- dressed fully. pel preaching traditions. dle of a sermon. students think when they ample, is a great hobby. Similarly, temp- We tend to see our- Most of my life I read my thoughts. It can be danger- tation comes in diff ering selves as superior than would even have looked In regards to last ous, yes, but all of life levels for diff erent indi- other denominations for down on those who do week’s response, while I holds danger in some viduals. The idea of self- some reason; maybe be- those types of things (you agree with Allen on many way or another. We were harm may seem ridiculous cause we’re more familiar don’t see people doing points, I would like to clar- never promised a life to one person when it is a with certain doctrines these things in the Angli- ify and contest a few. without risk. constant battle for anoth- than others or because can church either, to be I agree with Al- While some coping we view our worship as clear, but it just got me len that, “Everybody is mechanisms (self-injury, more sophisticated than thinking). a struggling neighbor.” eating disorders, etc.) are other denominations’. I began to real- Because we are in a fall- always sinful regardless Whatever the rea- ize that just because a en world, we are all under of context and always son may be, we can tend form of worship looks differing levels of stress very dangerous physical- to think of our own tra- different or has a heavier and temptation. ly, emotionally, and spir- dition as the best way focus on a different doc- It is important to itually, something like to worship God and see trine than you’re used to, make the diff erentiation surfing is not on the same other denominations and it does not make it worse between struggles and playing field. traditions as sub par. or less legitimate. It is temptations. I am refer- While God does However, when I simply different. ring to struggles as any see any sin as breaking began coming to Covenant It is still easy for sort of suff ering brought the entire law, the Bible my freshman year, my me to be cynical at times, on by the eff ects of our fall- also names many diff erent Emmett Gienapp brother Andrew and I de- but I just remind myself en world. I am referring consequences for diff erent Editor In Chief cided to visit the Anglican that we all worship the to temptation as the fi ght sins. There are diff ering Church of the Redeemer same God, no matter what against a specifi c sin, or eff ects for diff erent sins James Kelly here in Chattanooga. I church denomination we sin pattern. and some are much more Layout Editor was a little nervous before are a part of. As Allen implied, dangerous and harmful I would encourage that others. Hannah McCoy going because, I admit, I everyone can relate to be- Managing Editor really did not know much anyone who reads this to coming more susceptible Allen said, “Every- anything about the Angli- visit a church that is from to sin patterns while un- body is addicted to some- Micahel Fuller Photo can Church. a tradition diff erent from der higher levels of stress. thing.” and implied that all Anne Fuller Copy where they come from. I sin patterns and all coping I was expecting a I agree that everyone can Melanie White News church that taught radi- did my freshman year and relate to temptation on mechanisms for dealing cally diff erent doctrines I’m glad I did. some level or another, but with stress are equally Garrett Sisson Arts than what I believed to be It made me realize it can be harmful to level harmful. This mindset is Eliot Kaufmann Opinions the pedestal I had placed hurtful to those who may true and a very strange, all sins and struggles to Z Arima Sports ritualistic type of worship, the PCA on, and how I the same magnitude. be fi ghting more serious I agree with Allen sins or who have heavy suf- Megan Walter We b that everyone has coping fering in their lives. Molly Hulsey Staff Writer To say dropping mechanisms for handling McKenzie Barham Staff Writer stress and temptation in your favorite coff ee mug their lives, and that these is equal in suff ering to los- Phil Moore Distribution coping mechanisms can ing your parents to cancer minimizes the pain of the Cliff Foreman become harmful to the Faculty Advisor individual’s long-term loss of the loved ones when it ought to be honored as For inquiries or comments. please contact health. But it is not fair to Emmett Gienapp at emmett.gienapp@cove- call all “scars” of coping the suff ering it is. nant.edu. At the same time, Th is is a Covenant College student publi- mechanisms equal. cation. Th e views expressed herein do not we need to keep in mind necessarily refl ect those of the college or the Yes, most coping student body. mechanisms leave diff er- that diff erent people are ent scars—shame, phys- aff ected by stress in diff er- ical scars, heart disease, ing ways. As an example on a small scale, one of my etc. Yes, some are danger- er person. It minimizes the fi ght of others when we say everyone has the same dif- fi culty to fi ght. I agree that most everyone has a coping mechanism for stress and truly was skeptical of the that many times they can but I did my best to go in be dangerous or lead to with an open mind. legitimacy of other tradi- tions. Ever since then I long term damage, but I I was pleasantly believe it matters to rec- surprised to fi nd that I have become a regular at- tender of Redeemer. ognize that some truly are really liked the service at more harmful and require Redeemer that Sunday Some weeks I will go to Northshore Fellow- more attention than most. and wanted to go back. That said, I also The liturgy in the service ship, but for the most part, I continue to wor- believe it can be easy for was very diff erent and un- those struggling with like any church service I ship at Redeemer, an An- glican church. larger burdens to become had ever been in: the con- prideful over their strug- gregation crossed them- I am not saying ev- eryone needs to leave the gles and show off their selves, did a lot of respon- own strength in the mists sive readings, bowed their PCA by any means, I just think we need to remem- of the the fi ght. heads each time the name We all must hum- of Jesus was mentioned, ber that the body of Christ is much bigger and more ble ourselves and rely and so on. on the strength from The sermon was diverse than we might be inclined to think. Christ regardless of our Christ centered and gos- circumstances. pel focused and I left feel- OPINIONS 08 uate the cycle of misrep- Christian to gain a fami- Corinthians 7 is MALE MAJORITY resentation which breeds ly at some point in his or the big chapter in the Bi- more and more resent- MARRIAGE her life, where marriage ble about marriage, where SENATE ment of male leadership. and children are the goal Paul speaks to the church by Annie Minton I think much of AND THE to the purpose-filled life. I at Corinth about some ba- what it comes down to is argue that this is a damag- sic principles of marriage Please allow me to preface a confidence issue. Facing ing mindset for Christians and its role in the life of this article with the fact rejection can be terrifying CHURCH to have. the Christian. that I am not in fact bitter to men and women alike, by Jon-Michael Shelley Family idolatry He talks to them about the outcome of the but often women especial- has a number of factors about his singleness in recent senate elections. ly struggle with this fear. It is springtime at Cov- that create harmful sit- verse 6, saying, “I wish I did lose my own And it sucks, rejection and enant and we all know uations for many people that all were as I myself election, but that in no losing absolutely suck, but what that means: stu- in the church, giving us am. But each has his own way means that I think it is rarely as bad as one dents are gearing up for cause to change this all- gift from God, one of one the elected members for thinks it will be. wedding season. too-common attitude in kind and one of another.” senate in the fall will not Even in class dis- Whether it be for the church. He continues on do a good job. I think they cussions, I (and other engagements or wedding Anyone who re- to talk about identity in will do excellent things for females) so often make receptions, we can expect mains single may feel pres- verse 17, saying, “Only let our student body. apologies for our answers a plethora of photos on our sured into marriage they each person lead the life We live on a ma- or opinions. Facebook feeds featuring are not called to or feel as that the Lord has assigned jority female campus. I so often find my- couples smiling into the if their singleness must be to him, and to which God Fifty-eight percent of our self saying to professors, eyes of their life partners. justified to others. Couples has called him. This is my student body is made up “This could be totally It’s a wonderful without children may feel rule in all the churches.” of females. There are cur- wrong, but…” or “This may time here at Covenant as though they have failed Paul is saying that rently twelve members of be an ignorant question, where we celebrate those in some way by being un- both those who are mar- senate and two of them but…” Why are we so fear- that have found the ones able to give birth. To put ried and have families and are female. ful of being told no or be- they wish to be with for life these people in this posi- those who are unmarried It does make sense ing told that we are wrong? and are venturing out to tion is inherently sinful. have been called by the that our senate is majori- Why do we make Idolatry of marriage and Lord to live the life ahead ty male based on societal ourselves small so that norms and specifically the when the “no” comes it is patterns of Christian col- less hurtful or noticeable leges and universities. It by others? These are an- also makes sense based on swers that I would love to the role of women in our answers with my own ideas board and in most PCA on female oppression and churches. It matches the life in a male-dominated natural course of events society but those are sim- concerning male leader- ply not sufficient. ship in most arenas. While those issues These reasons are huge contributors, make a male majority sen- there must be something ate less alarming. What deeper. I am not discount- is alarming is the amount ing the fear of rejection of women that actually that exists in both males ran for senate positions. and females. Everyone Many of the races this is afraid of losing. It just year were uncontested. seems like an entirely dif- I am not blam- ferent animal when you start a family. However, for family also creates a false of them and both of these ing the upcoming senate consider the specific inse- many, this time can also be image of family that dam- are to be considered gifts. members for this pre- curities of females. a source of dread, sadness, ages Christ’s true inten- So why is it consid- dicament (I’m not really I could be wrong. and doubt. tion for families. ered strange if someone Maybe females on many It’s no secret that When the church remains unmarried? Why campuses just simply singleness can be diffi- places the concept of mar- is it considered strange don’t want to be leaders cult. Sometimes, neces- riage and family on a ped- that a couple has children or don’t have the time or sary and natural strug- estal it does not deserve, in their own timing? don’t feel qualified or don’t gles may come for those one is compelled to find To fix our issue, feel like they would enjoy who are without a spouse their fulfillment in a nar- the church must widen its it. And I’m genuinely sorry or a family that can lead row-minded view of family gaze to understand that if you thought that while to resentment. that does not align with the nuclear family does reading this article. This is However, I argue the Bible’s view. not happen for every per- all very female of me to be many of the struggles one Who says that son and that’s okay. We apologizing for what I just may encounter in single- family has to be kids and must consider the various wrote, but I mean it. ness, or otherwise, are un- a picket fence? If that is ways that family can exist But I want to en- necessary, causing stress the case, what is family for outside of the tradition- courage you all (male and merely because of the the widow, for the infertile al concept of family and female), losing is not as idolatry of marriage and couple, or for the Chris- that everyone can have bad as it is made out to be. families that plagues the tian who lives with same- family—even singles. We And being told no or be- American church. ing told that you’re wrong It is frequent in does not make you less of the church that, at a cer- a human. In fact, that is tain age, people are bom- what makes us human. barded with questions Stop making apol- and comments: “When ogies for what you think. are you planning to get blaming anyone for that Amy Poehler (the queen married?” “When are you matter, just relaying the of humor herself) has this and your husband having situation at hand). There quote that says “It takes kids?” “I’m sure the right was simply a shortage of years as a woman to un- person will come along, women running for sen- learn what you have been just give it time.” ate positions this year. taught to be sorry for.” In our frenzy of a I often hear wom- I originally asked sex and romance-driven en on campus talking if I could write this article culture, it seems as though about misrepresentation anonymously, which sort the priorities of the church sex attraction (or even no need to think of the many in the form of senate de- of goes against everything body have become skewed. attraction at all)? unmarried men and wom- cisions, chapel speakers, I have been trying to say. Why is it that if a man in I argue that family en that God has worked women on the board, and But here I am, preaching ministry is single, he is should not automatically especially through, in- a dwindling number of fe- to the choir and attempt- urged to marry? be assumed to be biologi- cluding Paul, Jeremiah, male faculty. However, I ing to unlearn what I have Or why is any cal children with a spouse. Elijah, Miriam, Mary Mag- rarely see women seeking been taught to be sorry for. woman who reaches the Family should be thought dalene, Mary and Martha, change through estab- And women, I en- age of thirty incomplete of as deeper than mere bio- Lazarus, and Lydia. lishing clubs, running for courage you to do the without a husband? Why logical connection or mar- We must remem- senate positions, or even same. As we face rejec- do couples without chil- riage, including the bonds ber this marriage sea- writing in the Bagpipe tion or hard loses, let it dren feel like outsiders one shares with one’s son that while marriage about these issues. remind you of what is im- to churches? brothers and sisters in the and family are wonderful Unfortunately we portant, and what things It is as if there is an church body, with neigh- blessings, they are not the (myself included) perpet- you want changed. unsaid requirement of the borhoods, with adopted. goal—Christ is.