Spring 2017 | Issue 4

CLARITAS A Journal of Christian Thought

FEATURING A Call to Work God Speaks Through Our Speakers Order, Disorder, and Reorder 02 Cornell Claritas Spring 2017 writers andeditorsfromalldenominations The by students attending Cornell University. semester of 2015, it is written and produced commentary. Launched in the spring journal that reviews ideas and cultural The involve faith,reason,andvocation. and itstrives to begin conversations that Christ toeverypersonandstudy, is to articulate and connect the truth of around acommoncreedalvision.Itsvision Cornell Claritas that canonlybefoundthroughGod. us, “clarity,” “vividness,” or “renown.” For CLARITAS Cornell Claritas Claritas WHO AREWE? represents a life-giving truth isecumenical, drawing isaChristianthought is the Latin word for 13 26 10 22 05 06 17 Elizabeth Schmucker Reconciling thenotionsofcallingandvocation A CALL TO WORK Zachary Lee What thehumanitiesteachusaboutvaluingothers ENGLISH: IT’SAMAJORDEAL John Nystrom An examinationintotheheartandmotivesbehindaworkaholiccampus THE WEARINESS ANDWORK OFSLOTH Abigail Bezrutczyk What dowewiththetimethathave? FREEDOM INVOCATION John Nystrom FROM THEEDITORLETTER Emani Pollard Why doesworkfeellikework? ORDER, DISORDER, AND REORDER Carley Eschliman What popmusictellsusaboutwork GOD SPEAKS THROUGH OURSPEAKERS 03 Cornell Claritas Spring 2017 04 Cornell Claritas Spring 2017 Elizabeth Schmucker‘19 Production Manager Janelle Chung‘18 Karl E.Johnson Nicole Riley Advisory Board: Jamie Wong ‘19 David Navadeh‘19 Photography: CLARITAS STAFF Design Manager The Chesterton Production Thanks to Special House Design Board Board Hannah Dorpfeld‘17 Hannah Chow‘19 Business Manager Carley Eschliman‘20 Zachary Lee‘20 Abigail Bezrutczyk‘20 Contibutors: Design Staff Michelle Chen‘19 Design Staff Emani Pollard ‘17 Editorial Staff John Nystrom ‘18 Editor-in-Chief Joshua Jeon‘19 Andrew Shi‘17 Editorial Staff Blog Editor Editorial Board Mwangi Thuita‘17 Editorial Staff conversation withus. is frightfullyexciting,andwewouldbehonored,naythrilled,toabledrawyouintothis that humanmindshavebeenhavingeversincetheylearnedhowtouseapen.Thisconversation in lookinganewatlife,andthenbeginningadialogue,or,rather,enteringthegreatdialogue answer everyquestion,norisittotieuplooseend.Asmentionedearlier,weareinterested is evendirectlyorobviouslyassociatedwiththetopicofwork.OurgoalatClaritasnotto Not allofthequestionsI’vejustaskedwillbeaddressedinthisissue;noteveryarticleissue of Jesus? only frustration?Howshouldweviewworkasredeemedsinners,savedandmadewholebytheblood i.e., whatcontextual/culturalbaggagedoesitcarry?Howdowereactwhenourworkbringsusnojoy, on itsmonetaryoutput?Isworkanecessaryevil?Whatdowemeanwhenusetheword“work,” meaningful andmundane.Isworksimplyasocioeconomicphenomenonwhosevalueisbasedsolely gaze towardsthesubjectof the obviousaspectsofourworld.Inparticular,thissemester’sissueisattemptatturning the lensofdeathandresurrectionJesus.Webelieveitismorethanlazytomerelyaccept The Claritas’missionistotakethatthousandthglanceateverypartoflife,particularlythrough oblivious things forgranted.Theremustbeareasontheword for thefirsttime.”Wehumansareanoddsetofcreatureswithaseeminglyinfinitecapacitytotake you areperfectlysafe;iflookatitthethousandthtime,infrightfuldangerofseeing One ofmyfavoriteauthorsoncesaid,“Ifyoulookatathingninehundredandninety-ninetimes, Dear Reader, FROM THE EDITORLETTER ; itissoeasytobecomeblindwhatrightinfrontofyou. Work , thatareaofeveryperson’slifewithsuchpotentialtobeboth Editor-in-Chief John Nystrom Sincerely, obvious isonlytwolettersawayfromtheword 05 Cornell Claritas Spring 2017 06 Cornell Claritas Spring 2017 But itmaybe hardtoviewlifeassomething that is noknowingwhereyoumight besweptoffto.’” the Road,andifyoudon’t keepyourfeet,there out of your door,' he used to say. 'You step into tributary. 'It’sadangerous business, Frodo, going were at every doorstep, andevery path was its Road; thatitwas like a greatriver: its springs feet. “[Bilbo]usedoftentosaytherewasonlyone our off swept be Bilbo, and Frodo like may, We time thatwehave? already asked ourselves: What do we do with the Gandalf’s reply prompts aquestion we may have misfortunes and wariness about thefuture. Frodo, wecanstillrelatetohimthrough life’s Though we may not be on fantasy quests like do withthetimethatisgiventous.” wisely replies, “All we have to decide is what to it neednothavehappenedinmytime.”Gandalf wish “I saying, by conflict, of time a in living in in the novel, Frodo complainsofhis misfortune an ultimateevil.Earlyon all inordertodefeat on anepic journey through several near-death experiences Frodo, character, main the find we is action-packed.Inthesebooksandmovies, dwarves andhobbits: Daring adventure,fantasyquests,goblinsand Freedom inVocation The Lord of the Rings What dowewiththetimethathave? 1 1 if youarefocused ondoinggoodthings withthe God resonates withmany;after all,itis should Why better. become partoftheequation atall? This question world the making existence, even a life of doing good things and else comes on their paths. You can live a happy focusing on ambitions,family,andwhatever religion all thetime.Manywill live their lives, People havecareerswithoutthinking of Godand we do. meaning andpurpose tothework in turnadds benefit. There is also the desire to do good, which work hard, andthatourwork has someultimate we want to be happy in the knowledge that we have imagesofcareers that areself satisfying; a differenceintheworld.Morethanthat,we for success and wealthorformaking an ambition ambitions for future careers. This could look like There may alreadybeexpectations and our path. needs to bedone, some hold we must have on preparing students ourselves for careers. There is some actionthat are We adventures. with decisions. We are not characters in a novel beset our needtolivedeliberatelythroughmaking in conditioned been have We along. you carries by AbigailBezrutczyk your life, and the fateofhumanity. cannot controlthecircumstances of life.Thatis is impossible for us to beperfectlygood,that we it that realize Sam, like We, imperfections. and for food, and the mission is ruined. He has flaws accidentally losesthecursed ringwhilelooking and eatsthelastofbread?Orworse, he But whathappensifSamgetshungry later and thatishisreward. of hislife,peoplewill say, “hedid goodthings,” works; he looks like a betterperson. At theend people. Other people admirehis charity and good dinner because it felt nice to do goodthings for made He run. long the in Sam benefitted have would havehelpedthegroup,butitalsomay company withoutanyone’sasking? This action and Frodo for potatoes cooked had Sam if What Altruism issometimes,ifnotoften,self-seeking. these aregoodthings. the sick, and offeringaridetoSyracuse.Allof situations such as givingtocharity, tending to at adisadvantageis rarer. This type acts in genes. Altruismthatputsthealtruisthimself of one’sfamily,becauseafamilyshares the same members benefit to acts selection Kin return. in altruism actsinexpectationofreceivingafavor reciprocal altruism andkin selection. Reciprocal better than others. There aredifferentkindsofaltruism,some and careers. These ideas motivateandinformour purposes selfish. always not are we as just altruistic, be good foraneighbor.Granted,wemaynotalways to dogoodin the world, good forour families, want We others. all above ourselves preserve to seek would we which in mentality, fittest the of the actions that follow, goes against the survival an element of altruism in all of us. This feeling, and is there Christian, are you not or Whether neighbor. perfect beings. We are free in Christ to serve our knowing that, wearefreefromtheneedtobe our good deedsasendsin themselves –and The Christianviewholdsthatwedonotsee mentality. good-deed this to flipside a is There this abstractbeing? time thatis given toyou, then why bother with There ismore thantryingandfailing at perfection: there issalvation. at perfection: How Stuff Works 2 highlights This is the freedom and greatgiftwearegiven This isthefreedom anyway. we aresavedfromdeathandmaderighteous is theturningpoint,becausetruththat away fromGod.InaChristian perspective, this to perfection, we cannot help but sin and walk cannot achieve righteousness, we cannot live up our own experiences, that our intentions fail. We through know, We opinion. political someone’s loud voice, without one negative thought about on thebus,withoutonejudgementofsomeone’s ‘good person’foraday:withoutoneshovetoget there. But haveyou ever tried tobeacompletely we aspire, with our actions asthemeanstoget righteousness is important; itis a goaltowhich through the thingsthattheydo.This idea of by thedesire to begood,right, and happy that theyhave,andmanyaremotivated the time Everyone facesthequestion of whattodowith and failingatperfection:thereissalvation. But thereisgoodnews. There ismorethantrying faith. There is a fine, important line, between line, important fine, a is There faith. good enoughinclasses, relationships, evenin it for more, brings thepersistentfeeling thatsomeoneis asks always it flaw, any rejects It the we notonlystrivetobe in ourcareers and schoolwork. In ourstudies, daily living. It has a veryconcrete application This, however, is not only applicable toour perfect be and neverflawed. to need the from free made are We us.” for died Christ sinners, still were we While God demonstrateshisownloveforusinthis: perfection, butthroughourfaithinhim.“But is notthroughourownworks, It in ourown through thatlove,weareperfectinhiseyes. We are already held by the one who loves us, and longer need to hold on by the grips of our fingers. handle hasbeentakenaway,becauseweno Here is the truth that sets all of us free: the I mightaddtothis;andespeciallyafterlife. everything isbetterwith handles, especiallylife. that controlisafallacy.Asmyfriendoncesaid, feels better tohavecontrol over our fates, even if to stumbleovertheideaoffreedombecauseit do andwhatisrightinfrontofus. It iseasy we cansee, it isnaturaltofocus on whatwecan Here, in this life where our actions are allthat internalize; it goes against our logic of the world. our own badthings. This is ahardconceptto amount ofgoodactionsthatcanbalanceout through noactionofown,becausethereis best, andthatisnotahealthy waytolive. our best,westrivetobe 3

07 Cornell Claritas Spring 2017 08 Cornell Claritas Spring 2017 “and vocation ismostpurelyandreally served explains, also Wingren perfection. to slaves not are not slaves to dogoodfor others, just as we are We have. we freedom greatest the forgets But service by itselfisnotenough because it oneself downtotheworld.” one is not reaching up toGod,butrather bends author Wingren, of Gustav As us. around those needs oftheworld, and Godhascalledus to serve do We altruistic. service for our neighbor because those are the be to good, do to inclination Serving ourneighboristhatnatural,moral neighbor.” words: “FreedominChristforservicetothe simple in eight vocation defines he as Luther, become our vocations. Dr. Richard Carter cites they motivation, new this With new. something promise ofheaven. Our work andcareers become the focusbeingonthosethatweserveand is thattherefreedomtoenjoyourwork, with have eternallifethroughChrist.Thedifference strive forexcellenceoutofgratitudethatwe to want we but perfect, be to forced not are We in ourbestefforttowardsthework that wehave. been givenandthesituations in our lives to put Instead, wecanusethetalentsthathave are neveraskedto. goodness and altruism in our own lives – andwe our own work, we cannotreplicatehis level of cannot replicateGod’slevelofperfectionin We perfection. seeking and excellence seeking Luther on Vocation 4 , states, “In his vocation, 5 1 is wovenintotheveryfabric ofvocation. our efforts toexecutethem–freedom in Christ However perfectorimperfectourportraits, like a river; Luther, in the cries of his neighbor. work that we do. Bilbofoundcalling in a road any in joy be can there that, on eyes our With where yourtalentsmeettheneedsofworld. doctor, toraisingcattle.Itistheintersection a being to stage, on performing to Walmart, at It canbetakentochanging diapers, toworking can be taken in 7.3 billion different directions. we have been given to glorify God. Vocation, then, are calledtocultivateourtalentsandusewhat We have? we that time the with do we do What us. these promisesto faith inJesus.Hehasmade is impossible.Instead,wearealreadysavedby be to or things good perfect, toearnourownsalvation,becausethat do to bound not are We that vocationhasnothing to dowith salvation.” when throughthegospelithasbecomeclear J. R.Tolkien, TheLordoftheRings: The We cannotreplicate God’slevelof perfection inourownwork–and perfection we are neveraskedto. 4

Serve. DVD.,2012. Jordan Voges,andChrisAnderson. Called to 4 3 emotions/humans-altruistic1.htm howstuffworks.com/life/inside-the-mind/ accessed April 04,2017,http://science. HowStuffWorks Science, September 14,2010, 2 Ballantine Books,1986). Fellowship of the Ring (New York: Del Rey / Romans5:8(NIV) Josh Clark, “Whyarehumansaltruistic?,” Katie Nemeth,AnnaSchield, Casey Stage, Pub., 2004). Carl C.Rasmussen (Eugene, Or.: Wipf &Stock 5 Gustaf Wingren, Luther on Vocation, trans. goldfish crackers. when itinvolveswriting,tea,and She lovesbeingoutdoors,especially studying EnvironmentalScience. freshman fromLongIslandandis Author: AbbyBezrutczykisa 09 Cornell Claritas Spring 2017 10 Cornell Claritas Spring 2017 think it is; our vice is not laziness, but sloth. but itisnotwhatour clichéd grandparents there issomethingwrong withourgeneration, As manifestedbyCornell’s obsessionwithwork, meaning withinthecliché. could throwsomeinterestinglightonadeeper the strugglesandpressures of its students, examining Cornell’sworkaholic mentality, and this cliché might appear obtuse. However, pressurized, and work-oriented as Cornell’s, Depression, yet itpersists.Onacampus asbusy, the attitudes of those who endured the Great being lazy.This cliché may havearisen out of children, ormoreoftentheirgrandchildren,of narrative of an older generation accusing their in ourculturalsubconscious is the embedded followed backtoitsroots.Oneimportantcliché out whenthecliché is lookedatmorecloselyor truths thatcome unexpected andimportant and incrediblyannoyingbutareoftenfullof instantly recognizable, tremendously overused, Clichés are interesting phenomena. They are shirts flannel (the olderthebetter). and socks, woolen mismatched clothing, like cumin-coloredrock climbing pants, am notahipster; I just like well-made, original unique. I amnot conservative; I amorthodox. I under theassumptionthatIamoriginaland the labelsassignedtome,preferringlabor desperation tobeauthentic, I squirm under - andparadoxicalfearofclichés. In my Like all goodmillennials, I haveapathological An examination into the heart and motivesbehindaworkaholic campus. would die for.” only remainsalivebecause thereisnothingit and nothing, for lives nothing, in purpose finds enjoys nothing, loves nothing, hates nothing, seeks toknow nothing,interferes withnothing, which “believes innothing, cares fornothing, sin the as sloth defined scholar, and playwright, Dorothy Sayers,theBritishauthor,poet, invigorate one’slife. and inspire to enough worthy object an finding Ultimately, slothcan be addressedonlyby to astrangledimmobilityordesperatebustle. resulting in overwhelming apathy, andleading no object worthy enough to loveor live for, ultimately arisesfromalifeinwhich there is intuitively, asexcessivebusyness. Sloth exhibit itselfaslaziness, but also, counter- arising fromadeepemptinessorlack, and can insidious, and betterathidingthan laziness, denial of work. Sloth is farther reaching, more of labor,andshows itself inthepushingoffor fear one’s from fleeing and relax, to desire one’s important. Lazinessisexcessivelygratifying distinguishing between slothandlaziness is And although it mayseemlike splitting hairs, ...there issomething wrong withour clichéd grandparents thinkitis; our generation, butitisnotwhatour vice isnotlaziness,butsloth. WEARINESS AND WORK OF SLOTH 1 Although Sayers’ description may THE By JohnNystrom for its emotions, I really mean that it lacksan for itsemotions, Ireallymeanthat soullacksasuitableobject the apathetic that paramount tothe others. Therefore, when I say a hierarchy to the emotions, with love standing assumed have I worldview, Western Christian It shouldalsobenoted that withmyJudeo- because itlacks substrate. the appropriate there isanythingwrongwiththeenzyme,but enzymatic reaction refusing to occur, not because analogywouldbethatofan an appropriate you rememberanythingfromyourbiologyclass, but ratherthesuitableobject(s)foremotion.If soul doesnotlack thecapability, the apathetic second hypothesis, which I favor,assertsthat with emotions,arebornbetterthanothers.The Furthermore, it impliesthatsomepeople,those not provideone with hope for improvement. an answer for such a complexquestion; it does it seemstoosimple,self-justifying,andfatalistic for rejecting this hypothesis are irrational, but wrong withthemachinery. Perhaps mygrounds extent thatothersdo;is,thereissomething people are incapable of feeling emotions to the asaprimary reject explanation of apathy, is the idea thatsome I which first, The deficit. possible hypotheses that could account for this soul lacks emotions, thereareatleasttwo while it is clear that the apathetic andslothful come? For yet fromwheredoesthissymptom The viceofslothexhibitsitselfthroughapathy, sloth. nothing to do with laziness yet be fraught with a workaholic campus like Cornell’s can have motion. Thisphenomenonexplainsinparthow at rest, while the one in motion tends to stayin first law. The apathetic soul at rest tends to stay by Newton’s its behaviorseemstobedictated could be described as the inertia of the soul, as because there is no innate reason to stop. Apathy can alsomanifestitselfasaperpetualbusyness because thereis no innate reason to move,butit It can be thelanguor and immobilityoftheself and masks it sowell under the guise of busyness. both providesslothwithitsconnection to laziness Apathy is the paradoxical characteristic that capturing itsmainsymptom:apathy. which the heart can be movedbynothing, thus in state as that sloth defines it half-measures, appear extreme, without regard for gradients or in whichthere isnoobject worthy Sloth ultimatelyarisesfrom alife enough toloveorlivefor... own consciousness, andfeelittobeintolerable.” would bealivetonothing but theburdenofits a stateofcheerless where abandonment,” “it a heartwithout an objecttoloveasliving“in system.” Helaterdescribesthesituationof painful to the mind, as hunger is to the natural in itsplace,wouldleaveavoidandvacancyas without the substitution of another something to layholdof—andwhich, if wrestedaway the human heart, that itmust have a something said thatsuch was the “grasping tendency of very muchlikethesininquestion.Chalmers the humansoulwithoutanobjecttolovelooks explicitly mentioningsloth,Chalmers’pictureof Expulsive Power of aNew Affection soul has foranobjecttolovein his essay century, described the desperate needthe human and political economist from the early nineteenth Thomas Chalmers, a Scottish pastor, theologian, this sovereignemotionhasbeensatisfied. the otheremotionsorderthemselvesarightonce object tolove.Iwillshow appropriate laterhow had satisfied it in the past. This might explain might This past. the in it satisfied had of aheartclinging desperately totheobjectsthat surrender of depressionorthemanicbusyness direction ormeaningandcaneitherresultinthe malaise ofthesoul is bredfromtheemptinessof is noobjectinsightworth loving. Aweariness or of thecompleteor growing realization thatthere I assert that the sin of sloth ultimately arises out it lovesareunabletokeepsatisfied. if theobjects how aheartcanentersuchstate for the heart tolivewithout an objectof love and Chalmers shows in hisessayhowitisintolerable . 2 While not While The 11 Cornell Claritas Spring 2017 12 Cornell Claritas Spring 2017 must beaddressed:how can thesoul satisfy itself One seriousobjectiontosatisfyingoneself in God and gladlygivesitslifefortheobject’ssake. finds it, to untrue purpose andmeaninginlivingfortheobject, being of thought very the object of love, seeks to know more about it, hates quote. The soul believes in and cares for the of theotheremotionsdeniedbyslothinSayers’ this love. Such a love naturally gives rise to each subordinate emotionsorderthemselvesafter with an object worthy of its affection, all other As mentionedearlier, if thesoul is in love refusal tosatisfythemselveswithhisworth: anger God has for people rests primarily on their Old TestamentbookJeremiahshows that the the gloryofGodinfaceJesusChrist.”The satisfy oursoulsisthe“lightofknowledge belief thattheonlythingwithenoughworthto the soul’slove.Thecrux of Christianityisthe weight andworththatitcansustainanchor lasting such with object an finding means This for sloth: introducing to oneself a new affection. Chalmers hints at the treatment he recommends In and stayingbusy. health as well as their attitude towards work both thestateofmanyCornellians’ mental broken cisternsthatcanholdnowater. and hewedoutcisternsforthemselves, the fountainoflivingwaters, they haveforsakenme, for mypeoplehavecommittedtwoevils: declares theLord, be shocked,utterlydesolate, Be appalled,Oheavens,atthis; Becoming satisfiedinhimisjustas much likefallinginloveasitis The ExpulsivePowerofaNewAffection, giving one’slifetosomegrand purpose. 3 you might a fine cheese or wine, but the stakes the but wine, or cheese fine a might you is ablindone,foryoucannotsampleGodlike beauty andgoodnessis found in him. The gamble of aspect every for him, in fulfillment their find All ofour natural loves,longings, and desires familiar. incredibly and worthy infinitely both and providedus with an objectoflovethatwas God, inaway,makinghimmoretangibletous, person of Jesus Christ. This incarnation rooted physical worldinahumanbody,the one’s lifetosomegrandpurpose.Heenteredthe just asmuchlikefallinginloveitisgiving is him in satisfied Becoming Spirit. Holy the in through his words in the Bibleandhis presence Bible isaperson,notconcept,thatcanbemet whether onecanbelieveitornot,theGodof that, is response only The satisfied. us keep to and bitterness.Conceptsdonothavetheweight only to watch themselves descend into cynicism ideals andconceptslike charity andhumanism, observed howoftenpeoplegivetheirlivesto important problembecause it can be repeatedly in such an ethereal concept as God? This is an 3 Methuen, 1943. 2 New Affection.Minneapolis:Curiosmith,2012. 1 are infinitelyhigh. Jeremiah2:12-13ESV Sayers, D. The Other Six Deadly Sins. London: Chalmers,Thomas.TheExpulsivePowerofa and G.K.Chesterton. MacDonald, FyodorDostoyevsky, authors includeC.S.Lewis,George als aroundtheworld.Hisfavorite and enhancethelivesofindividu this partnershipcanbothempower of livestockandpeople,how He isinterestedinthepartnership science majoronthepre-vettrack. John Nystromisajunioranimal - These responses reflect a culture that values that pragmatic and useful fieldsa culture over everything else. reflect responses These those areslightlymoreuseful.” into asidehobbyandpursue math or science... and then ends with, “Maybe you should turn it “what do you plan to do with that afterwards?” wryly andshrewdlythenpointedlyretorts, with “English” towhich the inquisitor smiles he/she plans to study. Elated, thestudentreplies the comingfallisaskedamyriadoftimeswhat who willbeattendingaprestigiousuniversityin as such:aneagerhighschoolsenior develops humanities. A fairlyubiquitous scenario often society that has largely becomeapathetic tothe to difficult justify how the subject they studypertains to a and laborious is it majors English who major inthehardsciences. However, for those for seamless and fluid often is occupation and university plans; the stepfromgraduationto a self-assurance reflect chutzpah whichalsocharacterizestheirpost- majors their of the “realworld.”Therigidityandtenaciousness have to justify how their major will be useful in cups of coffee, rarely do individuals in those fields later bedtimes, heavier backpacks, and bigger chemical engineers and physics majors can boast While Cornell. at tough it have majors English English: It English: It English: What thehumanitiesteachusaboutvaluingothers ’ ’ s a Major Deal s aMajor Deal s aMajor literature were notaboutitsusefulness, but Furthermore, in the past,critiques against tied andassociatedtohigh class and luxury. was desirablebecause it wasinextricably being ofahigher class. Knowledge inliterature great works of literature was associated with highly literate andknowledgeable about the who couldunderstandthesereferences. Being only thebourgeoisorthosewhowereeducated referenced and alludedtoother works of art, and Thomas More’s did nothavetodefendtheirchoice of study.In Unlike the present, English majors in the past that wegenuinelyenjoy. for our own economic success and profit but ones freedom to delight in and pursue fields not solely which is thegoodnewofChristianity,givesus but rathertoenjoyhiscreation.Thegospel, humans to justbuildthingsor simply survive not design because ofGod,andGoddid we study humans exist. As aChristian, all thatwe study to understandthatEnglishmajorsexistbecause the usefulness of an English degree itis important poured into the hard sciences. Yet regardless of facilities, with those resources usually being budget cutsandunderresourced faculty and As aresult,manyhumanitiesprogramsface Utopia (published in 1516), More by ZacharyLee 13 Cornell Claritas Spring 2017 14 Cornell Claritas Spring 2017 influence and sway minds. The adage “the pen “the adage The minds. sway and influence Jail Jr.’s equallygripping Hugo’s wrenching narrative ofJeanValjeaninVictor Indeed, one needs only to look to the heart- uselessness orunproductiveness. critiques of power plays ratherthancriticisms of scholars had todefendtheir studies against language. Assuch, these 20thcentury English were those who acknowledged the power of to ear.” field largest the give comedies especially herein mind to the serpent’s tailof sinful fancies,—and desires, with a siren’s sweetness drawing the nurse of abuse,infectinguswithmanypestilent Poesy essay, his timein1909 Sidney Philip highlighted thecritiquesagainstpoetryduring Sir fields. academic other most limited purelybynatureorscience like which with thestrokeoftheirpensandwerenot because they could create whole new worlds rather itspower.Poetswereviewedasgods success andprofit butonesthatwe The gospel,whichisthegoodnew not solelyforourowneconomic to see that words have the ability to of Christianity,givesusfreedom , stating that poetry wasoftenseenas“the , statingthat to delightinandpursuefields 1 Les Miserables Even poetry’s mostscathing critiquers genuinely enjoy. orMartinLuther King Letter toaBirmingham A Defense Against withdraw fundsandmaterialsupportfromthe consumer satisfaction, itmakesperfectsenseto and efficiency productivity, are criteria your “if humanities are not “useful”; Stanley Fish writes the definition, this Using society. advances and if itproduces immediate results, makes money, find the criteria for value: something is valuable Ferraris to new iPhone models, it is not hard to we tie usefulness directly to worth. From sleek have We looks at thingspurelyfortheirusefulness, and valuable. as sees become aconsumeristsocietythatpraisesand world the what To understandthisadage,onemust not usefulorvaluable? begs the question: how is this skill and ability affect howanindividualcanthink which thus to power the have Words pierce. or cut should sword oughttoattack,ifattackatall,orit the pencoulddictatein which direction the because itismightierthantheswordmaster; realized thatthepenis mightier thanthesword is mightier than the sword” came to mind, and I stated, 2005 commencementspeech to Kenyon College his in Wallace Foster David oneself. to relation the basic human instinct to look at peopleonly in are alltoosimpleandeasytofallbackinto.Itis elderly.” Inaway,thesefeelingsandthoughts wanting toloveandcarefortheunborn and here is where we have theproblemofpotentially foundation forvaluinguseless people, andthus foundation for valuing useless art, we have no of ChristianityToday,statedthat,“ifwehaveno Skye Jethani,anauthor,pastor,andpasteditor be “useless”basedoffofthiseconomiccriteria. wanting tovaluepeopleorindividualswhomay out totheextreme,leavesnobasisthenfor The danger of this utilitarian mindset, if carried find waystomakehismajorseempractical. of anEnglish major’s power,hestillhasyetto area thenitisseenaswithoutvaluable.Forall a degreedoesnothelp someone in the economic as asteppingstonetowardshigh-payingjob.If higher education in many cases is viewed purely higher education wastopursuetruthandnow, currency.” the fact that“Educationhas become like a Rawlings, Cornell’s interim president, lamented view education. On October 28th, 2016, Hunter This mindsethasalsoaffectedhowstudents humanities.” the realest,most vividandimportant person experience supportsmydeep beliefthatIam “Everything inmyownimmediate 3 In other words, the original intent of 2 useful to God; God could have brought about very stubborn and stiff-necked, and were not carry forth his name. The tribes of Israel were to people of group fit and worthy most the upon of story the find not does one Bible, bothintheOld and New Testaments, humanities canprovetheirusefulness. In the the that state current this in exactly is it fields, individuals maycritique them for being “useless” push back againstthisprimaldefault.Eventhough field English the and humanities the So intrinsic valueinpeople. finds that culture a create and choose to allow; It is this kind of freedomthatthe humanities give worth to God becauseis that we give; humanity does not God loves us apart from the value every day.” over andinmyriadpetty,unsexyways about otherpeopleandtosacrificeforthem and discipline,beingabletrulytocare of freedominvolvesattentionandawareness boards atbirth.Thereallyimportantkind is ourdefault-setting,hard-wiredinto much thesameforallofus,deepdown.It it’s sosociallyrepulsive,butpretty of natural,basicself-centeredness,because in existence.Werarelytalkaboutthissort already withoutblemish. 4 a God that called a Godthat 1 truly behuman. world but are an affirmation to what it means to rebels against theconsumerist that mentality ofthe study of field a just not become therefore we’re human.That’senough.” reason we need the humanities is because us enjoylifemoreandendureitbetter.The help they said, professor first that as because, shrewder entrepreneurs or kinderCEOsbut need “We the humanitiesnotbecausetheywillproduce stated, Gopnik Adam human. be to purely because they also add towhat it means utilitarian mindset,theyareworth studying aculture against that has fully embraced itsconsumerist and fighting and back pushing for helpful are English of field and humanities At thesametime,Ithinkalsothatwhile the cherish the“useless”thingsofworld. In thesameway,Christiansoughttoloveand seem “useless”bythesecularworld’sstandards. that things the in even value inherent find and (or thehumanitiesingeneral),weshouldknow Christians, when looking at the fields of English because Godisalreadywithoutblemish.Thus as loved we give; humanity does not give worth to God first he because from thevaluethat us.” Godlovesusapart love “we states, 4:19 to callupontheIsraelites.Likewise 1 John transformation totheworldwithoutneeding Sir PhilipSidney, The Defense of Poesy(Nabu 5 Thehumanities 15 Cornell Claritas Spring 2017 16 Cornell Claritas Spring 2017 metastatic.org/text/This%20is%20Water.pdf Kenyon College, May 21,2005),http://www. 4 cornell-university-address edu/stories/2016/10/rawlings-calls-one- http://www.news.cornell. October 28,2016), Address 2016” (speech, Cornell University, 3 officially-arrives/ com/2010/10/11/the-crisis-of-the-humanities- 11, 2010,https://opinionator.blogs.nytimes. October Times, York New The Arrives” Officially 2 Press, August22,2011) David FosterWallace.,“ThisisWater”(speech, Stanley Fish, “The Crisis of the Humanities Hunter Rawlings. “State of the University com/books/page-turner/why-teach-english Yorker, August 27, 2013,http://www.newyorker. 5 Adam Gopnik, “Why Teach English?” The New tunes inChristianhip-hop. and likeslisteningtothenewest plays thesaxophone,reviewsmovies, almost allgenresofstorytelling, performs it,avidlyreadsnovelsand Literature. Hewritespoetry, studying EnglishandComparative in theCollegeofArtsandSciences Author: ZacharyLeeisafreshman as found in calling, life big a of fulfillment and search The travel intothegreatunknown. deny the wishes of her chieftain father, and every singlephysicalthing shehaseverknown, be extraordinary.TheseacallsMoanatoleave limitations. Itsupposesthatourcallingmust expectations set by society or typical human defying by it fulfill only can we for ordinary, the supposes that our calling should take us out of Moreover, is. it what out figure to need – weonly in ordertobehappy we mustattain we, as humans, have one life calling or lofty goalthat that suggests film This life. in purpose Moana people intheprocess. the ocean;inadvertently,shealsosavesher chieftain. Moana, ultimately,chooses to follow the ocean or serve her people astheir next equates to finding her true self, either to explore she which calling, true her fulfill and find to is I canrollwithmine.”Moana’sinternalstruggle on thisislandhasaroleisland//somaybe “everybody – chieftain future of role predefined a into fit to society by call her with – be” to long the placeIknow, where I cannotgo,where I I make,everyroadleadsback//To Every path how hardItry... back tothewater,nomatter her call by the ocean to explore – “ButIcome called intwodirections. The songcontrasts Far I’llGo,” to contrasther feelings of being ruler of thetribe.Infact,shesings song, “How to stayon the island and preparetobethe next waters of the ocean despite her call by her father and struggleswiththefeelingofcallingby world. Throughoutherlife,Moanaexperiences for personal calling and finding one’s place in the rightful place in the world but around searching around restoringtheheartofseabacktoits Moana the sea,astoneofislandgoddess,TeFiti. dying islandbyrestoringthestolenheartof princess on aquest tosaveher tribe andits film The , however, fundamentally revolves not reflects the human desire for a grandiose Moana Moana tellsthetaleofaPolynesian , is exciting and appealing Reconciling thenotionsofcallingandvocation Moana But, perhapstheseneednotbeatodds; disconnect between our calling and our vocation. for calling.Asaresult,wefeelfundamental of ourtime,donotmeettheseexpectations much fill which vocation, our is, that jobs, daily our because lives our with unfulfilled feel may us of deal great A chase. to passion a find never winds of a supposed calling, and others will spend their lives chasing the unsatisfactory can however, set unattainable expectations. Some people may narratives, Such success. office the – presumably reason for the movie’s box for a specific trade such as auto mechanics or carpentry. Vocation oftencarriesaconnotation mechanics asauto such trade specific a for at atechnical school which preparesaperson “vocational training”often refers to education of training. IntheUnitedStates, certain types work andoftenoccurs in thecontext of paid today. Vocation tends tomeanaperson’s and calling are set against each other in society Moana isoneexpressionofthewayvocation lives. better narrative around which we can order our meaning toallour work and provideuswitha and applytoalloflife. Such a narrativewill give will seehowcallingandvocationarethesame – actuallycomplementeachother. Moreover, we something grandandtherealityofmundane how theseseeminglyopposites–alongingfor notions ofcallingandvocation,wewillsee and vocation.Through examining thebiblical one expressedin through looking at a narrativedifferentthanthe opposites –alongingforsomething mundane –actuallycomplement we willseehowtheseseemingly notions ofcallingandvocation, Through examiningthebiblical grand andthereality ofthe each other. Moana By ElizabethSchmucker , wecanreconcile calling 17 Cornell Claritas Spring 2017 18 Cornell Claritas Spring 2017 most specifically refers to priesthood, for itis for to priesthood, refers specifically most “vocation”. IntheCatholic Church, vocation often the case when Christians use the term church work directly align.Infact,thisismost with callingonlywhen one’s paidwork and For other Christians, vocation is synonymous somehow moregodlythantheirjobs. meals for the homeless, activities which are such asteachingSundayschoolororganizing work inthechurch to dotheimportant stability these Christians, a job merely provides financial For calling. this fulfill to order in holds one job related to the church and vocation as the specific view Christian calling as a grandiose purpose separate thingsthatoccasionally overlap; they relationship between vocation and calling as two Some Christiansechothisunderstandingofthe painting watercolorshiscalling. call workingasareceptionisthisvocationbut but are not related toprofession. Someone may include activities someone loves or does well a rock band asamusician. Such tasks canalso in trafficking Bangladesh asasocialworker, or starringin sex addressing educator, an as include starting an orphanage in Rwanda fulfill. to obligated Such tasks canberelatedtoaprofession and feel they task great some By contrast,peoplerefertotheircallingas of amundanelifeoronefilledwithdrudgery. 1 vocare word vox, meaningvoice, and arelatedword meaning of vocation which comes from the latin calling arethesame,thusevokingoriginal calling. Christian Furthermore, this viewinsiststhatvocationand fulfill can still church-bent specifically not are that vocations sense, this In any areain life including vocation or profession. vocation and calling in which calling applies to secondary view of the relationship between and Protestanttraditionshavesupporteda select handfulofoccupations,boththeCatholic vocation and calling as different or limit vocation to a of think may Christians some While vocations. as pastoralcare, so these jobs are not considered such calling Christian specifically a with store one For example, cannot reconcile working in a bankor grocery vocation. of definition this fulfill not do however, jobs, Other profession. a considered a high calling from Godandisalso applies tothe callingintofaithor he stressedthatChristian vocationprimarily In hiswritings,Luther stressed twopoints.First, person’s vocation. life; assuch, all occupationscanwork towards a who that calling addresses every aspect of a person’s Reformation, Protestant emphasized the importance of understanding the of figures teachings ofMartinLuther, one ofthecentral includes all occupations. This view follows the heavily towardsthisstanceofvocationwhich Traditionally, theProtestantviewleantmore will beusedassuchhereafter. Here, vocation is synonymous with calling and in which vocation applies to all spheres of life. adopted this wider understanding of vocation ministry. YetafterVaticanII,Catholicism life, single life, consecrated life, and ordained was strictlycategorizedintofourareas:married which they work. occupations ofthelaityandvariousspheresin include instead to priesthood the for specifically the Catholic view of vocation from acalling modified world, modern the to church Catholic which addressed therelationof 1962-1965 More recently,VaticanII,acouncil between This istheprimaryusageofidea of callingintheBible;tobecalled , meaningtocall. is tojointheChristianfaith. 2 Previously, Catholic vocation chapters toexplain how this calling relates to have received” to “livealife worthy of thecalling [klesei] you Ephesians 4, Paul urges his fellow Christians because theyarecalled to those stations. Christians to remainin their stations in life uses the Paul well. as term of life aspects specific Paul, Lutherunderstoodvocationtorefer Secondly, throughthewritingsofapostle faith. in theBible; This is the primaryusage of theideacalling is literallyindividualscalledtobeGod’speople. or a term uses called him.Similarly,theNewTestament in God’sfamily,respondedwithfaithafterGod was going.” and went,eventhoughhedidnotknow where he he would later receive as hisinheritance, obeyed “By faithAbraham,when response to God’scalling, comments onAbraham: chapter recounting thefaithofpatriarchsin join in God’s plan through faith. Hebrews 11, a Israelites. Inthissense, Abraham iscalledto he wouldbethefatherofanation,namely, that the lifecallingGodpreparesforAbraham, father ofmany means In Genesis,GodchangesAbram’sname,which with specific names that characterize their lives. inconjunction be used because God, in the Old Testament, names people can definitions These can mean either “to name”or “to summon.”4 term “q Bible, “calling”is described using the Hebrew and used biblical texttosupporthis claim. In the firstly vocation refers toaperson’scallintotheChristianfaith that asserted Luther Firstly, well ashiseverydayactivities. callings of aChristian’s life: his occupation as Christian vocation applies tothe individual the church’s view onvocationatthetime,that Christianity. Second, he stressed, in reaction to As Ephesiansaddresses allaspects responsibility,” intheirjobsbutalso from economic surroundings, andtheir in theirfamilies,schools, continue livingintheir“placesof klesei of life,Christiansare calledto exalted father , and ekklesia ā r ā political surroundings. ” andtheGreek term “ (formrelatedto 6 (italics Abraham, like added) others 8 tobecalledisjointheChristian klesia 10 . forthechurch. 5 and continues through the next hs hne f ae signifies name of change This means calling, so the church to Abraham, which means called klesia 3 Ek togoaplace ) toencourage kalein means ” which out 9 In

of 7

surroundings. economic surroundings, and their political but alsointheirfamilies,schools, their in their “places of responsibility,” in their jobs of life, Christians are called to continue living parts oflife.AsEphesiansaddressesallaspects wives and children and fathers, as well as other 5-6 alsogivesinstructions for husbandsand wherever Ephesians he callsthem.Additionally, earthly positions; they can faithfully serve God Christians that their chief goal is not high not be used as willful subjugation, it reminds God’s kingdom. remain in power anduse their position tofurther if serving God and those in positions of power to servants and continue to serve their masters as exhorts thosewhoareservantstoremainas different stationsinlife.InEphesians6,Paul a callinginto theChristianfaith,and secondly as firstly calling; of understandings two These are. serve in the situationsin which we currently serve her calling. Similarly, we are called to an entirenewlifestyleto rather thanadopting Jesus Christ. who weretravelingtospreadthegoodnewsof financial status, housed Paul and the other men a sellerofpurpleclothandthereforesomeone human means. supernatural methods, Godworked through and talents. Rather than providing his own to constructthetempleandgavethemwisdom called the Israelite builders, specifically Bezalel, in commonways.IntheOldTestament,God the Bibleisfullofstoriespeoplewhoserved Jesus with all nations. that hewouldfollowGodandsharethenewsof literally struck down onaroadandblindedso was who Paul, like figures Testament New see and leadthe Israelites out of captivity. to the Pharaoh, the highest leader in the land despite hismeeknature,wascalledtospeak who, Moses like figures see we Bible, the In life. to daily can easilyforgetthecallingsthatapply they knowshouldtakeintheirlives,one step big some or calling, life or “pastor” their find calling, lofty single when one’s life is saturated with people who a pursues one When the Christianfaithbylivingoutdaily to liveinthelightofone’scalling This isthecruxofChristianlife– 15 Lydiausedherresources to serve 14 11 IntheNewTestament,Lydia, Althoughthispassageshould calling. 13 Yet, at the same time, 12 We 19 Cornell Claritas Spring 2017 20 Cornell Claritas Spring 2017 than onemightthink.Unknowingly, George they oftenrelatetoeachothermore learn that work does not relate toour life aspirations, we mundane. Evenwhen it seemsasifour daily reminds me of the importance of the seemingly small- town picture,butGeorgeBailey’sstorystill the idyllic paint often filmmakers Yes, about mylifeandthelives of others around me. After watchingthis movie, Ialwaysfeelhopeful the beautyofhisquiet,faithfullife. despaired, helearnsthroughhisguardianangel family andneighbors. Although Bailey had learns howhislifesopositivelyimpacts these scenes, Bailey, aswell as theaudience, librarian who lacks family andspirit. Through lacks generosity andlove;his wife isafeeble his mother is an unfeeling, childless widow who actually savedhimfromasleddingaccident); them. Hisbrotherpassesawayasachild(Bailey goodness andlivelinessforwhichBaileyknew and familyand,tohishorror, they lackthe had neverbeenborn.Baileyvisitshisfriends guardian angelshows him aworld in which he and considers suicide. To change his mind, his on abridge,staringoutovertherushingwaters, stands he generously Bailey crisis, financial a After wellness. situation, supports differenttownsfolk and ensures their financial own his banker inatownwhere money istight.Despite tale ofaman,George Bailey, who works as a This 1946blackandwhiteclassic tells the the narrativeofgoodnesshonestliving. from ordinarylife, narrative of fulfilling a quest calling far removed In contrast to to theChristianfaithbylivingoutdailycalling. Christian life–toliveinthelightofone’scalling second toloveneighbor.Thisisthecruxof and God love to first Christian, a be to calling his fulfill better can he activities, these through purpose giventohimbyGod.Atthesametime, problem sets,becauseheknows that hislifehas life, in washing the dishes and in completing daily his in value find can Christian first A first. the The together. work the second,andsecondcarriesout motivates but separately not life, function as acallingineveryaspectofdaily Moana It’s AWonderful Life , which portrays the tells 4 OR: WipfandStockPublishers,2004. 3 aspx?id=1831. Accessed24Mar.2017. Action Circle,2011,vocation.com/QandAItem. 2 Eerdmans PublishingCo.,2004. our CallingsinLife.GrandRapids:Wm.B. 1 are placed:student,classmate,andfriend. we candiligentlywork in theroleswhich we part of God’s extraordinary plan. Knowing this, deem tobeordinary parts ofour lives are actually suppose. AndforusatCornell, that which we first might one than Moana’s from less differs community fromsubjugation.Assuch, his story his neighbors.LikeMoana,healsosavesawhole serving by simply calling great a fulfills Bailey 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 Eerdmans PublishingCo.,2004. our CallingsinLife.GrandRapids:Wm.B. 8 7 6 5 Eerdmans PublishingCo.,2004. our CallingsinLife.GrandRapids:Wm.B.

Idib DouglasJ.Shuurman.Vocation:Discerning Douglas J.Shuurman.Vocation:Discerning Gustaf Wingren.LutheronVocation.Eugene, “What isVocation?.”Vocation.com,Vocation Romans 8:30 Hebrews 11:8 Genesis 17:5 Douglas J.Shuurman.Vocation:Discerning Acts16 1Kings5 Acts9 Ephesians6 Exodus 3 Ephesians 4:1 edu. and canbereachedatess79@cornell. and Sciences.Sheisasophomore Mathematics intheCollegeofArts Philadelphian tothecore,studies Ellie Schmucker,aproud 21 Cornell Claritas Spring 2017 22 Cornell Claritas Spring 2017 way, andI believe thatunderstanding music specific a in music from meaning extract to me Growing up intheChristianfaithhasallowed each uniquelycomprehend thesongswehear. cause acollectivereaction fromanentirecar,we from thebackseat.Yeteven thoughasongcan song canevokearaucous misplayed mutiny our perspective,bodylanguage,andmood.One key, age, lyrics, origin, or beat, asong can alter Simply put,songschangeus.Regardlessofits firsthand. influence music’s see to me allowed years, myexperiencesintheroleofShotgunhave manipulate thisatmosphereatwill. Over the within thevehicle,andShotgunriderscan Bluetooth, orauxcord,determinestheambiance the music. Music, whether broadcast viaradio, there yet?”). Most importantly, theycontrol answer driver-directed questions(e.g.“Arewe riders navigate, control temperature, and of theentirecar.Amongothertasks,shotgun you buckle in, you are in charge of the happiness seat comes with immense responsibility: once in a car. Shotgun is. Sitting in the front passenger Behind thewheelis not the most important place themostimportant

What popmusictellsusaboutwork God Speaks Through Our Speakers Our Through Speaks God during our inevitably work-filled lives. These lives. work-filled inevitably our during illustrates theimportance ofourmentalstate distraction fromemotional pain,andHozier’s piece conceptualizeswork as amindless different takesontheconcept ofwork. Rihanna’s These pieces,astheir titles indicate,offer Hozier. by Song” “Work and Rihanna by “Work” attention as well as considerable air-time: recent yearsthathavegarneredinternational inthe released songs two examine specifically new perspectives on a time-worn subject. I will elaborating uponthisthemecanprovideuswith every aspectofourcampuslife,andsongs permeates Work home. to close too often is that of “work” confronts Cornellians with a concept breakups, and tiresome work. This last topic themes ofgrandioseloves, heart-wrenching one can hearplentyofsongs with recurring propensity torepeatitself. Turning on the radio, does nottakelongtorealizethatmusichasa It tunes streamingfromourcarspeakers. deeper andmorerelevantmeaningfromthe from aChristianperspectiveallows us to gain By CarleyEschliman were toaskmewhatIthoughtofthesongor became stuck in my head. Later thatday,if you “work” six times completely andthoroughly second, first, ensured that Rihanna’smelodiciterationof the for third, and fourth time. This repeated exposure “Work” experiencing of ourmeal,Ihadtheuniquepleasure lunch withmybrothers.Despitethebrevity aquick during “Work” Rihanna’s heard first I larger picture. I believethatwecanbetterunderstandthe lives. However,throughaChristianperspective, never quite illustrate the full role of work in our these commentariesarenotcomplete;they commentary onwork’sroleinourlives,but songs and artists provide thought-provoking from emotionalpain,andHozier’s mental stateduringourinevitably Rihanna’s piececonceptualizes illustrates theimportanceofour work asamindlessdistraction work-filled lives. maintains continuity in her routine – “actlike occupation serves two purposes. By doingso, she decides tocontinuallyoccupyherself, and this been.” Inresponse to this delusion, Rihanna was togiveme…somethingthatyou’venever true nature of her ex: “AllthatIwantedfromyou reveals themisconceptionsshehadabout Rihanna singsabouthowarecentbreakup “Work,” In pain. emotional avoid to desire a of of question why we work. In her case, she busies herself out our answers first piece Rihanna’s “Work”: questions in particular arise when I listen to – modelsatypicalCornellschool schedule! Two times inthreeandahalfminutes, to beexact lives.The incessant repetition –seventy-nine society’s perspective on the role of work in our inspection, Rihanna’spiecerevealsaglimpseof frantically preparingforaprelim.Butoncloser is Rihanna if as seems simply “Work” listen, – fourth or – first At stumped. be probably would if I hadanyinsights into its deeper meaning, I fetvl sit wr’ rl t ta o filler; of that to role work’s shifts effectively focusing on her outward production, Rihanna she “no care if him hurt[ing].” Through solely emotionally fromherex–shedeclaresthat nothing’s wrong.” And, shealsodistancesherself Why dowework?Howshould 23 Cornell Claritas Spring 2017 24 Cornell Claritas Spring 2017 us anddeserve acknowledgement.Prioritizing work that wedo,allareapartofGod’splan for the painthatwefeel,and yes,evenallofthe have, we emotions the ourselves, find we which according to his purpose.” of those who love him, who have been called know that in all things God works for the good Romans 8:28theapostlePaul writes, “And we in thelargernarrativeofwhich we areapart.In men” –or for our own end goals; we must engage must recognizethatwecannotsimplywork“for and miss out on many joys. To combat this, we inadvertently ignore the nuances of our present Although this future-focus is widely accepted, we more frequently, our failures) is acceptable. and focusing solely uponour own successes (or, of ourwork; it believesthatblocking out others Cornellian societystressestheindividualnature work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” do, you “Whatever writes, He work. our importance ofperspectivewhen approaching work. In Colossians 3:23, Paul emphasizes the into how to remedyour broken relationship with Luckily, the wordofGodisprimedwithinsight work? the gapstillremains: it canbringus satisfaction inthepresent. So, success in the future, but, justasimportantly, appreciate work for itself. Yes, work can bring us work We lives. present our our reduction of work’s value leadstoissues in through” to our goals stillpersists. However, as adestination, but thetemptationto“muscle Cornell, we may nothaveemotionalrecovery without fully comprehending the present. At work incessantly, tomuscle through the pain her end goalofemotionalrecovery leads her to focused. Rihannaillustratesthisoversightwell; of the present under the guise of being forward parents. All too easily, we neglect the realities job, to live a comfortablelife, or to satisfyour stone andameanstoprocure a well-paying destination, reducing work to amere stepping at whatevercost. Our focus is setuponour means progressandsuccess, that work Consequently, wearetaught on theforefrontofknowledgeandinnovation. our universityremainsaninstitution ensure that to some extent, this atmosphere is expected to the oneRihannacreates:allwork, no play.And, The Cornellian atmosphere strikingly resembles should work. on thepresentandgivesnoguidancefor itself. Inbeingsofuture focused, she misses out In doing so, she takes no regard for the work work is simply somethingthatpassesthetime. how shouldweapproach 2 far toomuch The situations in how tonot we 1

us to truly “work heartily” regardless if the work with the perspective which God provides allows and Christians alike,willhavetocomplete an you, Ihavebad news. Everyone, non-Christians hoping that Ican provide a Christian loophole for an unfavorable task lay before us. And, if you are how hard we attempt topawn off responsibility, matter no where, situations in been all have We do notwanttodo? question: how arewetofacework that wereally Hozier’s work environment raises an important in the“burning heat.” are “workin’ on empty” of listeners his unfavorable conditions he and his crew face: they informs Hozier Song,” “Work tasks in unfavorable conditions. To startoff arduous to complete by workersattempting gang ballads,rathertheseballadsaresung workers. White collar workers do not sing chain- provide stimulationandcomforttosinging of the2000movie Lazarus” (featuredintheopeningsequence “Po’ and Railroad” the on Working Been “I’ve as known for their ability todistract. Songs such gang ballad.Balladsof this particular genre are Hozier sings “Work Song” in the style of a chain- our inner feelings can distract us from work. how illustrates Song” “Work Hozier’s feelings; work as anappealingdistractionfromourinner of concept the presents piece Rihanna’s While to mycommunityandGod. can gladly use my talentstocontribute positively I it through filler; a simply than more as work the Slope. As aChristian, I see the concept of following a broken heart, or an arduous walk up in questionisaphysicsproblemset,therecovery O Brother Where Art Thou ), face the tiring, we can find peace in knowing peace that Godhas already completedgreat works in find can we tiring, the face abound in every goodwork.” may you times, all at things all in sufficiency all to makeallgraceaboundyou,sothathaving illustrated in 2 Corinthians 9:8, “AndGodis able the lovethatLordhasforhis people, is given, andunimaginablyabundant.This love, onwhich love Christians rely, however, is divinelysent, freely The strength. and fortification of times,we both turn to loveprovide difficult most the in Even work. hard with faced Christians andHozierthinksimilarlywhen provide himvictoryoverdeath. to her.”Hozierfullybelievesthathis love will grave can hold mybodydown//I’ll crawl home self-assurance, complete Hozier declares,“No happen tothisabundantlovewhen he dies.In Hozier also begins to contemplate what will his relationship spoilshim.Laterinthepiece, express hisgratefulnessforthelovewithwhich finds himself, Hozier’s perspective allows him to Despite the tumultuous state thatin which he she’d give me toothaches just from kissin’ me.” sweet ascanbe/ baby’s of hisrelationship:“my felt withhislove,heturnstothecurrent state drunken sin.” Afterrehashingtheacceptancehe “when my babyfound me//I was three days on a starting withtheirinitialmeeting: his “baby,” reminisces about the path thathe has taken with his truelove.Throughout the piece,Hozier take his mind offthe taskathandbypondering in front of a laborious challenge, and he decides himself finds Hozier Song,” “Work In done. be time friendaboutaproblem,thesethings learn Organic Chemistry, or confront a long- how challengingitcanbetounclogatoilet, undesirable taskatsomepointinlife.Nomatter freely given,andunimaginably rely, however, isdivinelysent, The loveonwhichChristians abundant. 3 When we must to must we When must

and looktowardsthegoodpromisedusbyGod. work, we gain anew freedom andjoyin our work can look to a greater love to empower us to doour we that Hozier from learn we When means. a to work reduce and lives our fill to struggle must Rihanna thatwork itself is good, we no longer often wish that it were not. When we learn from the human experience. And here at Cornell, we of part necessary and integral an is Work the motivation tocontinue. find and truth this of reminded be can we is Death, O your sting?” Where, victory? your is Death, O “Where, proclaimed is it 14:13, Hosea In God. home”; wewillberunning into thearmsof but unlikeHozier, we willnotbe“crawl[ing] Hozier, “nogravecanhold[ourbodies]down,” in ourpresent,andtriumphfuture.Like the Lordprovidesus with hope in our past, joy even when we are no longer on earth. Faith in life, and he will do allow us to dogreatworks our life, he will continue to do great works in our 4 3 2 1 importantly, ourTop40radiostations. can enjoy our lives: our work, our rest, and, most is also a God of rest and pleasure. Therefore, we to God.ButGodisnotonlyaofwork, He we that Yes, work well becauseitispleasingand enjoyable today? for mean this does What Hosea 14:13 2 Corinthians9:8 Romans 8:28 Colossians 3:23 literally. is spentwithherheadintheclouds– the majorityofhertimeoncampus Due toherobsessionwithweather, gum, andfancymechanicalpencils. loves herhomestateofKansas,mint sciences onthebroadcasttrack.She freshman majoringinatmospheric Author: CarleyEschlimanisa 4 Evenwhenfacedwithgreattrials, 25 Cornell Claritas Spring 2017 26 Cornell Claritas Spring 2017 to takeastep backandthink about humanity’s with morality. To explore these ideas we need often seemstohaveprecarious relationship people’s reactions to “work.” Furthermore, work “taxing” mightbeagood waytodescribemost must Work physically. not alwaysbehardortaxing, butitseemsthat or mentally whether imply thatsomekindofeffortisbeingputforth, as intheactoflaboring.Bothlaborandwork work, of definition simple a it would be labor – labor as a noun and labor offer to had I If and atthesametimesosatisfying. explain why work can feelatonce so frustrating the originalorder.Ibelievethisarccanhelp of thedisorderandisdistinctlydifferentfrom ordered structure. Reorder describes resolution the critiqueof,dismantlingoramisstepin existing orcreatedstructure. Disorder describes order, disorder,reorder. Order describesan Richard Rohrdescribeditinsimilarterms: “On Being” podcast where Franciscan Monk come backtome.Iwasrecentlylisteningan course of the semester, this three part playhas draws in:order,tension,reorder. in musicthatdrawsusin,muchasagoodstory He used a three part arc to explain a phenomenon Cornell. spoke at semester, amannamedJeremyBegby can comefromdeepsuffering. Early oninthe excruciating – butwhatexcellence and beauty produce something,butitcanbesimultaneously frustrating. It canbeextremelysatisfyingto Here istheendatbeginning:work is ORDER, DISORDER,REORDER 1 Hetalkedaboutmusic, art, andfaith. Why doesworkfeellikework? 2 Overthe see how frustrationand potentialsuffering can order, and notmovetoward a resolution. To in remain the stageofdisorder,completely disregardthe to is wrong is What “disorder.” call would call“tension”and what Mr.Rohrwould order isnotwrong;itin factwhatMr.Begby criticize it. Let me be clear, questioning the in whichitfallsshort,andtherefore, rightfully the constructed order, haveperceived theways from anursing job.Manypeople,upondiscerning (such as carpentry or plumbing), froman IT job, we valuemotherhood differently fromatrade the system does not seem to value. For example, and offeredthat can beproduced services that order for ourselves, but there are goods and economic global remarkable a created have We move towardconstructivelycritiquingit. we When leisure. begin to understand the existing order, we can and work between tension between labor and capital,from there, the the institution of Work in America is the tension in mind, anexcellent way toframeandexamine of social control. With these foundational events false theologies of work for advanced the purpose and Christianity of forms warped by influenced labor ofthetrans-atlanticslavetrade,lateralso habits. Ontheotherhand,thereisforced which Americans stillderivemuchoftheirwork institutionalized “Protestant work ethic” from tenuous. On the onehand,thereishistorically The history of work in this nation hasbeen relationship withworkthroughtime. By EmaniPollard love,); however, they do haveimplicationsfor one could argue that God’s discipline proves his God loves usanyless,(infact, do notmeanthat consequences These God. infinite an of light in finiteness inherent their recognize to humanity consequences of sin in a way thatwouldcause work of man,perhapstocontinually display the Eve sinned, work was cursed. God frustratedthe order, and he declared it “good.” When Adam and work withtheoriginalcreated God created the CreationandFallstories. To keepitbrief, narrative thatilluminates the issue of work are our surroundings. The other pieces of the Bible reorder should embolden us to dothesamewith That Jesus moved through order, disorder, and and reorderwhenconfrontingsituations. how weshould movethroughorder,disorder, grace, andlove.Jesus,theman,modelsforus all whilebringingamessageofcompassion, speaking truthtotheconditionofman’sheart, righteousness, and ignorance in humanity, order, butcriticizedtheself-importance,self- original God’s fulfilled He flesh. the in reorder Moreover, Jesus isorder,disorder,and to continues – orderswehavecreatedforourselves. (and threatened threaten) social, political, and economic systems Jesus flows. He is the reorder from which every other reorder a futurereorder. The principlereorderisJesus. of redemption and deliverance – all hinting at prophets broughtGod’scorrection and promises an era of disorder. The order stood while the the giveroforder.Theprophetsusheredin that they began to value the order more than and theIsraelitesgotsocaughtupinorder the beginningofplantoredeemhumanity, order for his people. Butthe order was only know the reorder found in Jesus. This is God’s andrules laws only sprinkled with grace for those of us who as read the Bible of first books The five Torah. the in laws God’s given were in andreorder the Scriptures. Think of the Israelites who disorder, oforder, arc the find As Christians, Mr. Begby, Mr. Rohr, and I, disorder, reorder. to (consciously) move throughthecycleoforder, is America in Work of institution the from come Jesus threatened (andcontinues to threaten) social,political,and economic systems–orders we have created forourselves. 3 understanding: 1)thatyouarenotaloneinyour The keytoendurance and perseverance here is redemptive poweroftheGospelJesusChrist. informed bymyunderstandingofthe critiquing them, and offering some perspectives sifting through some orders I havenoticed, Allow metospendtheremainderofthisarticle the arc in processing a situationis its own labor. labor. Theconsciousdecisiontomovethrough with itsownveryrealphysicalandemotional Each stageoforder,disorder,andreordercomes accompanied bysuffering. must facetherealitythatwork itself is often associated withworkaroundtheworld,butwe suffering. We can alleviate some of the suffering cause fromahostofcausespainand exempt world is full of pain and suffering; Work is not an the work order intheworldwelivetoday.Our repeating rhythms ofthework world canbe intellectual stimulation, being facedwiththe After havingspentthirteen yearsinperpetual identities wehavespent lifetimesbuilding. a be dreams concerning our work and subsequent can society American daunting beasttoface due tothetowering in Work or jobs Furthermore, the necessary distribution of into accounttheinherentvalueofallpersons. order, wecanmovetoareorderingthattakes a waythatdoes not ignore the successes of the shortcomings. By critiquing the shortcomings in and evaluatethemfor their successes and consider theeconomicorderswehavecreated devalue unjustifiably our colleagues and neighbors. We to must carefully is it easy how result, to turntheirworkintoidentity,andasa reveals the very real propensity Americans have carrying out that function. This shortcoming of ajobfunctionfromtheworthperson difficult a have time separatingtheassignedeconomicvalue to seem Americans however, job function for the purpose creating structure; an economic value on a specific job and a specific economy in order to thrive. It is necessary to place people working in many or all sectors of the We can all agree that a functioning society needs boldly, myfriends. of futureredemptionfoundinJesus. Question what Christianscall“thefall,”thereishope work as an inherently good thing, and despite and beingcomfortedbythefactthatGodcreated questioning and criticizing; and 2)remembering Question boldly,myfriends. 27 Cornell Claritas Spring 2017 28 Cornell Claritas Spring 2017 extent towhich existing in the American I hopetohaveillustrated tosomedegreethe the world. no matter how unequal access to resources is in seeing theredeemingvalueinhighereducation, of education and distribution of resources, but confronting the failures of thecreatedorders keeps work me going. This is plunging into disorder by community in efficacy greater for that highereducationcanopenopportunities could befeedingahungry person. But thereality use studying for my nextprelimwas when I or what questioned whyIhadtowriteapaper as astudent.Onmorethanoneoccasion I have be seenasareordertothedisillusionmentfelt disorder tothestudentorder. Or perhaps itcan can feelincrediblyfrustrating;itis very much a intimidating. Being thrust into the mundane Americans seemtohaveadifficult economic valueofajobfunction time separatingtheassigned from theworth oftheperson carrying outthatfunction. (Concert atCornell University,Ithaca, NY, 1 from darknessandvoid. disorder, andreordercreatesbeautylife satisfying aboutit. The crucible thatis order, in your life, there is something necessarily reorder final the or reorder lasting a be not may is beauty in reorder. And while today’s reorder to Work There product. finished a of or conclusion a reach frustration the through pushing soon? There very due is somethingredeemingandsatisfyingabout is paper final your but happens when you experience writer’s block, What prelim? a for studying by compromised is frustrated? What happens when one assignment ourselves. But whathappenswhen the work is our families,peers,andevenby perhaps by We attention. special are expected toperformatacertain level, a require fascinating, work to do that, whether tedious or exceedingly of heaps and heaps have We student. the Cornell a itas on about Think production. sacrificed or profit of often altar and is frustrating Humanity feel taxing. can Work of institution Jeremy Begbie,“WhyThe ArtsMattertoFaith” Artwork byEmaniPollard invitation-of-grace/ getcontrolofyourlife.org/2016/03/24/the- Control ofYourLife.March24,2016.http:// 3 living-in-deep-time/ https://onbeing.org/programs/richard-rohr- On Being,podcastaudio,April13,2017. 2 February 10,2017).

Richard Rohr,interviewwithKristaTippett, Richard Rohr,“TheInvitationofGrace”,Get joy. and advocacy.Teabringshergreat hopes tobuildacareeronservice She hopestoattendlawschooland ILR SchoolatCornellUniversity. Emani Pollardisaseniorinthe 29 Cornell Claritas Spring 2017 30 Cornell Claritas Spring 2017 meaning oftheword“catholic.” may differ on baptism andthe the understanding thatviews We affirm the Nicene Creed, with principles of the New Testament. called us to livebythe moral salvation, andthatGod has in Jesus Christisnecessary for is inspired by God, that faith Bible the that affirm Claritas, statements ofbelief. only thatwhich alignswithour reserve the rightstopublish search for truth.Wedo,however, us in our conversation as we spiritual backgrounds to join philosophical, religious, and people fromallintellectual, We, the membersofCornell The Cornell Claritas invites Christian Union atCornell Ministry Director Jim Thomforde knowing youandglorifying you.Amen. pages oftheClaritas.Cultivate thewaywethink—for the sakeof our effortstounderstandyoubetteraswedothis togetherinthe bless to you ask We Christ. in us for done you’ve what and are you and there is nothing greater or higher than the knowledge of who understanding.’ (Col.1:9)Yourgospelcompelsusto seekafteryou, and wisdom spiritual all in will, your of knowledge the with ‘filled powerful grace sothatwemightbe,astheApostle Paulprayed, would be found. To that end, Lord, bless these writings byyour mind isnot,intheend,asearchforbut forGod.” Christian a for search the because significance, ultimate on takes written: “…the search for a mind thattruly thinks like a Christian of thatwhich your servant,NotreDamescholarMarkNoll,has spirit the in you to come We glorified. you seeing and you seeking things are not for the sake of exaltingourselves, but for the sake of world. These efforts to express and applyour knowledge of divine order to make your beauty known here at Cornell and around the make you known. Thus, we offer this journal of Christian ideas in with thoughtsafteryou.Inseekingtoknowyou,wealsodesire Dear Lord, of thedead,andlifeworldtocome.Amen. one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection acknowledge We Church. apostolic and catholic holy one in believe is worshipped and glorified.he He has spoken through theSon Prophets. We the and Father the With Son. the and Father the from We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds and thedead,hiskingdomwillhavenoend. hand oftheFather.Hewill come againin glory tojudgetheliving the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated atthe right he roseagaininaccordancewith and wasburied.Onthethirdday death suffered he Pilate; Pontius under crucified was he sake our became incarnate fromtheVirgin Mary and was made man. For the powerofHolySpirit,he he camedownfromheaven:by Through him allthings were made. For us and for our salvation from true God, begotten,notmade,ofone Being withtheFather. begotten of the Father, God from God, Light fromLight, true God We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally and earth,ofallthingsvisibleinvisible. heaven of maker Almighty, the Father, the God, one in believe We We pray that in these pages and by these reflections that you that reflections these by and pages these in that pray We We want to think the way you, our Creator, designed us to think— NICENE CREED A PRAYER [email protected] conversation. You canalsoreachusat com Visit usonlineat by emailing contact theeditorsorsubmitamanuscript also welcomeletterstotheeditor.Youcan We journal. the of quality of standard and to themission, tone, that areappropriate we reserve the rights to publish submissions accept unsolicitedmanuscripts,although also We ideas. your discuss and editors the review, orartwork,weinviteyoutocontact If youshouldliketocontributeanessay, tolearnmore,subscribe, and jointhe [email protected]. SUBMISSIONS CONTACT US www.cornellclaritas. .

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