FRONTLINES

§1 A Window into America’s Universities August 2013 Faculty Commons-A CRU MINISTRY Don᾿t Miss This Exploding Myths Georgia Professor Knowing God Newsflash Defends Faith College move-in day is the beginning of a journey University of Texas at Austin professors share Dr. Russ Carlson invites students to his home for J.I. Packer᾿s classic book still speaks to every with an unknown ending. §1 what they can't say in the classroom. §2 dinner and gospel conversations. §3 Christian. §4 Don᾽t Miss This Newsflash Rick Hove, Faculty Commons Executive Director

Even at the young age of 21, I realized that the their choices, peers, experiences, and professors engage them, as strategic leaders on campus, in As I recently previous four years were a unique period in my during these four years. this grand cause. life. I saw that the person holding the box on the Investing in campus ministry is compelling if The great news is that God has given us the carried my porch was vastly different than the one who had you think of a single entering freshman this year, opportunity to be part of these four years—to be slipped into the back row of Calculus 101 on a hot someone you love and care about. But consider an insider on campus through professors—and daughter’s day in September. the magnitude of the opportunity: this year, 25 he’s given all of us the opportunity to invest in At first glance, move-in day seems to be about million U.S. students are enrolled in at least one this incredibly strategic endeavor. heavy futon futons, new roommates, and purchasing books. college course. This makes our nation’s student There is more to move-in day than you think. But actually it’s the beginning of a journey with population the 46th largest in the world, surpass- Executive Director of Faculty Commons since up a hot, tortuously wind- an unknown ending. What will be true of this ing the total population of Saudi Arabia! 2005, Rick has also directed the Rice and Duke person four or five years later when he or she The U.S. Campus Ministry brings the hope of ministries. He is a summa cum laude graduate of ing staircase on the N.C. packs up the last box and heads to the car? More Jesus Christ to these students and their pro- both Georgia Tech and Trinity Evangelical Divin- to the point: what will be true of this person 20 fessors. Faculty Commons is a vital component ity School. Rick, his wife Sonya, and their three State campus, this news- years after graduation? of our national strategy. We reach professors and children live in Durham, NC. It doesn’t take four years to recognize how flash hit me: there is more quickly lives change while on campus. When I directed the Duke student ministry, each year we to move-in day than you met as many freshmen as possible in the first two weeks to find those who wanted to be in a Bible think. study. Usually about 200 students expressed In the next few weeks, roughly three mil- interest. lion freshmen begin a journey that is more life- In the spring, as we challenged new leaders for significant than any one of them realizes. At the the coming school year, we looked again at this outset, their goal is to complete a curriculum as a list from the fall. Inevitably our student leaders necessary foundation for the rest of life. This is would cry out, “NO WAY! He was on the list??!! surely true. SHE is on the list??!!” They could not envision Yet when I look back on my undergraduate that these people they knew now, at the end of education, I have few memories of fluid mechan- their freshman year, were ever interested in a ics, dynamics, and construction methods. Over Bible study. In just a single year, a student’s life three decades later, my most enduring memory is can radically change. of standing on my fraternity front porch, moving Take note: this season of life often determines out with the last box in my hands, realizing I who one becomes for a lifetime. Far more impor- would never be back. Oh, I would return, but tant than their courses and grades are the real never like it was before. people, who will forever be different because of §2 Exploding Myths Ministry Profile: Dave and Karen Ness, Steve and Betsy Sternberg, University of Texas at Austin

Dr. Don Winget describes himself as a former could not just be an accident.” twice about this Christianity thing.” “fire-breathing atheist.” The University of Texas at Organized by Faculty Commons staff Karen Referring to the multitude of books by atheists Austin (UT Austin) astronomy professor once Ness, the event was titled “What I Can’t Say in the who aggressively challenge the existence of God, adorned the family van with a Darwin-inside-a- Classroom.” Karen and her husband Dave (who Dr. Poenie said, “I’ve read these books and what I fish image that mocked Christians. emceed the evening) drew on the relationships see is a lot of deception; willful distortion. When “When I was an atheist I felt a very strong need they have built over 20 years of ministry to fac- you pursue and want to know the truth, these to argue with people about God,” he told a group ulty at UT Austin to recruit the three professors things tend to dissolve. Hold on to your faith, and of 170 students this spring at a UT Austin Cru who spoke to the students. don’t be easily shaken.” meeting. “I had 50 talking points that I would Dave and Karen Ness Steve and Betsy Sternberg Over the course of the evening, these profes- Over 90 professors are involved with the Fac- u s e .” His faculty colleague, Dr. Sarah Salviander, told sors exploded the myth that it’s impossible to be a ulty Commons ministry at UT Austin. The Ness- Dr. Winget chronicled his college-aged journey of her voyage to faith through her astronomy serious scientist and a Christian at the same time. es, along with fellow staff Steve and Betsy Stern- away from his childhood faith, then his family’s research. “I had an appreciation for how ordered Cell biology professor Dr. Martin Poenie ac- berg, serve these professors and equip them to eventual return to Christianity. “Ours was really the universe is, how logical. As a kid who had knowledged, “We live in a post-Christian world, reach out to their colleagues and (as in this an intellectual journey,” he told the students. As grown up with zero religion, all of a sudden I and everywhere you look there’s Christian bash- instance) to UT Austin students. they explored Christianity, “Each one of these 50 realized that I believed in a Creator. A universe ing. Professors will scold Christians in class, say- points was proven to be false. Every single one!” that is this beautiful, makes this much sense, ing if you want to be a scientist you’d better think

The University of Texas at Austin Founded in 1883, the university has grown from a forty-acre tract set aside when Austin became the state capital to a 350-acre main campus with 17 colleges and schools, 24,000 faculty and staff, and more than 52,000 students. From teaching and research to public service, the university’s activities support its mission to transform lives for the benefit of society. • Over 8,700 bachelor’s degrees are awarded annually in 170 fields of study. • The Graduate School, with 40 of its programs and specialties ranked in the top 10 nationally, awards more than 3,500 master’s and doctor’s degrees each year. • Notable alumni include Lady Bird Johnson, Walter Cronkite, Bill Moyers, Kay Bailey Hutchison, Laura Bush, Wil- liam Bennett, Jenna Bush Hager, and actors Matthew McConaughey and Renee Zellweger. Traditions: • The Tower. Completed in 1937, its varied lighting configurations signal important school achievements that can be seen from almost any location in Austin. • “The Eyes of Texas.” The alma mater of The University of Texas at Austin was written by John Sinclair in 1903. • Bevo. A longhorn steer has been UT Austin’s mascot since 1916 representing it’s pride and tradition. • Hook ‘em, Horns. Created in 1955 by head cheerleader Harley Clark Jr., this hand sign is recognized worldwide as the symbol of the Texas Longhorns. • Texas Football. The Longhorns won their fourth national championship in 2005 and have 867 victories, second- most nationally, in their 120 years of competition. The 27-floor Tower is UT Austin’s most recognizable landmark. Photos: (The Tower) en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Thane ©2012 and (Bevo) www.wildwestsports.com Bevo is an imposing presence at all home football games. §3 Georgia Professor Defends Faith Faculty Profile: Dr. Russ Carlson, Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia

Professor Russ Carlson nance, and vibrant faith, he is soft spoken but al- UGA president, and internal memos. After a Erick B. Nilson award which Faulty Commons could not understand why ways ready to talk about his love for Christ. lengthy investigation, Dr. Carlson was fully exon- gives annually to an outstanding Christian profes- so many messages await- Dr. Carlson makes his faith story available to erated, with a caution not to include the invita- sor. This award is named for agronomy professor ed him when he returned students online and welcomes the opportunity to tion to his home discussions on the back of the Erick Nilson, leader of the faculty ministry at Kan- to his hotel while at an interact with them. He travels to campuses as class syllabus. sas State University in the 1980’s. Following his academic conference in near as Georgia Tech and as far away as Poland to To which Dr. Carlson replied, “Okay, but I was death in 1990, Dr. Nilson’s family set aside funds another state. encourage and equip other Christian professors. just trying to save paper,” and began planning his for Faculty Commons to annually recognize “the A voice message from a UGA’s Cru student ministry asked Dr. Carlson next dinner discussion. men and women of God that He is raising up to reporter with the Atlanta Journal Constitution to speak to the group about his Christian faith Dr Russell W. Carlson is the recipient of the 2013 forward His cause at the university.” alerted him that he was accused in a University of and career as a scientist. He has similar discus- Georgia Faculty Senate meeting of coercing and sions with other academics in his research center intimidating students to believe in Christianity. and with his own students. Join with us in Prayer The president of the university had called for a Each semester, Dr. Carlson invites his bio- Whatever you ask in My name, this will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask thorough investigation. The story was front page chemistry students to his home for dinner and Me anything in My name, I will do it. (John 14:13-14) news. conversation about science and Christianity. 1. Pray for the 3 million freshmen entering college this fall. Ask God to draw each of them to Himself. Actually, Russ Carlson was the one being in- From 15-30 students will show up for spaghetti 2. Pray that professors on every campus will winsomely identify themselves as Christ-followers in timidated by false accusations and innuendo. and meaty interaction. Ironically, the university their first classes this fall. But remarkably, the persecution only seemed to encourages professors to pursue this type of in- 3. Pray the gospel would bear fruit and grow in the life of each Christian professor, all over the world. steel Dr. Carlson to follow Christ no matter where teraction with students. Yet for this Dr. Carlson (Colossians 1:6) He leads. was under investigation. For nearly 20 years, Dr. Carlson has been a Interestingly, both non-Christian and Chris- leader of the Faculty Commons ministry at UGA. tian colleagues rallied to Dr. Carlson’s defense Known for his exemplary character, kind counte- with letters to the editor, interaction with the

How many oak trees spring from a single acorn? How many apples grow from a solitary apple seed? Gospel seeds have been sown this summer all over the world, and when coupled with the promises of God the potential fruit is great indeed. This summer 17 Christian professors went to the world with Cru students and the gospel. And this is just the Professor Russ Carlson interacts with his students after biochemistry class. beginning; we fully expect to have many more professors go in 2014. §4 Knowing God Review by Rick Hove, Faculty Commons Executive Director

In the early 1970’s Dr. Packer longed to write God and find great contentment in Him. Their If Packer’s concerns were valid in 1973, they one who is in the midst of the journey. Packer a short book about God but questioned whether minds are full of great thoughts of God, and their are even more prophetic today. opts for the latter. others would be intrigued by his musings. One lives show great boldness for Him. Sadly, it is One of the delightful aspects of this book is Our lives are shaped by what we think is great, million copies later we know this skepticism to be possible to have much knowledge about God, yet that though Packer is robust theologically, he beautiful, and satisfying. Since this is true, there unfounded. Knowing God is truly a classic, a gift hardly know Him at all. writes for “the traveler.” One could write a book is perhaps nothing more commendable than to to every Christian. Packer is convinced that “ignorance of God— on God from the vantage point of a person on a study, and soak in, the greatness of God. Toward Surely one of the jewels of this book—though ignorance both of His ways and of the practice balcony, critically commenting on the people be- this end, it is difficult to think of a more useful one could highlight every chapter—is Chapter 2, of communion with Him—lies at the root of low who are on the traveler’s walk. Or, one could resource than this classic book. where Dr. Packer explains the difference between much of the church’s weakness today.” This lack write from the viewpoint of the traveler himself, knowing about God and knowing God. of knowledge of God and this paucity of com- Those who know God have great energy for munion with Him has deleterious effects on our lives and culture. Packer tracks the source of this Investing in the Mission ignorance of God to two contemporary trends: Your financial investment will help us build movements of professors and students to take “Trend one is that Christian minds have been the hope of Jesus Christ to the world. Will you prayerfully consider partnering with us conformed to the modern spirit: the spirit, that in this vital endeavor? All contributions to Faculty Commons are income tax deductible. is, that spawns great thoughts of man and leaves Cash donations room for only small thoughts of God. The mod- Make check to Cru and mail to Faculty Commons; 2001 W. Plano Parkway, Suite 2700; ern way with God is to set Him at a distance, if Plano, Texas 75075. Or invest online: give.cru.org/2271527 not to deny Him altogether; and the irony is that modern Christians, preoccupied with maintain- Maximize your giving to help reach the world for Christ ing practices in an irreligious world, have them- Stocks, bonds and mutual funds held for at least a year, which have increased in value since selves allowed God to become remote.” the time purchased, will receive extra tax savings when used as a donation. This is surely true in the academy as well as Estate Design in our churches. Often noteworthy for our great At no charge, professionals at the Great Commission Foundation can thoughts on everything but God, we are seldom help you and your financial advisor develop a strategy to meet your enraptured by the greatness of God Himself. fiscal goals minimizing taxes and maximizing Kingdom impact. “Trend two is that Christian minds have been If you need assistance, please contact our Director of Ministry Development, confused by the modern skepticism. For more Rich McGee at 214-727-6084 or [email protected]. than three centuries the naturalistic leaven in the Renaissance outlook has been working like a can- Support Faculty Commons Staff cer in Western thought…. As a result, the Bible As part of Cru, all of our staff trust God for their salary and ministry expenses. You can con- has come under heavy fire, and many landmarks tribute directly to individual staff at give.cru.org by typing their name in the search box. in historical Christianity with it.” Fast Facts: A University of Kentucky professor joined This summer two faculty and eight students Biology professor Dr. Gordon Wilson of Dr Jim Tour, Rice University, presented his UK students in Central Asia this summer from the University of Florida partnered to New Saint Andrews College joined 15 Cru testimony to 100 UNT students and profes- helping open doors for the gospel at several share the gospel with French students in students on a spring break mission trip to sors during a lecture entitled “Nanotechnol- new universities. Paris. universities in Costa Rica. ogy and Jesus Christ.” Frontlines is published by Faculty Commons, the faculty ministry of Cru. • Editor: Bonnie McGee • Writer: Ceil Wilson • Design: Rich Bostwick We want to hear from you. Please contact us via email at [email protected]. Faculty Commons, 2001 West Plano Parkway, Ste. 2700, Plano, TX 75075; Ph: 972.516.0516; Web: www.facultycommons.com