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Covenant Club Fighting for Variants Versus Vaccines: Back on Track Barcari Releases “1998” What it Means to be an Justice A COVID-19 Update After a semester off the field, New album drop from talented American How and why one campus group Lates news on efforts to quell the Covenant Sports will begin student artist Why judging based on race is combats human trafficking pandemic, vaccine distribution, competing once again un-American and coronavirus variants Page 1 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 7 COVENANT CLUB A BREAKDOWON LOCAL AUTHOR WRITES OF FIGHTING FOR OF THE LONG JUSTICE WINTER BREAK “UNSUNG HEROES” WHO by Kelli Hansen by Sara Rogers January was National Slav- After the shortened fall se- ery and Human Trafficking mester, it is no surprise that HELPED BUILD CHATTANOOGA Awareness Month, a month both students and adminis- by Jem Davenport which has been dedicated tration were excited about to raising awareness about the extended break. For Rita Lorraine Hubbard, a modern day slavery since some, the break provided a Chattanooga native, is an 2010. While many people chance to get jobs and earn influential children’s au- may not realize it, slavery some extra money; for oth- thor recognised by The New is still a prominent issue ers it gave them a chance to York Journal of Books, the both in the U.S. and abroad. take a January term class or African American Litera- During the month of Janu- hang out with their family. ture Book Club, Lee & Low ary, the United States De- Nonetheless, to many, it was Books, and other small- partment of State works definitely worth the con- er organizations as an en- to raise awareness about densed semester. couragement to students trafficking and slavery at all around the world; she embassies and consulates Emily Cothran ’22, a res- inspires people who aren’t worldwide, as well as cele- ident of Highlands hall in even the “intended audi- brate the important work of Founders, spent her break ence” with her children’s those fighting to end traf- at home in Brentwood, Ten- books. ficking. nessee, working as a deliv- ery driver for Panera Bread, Hubbard was not always a More people than ever be- which she thoroughly en- full-time children’s book Photo from thebrownbookshelf.com fore are trapped in slavery. joyed. author but was formerly a According to the Interna- special educator. With two vision is to specifically es- tion? Three of Hubbard’s tional Justice Mission, the “I liked to joke that I got published children’s books, tablish “Chattanooga as a published works focusing largest anti-slavery organi- paid to listen to music,” Co- five trade-published educa- national model for engaging on black Southerners (“Af- zation, there are currently thran said. “I spent a lot of tional books, and an enrich- everyone to be passionate rican Americans in Chatta- more than 40 million people time in my car, so obviously ing history of work besides, readers and writers.” The nooga: A History of Unsung being enslaved and exploit- I listened to a ton of music it comes as no surprise that South Bound Lecture Se- Heroes,” a trade publication, ed around the world. Slavery and a few audiobooks.” the Southern Lit Alliance ries is just one way they ac- and two children’s books, occurs in a variety of ways, would want Hubbard to be complish these things. This “The Oldest Student” and such as domestic servitude, Cothran is an Interdisci- the next speaker for their event serves to bring atten- “Hammering for Freedom”) forced labor, bonded labor, plinary Studies major with South Bound Lecture Series. tion to Southern authors, tell stories that inspire and child labor, forced marriage three concentrations: the- like recent presenter John are littered with morals. and sex trafficking. atre, philosophy, and En- On the Southern Lit Alli- Cribb and upcoming pre- glish. This semester she has ance website, the Chatta- senter Hubbard, who write “African Americans in Though there is consider- the chance of slowing down nooga-stationed organiza- about Southern history and Chattanooga: A History of able overlap between the and only taking 12 credit tion states its mission is “to issues. Unsung Heroes” tells the terms “slavery” and “hu- hours. Most of her semester deliver literary arts experi- ences that encourage people What accomplishments give to read and to write” and its reason for such an invita- CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

into action a lot of the plans on public lands and create that Biden wants to focus more off-shore energy pro- TWENTY-EIGHT EXECUTIVE ORDERS his presidency on. Under duced by wind by the year the Trump administration, 2030. the United States withdrew SIGNED BY BIDEN IN FIRST MONTH OF from the World Health Or- The energy drilling previ- ganization. Biden has used ously mentioned was re- executive order to reunite voked when Biden with- PRESIDENCY with them. He signed an ex- drew the cross-border by Hannah Urban Since the inauguration, he a regulatory process or ex- ecutive order to rejoin the presidential permit. This has been signing executive plore a policy change,” NPR Paris climate agreement, as permit had allowed the On January 20, 2021, Joseph orders and meeting with White House Correspon- a part of his pledge to get rid Keystone XL pipeline to be R. Biden Jr. gave his inaugu- Republicans and Democrats dent Tamara Keith said. Ex- of all greenhouse gas emis- finished. This pipeline was ration speech at the Capitol, to pass his proposed legis- ecutive orders are the first sions by 2035 and create a meant to carry oil sands becoming the 46th Presi- lation. In his first month of step for Biden in a much carbon-neutral country by from Alberta, Canada, into dent of the United States. In office, President Franklin longer process of passing 2050. He has also begun the Gulf Coast of America. his inauguration speech, he Delano Roosevelt signed legislation that will reverse changing many of the im- The Canadian oil sands are called Americans to unity 30 executive orders, the re- a lot of the actions President migration policies that were a large deposit of crude oil, several times. cord for the most signed in Trump took during his four created during Trump’s which is a mixture of sand, the first month in office. On years in office. presidency. water, clay, and an oil called “History, faith and reason February 3 NPR reported bitumen. show the way, the way of that Biden had signed 28 One of the first executive or- Here are just a few examples unity. We can see each oth- executive orders after being ders Biden signed required of executive action, and each It is a controversial pipe- er not as adversaries but in office for approximately the wearing of masks on of the outcomes are slowly line, because some environ- as neighbors. We can treat three weeks. federal property. Biden also becoming more specific. mental groups think that each other with dignity and encouraged all Americans fossil fuels should be left in respect… For without uni- “While these numbers are to wear masks with a “100 In terms of climate change, the ground to avoid more ty, there is no peace, only large, these actions aren’t days masking challenge.” Biden has used executive greenhouse gas emissions bitterness and fury,” Biden barrier breaking. They call orders to place a ban on that affect climate change. said. for the creation of task forc- Executive orders cannot some energy drilling in or- es, direct agencies to begin make laws, but they put der to top oil and gas leases CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 NEWS 02

something Hubbard sought of 116. has four other trade publica- of the Society of Children’s UNSUNG HEROES OF to remedy with her book. tions on a myriad of topics Book Writers and Illustra- CHATTANOOGA “Hammering for Freedom,” including playwriting, how tors and African American CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Her published children’s Hubbard’s debut children’s to pursue careers in the food Children’s Book Writers and books offer up history in a book, tells the story of Bill industry and healthcare, Illustrators, again there is often overlooked ways that different way but a way that Lewis, born into slavery in and how to get the most out little wonder as to why the African Americans built is still supplementary to the Chattanooga. From a young of large online classes. On Southern Lit Alliance has and shaped a great deal of young mind. “The Oldest age, Lewis learned to black- her website picturebookde- asked Hubbard to speak in Chattanooga’s history. An Student” tells the story of smith and became quite pot.com, she reviews chil- their lecture series. overview of the book on Mary Walker, who was born exceptional at his trade. dren’s books for parents to arcadiapublishing.com lists into slavery and freed by age This book tells his story of check out. This event is free to the Chattanooga as the location 15 but never learned how to daring, cleverness, and de- public, so register online of one of the first integrated read, despite working nu- termination—as he earned Hubbard has also won many at southernlitalliance.org police departments in the merous jobs in her life to more and more money re- awards for published and and tune in on March 18 at South and the hometown provide for her family. This pairing and making tools, unpublished works alike 6pm on Zoom to hear more of the first African Amer- book illustrates Mary’s per- he was developing a plan to and is the author of sever- about her work. ican to lead counsel on a sistence in the face of ad- free his family. al unpublished children’s Supreme Court case. Chat- versity, her tenacious spirit, books focusing on chal- tanooga obviously has a rich and her resolution to learn These are just a few of Hub- lenges that children with history that goes unnoticed, to read at the impressive age bard’s many works. She also disabilities face. A member

FIGHTING FOR JUSTICE to modern day slavery. In- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 ternational Justice Mission Shelley credits SSTOP with aims to rescue victims and alerting her to the problem strengthen justice systems of trafficking locally and man trafficking,” trafficking around the globe. Love Jus- worldwide. Now the club is technically different. It is tice International uses inter- leader, Shelley hopes that defined by the UN as “the ceptive tactics as a way to not only will the club bring recruitment, transportation, prevent vulnerable people awareness to the campus transfer, harboring or pur- from being drawn into slav- but also provide avenues for chase of persons for the sole ery in the first place. A21 students to become more purpose of exploitation.” In raises awareness and seeks involved in fighting hu- 2020, the International La- to rescue and help heal vic- man trafficking, like getting bor Organization estimated tims through aftercare pro- them connected with orga- that there were 25 million grams. nizations like IJM or Love’s victims of human trafficking Arms in Chattanooga. worldwide. The organization It’s A Pen- alty partners with celeb- “Prayer is action, but there While many people often rities and sporting events are also other things that assume that slavery and to spread awareness and you can do,” Shelley said. “If trafficking only occur in less educate people. Using big you want to act on this, you developed countries, it is events such as the Super c an .” a huge industry in the U.S. Bowl, It’s A Penalty strives as well. From 2007-2019, to reach as many people as Primarily, SSTOP’s mission the National Human Traf- possible. Love’s Arms, an or- is to bring awareness to the Photo from simplemost.com ficking Hotline identified ganization in Chattanooga, Covenant campus about the and can help you do some- involved. 63,380 cases of human traf- reaches out to women who issues of modern day slav- thing about it,” said Shelley. ficking in the United States. have been sexually enslaved ery and human trafficking. Though she admits that SS- According to Polaris, an or- to lead them to “hope and “The number one goal is SSTOP also aims to put TOP is certainly one of the ganization fighting traffick- healing” in Christ. just for people to know why awareness into action. They more serious clubs, Shelley ing, “Human trafficking is we are here and that it’s a big have partnered with Love’s highlighted the importance notoriously underreported. Covenant College also has enough problem that there Arms and participated in of it. Shocking as these numbers students participating in needs to be a club,” Shelley the Dressember campaign, are, they are likely only a the fight against trafficking said. where participants wear “There are people in this fraction of the actual prob- through a club called Stu- dresses or ties everyday in world that we can’t see lem.” dents Stopping the Traf- She emphasized the impor- December to raise mon- but the Lord does and our ficking of Persons (SSTOP). tance of awareness, noting ey and awareness. They’ve hearts, love, and our mercy These crimes go largely un- Kaity Shelley ’22 began to how it helps believers to also personally ministered and grace should extend to reported and undetected, recognize the locality of this pray for the people involved to women in Chattanooga those people that feel like but still they lurk very close problem when she joined in slavery. Once people be- through Love’s Arms, al- they’ve been forgotten, who to home. In Georgia, the the club as a freshman. come aware of the reality though COVID-19 restric- are marginalized, who are Trafficking Hotline iden- of human trafficking, they tions don’t allow it currently. on the borders. If you’re not tified 1,772 victims, 224 “Deciding to be a part of also have to decide how to trying to pay attention, you traffickers, and 68 traffick- SSTOP my freshman year respond, either by telling This semester, SSTOP is go- won’t notice… That’s why ing businesses in 2019. Ex- really opened my eyes to more people, getting in- ing to continue with club I think it’s important that ploitation is not just an in- human trafficking… I knew volved, or supporting orga- meetings and a few events. [SSTOP] is on Covenant’s ternational problem; it’s also about it before, but I knew nizations doing the difficult Their first event, Shine A campus.” a local one. about it in passing. I was work in the world. “Aware- Light On Slavery Day, is like, ‘But that won’t happen ness gives you the choice to coming up on February 25, There are numerous orga- to me. That doesn’t happen act, but also connects you to and Shelley is working on nizations working around around me,’” she said. all the people who are aware plans for getting the campus the world to bring an end

WINTER BREAK of the semester. Over break, about taking Age of Europe students felt the same; the CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Klumpenhower’s semester she spent a lot of time with with Dr. Follett and chorale break was long and enjoy- has started with her being her family, taking part in with Dr. Finch. She is look- able, but everyone missed sick off and on throughout old traditions and making ing forward to late night their home at Covenant is focused on her Capstone the first few weeks. So far new ones with her family in Blink runs as soon as she College, with its beautiful project, and in her opinion, her favorite class is also her Atlanta, Georgia. She spent has the time. sunsets, scenic hikes, and the semester is going really most difficult one: Drama a lot of her free time writ- Blink curly fries. well. Since she is a junior, Arts and Christian Thought, ing and even started learn- Torokwa said that, because Cothran has had the chance a 400-level class with a lot ing guitar. She is a music it is only her first break, she to learn from a large num- of assigned reading. In her major who is planning on doesn’t have anything to ber of professors at Cove- opinion, her semester has minoring in business and compare it to, but that “in a nant, and this semester is been “fine,” and she only is currently taking 18 cred- way I was thankful for that full of classes that she is ex- says that it has been “fine” it hours. Her busiest day because last semester was tremely excited about. because of the fact that she’s is Tuesday which is full of pretty stressful. I was burnt been sick. In her eyes, she classes, rehearsals and work. out by the end of it and real- In contrast, both Anya feels like she hasn’t experi- ly needed time off. The long Klumpenhower ’24, who enced the semester just yet. She got out of quarantine break also made me miss lives on Balcony, and Isa- on Valentine’s Day and is Covenant and my friends belle Torokwa ’24, who lives The semester has been excited to do something more so I was even more ex- on Rowan, semesters have much the same for Torok- other than watch Netflix cited to get back!” been off to a bit of a bumpy wa, who has been stuck in and classes through Panop- start. quarantine since day three to. Torokwa is most excited Overall it appears that many NEWS 03 EXECUTIVE ORDERS Arrivals program, which ular migration across the legislation is the next step. time to discover what else is CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 protects immigrants who southern border and create in store under the new ad- are brought to the US as chil- a humane asylum system... Biden is asking for spending ministration. In his inaugu- dren from being deported. [and] restore faith in our le- to include money for vac- ration speech, though, unity However, those in the oil He also revoked the plan of gal immigration system and cine distribution, upgrades was stressed as the goal. industry groups are not as the Trump administration promote integration of new to hospitals and schools, supportive. that excluded non-citizens Americans.” $1,400 stimulus checks “To all those who did not from the census count, and for many Americans, and support us, let me say this: “Killing 10,000 jobs and cancelled a Trump executive Currently, Biden is also growth in pandemic unem- hear me out as we move for- taking $2.2 billion in payroll order that made efforts to pushing a 1.9 trillion dollar ployment aid. The package ward. Take a measure of me out of workers’ pockets is deport unauthorized immi- coronavirus relief package could also include raising and my heart. And if you not what Americans need or grants more aggressive. through Congress to get it the minimum wage to $15 still disagree, so be it. That’s want right now,” said Andy approved as early as March an hour, the expansion of democracy. That’s America. Black, President and CEO of According to a White House 14, which is when the un- paid leave, help for state and The right to dissent peace- the Association of Oil Pipe- statement that went out on employment assistance localities, and financial help ably, within the guardrails of lines, in an NPR interview. February 2, the steps Biden currently in place is set to for parents. our republic, is perhaps our is taking to reform the im- expire. The Senate approved nation’s greatest strength.” In terms of immigration, migration system are as fol- the proposal along partisan A lot of legislation changes there are many executive or- lows: “Create a task force to lines on Friday, January 29. are being made in the White ders that Biden has signed. reunite families...Develop Vice President Harris was House as Biden begins his He strengthened the De- a strategy to address irreg- the tie-breaking vote. The term as president. It will take ferred Action for Childhood VARIANTS VERSUS VACCINES: A COVID-19 UPDATE by Davy Codington munity already qualify based on age and occupa- This time last year, in tion. mid- to late February, newspapers were just be- On virus variants ginning to print about a novel coronavirus that Viral illnesses are not new was spreading at a rate to humans. In fact, many of barely one thousand of us have experienced cases globally per day, as one or multiple of the fol- astonishing as that was lowing illnesses caused at the time. Today, we see by viruses: chickenpox, Photo fromnewyorktimes.com 300,000 to 500,000 cases the flu, mononucleosis per day, adding to a cu- (“mono”), stomach flu, systems, which is of chief under EUA in the U.S. cines from Pfizer and mulative case count that mumps, and shingles. concern because this was “Comirnaty” devel- Moderna, NPR reports will likely be beyond 112 While this list isn’t com- could lead to more hospi- oped by Pfizer and Bi- that roughly 12% of the million by the time this prehensive, it gives the talizations and deaths. The oNTech. The second was U.S. population has re- article goes to press. idea that viruses come more a virus replicates— developed by Moderna, ceived the first dose of with great variety. Some the more infections it Inc. Both were approved the vaccine. About 5% These numbers are diffi- viruses, such as MERS- causes—the more likely just one week apart in are fully vaccinated for cult to comprehend: they CoV, smallpox, and ebola, it is to mutate. In order mid-December. In clin- COVID-19, having re- represent a measure of loss are very deadly, with 30% to reduce the likelihood ical trials both demon- ceived their second dose. that cannot be counted. mortality or more. Other of more harmful variants strated about 95% efficacy President Biden is on These losses have touched viruses, such as those that emerging, it is important for preventing sickness track to deliver his prom- many local communities, cause the common cold, to reduce the number of from COVID-19. ised 100 million vaccine begging reflection on the are relatively harmless. infections through mask- shots within his first 100 weight of suffering. What Virus infectivity also var- ing, distancing, testing The Pfizer and Moderna days in office. steps are needed to move ies greatly, as demonstrat- and vaccinating. vaccines are both mRNA away from desensitization ed by a New York Times vaccines. The geneticReaders may wonder and passivity toward com- graph. The World Health Orga- material called mRNA when they can get the passionate alleviation? nization, the CDC and in these vaccines are in- vaccine. While the CDC In addition to fatality rate other organizations are structions. These instruc- has issued vaccine roll- Continuing in the trend and infectivity, the way a closely watching for the tions tell the body to build out recommendations, of two updates written viral disease impacts the emergence of new vari- a defense against the virus each state has adopted its last semester, this column body can also vary widely. ants and how these vari- that causes COVID-19. own protocol determin- is an attempt to report Some viruses cause skin ants behave in response Neither vaccine actually ing who to vaccinate first. to readers on pandem- disease, such as measles to public health measures. contains coronavirus par- According to the Tennes- ic highlights, including and chickenpox. Others The three variants men- ticles, so neither can give see government’s phased technological develop- cause lung disease, such tioned seem to still be you the disease. priority plan, frontline ments of treatments and as COVID-19, influen- susceptible to COVID-19 health workers, depen- vaccines, public health re- za, and viral pneumonia. vaccines, which is good While the technology for dent disabled adults, and sponse and other news on These variables character- news in the fight against making mRNA vaccines those older than 70 are the science of COVID-19. ize each disease and lead COVID-19. has not been around as receiving the vaccine first This week, I’d like to to the measures meant to long as other vaccine due to high risk of expo- provide some brief sci- stop them from spread- On vaccines technologies, it has been sure or high risk of severe ence-backed updates and ing. thoroughly trialed for illness. By March, those resources to understand According to the New potential use in vaccines. with a disabling, chronic, what is being done to al- Additionally, all virus- York Times’ Coronavi- According to the CDC, or immune-compromis- leviate and recover from es are subject to change rus Vaccine Tracker, ten mRNA vaccine technol- ing illness should be able the pandemic that defined over time. These changes vaccines for COVID-19 ogy has been explored to get the vaccine. In the 2020. are random genetic alter- are currently being used for other viral illness- months following, there is ations that usually result worldwide. Four of these es, including influenza, reason to hope that Ten- The short of it: variants in no change in the be- are approved for full use Zika, and rabies. Because nesseans in public ser- versus vaccines havior of the virus. How- and six for limited use mRNA can be produced vices such as mass transit ever, occasionally these in select countries. The in a laboratory once the will qualify for the vac- On virus variants: Three variants behave different- FDA has approved two genetic makeup of the vi- cine. variants of the virus that ly. The CDC reports that vaccines to be used in the rus is known, mRNA vac- causes COVID-19 have three important variants U.S. under Emergency cines can be developed For more information on emerged more transmis- of the novel coronavirus Use Authorization (EUA), and upscaled in relatively caseload and vaccines, sible than the original have been discovered so a status applied by the short time. COVID-19 here are two helpful pag- variant, but they are still far. Current tracking mea- presidentially-appointed mRNA vaccines were es: susceptible to the vac- sures suggest that these FDA Commissioner. EUA able to be produced in cines. variants are more trans- is usually declared in an less than a year, partially From the New York missible (contagious) emergency to approve a because this developing Times, “Coronavirus On vaccines: Two vac- than the variant currently developing medical prod- technology facilitates a World Map: Tracking the cines have been approved more widely distributed uct for use against immi- shorter timeline but also Global Outbreak,” an in- in the U.S. Both are shown in the U.S. nent chemical, biological, because billions of dollars teractive case tracker, and to prevent COVID-19 in radiological and nuclear have backed the produc- “Covid-19 Vaccine Roll- about 95% of cases. Sev- A more transmissible threat agents. tion of these vaccines. out: State by State.” eral in the Covenant com- variant could lead to in- creased pressure on health The first vaccine approved Between these two vac- SPORTS 04

their cooperation in every- Covenant athletes. The en- thing. vironment of the training room and the relationships BACK ON TRACK: COVENANT “It only takes a few to shut between the trainers and it down. Things have been athletes are great and, ac- able to continue so far for cording to the trainers, that ATHLETICS TO COMPETE IN Covenant athletes because is not always the case. they are doing their part and being smart,” said Clark. SPRING SPORTS SEASON When asked about the up- side among all the difficul- by Emily Brauer ing assistant, whose job is on college kids’ lives.” An ties that COVID-19 has to ensure that the training athletic trainer’s role is not brought, all three trainers With much excitement and room runs as smoothly as merely to help protect and expressed their thankful- anticipation, athletes re- possible. heal the bodies of athletes, ness to be working among turned to Covenant this but also to walk with them spring semester with the Before most spring seasons through the highs and lows, promise of competition at started up again, Ryan Clark both through the joys of the last. Due to COVID-19, fall sent out an email about what sport they play and through sports seasons were post- the training room would the frustrations each athlete poned until this semester. look like this semester with faces as an individual and as While the opportunity to COVID-19 restrictions. He part of a team. play again brings much joy highlighted that it was vital to athletes, coaches and for the student athletes to With all the teams the ath- fans, there are now a total of be more diligent than ever letic trainers have to man- 14 teams trying to practice about taking care of them- age this season, providing in Covenant College’s facil- selves in injury prevention effective and timely care ities. and strengthening. In or- has proved difficult as they der to be able to manage all are stretched thin as a team. As a smaller Division 3 the athletes and their needs, There are even occasions in school, this is a challenge to athletes need to be proactive the future when Covenant say the least. The dedicated about taking care of their will be required to hire out- coaches are juggling a lot bodies and not injuring side help in order to cover Photo provided by Joshua McDonald of logistics, including when themselves through overuse all the athletic events it will to book the weight rooms, or ignoring injuries. host. who gets to use which court and when, and keeping their As a department, the ath- COVID-19 has added even athletes in good physical letic trainers office goal this more onto the trainers’ full condition to avoid injuries. semester is to serve all the plates. Athletes will need to sports teams effectively and be tested and the paperwork One department in partic- efficiently, while still main- and management required ular is being pushed to the taining the good person- for this responsibility have limits: the athletic trainers al contact required in the fallen onto the shoulders office. The team is -com health profession. of the trainers and coaches. posed primarily of three Trying to keep the training experienced and caring When asked why she de- room and sports seasons trainers: Ryan Clark, Lydia cided to become an athletic running smoothly has been McGee, and Meredith Zin- trainer in the first place, Mc- and will continue to be a ke. They are also assisted by Gee said that, “being an ath- challenge, but the trainers trainers in training and Phil letic trainer provides the op- are really excited for the Photo provided by Joshua McDonald Pennington, athletic train- portunity to have an impact athletes and grateful for all

ARTS BACARI RELEASES “1998” by Emily Robertson stories. at the center of his life and his art. You may know Armon “‘1998’ is uniquely me. I Butler ’21 from his Moun- took all my hurt and was “I wouldn’t be anywhere tain Affair performance able to express my neg- without God. I feel like in the fall of 2019. But- ative and positive emo- God is paving a way for ler’s performance of his tions–every song is vul- my music. Even though original song, Black on nerable to me. It was like I’ve experienced a lot of Black, won him second a self-therapy session,” he criticism (because my place, and he’s continued said. music is explicit), I be- to make music ever since. lieve I can glorify God in Butler is a business major the way I work because I Under his stage name Bar- and looks forward to en- work so hard. I feel like it’s cari, Butler has released tering into the field of -fi all about where my heart multiple singles, as well nancial consulting. How- is. I also know I can glo- as an entire album called ever, he would love to rify God with how I use Photo from Bacari on Spotify “1998,” which came out make music his full time whatever money I do earn on January 7, 2021. career. from music.” “Dulce Periculum,” was honest with him. released on Valentine’s Butler began writing po- “I want to always prog- “1998” is Butler’s self-pro- Day, and he aims to re- “She taught me that it’s etry around age six, but ress in creating music and claimed biggest musical lease his next album by okay to voice my vulnera- it wasn’t until high school work on marketing and success because of all the the beginning of March – bility. She’s given me a lot that he got a laptop and networking. By the time I time and dedication it this album’s title and song of advice on dealing with accompanying music soft- graduate, I want to know took to create. He’s happy names will all be in Latin. my thoughts and emo- ware to create beats. Cov- my fanbase better, espe- to have completed a full tions, and without that, enant alum Nabil Ince ’18 cially in different states album because it gives Butler specifically shouts this album wouldn’t be (also known as the artist so I know how to cater to his fans a lot more con- out his friend Victoria what it is.” Seaux Chill) gave Butler them.” tent to listen to. He wants De Lima ’24, who curat- his first mic and encour- his fans to know he has ed “1998,” disapproving You can stream “1998” aged him to make music. The most important thing a lot of momentum right and approving of songs on Apple Music or Spoti- This led him to extend to Butler in his creative now, since his number of throughout the creation fy, and you can stay up to himself into recording process is to always make streams and listeners are of the album. date on his projects via his and producing–which he music for himself and not increasing, and he feels Instagram: @bxrcari. does all by himself. lose his drive. He also more consistent in work- He also thanks Becca wants to grow in his de- ing on his music. Moore, Coordinator of “1998” is the culmination pendence on God and Student Success, whom he of a lot of emotions and keep remembering God is His most recent single, can always count on to be ARTS 05

a couple he’d never met. Charles glanced up from lack thereof) of pop music. Charles had introduced the bread-basket, and she “If you had to be a creative himself, shook some hands, was smiling. The husband work would you be a novel “CHARLES” promptly forgotten some laughed and started talking or a painting?” raised a cer- Short Story by Helen Shack- mentioned that they’d had names, and was sitting awk- about the flight speeds of tain amount of confusion, elford this conversation an hour wardly picking at the bread- peregrine falcons, and his but also a fascinating dis- previously, and he’d wal- sticks. stint as a bird-watcher in cussion on communication Charles always hated meet- lowed in the embarrassment college, and then it evolved and art. ing people. for the next six months. A Maybe he was overtired, into a conversation about tad melodramatic, perhaps, or not thinking clearly, or a disastrous camping trip He didn’t treasure up faces He didn’t have anything but to Charles, entirely rea- some fae had stolen his in- and three bald eagles, and or facts. If you asked him against people, as a rule. sonable. If such a faux pas hibitions while the wait- by the time the salads ar- who he’d met at his sister’s He enjoyed a good con- wasn’t the end of the world, ress seated them. Because rived everyone was laugh- 27th birthday party, he versation, and there was it was the next worst thing. he looked up at the woman ing. And when it came time couldn’t tell you. But he had something delightful about across the table (Mrs. Some- to say goodnight, and there stories. People liked tell- shaking someone’s hands And even when you met thing-or-other) and said was more shaking of hands, ing stories, and thus, they and presenting himself in people, it didn’t feel like you with perfect confidence, “If Charles still couldn’t re- seemed to like him too. all the unspoken things: his were meeting them at all. you had wings what would member the woman’s name, zealously shined shoes, and You got a dry list of facts, they look like?” but he did know that she tiger-print tie, and the smile prepared for the occasion. wanted fairy wings the color It didn’t entirely remove the he practiced in front of the Job? Insurance. Wife? No, “What?” of a sunrise, and that felt like twist of fear that came with front-hall mirror before he no, still a bachelor *insert far more meaningful knowl- walking into a room with left the house. But every - some oft-repeated joke.* The Self-consciousness returned edge to him. fifty strangers or getting in- thing after that? Pure tor- weather? He missed Califor- in full force. He made eye vited to the office Christmas ture. nia. It was mind-numbing. contact with the breadsticks. After that, he started asking party, but it helped. No lon- He went to a wedding re- They seemed judgmental. people questions. ger was Charles the silent His particular weakness was ception, talked to a hundred “If you had wings. Like, to statue in a suit jacket, grip- remembering names, and strangers, exchanged the fly with. What would they “Where did you get that ping his cup like a lifeline even when he thought he same pleasantries and bullet look like?” ring?” he asked the grand- and praying no one made remembered, the crippling points of condensed infor- mother who introduced eye-contact, and wondering fear that he might be wrong, mation and small talk, and The woman stared. Her hus- herself after the Sunday ser- how long it would be until and he might call someone walked away as empty and band cleared his throat. The vice and then took him to he could leave without be- by the wrong name… better awkward as ever. breadsticks said now you re- get coffee, producing a tale ing rude. He was never the to avoid human beings alto- ally look like an idiot don’t of a husband lost at sea a life of the party—he never gether. It was the same with Thus, Charles became a col- you? decade ago, who had raised would be—but he was good faces. One humiliating day lector of the odd and unusu- parrots for a hobby and at helping everyone else he’d introduced himself to al icebreaker. “I think…” Mrs. Some- taught them all to sing the shine, and smile, and tell a new acquaintance twice, thing-or-other said dream- State Anthem of the USSR. their tales. after having promptly for- It started like this. A friend ily, “they’d be like fairy “Was there ever a song that gotten their name, face, and had invited him to dinner, wings. All pink and glittery, got stuck in your head for And really, that was more last conversation. He’d re- at a shabby Olive Garden y’know? Like stained glass.” ages?” sparked a heated dis- than enough. membered after she’d gently on the far side of town, with cussion on the merits (and DESPITE PANDEMIC, TAYLOR SWIFT CONTINUES

TO EXPAND CULTURAL IMPACT 1955 2020 by Emma Luke judgment from me). Swift Swift explained her creative ing songs. To try and put it started off the new decade process behind “folklore” more poetically, it feels like It is no secret that Taylor strong with an earth-shat- by saying, “In isolation my we were standing on the Swift is a global phenome- teringly introspective and imagination has run wild edge of the folklorian woods non. She has released nine thought-provoking docu- and this album is the result.” and had a choice: to turn albums over the course of mentary, “Miss Americana,” and go back or travel further her career and has managed that Netflix aired in January Full of surprises, Swift an - into the forest of this music.” to effortlessly transition be- and which The New York nounced on social media tween different genres to Times called “85 minutes on November 24 that she “Evermore” is every bit as Sarah Dreher create an empire of pop, of translucence with Taylor had collaborated with Dis- magical as its sister, “folk- Editor In Chief country, and indie music. Swift.” “Miss Americana” ney Plus and was releasing lore.” Full of songs so sad I’m sure you’re wondering allowed Swift to address all a film called “folklore: the they could coax a tear out why I’ve taken to The Bag- the ways that she had been long pond studio sessions.” of Ebenezer Scrooge’s eyes Leif Le Mahieu pipe to discuss her success— mistreated by the media and She and some of her col- pre-Christmas ghosting, it Managing Editor don’t worry. I’m simply en- gave Swift the room to share laborators on “folklore” is not an album for chasing suring that by the time you her story on her own terms. played through the album away the blues. However, finish reading this article, and discussed the meaning it also includes whimsical you will be as obsessed with 2020 was also a year that behind each song, revealing songs that entice every lis- Shelby Farrar her as I am. brought us such masterful, the magical, endless depths tener to search out groups Layout Editor poignant and heart-wrench- of Swift’s creativity and tal- of dancing nymphs in dark Swift left the 2010s on a ingly beautiful music from ent. The film received 100% woods, and nostalgic lyrics high. She had just released Swift that, if we were pagans from Rotten Tomatoes, that inexplicably invoke a her paradisiacal seventh al- living in Ancient Greece, we which was truly an under- yearning for the past. Hannah Urban News bum, “Lover,” which earned would have no choice but to statement. Watching “folk- Emma Luke Arts her six American Music recognize her as all of the lore: the long pond studio According to Billboard, the Awards. According to The nine Muses wrapped into sessions” is like watching a release of “evermore” en- Henri Lowe Opinions Guardian, this brought her one. An unstoppable force monarch butterfly unfold sured Taylor Swift’s queenly Nate Castillo Sports total number of AMAs to of nature, talent, and genius, its wings and fly for the first reign over the music indus- 29, which beat out Michael Swift dropped two surprise time—every mesmerizing try. “Evermore” and “folk- Mary Haynes Copy Jackson’s previous record studio-length albums in one lyric of each song takes you lore” respectively became Joshua McDonald Photo of 24. Having created the year. further into the achingly the top one and two albums Kyle Kraus Web soundtrack that defined the beautiful summer air. of the Billboard Top Album 2010s, Swift was also named Swift took to her Instagram Sales Chart, which made Sara Rogers Staff Writer Artist of the Decade at the page on July 23 and released While “folklore” was still Swift the first woman to Kelli Hansen Staff Writer AMAs. the album cover for her busy dominating the en- ever have held the top two eighth studio album, “folk- tirety of the music indus- albums simultaneously. Davy Codington Staff Writer Those unfamiliar with Tay- lore,” with a heartfelt cap- try, shattering millions of Addi McAuley Distribution lor Swift might be wonder- tion directed towards her records and expectations Even as 2020 came to a close ing—how could Swift possi- fans: “Tonight at midnight and sending every per- and a new year dawned, bly top a decade of pouring I’ll be releasing my entire son who listened to it into Swift continued to roll out out her heart into Shake- brand new album of songs a cardigan-buying frenzy, reasons why she is the only spearean-level lyrical mas- I’ve poured all of my whims, Swift shocked her massive artist that matters in all terpieces? Surely her career dreams, fears, and musings fanbase with yet anoth- of the music industry. On Dr. Jay Green must have become stunted into.” Upon its release, “folk- er surprise. On December February 11, 2021, she an- Faculty Advisor in this new decade. Surely lore” quickly began climb- 10, she once again took to nounced that she will be there was nowhere else for ing the charts—according to social media to reveal that releasing a re-recorded ver- her to go. Music Business Worldwide, she’d written another album sion of her second album, For inquiries or comments, please contact “folklore” was streamed 80.6 and was releasing it at mid- “Fearless.” Swift cannot be Sarah Dreher at Well, if you find yourself million times on Spotify in night. This new album, “ev- stopped—she is an unstop- [email protected]. This is a Covenant College student publi- asking that question, you its first 24 hours, the largest ermore,” became her ninth pable force of musical tal- cation. The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the college or the clearly lived under a rock debut by a female artist in studio album. ent, lyrical ingenuity, and student body. in 2020 (which would be Spotify history. “Folklore” iconic bridges. All hail Miss understandable consider- is a triumphant, bewitch- Swift wrote, “To put it plain- Americana. ing the year we had, so no ing masterpiece of 17 songs. ly, we just couldn’t stop writ- ARTS 06 A RUNDOWN OF 2021 GOLDEN GLOBE NOMINATIONS by Mally Bright vision and I will not ac- war. Lee used different in Korean, so it is in the lead role in a movie that is cept any questions about actors as the younger ver- foreign film category, ac- about gay rights in Amer- Trigger warning: Some it. sions for each main cast cording to Variety and ica. People were originally of the movies/shows ad- member for the flashback Rotten Tomatoes. upset at the movie release dressed in this article in- Now I need to address the scenes, showing a degree and are now further riled clude descriptions of sexu- casualties of the nomi- of separation between However, “Minari”’ is an up at Corden’s nomina- al assault. nees. One of the biggest past and present. The late American movie. Thetion. snubs of the season was Chadwick Boseman ap- movie itself is about the The 2021 Golden Globe the shut-out of the HBO pears in another great role American experience of The other biggest joke of nominations came out on drama “I May Destroy in this movie. immigrants and shows this award season revolves February 3 on ABC’s web- You,” as well as the main the real world aspects of around the Netflix show site and were met with star, writer, and producer The biggest impact, ac- immigrant life in 1980s “Emily in Paris,” accord- mixed reviews. Like any Michaela Coel. Reviews cording to Rolling Stone America. Despite being ing to just about every avid movie and TV fan, I of the show are, for the Magazine, of “Da 5 publicly released on Feb- news source like Buzzfeed have lots of thoughts and most part, overwhelm- Bloods” is the light shed ruary 12, critics praise the or The New York Times. feelings about the nomi- ingly positive, emphasiz- on Black voices during family aspect of the movie If you haven’t seen it, you nations. I will start with ing the relatable storyline the Vietnam War. Hol- and its depiction of Amer- have not missed anything. the good, because all is and the overall tone of lywood has historically ican life. People are now Not only was Lily Collins not hopeless in the world. the show, as well as what shown predominantly crying out that “Minari” nominated for best lead should be, as The New White voices in movies should have been nomi- actress in a TV series mu- Out of the five director York Times described, about Vietnam, so Lee us- nated for best picture in- sical or comedy, but the nominations, three were Coel’s award-winning ing an almost fully Black stead of foreign film for its show itself was nominat- women: Emerald Fennell performance. cast shows an underrepre- artful topic, cinematogra- ed for best comedy or mu- for “Promising Young sented side of the war. Lee phy, and overall perfor- sical TV series. Woman,” Regina King “I May Destroy You” fol- also has been praised for mances. for “One Night in Mi- lows Coel as Arabella, an his depiction of people in Collins did a fine job as ami,” and Chloe Zhao for aspiring writer who goes Vietnam after the war and Now there are two actu- Emily, but her perfor- “Nomadland.” Further- out one night and then their voices and feelings al nominees that should mance, and the show as more King and Zhao are wakes up again at her lap- after the destruction and leave a bad taste in every- a whole, was nothing to women of color, further top with only a memory hardship they faced. one’s mouth. James Cord- write home about. It was diversifying the category, of a man looming over en was nominated for his not an award winning which has of course his- her in a bathroom stall. I According to the Gold- role in the Netflix musical show.“Emily in Paris” is torically been dominated personally have not seen en Globes website, a film movie “The Prom,” which a fluff of a show with no by white men. the show, but I under- with 51% of the dialogue was overall met with emotional impact on any stand the significance of in another language than mixed reviews. Cord- viewer, especially those Chadwick Boseman was having a show about the English is put in the for- en has been criticized by who have been to Paris. posthumously nominated aftermath of a sexual as- eign film category. “Mi- outlets like the Los An- for best actor in a drama sault especially from the nari,” a movie following geles Times for what they This year’s Golden Globes motion picture for “Ma voice of a Black woman. a Korean family as they see as a stereotypical and nominations were a true Rainey’s Black Bottom,” move to Arkansas and try offensive portrayal of a mix of hope and disap- which delighted audience Coel is best known from to live out the American gay character. Corden is pointment. Let’s just hope members and longtime her comedic Netflix show dream, is predominantly straight and played a gay that the winners are wor- fans of Boseman espe- “Chewing Gum,” but af- thy of the award. cially after his death in ter Coel was sexually as- August 2020. I personally saulted herself, she wrote was delighted to see Andy “I May Destroy You” and Samburg nominated for helped direct and pro- his role in “Palm Springs” duce it as well. Not only on Hulu, which I high- was Coel not nominated ly recommend to anyone for best actress in a drama who loves a time loop TV series, “I May Destroy movie and the beach. You” was not nominated for anything at all, a true “Schitt’s Creek” was nom- tragedy today when audi- inated for best comedy ences need to lift up and TV show as well as every elevate victims’ voices. member of the fictional Rose family being nom- Another snub was Spike inated either main or Lee’s Vietnam War movie supporting actor/actress “Da 5 Bloods” which fol- and rightly so. Catherine lows four Black Vietnam O’Hara as Moira Rose veterans going back to is the best thing that has Vietnam to find the gold happened to comedy tele- they buried during the Photo from beautifulballad.org

A PRAYER FOR LATE NIGHT STUDYING BY: SLOANE HOPKINS O Lord, who neither sleeps nor slumbers, guide my mind as I work to befriend faithfulness away tonight. Lord, show me the meaning of diligence—to work and labor faithfully, When this assignment seems unreasonably overwhelming, calm my to work as unto you, and to find myself loving you more deeply through anxious mind. this learning.

When my eyes get bleary, sustain my focus. And Lord, lastly, if I reach the point of diminishing returns, grow too weary to be productive, or just really need to rest, give me the peace to When I’m trying to discern whether to push through or put down my lay this assignment aside, trusting that you have worked in me, and that work, give me discernment by your Spirit. your grace is made perfect in my weakness.

O Lord who is the author of all wisdom and goodness and knowledge, Thank you that my worth and value lie not in this work, or its eventual help me to apply what I have learned to the work in front of me. grade, but in your love for me.

Rid my mind of distractions and things that would pull me away from And so: amen. the work you have given me to do, and help me to learn what it means OPINIONS 07

lines, we will receive an ever greater awareness of None of this is meant to the ways in which life with deny the fact that college “RULES, SEX, AND Jesus is so much better than students are indeed sexual anything else. We can’t find beings. It’s okay. God in- the best way to live on our tended that. He’s cool with own; it’s unbelievably gra- it. He knows. Due to the RESPONSIBILIITY” WAS cious of the Lord to give us broken nature of sexuality, guidelines that increase our we can experience much flourishing and protect us guilt and shame around this from ourselves. topic, but with a robust the- BANANAS. LETS TALK ABOUT IT ology of sex and sexuality, by Sloan Hopkins and bear to varying degrees in not logistically prevent sex- Where is the wisdom in get- we don’t need to be afraid Peter Ton our lives. As a result of the ual activity from occurring, ting rid of rules just because of facing this area of our Fall, all parts of our lives are its next priority should be they’re hard for us to follow? lives. We can learn about it, When an article from last is- touched by brokenness. to maintain an edifying Plus, the 90°door rule isn’t ask questions, seek wisdom, sue of The Bagpipe remind- and enriching environment hard to get around if you share our experiences with ed us that students have sex This is not to say that if you on campus in general…the really want to. In effect, the trusted friends, and use this on Covenant’s campus, our struggle with sexual sin 90° door rule should be re- anonymous author already time of abstaining from sex response couldn’t possibly you need to be ashamed m ov e d .” has what they want. Closed as a beautiful opportunity to be contained to one of three and freak out and lose doors are rarely checked on learn what it means to die to narrow definitions. Ouryour mind. You can start As we all know, rules alone during rounds (RA here, self day in and day out. emotions ran the gamut, be- by bringing your struggle do little to protect us from can verify). As always, rule cause this is a highly sensi- to Jesus. He’s great! As the the damage of sin; we need following comes down to In summation, the college’s tive issue that affects many author pointed out, we are something more. As Sam the heart. Standards of Conduct are people. Everyone on this inherently sexual beings. Allberry says in his book necessary, but they can’t campus experiences sexual As the author neglected to “Why Does God Care Who Secondly, rather than hide save us from sin. That’s not struggles to some degree. mention, our sexuality is I Sleep With?,” “Trying to our sin, we must run into their purpose anyway. Only And so, while the author’s broken, and we all need help reduce the opportunity for the arms of our Savior. If Jesus can do that. He is the woeful account of our sex- with that. sin is no bad thing, but on sex was the only thing of- only one who can provide ual responsibility wasn’t at its own it massively misses fering us joy and fulfillment, clarity when we wrestle with all accurate, it wasn’t com- And so on to our points: the point: the issue is our it would be very tempting these difficult topics. And pletely baseless either, and as people who are sinful, hearts” (75). We are all sin- to do whatever necessary some day, much sooner this reality should be taken guidelines and community ners. That’s why rules by to hang on to it. But good than many of us realize, we seriously. accountability are helpful, themselves don’t work— news: we have Jesus! The will be completely free from not harmful. Secondly, we they can’t give us new hearts, idea that our campus will all manner of temptations In this article we aim to need Jesus even more than and they can’t help us once be enriched by shoving our and struggles. What a God critique the original arti- we need rules (as we said, we fall short. sexual misdeeds deeper into we belong to! cle, and make two points of he’s great!), and rather than darkness is a dangerous lie. our own. But first, we want hiding in shame, we can However, Covenant’s rules We really just have to turn P.S. Sexual sin often affects to put a name to the face turn to him because he loves do reflect the wisdom of to Jesus. According to him, more than one person. of what the original author us. God’s Word and help orient the best solution is to con- If someone has sexually shared. Extra-marital sex, us to all the goodness there fess sin, bringing it into the sinned against you, please and other unbiblical sexual Our article will primarily is to be found in healthy, light where it loses the vast reach out to Becca Moore: activity, falls into the catego- focus on the following quote Christian community, not majority of its power (un- becca.moore@covenant. ry of sin. This is not a harsh, from “Rules, Sex, and Re- to mention the even deep- like Jesus, “republican eco- edu. It’s not your fault, and judgmental or aggressive sponsibility:” er goodness to be found in nomics” can’t tell us how to sincere help is available. call-out statement. It’s a sad walking closely with Jesus. be godly with our sexual ex- truth that we all have to “Given that the college can- In abiding by the guide- pression).

To be American means giving circumstances and actions. up race as your primary iden- This doesn’t require the abol- tity to unite around something ishment of race, but, rather, WHAT IT MEANS TO BE AMERICAN better. An American believes its subjugation to something by Evan Elliot with multiple strands of White American people signed the we are equal before God to live better. culture, I have noticed that Declaration of Independence. freely. Anyone who values race over One of The Bagpipe’s recent White people avoid speaking Many of them were slavehold- Today, we see a backlash the American ideal trades our issues featured an article ti- in racial terms. In every inter- ers. against that ideal, stemming national birthright for another tled, “What Does it Mean to action I’ve experienced with These flawed men wrote the from our fallen and innately idea that is old, tribal and cor- be White?” It argued that “the White people, whether sub- sentence that best sums up tribal nature. Intellectualized rupting. All Americans should primary mark of being White urban businessmen, Southern the American ideal: “We hold leftist race theory and far-right claim their God-given right to is being blind to White culture firefighters or college students, these truths to be self-evident, white nationalism hold this in be judged on merit, virtue and and the effects of being White,” I have never once heard some- that all men are created equal, common: they judge people on the truth. and that the “effects of being one say, “I am proud to be that they are endowed by their race, not character. White’’ are privilege and a lack White.” Creator with certain unalien- It is easy to see why. Judgment of cultural awareness stem- It makes sense. Why should able Rights, that among these based on race is simple. If you ming from an almost complete someone be proud of their are Life, Liberty and the pur- buy into such theories, you can lack of culture. race? It’s not something they suit of Happiness.” tell by someone’s skin color I won’t address all the ins choose. This statement didn’t affect whether they are one of us or and outs of White culture. What I have heard said is, “I all Americans at the time, but one of them, privileged or op- I’ll also leave various praises am proud to be an American.” Martin Luther King Jr. called pressed, perceptive or blind; it and critiques of “White cul- Nearly every society unites it “a promissory note to which is morally upright to choose ture”—grilling, lawn mowing around a shared race or tribe, every American was to fall the hard road of judging peo- and privilege—for later. Most but America is different. One heir.” The best of American ple as individuals, weighing importantly, I won’t write to is born into a tribe or race, but history has shown a striving and sorting their intentions, defend the White “tribe” from being American consists of toward greater equality and the charge of blindness. That accepting an idea. America is freedom. would only fuel the wildfires of different from many nations in In a political echo of the Bi- race-based division and trib- that its government is founded ble’s “there is neither Jew nor alism. I am writing a response on a philosophical document, Greek, slave nor free, male nor to the increasing popularity of rather than a naturally oc- female, for you are all one in ideologies that lead to defining curring culture. The fact that Christ Jesus,” the American HEY! people primarily around race nearly all residents of Ameri- ideal transcends race with the that seem to be gaining pop- ca either are or are descended philosophy and values of the ularity in the forms of White from immigrants implies that Declaration of Independence. WANT TO HAVE A PUBLISHED ARTICLE ON YOUR nationalism on the far right being American is a choice. To look at life in terms of RESUME, AND $20 IN YOUR POCKET? and critical race theory on the The American ideal was artic- “Whiteness” and to judge peo- far left. ulated on July 4, 1776, when 56 ple based on race is un-Amer- In my time living and working White representatives of the ican. EMAIL ONE OF OUR EDITORS WITH YOUR STORY IDEA!

NEWS: HANNAH URBAN SPORTS: NATE CASTILLO ARTS: EMMA LUKE OPINIONS: HENRI LOWE Photo from wikipedia.com OPINIONS 08

completely in control. you wherever you go. In Revelation, the saints’ souls What peace we have when we IS GOD SOVEREIGN OVER SUFFERING? under the altar cry, “How know that even as man makes by Kalyn Stang one of two extremes: either find rest knowing that God is long?” God answers them, his own decisions, God is still God is sovereign and doesn’t in fact both completely in con- “Rest a little longer, until the in control, and even as God is It’s incredible to think how care about suffering, or God is trol and cares about us in our number of [your] brothers sovereign in an evil world, He many months have passed loving and suffering is beyond suffering. should be complete” (Revela- never ceases to be perfectly since we got that first email His control. Both answers tion 6:10-11). I like to imagine loving and to mourn with us in saying Covenant College leave us frustrated, because In my longing for a more us in the same way. We know our pain. It could be that 2021 would be online for a semes- each minimizes one aspect satisfying answer to such a that nothing is outside of God’s won’t be any better than 2020. ter because of COVID-19, and of God’s character in order to weighty question, it’s the sto- control, so we cry, How long? Maybe it will be, but either how many things have hap- preserve the other. ry of Lazarus that shocked me How long until this virus stops way we know that even if we pened since then. The world the most. Before Jesus raised wreaking havoc and the world can’t understand it perfectly, seems to be spinning out of I have to stop and wonder if Lazarus from the dead, He saw stops being at odds with it- we don’t have to, because God control, and I think every sin- we’re so intent on preserving Mary weeping and, instead self? How long until the pain knows, cares, and is sover- gle one of us has had plenty God’s character that in seeking of stopping her from crying, in this world goes away? Then, eign. We trust Him, and that’s of those moments of feeling to explain it, we actually min- Jesus Himself “was deeply His eyes filled with both pain enough. exasperated and disappointed imize it. In looking back on moved in… spirit and great- and love, God whispers, Child, by all the craziness, wondering this past year, I have to won- ly troubled.” Then, He wept, I feel your pain. For now, this “For my thoughts are not your when or if it will ever end. der if, just as God hardened gut-wrenching, heartfelt weep- world will continue to hurt un- thoughts, neither are your ways Pharaoh’s heart and Pharaoh ing (John 11:33-35). He knew der the Curse because before I my ways, declares the Lord. Whether thinking about re- hardened his own heart (Ex- He was about to raise Lazarus, return more people have yet to For as the heavens are higher cent news or just the world in odus 8:32, 9:12), God is com- and yet He saw Mary’s pain and become my children. But when than the earth, so are my ways general, it’s only natural that pletely in control and people wept with her. Whatever 2021 I come back, there will be jus- higher than your ways and my deep inside we long to know are still completely responsible may hold, just as God mourn- tice. I’ll wipe away every tear thoughts than your thoughts.” the answer to the question: for their actions. It is in that ed with Mary over Lazarus’s and pain will be no more (Rev- Isaiah 55:8-9 Why would God allow this? sort of assurance that, even death, He deeply mourns with elation 21:4). In the meantime, Often, our answer falls into amid all the craziness, we can us in our pain, while still being stay strong because I’m in con- trol. I love you and I’ll be with

Obviously, the public is un- reliable in terms of making CAPITALISM WAS BUILT FOR DICTATORSHIP policy decisions, and experts by Elias Vedders stead of many, they learn to do economic concepts. Typical- required to really make an in- become neutered in the pro- that one thing very well. ly they prattle on about what formed decision? We simply cess, but why must we resort Capitalism has been champi- they’ve heard from politicians cannot expect them to know to a dictatorship? Despite oned, largely, by democracy. This idea has been beneficial and news pundits, who also everything. We must rely on its many problems (such as We take it for granted that cap- not only to capitalist systems often don’t know what econo- conventional wisdom, which its terrible history, frequent italism exists only in democra- but to communist ones as mists really say. In a democra- presents a host of problems. abuses of power, and the is- cies. When we think of dicta- well. It has brought incredi- cy where, theoretically, policy sue of peaceful transfers of torships, we think of socialist ble increases in standards of decisions are decided by the Kenneth Galbraith in his book power), a dictatorship does experiments like the USSR or living across the board. Today majority, how can they really “The Affluent Society” said, allow experts to specialize Mao’s China. If not that, we specialization has increased make an informed decision “To a very large extent, of and really use their knowl- think of despotic dictators so much that it is possible to if they don’t understand what course, we associate truth with edge. In a dictatorship, pub- abusing the populace of re- make $40,000 to $50,000 a year they’re deciding on? convenience—with what most lic thoughts on an individ- source-rich countries to bene- rolling blunts for Snoop Dogg, closely accords with self-in- ual policy matter much less. fit themselves. I am beginning as he revealed in an interview Now I hear your complaints: terest and personal well-be- China has been weaponizing to question these assumptions on the Howard Stern Show. To “Elias, if that’s the issue, we ing or promises best to avoid what is essentially a dictator- more and more, and beginning even understand what experts just need to get more people awkward effort or unwelcome ship to explosively grow their to consider that perhaps capi- are talking about in a specific through college so they can dislocation of life.” To use his economy for several decades talism can really only function field requires at least an under- understand better.” But that’s words succinctly, the “hall- now; they can utilize what- in a dictatorship. graduate degree, if not higher. the problem: we simply can’t mark of conventional wisdom ever tools are needed to grow Furthermore, as our under- do that. The renaissance man is acceptability”—not truth, the country. Experts can be Before I go any further, I would standing of the world increas- has long since died, and spe- or really even wisdom, but ac- experts and don’t have to wa- like to clarify that this is not a es, we should only expect this cialization has killed him. ceptability. It is often too dif- ter down their work or try to commentary on capitalism as trend to continue towards the ficult and taxing for people to explain it in terms that are an economic system nor is it extreme. To illustrate my point, I will really understand everything, understandable to the com- a commentary on the current use one of my friends who is so they simply stick to “con- mon individual. political climate here in Amer- What does all of this have to a forestry major, and his girl- ventional wisdom.” ica. This is a purely theoretical do with democracy? Democ- friend, who is in wildlife man- Dictatorships can utilize concept that I have developed racy relies on the masses. It’s agement. Talking to them, I Experts are not exempt from capitalism’s advantages and inside my own head with its as simple as that. Over the realize that they feel the same this either. In fact, they perpet- minimize these disadvantag- own flaws and blindspots. summer, I work for my dad way in their own fields. I lis- uate the problem because they es. Granted, before America washing residential windows ten to them, and I learn, but also need public support. “An truly becomes a dictatorship, Since Adam Smith, the mod- in Nashville, so I generally talk I can never understand their expert whose argument reeks there are myriads of other ern capitalist system, and the to many of our clients. Since area of expertise as well as they of restraint or nuance often issues with the political sys- not so modern one, has relied I’m currently in college, they can. Sure, when elections roll doesn’t get much attention. tem that must be addressed on what he calls the “division tend to ask, “What are you around I can ask them what An expert must be bold if he beforehand. However, if we of labor.” Simply put, the di- studying?” Invariably I reply, they think on a certain topic, hopes to alchemize his home- want capitalism to perform at vision of labor is the idea that “Economics,” and they make a but that’s one field out of the spun theory into conventional its peak, perhaps it’s time to when people specialize they lot of assumptions about what thousands that exist. How can wisdom,” according to Steven give dictatorial regimes a sec- become more productive. As I believe. Most of these peo- we expect the average Joe to D. Levitt in his book “Freak- ond chance. people focus on one thing in- ple do not really understand obtain the requisite knowledge anomics.”

to the God of Israel. WHAT’S THE GOAL? RE-EXAMINING SINGLENESS IN CHURCH What compels her to do this? Naomi lost her husband and by Ellie Wilkey that there are views within the tiply.” How could we go out are not using that position to sons because they sinned by church that make marriage and make disciples of all na- faithfully and urgently ensure leaving Israel, and yet, when I recently read a sociologi- more idolized and singleness tions if nations aren’t even be- that every tongue confesses she loses her family, her re- cal study that examined the more isolating. ing born? and every knee bows, we are sponse is to return to the God changing views on mile- being outright disobedient. whom she feels has turned stones that define adulthood Now, I want to pause. I am sin- Along with this, although against her. Ruth is seeing her in America. In the 1950s, one gle, and it is important to me it’s significant that Christ re- I want to also take a moment faith. Ruth is seeing her loyal- such milestone included mar- that I do not present this from a mained single in his ministry, to examine the life of Naomi, ty. Ruth is seeing her God. She riage. In fact, one’s ability to place of cynicism or bitterness. should we not also consider the mother-in-law of Ruth. pursued what she saw to be perform within their designat- This isn’t an article meant to the fact that he was actually The book of Ruth is a turning Naomi’s only remaining bit of ed familial role was the defin- ask for sensitivity from cou- born into a family, not simply point in the Old Testament, hope. While Naomi remained ing feature of an adult. ples. My goal isn’t really even placed on this earth? These are marking the end of the judges’ a widow for the rest of her life, Today, researchers have found to encourage single people. I pretty obvious questions, but rule and the beginning of the her faithfulness to the Lord led that the most important mile- actually feel very strongly that I think they create a subcon- monarchical line leading to to Ruth marrying her kins- stones to adulthood are con- the reason we find this topic so scious understanding in the Christ. Many of us who were man redeemer and opening sidered to be completing painful is because we focus on Church—marriage is incredi- raised in the Church know the door for our Kinsman Re- school and having a full-time the wrong thing. I would ask bly important. It is. However, this story, and we tend to fo- deemer. Even in suffering and job. Surely we can attribute this that we, the church, redirect I want to look again at Jones’ cus on Ruth. I have been to loss, the Lord is using us, and shift to the rise of feminism our focus from the status of book, where she reminds us of very few weddings where her he will use our faithfulness to and individualism in modern our relationships to our role in Paul’s call for us to remain celi- words, “For where you go I change hearts. America, and the church is the Great Commission. bate in 1 Corinthians 7. will go, and where you lodge not immune to these cultural I will lodge. Your people shall While there are areas in which shifts. As Christ commanded all be- She said, “Paul expects all of us be my people, and your God single people have experienced However, I do question wheth- lievers before his ascension, who are in Christ to live with my God” (Ruth 1:16) are not hurt within the Church, the er this study would have found “Therefore go and make dis- an urgency born of our faith read. Yet, these words were response should not be sensi- the same results had they ciples of all nations, baptizing that the kingdom is coming, spoken not to her spouse, but tivity. Instead, as the Body of only asked Reformed believ- them in the name of the Father that Christ will return, and to Naomi. Ruth had just lost Christ, let’s redirect our focus ers. In her book “Faithful: A and of the Son and of the Holy that a desperate world is long- her husband. Two of the low- to boldly pursuing a life that Theology of Sex,” Beth Felk- Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). With ing for the gospel.” We may be est statuses one could obtain in makes others want to serve our er Jones writes, “I frequently this in mind, it’s important called to be in a relationship or that time were those of widows God. hear Christians equate matu- that we take a look at Genesis married right now, we may be and foreigners. Ruth, then, is rity with marriage. Given that 1:28. It has to be significant called to be single in this sea- pledging to stoop herself to the Jesus wasn’t married, this is that God’s first commandment son, or we may be called to a lowest of the lows in order to a theological disaster.” I fear to man is “be fruitful and mul- lifetime of singleness, but if we follow Naomi and give her life