Volume XI | Issue III | Summer 2012 the CHRISTIAN OBSERVER

Jesus Week at Columbia Page 4 Brotherhood in Christ: Yale Freshmen Start Fraternity Page 5 Pro-Life Display Ignites Fury at Dartmouth Page 18 John Harvard Was a ‘Godly Gentleman’ Page 21 Chuck Colson, Brown ’53, Leaves a Rich Legacy Page 24 Neurotheology Expert Lectures at Princeton Page 25 RELIGIOUS FREEDOM Cornellian Counters ‘You ON CAMPUS Only Live Once’ Mentality Page 26 Special section, Pages 14–19 Penn Students Serve

Princeton University statue of Rev. , Hurting Communities the college’s sixth president Page 37

Brown ■ Columbia ■ Cornell ■ Dartmouth Harvard ■ Penn ■ Princeton ■ Yale Developing Christian Leaders to Transform Culture The Ivy League Christian Observer is published by the Christian Union, an independent Christian ministry. PRAY WITH US FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHRISTIAN LEADERS WHO WILL TRANSFORM CULTURE

At Christian Union, we are prayerfully seeking God for transformation at Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, Penn, Princeton, and Yale. Each year, thousands of students pass through the halls of these institutions and move out into positions of leadership in our society. Unfortunately, over 90% have had no regular Christian influence in their lives during these critical college years.

Christian Union recently launched a monthly e-mail that describes the key prayer needs of the ministry. Campus-specific prayer e-mails are also available for Columbia, Dartmouth, Harvard, Princeton, and Yale.

Will you join us and pray regularly for the development of Christian leaders at some of our nation’s leading universities?

To receive Christian Union’s prayer e-mail each month, sign up online at www.Christian-Union.org/prayer or send an e-mail to: [email protected].

240 Nassau Street | Princeton, NJ 08542 | 609-688-1700 | www.Christian-Union.org 10th Anniversary Celebration!

Dallas – Monday, October 15, 2012 Westin Galleria Dallas SAVE New York City – Wednesday, November 14, 2012 the Yale Club of New York 118,000 Students – Eight Universities DATE One Mission: Transform Culture for Christ Eight U.S. schools produce 50 percent of our most impactful leaders, ranging from presidents to cultural icons: Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, Penn, Princeton and Yale. More than 90 percent of these students have no regular Christian infl uence. Founded in 2002, Christian Union intervenes in the lives of men and women poised for great infl uence, to direct hearts and skills toward godly leadership. Now Christian Union students and graduates have become a force for change on their campus and society. You won’t want to miss this inspirational benefi t event.

Ticket and event details coming soon.

Rejoicing in ten years of fruitful ministry... Anticipating what God will do in the next ten years. A WORD FROM THE PUBLISHER 240 NASSAU STREET PRINCETON, 08542 [email protected] What Would the Please help us get this magazine into the hands of those who want it. E-mail or write us Ivy League’s in order to: • pass along the names of fellow Christian Forefathers Do? alumni, parents, staff, faculty, or friends who would enjoy this quarterly update from the Ivy League universities. n his book, College: What It Was, Is, and Should • update us on any address change you have. • be removed from the mailing list. I Be, Columbia Professor Andrew Delbanco declares that our nation’s leading universities have “strayed from their original mission to EDITOR-IN-CHIEF encourage a sense of obligation, responsibility, and citizenship in their students.” I Matt Bennett, Cornell BS ’88, MBA ’89 wholeheartedly agree. Delbanco, Harvard ’73, Ph.D. ’80, said the intent of Ivy League forefathers such as MANAGING EDITOR Jonathan Edwards and John Witherspoon was to develop leaders grounded with Tom Campisi, College of New Jersey ’88 morals and values found in the Bible—leaders who knew what it meant to serve (story on Page 20). Today, however, these universities are largely marked by secular SENIOR WRITER ideologies, religious pluralism, and are places where the Christian worldview is often Eileen Scott, Mount St. Mary ’87 marginalized. For Witherspoon, the sixth president of Princeton, there was no political correct- FIELD REPORTERS ness or veering from the college’s mission. In one lecture, he said, “The Christian re- Larry Lin, Cornell ’12 ligion is superior to every other …there is not only an excellence in the Christian Nana Asiedu, Dartmouth ’12 Grace Chen, Cornell ’10 morals, but a manifest superiority in them to those which are derived from any other source.” (The Works of John Witherspoon, Edinburgh: J. Ogle, 1815) PHOTO EDITOR Witherspoon, the only clergyman to sign the Declaration of Independence, helped Pam Traeger educate some of the nation’s most prominent leaders at Princeton. In this issue of the Ivy League Christian Observer, we look at the spiritual lineage of some of the LETTERS TO THE EDITOR nation’s most influential universities and their founders, including a feature on John Please send us your feedback regarding events Harvard. The rich, Christ-centric history stands in stark contrast to the content in and topics described in this magazine at the e- our lead section, Religious Freedom on Campus. One story focuses on a troubling mail or regular mail address listed above. situation at Dartmouth, where a discriminatory policy is keeping Dartmouth Faith and Action, a leadership development ministry supported and resourced by Chris- tian Union, from attaining recognition as a student organization. In a violation of both the First Amendment and common sense, the college is demanding that Dart- mouth Faith and Action not require its leaders to be Christians. Dartmouth College— founded by The Rev. Eleazar Wheelock—has drifted from its mooring, and has By God’s power and with the help of other min- adapted a hostile stance toward Christianity. istries, the mission of Christian Union is to Although I do agree with Delbanco’s assessment of our nation’s leading universi- change the world by developing Christian lead- ties, I am not without hope or resolve. Jesus Christ has a plan to see these centers of ers and networking them together to make an influence serving his purposes once again. In addition to other initiatives, He raised impact for Christ in the larger culture. Matt Bennett (Cornell BS ’88, MBA ’89) founded the up Christian Union 10 years ago and, by God’s grace, we are gaining momentum on ministry in 2002 in Princeton, New Jersey. To these campuses each semester. Our original mission—to develop Christian leaders to learn more about Christian Union, please visit transform culture—is very much intact. www.Christian-Union.org.

The purpose of The Ivy League Christian Ob- Yours in Christ, server (this free quarterly magazine) is to in- form Christian alumni, students, parents, staff, faculty, and friends about the spiritual activity at eight of the country’s most influential col- Matthew W. Bennett leges, including Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, Penn, Princeton, and Founder and President, Cornell ’88, MBA ’89 Yale. Our desire is that you would be encour- aged to pray for these universities, give finan- P.S. The Ivy League Christian Observer reports on the programs of Christian Union cially to Christian initiatives on the campuses, and use your influence for the cause of Christ. and those of various other Christian organizations. While it is our desire to foster unity, encouragement, and awareness among campus ministries, the Christian Cover Image: Christina Keddie Photography Union is not an umbrella organization.

2 | The Ivy League Christian Observer TABLE OF CONTENTS

ON CAMPUS RELIGIOUS FREEDOM ON CAMPUS 4 JESUS WEEK Events at Columbia Emphasize Prayer 14 LACK OF RECOGNITION and Worship Dartmouth Leadership Development Ministry Denied 5 BROTHERHOOD IN CHRIST Yale Freshmen Take the Bold Step of 16 VIEWPOINT DISCRIMINATION Launching a Fraternity Religious Freedom Is at Stake at Vanderbilt University 6 KEEPING THE ‘LAMP POST’ LIT Journal Will Add ‘Fresh Voice’ to the 17 CHI ALPHA STOOD STRONG DESPITE Academic Conversation ACCUSATIONS OF ‘HOMOPHOBIA’ Three Years Ago, Cornell Ministry Faced Intense 7 GODLY PERSPECTIVES Opposition Course Brings World of Christian Missions to Students 18 CEMETERY OF THE INNOCENTS Pro-Life Display Ignites Fury at Dartmouth 8 TWO DECADES OF HEART-TO- HEART MINISTRY 19 A GOAL-LINE STAND Faculty Commons Ministers to Professors, Nebraska Football Coach Voices His Convictions 14 Graduate Students 9 SEEKING AND SAVING THE LOST Bible Study Reaches International BIBLICAL FOUNDATIONS Students 20 LOSING OUR HUMILITY? 22 ‘PRINCETON’S COVENANT Leading Schools Should Return to AGREEMENT’ Service-Oriented Roots Paper by Alumnus Has Been a Source of Vision 21 A NEARLY-FORGOTTEN LEGACY John Harvard Was a ‘Godly Gentleman’ 23 KEEPING THE FAITH and Lover of Learning Former Chapel Dean Chronicles Princeton’s Spiritual History

28 CAMBRIDGE BOUND 32 AFRICAN-AMERICAN FAITH HCFA Member Wins Gates Scholarship LEADERS AND HIV PREVENTION Churches Can Help Fight Disease with a SOCIAL JUSTICE Social-Justice Focus

4 29 MOTHER TERESA’S DISCIPLE ABOUT MINISTRY Author Susan Conroy Speaks about Serving Calcutta’s Poor 34 ‘THE HEAVENS ARE OPENING’ 10 LOST IN TRANSITION Ugandan Pastor Challenges NYC 30 A MEDICAL AND MORAL Young People Adhering to ‘Moral Audience at Doxa Conference Individualism’ APPROACH TO SERVING THE POOR Dr. Paul Farmer Gives Yale Divinity School 35 COMMITTING THE WORD 11 THE SELFISH GENERATION? Lecture TO MEMORY Study Refutes Popular Perception Christian Union Hosts Contest in About Millennials 31 A FACT-FINDING MISSION New York City Students Explore Issues Surrounding INTELLECTUAL ENGAGEMENT Sex Trafficking 36 CAPTURED BY THE CALL Closer Conference Focuses on Student 24 A VISIONARY, A VOICE Missionary Efforts Colleagues Remember Colson’s Widespread Influence 29 37 REACHING OUT Penn Students Work with Churches to 25 A PIONEER IN NEUROTHEOLOGY Help Hurting Communities Expert Discusses the Brain and Religious Experiences DEPARTMENTS IN PERSON 40 News-in-Brief 26 TAKING A LEAP ON FAITH STREET 45 The Mission and Vision Attorney Launches Web Site for NYC of Christian Union Churches 47 Prayer for the Ivy League 27 YOLO NO-NO Cornell Student Counters ‘You Only Live 48 Ivy League Prayer Needs Once’ Mentality

Summer 2012 | 3 ON CAMPUS By Jade Noble, Columbia ’12 JESUS WEEK Events at Columbia Emphasize Prayer and Worship

A few students sat on the steps Jesus Week is an annual initiative con- attend Jesus Week are Christians and of- C of Low Library, chatting and sisting of campus events held during the ten hear about the events through their COLUMBIA enjoying a hot spring after- seven days leading up to Easter. There respective ministries. In the future, Jesus noon. At a distance, they looked no differ- were two goals of Jesus Week: First, to Week organizers will focus more on evan- ent than the sea of their peers who maintain a visible presence on campus gelization and outreach in an effort to surrounded them; nothing remarkable and encourage Christians to reaffirm bring more people to Christ. about their skinny jeans, brightly-colored their faith. Hopefully, public worship at- The biggest event of Jesus Week was Ray Bans, or Converses. tracts students who attend church, but Praise on the Steps. Students from Inter- aren’t actively involved in Varsity (www.columbia.edu/cu/ivcf), Ko- campus ministries. They can rea Campus Crusade for Christ (www. then network with ministries columbia.edu/cu/kccc), Columbia Catholic involved in Jesus Week and Undergraduates (www.columbia.edu/cu/ find a Christian community earl/ccm), University Bible Fellowship on campus. (www.columbiaubf.org), Remnant Chris- A second goal is to provide tian Fellowship, and Compass Christian a space for private prayer Koinonia met on the steps of Low Library with a focus on one’s per- for two hours of praise and worship sonal relationship with God. songs. The gathering was large enough to Each morning began with an catch the attention of passersby, some of hour-long prayer session. whom eventually joined in. “It’s really Students prayed quietly while cool when others join us,” said a Colum- enjoying coffee, pastries, and bia junior. “At first, some might be nerv- worship music. Although ous, but once people realize they’re not morning prayer was largely alone, they’re much more willing to par- for individual communion ticipate.” with God, Columbia student One student stopped to watch Praise on Praise on the Steps, the Jesus Week main event, Heidi Keller ’14 notes that the the Steps for a moment. Although a non- was held at Columbia’s Low Library this spring. event had a unifying quality Christian, she said she respected the stu- as well. “I really liked know- dents’ bold statement. “I couldn’t do it,” ing that not only could I do she commented. Many students said that But upon closer inspection, the stu- my morning quiet time in this environ- gathering with fellow believers was re- dents were donning black T-shirts embla- ment, but also that I was sure to see some freshing and reminded them that there zoned with the neon-colored phrase, of my friends. I went to my classes feeling are many Christian communities on cam- “Pray Lion Pray.” The slogan is a spin-off much more connected to the Christian pus that share the same beliefs. from Columbia’s class of 2013 T-shirt that community.” The week concluded with an inter-min- “I really liked knowing that not only could I do my morning quiet time in this environment, but also that I was sure to see some of my friends. I went to my classes feeling much more connected to the Christian community.” —Heidi Keller ’14 reads, “Party Lion Party.” Many Christians at Columbia said they istry large group gathering and an Easter The shirts were part of the Jesus Week look forward to Jesus Week, but do notice potluck picnic, both of which were well celebration at Columbia. the lack of new faces. Most students who attended. ■

4 | The Ivy League Christian Observer By Eileen Scott, Senior Writer BROTHERHOOD IN CHRIST Yale Freshmen Take the Bold Step of Launching a Fraternity

Christian men looking for a Despite the obvious need, it wasn’t easy It was also an affirmation for Hicks’ Y brotherhood of like-minded for Hicks to take the bold step to establish peers who were seeking an alternative to YALE believers may soon have a new the fraternity. He knew it would require a the campus culture. “This was something fraternity at Yale, thanks to the efforts of commitment of faith and time, in an al- many of us had been seeking all year,” several freshmen who were dissatisfied ready packed schedule. In addition to his said Ginsberg, “but God made us wait so with the social scene on campus. commitments to the The efforts to bring Beta Upsilon Chi, a football team and national Christian fraternity, to Yale are Yale Faith and Ac- being led by Victor Hicks ’15. tion: An Undergrad- “At the beginning of freshman year, I uate Organization was a little discouraged about my Chris- (YFA), Hicks is also tian values and practices because of the a member of the social pressures happening on campus,” Yale College Student said Hicks, a cornerback for the football Investment Group, squad. “Sometimes, there is a separation the Yale Black Men’s between our faith and what we are doing Union, and a men- in our obedience.” tor to high school Hicks and more than a dozen Christian students. peers set out to establish Beta Upsilon Chi So while Hicks (BYX) at Yale and are seeking official sta- said he thought it tus with the national organization and would be “sweet” to Victor Hicks ’15 and Josh Ginsberg ’15 are among Yale recognition from the college. take the steps to es- students seeking to establish a Christian fraternity on “Given the importance of partying in tablish the Christian campus. the social scene at Yale,” says freshman fraternity at Yale, he Josh Ginsberg, “I think a Christian frater- admits that he “never really had the he could raise up the right leader for the nity will convey to the greater campus courage to step out and do it. It was the job.” community that Christians can have just fear of failing.” Ginsberg said BYX is not intended as a as much fun as any other Yale students.” He sought godly counsel to help him substitute for participation in Bible study By hosting social events, Hicks said the discern the course he should take. Pastor and other spiritual disciplines; rather, it fraternity will provide students with what Dexter B. Upshaw, Jr. of The Black should supplement them and add a new he calls “a safe haven where Christian val- Church at Yale (www.bcay.org) and Chad social component that brings members closer to God and to each other—and serve to overpower the negative social in- “BYX will serve as an example that you fluences on campus. don’t have to drink, fornicate, or fight to Ginsberg also believes BYX will play a role in the overall movement of the Holy have a successful fraternity.” Spirit on campus. “It is apparent that God is reestablish- —Brandon Sherrod ’15. ing his presence at Yale as we speak,” he said. “I have the utmost faith that God ues are nourished.” Additionally the stu- Warren, a ministry fellow with Yale Faith will use this fraternity in the revival that dents will be encouraged to grow closer and Action, both challenged Hicks’ fears is about to hit Yale.” through fellowship and a common bond and encouraged him to move forward in Hicks said he’s also confident BYX will of faith. faith. Yale Faith and Action is a Christian help promote Christian values and dra- “BYX will serve as an example that you leadership development ministry sup- matically impact student’s lives. “I believe don’t have to drink, fornicate, or fight to ported and resourced by Christian Union. if we come before God together as a have a successful fraternity,” said fresh- “That’s where I got the courage,” he group, that’s the most important thing we man Brandon Sherrod, a basketball player said, adding that he also received affirma- can do as men,” he said. and member of Yale Faith and Action: An tion and clarification through extended And in so doing, Hicks and his fellow Undergraduate Organization. “It will also time in prayer and fasting during Sex BYX brothers would exemplify the frater- serve as a great witnessing tool and will al- Week at Yale. “God clarified it,” Hicks nity’s founding verse—Psalm 133:1: “Be- low the members of BYX to be even more said. “He would not give me more than I hold how good and how pleasant it is for of a light to everyone around them.” could handle.” brothers to dwell together in unity.” ■

Summer 2012 | 5 ON CAMPUS By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer KEEPING THE ‘LAMP POST’ LIT Journal Will Add a ‘Fresh Voice’ to the Academic Conversation

A group of University of Penn- a medium for sharing key faith principles. erature. The 2006 Harvard alumnus P sylvania students recently “We did not want to impose our beliefs wanted a collegiate magazine with over- PENN launched a Christian journal on our friends and peers,” said Trina Hyun, tones similar to Christianity Today’s that will blend discourses on faith and in- Penn ’12. “We did want to show why we be- Books & Culture and The Institute on Re- tellect at one of the nation’s most ligion and Public Life’s First Things. influential universities. Ivy campuses with Christian publica- “We hope this will invigorate se- tions include Brown, Cornell, Dartmouth, rious, faith-based discussions Princeton, and Yale. Christian Union among students,” said Yue Xu ’12, grants help support various Christian- founder and editor-in-chief. “An themed collegiate magazines, including academically and intellectually- Lamp Post. focused journal is highly desirable Despite the enthusiasm, some staffs and needed in a secular Ivy have struggled to find sufficient editorial League school such as Penn.” assistance and funding for their volunteer In May, Xu and a team of more enterprises. than a dozen students published Nonetheless, Hylden said such publica- the first issue of Lamp Post: A tions add a surprising, fresh voice to the journal of Christian thought at the ongoing, academic conversation, adding University of Pennsylvania. The that many students readily want to inte- issue featured 14 articles, includ- grate their faith with their education. ing ones exploring the intersec- “Most American universities have put tions of theology with literature faith in a box marked ‘irrational’ or ‘obso- and mathematics. A blog version is lete,’ but these students are showing that available at www.pennchristian- theology belongs on campus,” said Hylden, journal.wordpress.com. who’s pursuing a doctorate in theology and Xu, a cinema studies and Chi- ethics from Duke Divinity School. nese studies major, said she was “These journals are providing a needed inspired to birth a faith-minded venue for Christian students to think periodical about two years ago, A group of students at the University of about their faith in public, bringing to but did not move forward “be- Pennsylvania recently published the first issue bear the intellectual resources of the cause we did not have a sufficient of Lamp Post: A journal of Christian thought. Christian tradition on today’s academic inter-ministry network.” world,” he said. After noting a marked increase in unity lieve, and, in doing so, by God’s grace, bring As for Penn, Xu said she will watch with and collegial efforts among campus min- our campus to begin to know Christ.” enthusiasm as underclassmen continue to istries, Xu sought advice from Andrew In the spring of 2004, Jordan Hylden probe issues of faith and academia in Schuman, former editor-in-chief of The was a sophomore at Harvard University print. Dartmouth Apologia, which he launched when he was struck by the need for a “Penn is a very intellectual campus,” in spring 2007. A 2010 Dartmouth alum- nus, Schuman also is a founding member “An academically and intellectually- of The Eleazar Wheelock Society for Intel- lectual Discourse, Service and Vocation. focused journal is highly desirable and “Andrew told me the main goal (of his publication) is to glorify God, to give a needed in a secular Ivy League school platform for people to know more about Him,” Xu said. “We’re providing a plat- such as Penn.” form for more discussion on Christianity. —Yue Xu ’12 We’re trying to be a conversation starter.” The fruit of Xu’s efforts paid off when Christian magazine to offer intellectual said Xu. “This is something we’re offering her team distributed about 1,000 copies discourse in the academy. to reach out to the thinkers, to challenge of their magazine’s inaugural issue across As a result, Hylden launched The Har- them to think about Christianity and the Penn campus. Members of the edito- vard Ichthus, a campus publication with about God.” ■ rial board said they were pleased to have a Christian perspective on culture and lit-

6 | The Ivy League Christian Observer By Eileen Scott, Senior Writer GODLY PERSPECTIVES Course Brings World of Christian Missions to Students

A new course debuted on the additional work and study time to their this course an invaluable introduction to C Cornell campus last spring se- already-packed schedules. The course God’s work around the world. Other stu- CORNELL mester, and while the pri- consists of three levels of commitment, dents will be better able to support, en- vately-funded Christian missions’ class with the requirements intensifying as the courage, and pray for those who do.” isn’t affiliated with the university, it has class progresses. To complete all three The Perspectives Web site talks about already gone a long way toward impacting levels, students must read roughly four becoming “threaded” into God’s story. how some students think about their lives hours each week, complete projects and For Sedziol, who has been a member of and vocations. worksheets, and take two exams. The Navigators praise team and the Or- Last summer, Bethany Sedziol ’14 took The courses are so structured that some thodox Christian Fellowship, that means a course, entitled Perspectives on the World Christian Movement, while attend- ing missions training in California. She was so inspired by what she learned that she worked to bring the class to the Cor- nell campus in order to encourage others to learn more about missions. The course, which is not associated with an on-campus ministry, was funded by donations from local churches and also through a grant from Christian Union. The U.S. Center for World Missions over- sees Perspectives, which outlines the his- tory and strategies of mission work, along with concerns and dangers associated with service. Sedziol says the course “makes sure people know what they’re doing when they go into missions or step foot in the world under the banner of ‘on mission for God.’” Spanning 15 weeks, Perspectives ad- Attendees of the Perspectives on the World Christian Movement course at Cornell. dressed topics such as Missions in the Bible, History and Strategy, as well as Op- portunities for Missions. Among its pre- colleges actually give academic credit to “putting who you are, what you know, and senters were Tom Telford, vice president students taking them. Cornell, however, what you do to use for God and for his ul- of mobilization for United World Mis- does not. timate glory.” sion; Grace Fabian, author of Outrageous Sedziol said the course offers valuable The initial feedback has been positive Grace; and Ray Crognale, pastor of Agape insight for students, helping to answer among the fifteen students enrolled in the Bible Church in Ithaca, New York. the ‘What do I do with this?’ question that inaugural offering. According to one stu- “From the articles in the textbook used a lot of students face but ignore because dent, “[Perspectives] really opened my for the course, to the fact that 15 different of academic pressures. eyes to what following Jesus might look speakers share their experiences, the “Students take courses in preparation like in another culture and has very effec- class truly broadens horizons,” said for life,” said Sedziol. “Perspectives is tively separated the cultural aspects of Sedziol. “It hammers home ideas about about our life for God. It’s silly how following Jesus from the biblical ones for being culturally adept and attentive, and buried students get in just the academics me.” being patient with God’s work.” when everything else is just as important, Ultimately, as one student stated, Mary Pisaniello ’14, one of the coordi- if not more.” “Perspectives truly helped us think nators, said, “Perspectives is intended to And, according to Pisaniello, Perspec- about God’s work on Earth and how we ignite the passion and vision of the Body tives has much to offer students—even can work alongside Him. It gets us up of Christ, so that we can operate in light of those not planning on missions work. to speed on all that God has been teach- and understand more about God’s work “Although not everyone is called to go ing His church. Learning to value what in the world.” overseas, all Christians can participate in God values, we are better equipped to However, igniting that passion requires the global Christian movement,” she said. serve others, and we get to know Him a firm commitment by the students to add “Students considering missions will find better.” ■

Summer 2012 | 7 ON CAMPUS By David Urbanski, Contributing Writer TWO DECADES OF HEART-TO-HEART MINISTRY Faculty Commons Ministers to Professors, Graduate Students at Princeton

When Scott Luley arrived at This not only increased its numbers, but said Luley. “It’s a lot.” P in 1991 to added depth and perspective, especially But the connections and deep sharing PRINCETON launch a chapter of Faculty with regard to graduate students and pro- among Christian professors, graduate Commons—Cru’s national ministry to fessors and the traditionally academic students, and Princeton staffers goes a college professors—the newest chaplain mentoring relationship. long way, Luley notes, toward addressing in town didn’t start with a large group Better Together is the slogan that Fac- and dealing with the stressors at what’s from the academic community. ulty Commons has been employing, Luley arguably America’s most academically There were three, rigorous institution to be exact. of higher learning. “And one was a “They’re not social visiting professor animals,” Luley says from Cambridge,” of the serious aca- said Luley, recalling demics who are de- how that said man voted to lecturing, soon crossed the researching, and pond for England— prepping to defend and then there were dissertations. So two. what are their spiri- But those original tual needs? two “are still here,” “They have a deep Luley says, hap- need to be con- pily…and are now nected with others kept company by 30 who understand the or so colleagues demand of their vo- (and about 60 grad- cations,” he notes, uate students and adding that fellow- 10 coaches and staff ship and especially members). prayer have been The party has playing a greater “changed quite a role in the lives of Scott Luley (top row, far left) is the co-founder of Faculty Commons at Princeton bit” over the last two many faculty mem- University. decades for the bers, graduate stu- Princeton Faculty dents, and staff. Commons ministry, and Luley credits a says, adding that a “strong bond” between “It’s one of the biggest and best things steady focus on the heart, rather than current faculty and “future faculty” has we do,” Luley says of the various prayer merely the head. been growing ever since. opportunities Faculty Commons pro- “I didn’t want to stay in the intellectual Often Christian professors will speak to vides. ionosphere,” he jokes, then quickly notes graduate student groups through Faculty In addition, Luley and his wife have that it always has been “a real burden” for Commons and simply offer perspectives been hosting a Thanksgiving dinner for him not to lose faculty at the heart level. on living as a Christian in academia, Lu- graduate students from other countries Luley soon enough found that profes- ley notes, adding that the biggest pointer for the last 10 years. It’s an effective way sors—who spend most of their time dealing offered is that new professors need to “es- to help students so far from home to feel with academic issues and pursuits—were tablish a life” from the beginning—that connected to others, especially since at heartened that someone like himself had you “can’t make your job your whole life, that point many have only been in the come along to chat with them about family eight days a week.” Luley said Ph.D. can- for two months. Typically, and other personal topics. didates often react with a “Wow, I don’t he says, the dinner draws students who And that naturally led to spiritual is- hear that too much from my advisor!” are not believers, but the focus isn’t evan- sues, which led to Bible studies, prayer Luley’s wife Jan—also a full-time gelistic anyway: “We share what Thanks- groups, lunches, and especially one-on- staffer of Cru—works with many female giving is all about, and students share one discipleship with a growing number professors and graduate students and about their first impressions of America,” of professors. About eight years ago, hears much the same from them. “Most Luley notes regarding the casual get-to- graduate students and college staff mem- women look at this and ask, ‘How can I gether. “There’s a lot of laughing, and it’s bers were included in Faculty Commons. balance family demands and my work?’” a great time.”

8 | The Ivy League Christian Observer The Luleys organized a similar event at hot dogs, grilled chicken, and baked beans. cussions about God, the Gospel, and life.” their home last September, with about 10 It fueled some “great conversation between And those kinds of important conversa- international graduate students and five the Christian faculty and future faculty,” Lu- tions, Bible studies, and times of prayer Christian faculty attending a pre-Fall Se- ley notes. “The casual atmosphere of grilling will once again resume this fall when Fac- mester barbeque—complete with “tradi- on the patio created significant conversa- ulty Commons begins its twenty-first year tional American foods” such as hamburgers, tions that we prayed would lead to deep dis- at Princeton. ■

By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer SEEKING AND SAVING THE LOST Bible Study Reaches International Students

The International Church at ones like, ‘Why does everyone get so ex- ily of four stateside, Orr launched and led Y Yale added a new “Seekers” cited about Easter?’ They seem to be in- the Africa Leadership and Management YALE Bible study over the spring that trigued with American culture.” Academy, a graduate school in Zim- caters to non-American students eager to Orr said the study offered a tremen- babwe. Earlier, the former U.S. Air Force absorb the basics of Christianity. dous opportunity to explain the basics of management engineer taught theology at Most of the dozen students who partic- Christianity to new converts as well as in- the Nairobi International School of The- ipated previously took an Alpha course dividuals exploring the faith. “They have a ology (1991 to 1994) and pursued a doc- through International Students USA, and very good network,” he said. “Inviting torate in Scotland (1995 to 1998). many are postdoctoral researchers or friends to church is a natural thing in But Orr’s passion remains discipling graduate students who hail from Eastern their setting.” small groups of new Asia. According to believers: “It is im- The program was directed by Rodney Orr, a Yale affiliate portant to see them Orr, a staffer with Cru International. and spouse ac- transformed.” “As I prayed about this opportunity, I cepted Christ as Walter Bodine, began to see it as an open door from the Savior during the pastor of the Inter- Lord,” he said. course that met in national Church, Orr, who holds a doctorate in missions Dwight Chapel. said he was thrilled history from the , In the fall, Orr with the success of spent nearly three decades with Cru, in- will assume a posi- the Seekers course. cluding 17 years abroad. tion with Dallas Newcomers to his As for the study, the Yale affiliates— Theological Semi- congregation are mostly from Mainland China and the is- nary as an associ- “really interested in land of Taiwan—focused on the book of ate professor of learning about the Philippians. world missions Bible and Jesus “It’s amazing. In 45 minutes, we’re just and intercultural when they get here. getting warmed up,” Orr said. “It’s hard to studies. In 1990, Our focus is to make get them to stop. We’ve often gone over he completed a church life avail- the time.” master of theology able.” Some material reflects coursework cov- in New Testament International Stu- Rodney Orr oversaw a new Bible ered in A Life Worth Living, an Alpha at the institution. course at the International Church at dents USA sponsors textbook written by Oxford-educated the- Since arriving in Yale to explain the basics of the International ologian, Nicky Gumbel. The book, which New Haven, Con- Christianity to foreign students. Church, an interde- is based on Philippians, focuses on intro- necticut in 2009, nominational effort ducing non-believers to faith and explain- Orr has served with Cru by ministering to to establish a Christ-centered community ing the basics of practical, joyful Christian graduate students and faculty at Yale, on the Yale campus. living. speaking at retreats and conferences, and As for Orr, he noted appreciation for To help facilitate the study at the Inter- teaching at Christian Embassy, Cru’s out- Yale’s historical roots as a center for reli- national Church, the group used a trans- reach to United Nations delegates. He gious training and public service. lator to explain key points and concepts took a sabbatical with the Overseas Min- “It is a blessing to see this old sanctuary in Mandarin Chinese. istry Study Center, a missionary renewal being used to reach students at Yale for “They are just so curious,” Orr said. venue near Yale. Christ,” he said, “just like it was 200 years “The questions they ask are amazing, In the decade prior to moving his fam- ago.” ■

Summer 2012 | 9 ON CAMPUS By Eileen Scott, Senior Writer LOST IN TRANSITION Young People Adhering to ‘Moral Individualism,’ Researcher Says

In his new book, Lost in Tran- The recurring theme of “keep your DEVELOPMENT I sition: The Dark Side of morality to yourself” led Smith to con- ALL IVY Emerging Adulthood, Harvard clude, “In this world of moral individual- PROFESSIONALS alumnus Christian Smith opines that, de- ism, then, anyone can hold their own SEARCH: spite media reports and public percep- convictions about morality, but they also Los Angeles and tions, today’s young people, aged 18-24, must keep those views private. Giving are not more active in their communities voice to one’s own moral views is itself Atlanta and politically concerned. In fact, the renowned Notre Dame sociology profes- sor says they are highly individualistic Do you desire to see our and have trouble taking stands on basic nation’s culture radically issues of right and wrong. The book is a transformed to the glory of follow-up to Souls in Transition: The Re- God? Are you a devout ligious and Spiritual Lives of Emerging Adults, written by Smith in 2009. Christian with 5–10 years In Lost in Transition, Smith describes experience in financial an amoral outlook among young people. relationship development? “The nearly absolute inability to iden- If so, we invite you to inquire tify and reflect semi-coherently on their about two new Christian own moral experiences was amazing and Union positions as Directors depressing,” said Smith, Harvard Ph.D. ’90 and MA ’86. of Public Affairs in Los Angeles For example, a passage highlights an and Atlanta. Ivy League student who explains to Smith why she doesn’t cheat—yet, seemingly As a member of a high- tolerates those who do. performing and growing “I don’t know,” she says. “I guess that’s advancement team, you will a decision that everyone is entitled to make for themselves. I’m sort of a propo- develop long-term financial Sociologist Christian Smith, Harvard nent of not telling other people what to Ph.D. ’90, MA ’86, writes about the partnerships with individuals, do.” moral individualism of emerging churches, and family and Despite admitting that friends who adults in his new book, Lost in private foundations. You will cheat obtain unfair advantages, this stu- Transition. raise the sights of donors to dent prides herself on just saying no to what God can do through their holding peers accountable to a basic immoral.” moral standard. Smith and his team generally deter- investments and prayers. “I guess it’s a good example of [a situa- mined that the lack of moral footing tion] where no one else is hurt and you among this segment of Americans can be Learn how you can become can get away with it,” she concludes. traced to the lack of education and men- part of God’s work to raise up a Oddly enough, Smith’s study reveals toring from adults and the culture at generation of Christian leaders that emerging adults fault those with large. equipped and motivated to strong moral convictions, not those acting This view, however, runs counter to change our secular culture. immorally. what he says is a widely held belief that “You know, some of these people are so the problem with kids today is…kids to- firm in their beliefs,” another student day. In other words, adults tend to blame For more information visit: says. “I find that this has contributed to a kids (or forces other than themselves) for www.Christian-Union.org/DPA lot of problems that we see today, and the loss of moral aptitude in young peo- maybe not on such a minuscule scale. So ple. In effect, while it may be true that it maybe [my view] just a commitment to takes a village to raise a child, the vil- Developing not imposing your beliefs or trying to lagers are often reluctant to take respon- Christian Leaders to dominate other people, or trying to con- sibility. trol people. You know, that’s very sick to One area in particular that has im- Transform Culture me.” pacted moral individualism, says Smith,

10 | The Ivy League Christian Observer is higher education. morality as anything or anyone else,” he being Christian with some degree of faith- “Colleges and universities play an im- says. “It’s not a reassuring situation.” fulness is counter-cultural.” mense role in the dynamics,” writes Smith, a Christian, acknowledges that In the end, Smith says, he’s not “en- Smith. “The loss of a sense of real truth, his research findings have affected his tirely sure” how to reverse the tide of value, goodness, and beauty in higher ed- heart: “It’s increased my compassion for moral individualism. ucation…teaches students that knowledge young people and my awareness of just However, he suggests, “I think what and truth and moral reality are murky if how lost they are.” Christians can do is try to be faithful to not relative.” This lack of firm moral footing and high their traditions, to prevent them from be- He explains that higher education also degree of moral individualism also high- ing corroded away by secular post moder- has largely abandoned its responsibility lights, for Smith, the increasing degrees nity, yet without becoming sectarian and to take the reins from parents in regard to of separation between the church’s pres- resentful about things.” the moral formation of students, leaving ent cultural influence and the sway it held In the end, though, “proposed solu- older teenagers and young twentysome- in earlier times. tions and alternatives will likely be su- things to figure things out on their own. “Like it or not, Christian faith today is perficial and fruitless” until we “grasp “Many institutions of higher education just quite counter-cultural,” he said. “One and accept the challenges and difficulties are just as confused about truth and does not need to try to be different, just involved.” ■

By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer THE SELFISH GENERATION? Study Refutes Popular Perception about Millennials

Editor’s note: The following According to the survey I story was reprinted with per- results, young adults’ inner ALL IVY mission from www.Worldon- values have been declining Campus.com. for four generations. The study compares responses Researchers studying the attitudes and from youth of the same age behaviors of college students got a sur- from the Baby Boomer gen- prise when they analyzed surveys com- eration, born between 1946 pleted by this year’s incoming freshmen. and 1961, Generation X, The Millennial Generation is more self- born between 1962 and ish, less interested in the well-being of 1981, and Millennials, born others, and less concerned about the en- after 1982. The results vironment than previously thought. show that each new genera- Jean Twenge, a psychology professor at tion places less importance San Diego State University and one of the on life goals, concern for study’s authors, told the Associated Press others, and civic issues. she did not expect the findings to turn out The American Freshman the way they did: “I was shocked. We have survey, given to students the perception that we’re getting through every year since 1966, to people. But at least compared to previ- showed that the number of ous eras, we’re not.” students who placed an im- Twenge and her team based their study Researcher Jean Twenge was shocked by the portance on being wealthy, on two long-term surveys, the American findings of her recent study of the Millennial increased from 45 percent Freshman project and the University of Generation. of Baby Boomers to 70 per- Michigan’s Monitoring the Future proj- cent of Gen Xers. Among ect. Despite the Millennial Generation’s Although the study did not address the Millennials, the emphasis reputation for altruism, the study re- reasons behind the results, two Christian on wealth rose to 75 percent. vealed that today’s young adults are more educators blame young adults’ inward fo- Political interest among youth fell from interested in being wealthy, less inter- cus on the economic downturn and on a 50 percent for Boomers to 39 percent for ested in politics, and less interested in disconnect from adult society, encour- Generation X. Interest among the Millen- protecting the environment than past aged by technology that connects them nial Generation further declined to 35 generations. more closely to each other. percent, a significant drop from the

Summer 2012 | 11 ON CAMPUS

Boomer generation. Interest in eco- gaged in a battle to outshine their friendly programs also dropped from peers for the right to jobs after col- 33 percent among Boomers to just 21 lege,” he said. “The hours spent work- percent for Millennials. ing could cut down on their ability to Responses to a question about the meaningfully engage in political importance of “developing a meaning- demonstrations or ponder the mean- ful philosophy of life,” showed the ing of life. This may result in a focus on biggest drop − 73 percent of Boomers many of the extrinsic values that thought it was important, compared to Twenge states are increasing in Mil- just 45 percent of Millennials. lennial students.” Although the study’s authors found Gordon, however, attributes the the results surprising, David Gordon, a Millennial Generation’s lack of in- religion professor at Grove City Col- volvement to digital media, which lege, in Grove City, Pennsylvania, did many thought would make today’s not. The Millennial Generation “sim- youth the most broad-minded, ply doesn’t care about much other thoughtful, intelligent generation ever. than its own pleasure and well-being. Instead, it has arrested their develop- Self-interest is the mirror opposite of ment, Gordon said: “When they are public-mindedness,” Gordon said. ‘podded up’ they do not hear adult But Jeff Doyle, dean for Student conversations. When in a room with Instead of connecting to the world at large, Millennials connect to other youth, leaving them “utterly cut off from the broader culture that antedated them.” —David Gordon

Learning and Engagement at Baylor adults, they are texting other adoles- University, called the study both sur- cents who are not present. They are prising and discouraging and de- stuck in childhood, because they have scribed Millennials as upstanding so little acquaintance with adults and citizens and students. adult concerns.” “[Millennials are] some of the Instead of connecting to the world at friendliest, rule-abiding, and hard- large, Millennials connect to other working students I have been around youth, leaving them “utterly cut off in my career,” said Doyle, who has from the broader culture that ante- worked in Christian higher education dated them.” Gordon said. for six years and secular higher educa- But after working with both Chris- tion for 14 years. Doyle argues that tian and non-Christian students, what appears to be self-focus among Doyle believes faith makes a differ- Millennials could just be the result of ence. trying to survive in a difficult eco- “From my professional experience, nomic climate. the Christian students I have worked Today’s students are living in a hy- with are not immune to the same per-competitive environment, and temptations and challenges facing many leave college with serious debt, non-Christian students, but they seem Doyle said. College students from the to have a buffer that reduces their like- 1960s and 1970s, often got jobs simply lihood of beliefs and behavior that are because they had a degree, he said. indicative of selfishness,” he said. “College students of the past two The Associated Press contributed to decades have increasingly been en- this report. ■

12 | The Ivy League Christian Observer

RELIGIOUS FREEDOM ON CAMPUS By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof... —The First Amendment

LACK OF RECOGNITION Christian Leadership Ministry at Dartmouth Faces Discrimination

tudents involved in a new Christian leadership development ministry at Dartmouth are discovering that, under the guise of political “cor- Srectness,” religious student organizations do not enjoy equal stand- ing with other student groups on their campus. The undergraduates are pursuing recognition from Dartmouth to form a ministry via the college’s Council on Student Organizations. Status as a student organization comes with a variety of benefits, including a small amount of funding from the college and the ability to participate in activ- ity fairs, reserve space on campus, and request funding. In May, the Council on Student Organizations voted 5-4 against granting recognition to Dartmouth Faith and Action because its bylaws require leaders to be Christians, a measure the student-led council considered too exclusive.

14 | The Ivy League Christian Observer However, the vote was not as close as it may appear; even council members who cast their ballot in favor of recognition added an extraordinary condition: that the faith-based organ- ization would not require its leaders to be themselves profess- ing Christians. The students representing Dartmouth Faith and Action ex- pressed dismay that religious organizations at Dartmouth are not free to align their leadership with the mission and values for which the organization stands. “We could have compromised, but we’re standing with our beliefs,” said Ian Chaffin ’15, president of Dartmouth Faith and Action (DFA). The fledgling organization, supported and resourced by Christian Union, will again seek recognition in the fall. Members of Dartmouth Faith and Action at Christian “We’re facing tricky arguments,” said Chaffin of the coun- Union’s Faith In Action Conference in April. cil’s discriminatory demand, which singles out faith-based groups from other student groups on Dartmouth’s campus. In Although leaders of the organizational council initially told fact, the organizational council has granted recognition to a DFA students to pursue recognition through Tucker, Anna Hall, variety of clubs that necessitate uncompromising commit- Dartmouth’s associate director of the Collis Center for Student ment to the key issues that define them, including Atheists, Involvement, eventually permitted the students to present their Humanists, Agnostics at Dartmouth; College Democrats; and case for recognition to the council. Along with a series of delays College Libertarians. Furthermore, the council has granted to their request, students said Hall also declined clarification on recognition to a variety of performing groups that require au- questions tied to recognition procedures. ditions for membership, let alone leadership. Not surprisingly, DFA student leaders described the environ- Documents on the organizational council’s Web site do not ment during their presentation to the organizational council as indicate requirements or restrictions for club officers other adversarial and even hostile. The council debated privately for than one specifying they must be Dartmouth undergraduates. about 30 minutes before issuing a decision. However, application documents state participation in col- “If students are not allowed to form peaceful, legal communi- lege clubs “shall be open to all members of the Dartmouth ties on campus that preserve their most deeply held beliefs and Community without regard to race, color, creed, sex, physical practices, then pluralism at Dartmouth has failed,” said Kevin ability, sexual orientation, or national origin.” Collins (Harvard ’89), the Christian Union’s ministry director at Membership in DFA is open to all students, regardless of Dartmouth. their religious convictions. “Christian organizations should have the right to require their Earlier in the year, students involved in DFA were troubled leaders to believe and follow the Christian principles and goals of their organization based on the free exercise clause in the “If students are not allowed to form peaceful, First Amendment to the U.S. legal communities on campus that preserve Constitution.” DFA’s struggle is reminis- their most deeply held beliefs and practices, cent of the lengthy battle Princeton Faith and Action then pluralism at Dartmouth has failed.” faced to achieve status as a stu- dent organization at Princeton —Kevin Collins, Christian Union’s ministry director at Dartmouth University. Princeton Faith and Action (PFA) is a leadership to learn the university discriminates against religious organi- development ministry supported and resourced by Christian Union. zations by segregating them and requiring separate approval In 2005, PFA was recognized after three years of being arbi- for them through The William Jewett Tucker Foundation. trarily denied status and after finally enlisting the support of a Tucker’s Office of Religious and Spiritual Life recognizes 20- national civil rights group. plus campus ministries and their ministers. Earlier, when student leaders of PFA approached the student However, students with DFA decided to instead seek recogni- government for recognition, they were told they needed approval tion through the Council on Student Organizations as it conveys from the dean of the Office of Religious Life because their organiza- official status to the overwhelming majority of campus organiza- tion was religious in nature. PFA leaders were given that hurdle, tions. More importantly, Tucker requires faith-based clubs to even though no such requirement existed for secular organizations. follow more restrictive guidelines than other clubs, including Ultimately, after the Foundation for Individual Rights (FIRE) stringent restrictions on advertising, and preventing religious wrote to the university, reminding it of its stated commitments clubs from giving out free materials, such as Christian books. to freedom of religion and association, PFA received recognition.

Summer 2012 | 15 RELIGIOUS FREEDOM ON CAMPUS

In its letter to Princeton, -based FIRE called the Three years ago, the Chi Alpha chapter at Cornell was tem- university’s actions “inexcusable at one of the nation’s leading porarily de-funded after a student who identified himself as “ho- liberal arts institutions.” The letter also noted the “apparently ar- mosexual” was asked to step down from leadership. Following a bitrary method of decision-making simply cannot be reconciled review by the university’s legal counsel, it was determined that with Princeton’s promises.” Chi Alpha was free to decide who would constitute their leader- Princeton pledged to re-examine its policy, which appeared to ship based on their religious convictions. According to Rev. unfairly single out religious student organizations for additional Clarke, that right is also guaranteed in the Cornell United Reli- and exceptional scrutiny. In her written response, President gious Work (CURW) Covenant. Shirley M. Tilghman reaffirmed the right of religious student Buoyed by these encouraging affirmations of equal rights for groups to peaceful, lawful assembly. religious groups from other leading universities, the DFA stu- After the denial of recognition at Dartmouth in May, a con- dents are not giving up their effort to gain recognition. cerned alumnus from Cornell wrote his university to make sure “We are going to hit the ground running in the fall,” said Tanya it was not adhering to a discriminatory leadership policy. Budler ’15, vice president. The director of Cornell United Religious Work (CURW), Rev. Taylor Stevens ’15, treasurer, agreed. “We have learned the im- Kenneth Clarke, Sr., assured the alumnus that Cornell has not portance of ultimately giving the entire situation to God,” she engaged in censorship. said. ■

VIEWPOINT DISCRIMINATION Religious Freedom Is at Stake at Vanderbilt University

Editor’s note: The following article by Eric Metaxas, call “viewpoint discrimina- I Yale '84, is reprinted with permission from Break- tion,” that campus Christian ALL IVY Point, a Christian worldview ministry founded by the groups are fighting back: a late Chuck Colson, Brown ’53. coalition of eleven religious When our religious freedoms are being attacked, we must not student groups called Vander- remain silent. And one group of college students is speaking out bilt Solidarity is reapplying for loudly and clearly. Good for them. registered status at Vanderbilt Imagine a college chapter of the People for the Ethical Treat- without changing their mem- ment of Animals, PETA, being led by someone whose favorite bership requirements. food is nice, rare steak and who wears fur coats whenever she Their goal is to make the Eric Metaxas, Yale ’84 can. Sounds pretty wacky, doesn’t it? university publicly explain and Well, for campus ministries at Vanderbilt University, some- justify its blatantly discriminatory policy. They may not prevail thing like this is a real possibility. So, they have decided to fight in their quest for registered status, but even then, they will have back in a way we could all learn from. done us all a service by refocusing the debate on the issue: reli- Back in January, the university put out new regulations aimed gious freedom. at student political and religious groups. The regulations require Far too often, the debate over religious freedom gets side- that “membership in registered student organizations [be] open tracked: as Chuck (Colson) told BreakPoint listeners, Rush Lim- to everyone and that everyone, if desired, has the opportunity to baugh’s boorish comments were — no pun intended — a godsend seek leadership positions.” to the Department of Health and Human Services and its sup- Theoretically, under the regulations, a PETA chapter at Van- porters. The focus on contraception distracted Americans from derbilt — if one exists — would really have to admit, and possi- the real issue: the use of government power to coerce believers to bly be led by, a fur-draped carnivore. I’m guessing that’s not violate their religious beliefs. what the Vanderbilt administration had in mind. But I do have It was a pointless alternative to the questions Americans ought an idea whom they are targeting: Christian groups. to be asking themselves: if Christians can be forced to pay for You see, last fall, Vanderbilt told the Christian Legal Society contraceptives, sterilization, and abortion-inducing drugs, what that its requirement that officers “lead Bible studies, prayer, and else can people of conscience be forced to do? worship” violated university policy because it “implied that these Taken at face value, Vanderbilt’s policies, as Robert Shibley of leaders must hold certain religious beliefs.” the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education has noted, Call me cynical, but it’s hard to imagine the university admon- would allow heterosexual students to join the Lambda Associa- ishing a campus gay and lesbian group for requiring that its lead- tion and vote it out of existence. Once again, I kind of doubt ers support same-sex marriage. Or can you imagine them telling that’s what university officials have in mind. the local Hillel chapter that it must accommodate Jews for Je- So hats off to Vanderbilt Solidarity. They’ve placed the onus sus? I don’t think so. where it belongs: on university officials. And they’ve made it clear The regulations are such a blatant example of what lawyers what really is at stake in these debates: religious freedom for all. ■

16 | The Ivy League Christian Observer By Eileen Scott, Senior Writer CHI ALPHA STOOD STRONG DESPITE ACCUSATIONS OF ‘HOMOPHOBIA’ Three Years Ago, Cornell Ministry Faced Intense Opposition, Intimidation

Members of the Cornell chapter of Chi Alpha can iden- protesters when arriving for a Chi Alpha meeting. Ironically, he C tify with campus ministries at Vanderbilt and others added, “In setting themselves that night as the victims in a new CORNELL nationwide that are being threatened with expulsion civil rights movement, [gay rights proponents] ended up taking because they will not compromise their standards for students in the role of intimidating protesters.” leadership. The Hermans—who left Cornell this summer to work at an- Vanderbilt has adopted an “all-comers” policy, which says stu- other campus—recalled how the university questioned their au- dent organizations must be open to all students (including in thority three years ago. leadership), regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or re- “According to the university, the real issue was whether we ligion. Ministries there are uniting in their were acting over our bounds as advisors protest of the policy and are incredulous or chaplains regarding Chris,” he said. that they would be expected to grant lead- “Did we hold authority to make a mostly ership positions to students opposed to unilateral decision over the group we their core values. were leading?” Three years ago, the leadership team of Herman did not anticipate, three years Chi Alpha (www.xacornell.com) stood ago, that Cornell would be a predecessor firm amid similar discrimination accusa- to what has become a national hotbed of tions after asking its treasurer, Chris litigation and debate of religious liberty Donohue ’09, to step down when he and discrimination on college campuses. openly declared himself a “homosexual.” “I was surprised that the upheaval at Although he was not allowed to be a leader Cornell would not be an isolated inci- in the ministry, Donohue was not prohib- dent,” he said, “but a possible forerunner ited from attending Chi Alpha events. to a movement across the United States.” Chi Alpha, associated with the Assem- Less surprising is the unabashed nega- blies of God, temporarily lost funding as a tive sentiment toward Chi Alpha from student organization and was considered some in university and campus leadership. in violation of university policy. The situa- “One administrator said she looked for tion launched a heated debate around ways to get us punished and kicked off freedom of expression and sparked anger campus because she is an outspoken les- toward Chi Alpha’s ministry directors, bian,” Herman said. Matt and Tracy Herman. In the end, Herman cites the univer- After nearly a year of deliberation, Pres- Matt and Tracy Herman, former directors sity’s distaste for widespread publicity and ident David Skorton approved Resolution of Chi Alpha at Cornell, helped guide the litigation as a primary catalyst in settling 75, which “prohibits discrimination ministry through some turbulent times. the dispute. “They backed off,” he said against students based upon age, color, Herman cautions that the influence of disability, ethnicity, gender, marital status, national origin, race, the so-called “gay agenda” will continue to impact Christians religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any combina- who view same-sex relationships as sinful. tion thereof.” However, Chi Alpha was restored as an official stu- “The growth of gay advocacy among universities in particular, dent organization because the resolution allowed for “uniform and United States culture in general, will continue to increase standards” of belief and conduct, provided that “they are pro- due to pressure placed on those who are in positions of power,” tected by the First Amendment of the U. S. Constitution in the he said. “Momentum is in full swing, and those of us who feel ho- context of a public university.” mosexual behavior is both destructive and harmful will continue Rev. Kenneth Clarke, Sr., the director of Cornell United Religious to be cast aside.” Work (an umbrella organization for ministries), also affirmed that As a result, Herman recommends a Christian response tem- his organization’s covenant affirmed Chi Alpha’s right to make deci- pered by discernment and listening to godly counsel: “My desire sions based on doctrinal convictions. was to patiently walk through the process without inflaming it.” But that victory did not come easily for Chi Alpha. In a series And despite the hardships, Herman said lessons were learned of articles in The Cornell Daily Sun, various students and a and benefits gained from situation. columnist accused Chi Alpha of discrimination and “homopho- “The unity among staff within the Christian community was bia.” Additionally, Matt Herman recalled how some of his stu- definitely strengthened,” he said. “Students rallied for the most dents felt intimidated as they walked through a crowd of part, and we all learned from the confrontation.” ■

Summer 2012 | 17 RELIGIOUS FREEDOM ON CAMPUS By Eileen Scott, Senior Writer CEMETERY OF THE INNOCENTS Pro-Life Display Ignites Fury at Dartmouth

A peaceful, yet poignant demonstration portraying the the culture,” said Smith, adding that he believes many at Dart- D sum total of abortion’s toll in the United States was mouth who oppose the pro-life movement are feminists and sup- DARTMOUTH met with reckless violence at Dartmouth this spring. porters of the sexual revolution who see advocating life as In March, members of Dartmouth’s pro-life organization, Vita curbing their freedoms. Clamantis (http://dartmouthprolife.wordpress.com/), set up 546 “They feel they have all these rights and that we’re trying to small American flags on a campus lawn. The display, referred to as turn back the clock on things,” he said, noting that the pro-life the “Cemetery of the Innocents,” represented 54.6 million babies position runs counter to Dartmouth’s hook-up culture. killed through abortions since Roe v. Wade. However, anger and Smith also contends that there is “a notion in America today that freedom means you have the right to do anything.” How- ever, he continued, “authentic freedom is the ability to choose the good.” Anna Niedbala ’12 said she believes the visceral reaction to the memorial was fueled by students being confronted with the sheer number of deaths represented by the display. “Abortion is a hurtful thing,” she said. Niedbala admitted she was less surprised by the vandalism than perhaps she should have been. “When people react emotionally,” she said, “rationality goes out the window. It was an awful thing to do, despite how you felt.” As one writer for The Dartmouth Review declared, the vandal- ism at the Cemetery of Innocents “epitomizes the double stan- dard that prevails at elite colleges like Dartmouth: protests are only acceptable if the cause the protesters support is a liberal one.” Adding to the destructive nature of the act, it appears that the rights of pro-life students were also mowed down. For some, the PHOTO CREDIT: Sterling Beard, Dartmouth ‘12 response to Vita’s memorial reflects a diversity double stan- A disgruntled demonstrator drove his car across a flag dard. display on Dartmouth’s campus that commemorated lives As one writer for The Dartmouth Review declared, the vandal- lost to abortion. ism at the Cemetery of Innocents “epitomizes the double stan- dard that prevails at elite colleges like Dartmouth: protests are emotion over the memorial turned violent when a Dartmouth stu- only acceptable if the cause the protesters support is a liberal dent drove his car across the lawn and plowed through rows of flags. one.” “I was shocked,” said Vita Clamantis President Robert Smith ’14. For example, Vita is characterized by opponents as “anti- “It seemed so ridiculous.” choice.” It’s a term Niedbala sees as Planned Parenthood rheto- While no one was hurt, Smith said the administration—as well ric—and a huge “misnomer.” as campus and local police—responded quickly to the vandalism. “What we are doing is advocating women’s rights,” she said, Although the organization is not pressing charges against the explaining that Vita raises funds for crisis pregnancy centers and driver, the Hanover Police Department is investigating the inci- provides babysitting and other resources so Dartmouth can be a dent. Additionally, students vandalized signs explaining what the baby-friendly campus where young female students truly have memorial was about. the right to choose life. Vita Clamantis—whose name means “life calling out in the Smith agrees. “When we have a strong community and nation wilderness”—sponsored a forum to discuss the display and the in which people have flexibility and support to choose to carry a issue of abortion. While the event also generated anger and pregnancy, that’s when you see real freedom coming into play,” raised voices, Smith said it wasn’t disrupted and that open dia- he said. logue was exchanged. On that level, he said, he considers the In the meantime, pro-life advocates continue to fight their bat- event a success. tle on two fronts: educating the majority on the truth of abortion, In The Dartmouth Review, Will Hix ’12 said it was rare for and overcoming the pro-abortion sentiments prevalent in the events to generate that level of interest and emotion. culture, both on and off campus. So why such a passionate response to a commemoration of “I think tolerance is the new virtue of this age,” said Smith. lives lost? “While Christians recognize tolerance is very important, if you’re “If you carry pro-life to conclusion, it goes against the heart of tolerating evil, you are culpable for that.” ■

18 | The Ivy League Christian Observer By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer A GOAL-LINE STAND Nebraska Football Coach Voices His Convictions Despite Opposition

Ron Brown believes he was called to tackle a legal pol- entation. At the time, the B icy that would protect a sinful lifestyle. mayor of Lincoln, Ne- BROWN That’s why the assistant coach with the Nebraska braska – the state’s capi- Cornhuskers and Ivy League alumnus, Brown ’79 and Columbia tal, seat of the University MPH ’82, spoke against a local gay and transgender anti-discrim- of Nebraska and Brown’s ination law, sparking a wave of national headlines in the spring. home – said such an In an interview with The Ivy League Christian Observer, opinion would not deter Brown, who committed his life to Christ as a senior at Brown that city from putting a University, said he spoke out because believers must be stewards similar proposal to a of biblical principles in their communities. vote, according to news “We’re called to take a stand for biblical truth,” said Brown. reports. Nonetheless, the running backs coach noted believers should For now, Brown re- seek opportunities to share Christ’s love with gay people. mains committed to liv- In March, during a hearing for the measure that added local ing out his faith in the protections against discrimination for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and “public square,” but he Ron Brown, a Nebraska transgendered individuals, Brown challenged Omaha City Coun- declined to testify in Lin- University football coach, made cil members to remember the Bible does not condone homosex- coln’s hearings. national headlines when he uality. He told lawmakers they would be held to “great Over the years, Brown spoke against Omaha’s gay and accountability” for their decisions, according to ESPN.com and has come under fire from transgender anti-discrimination The Associated Press. the American Civil Liber- law. The coach, Brown ’79 and Columbia MPH ’82, said believers In the aftermath of the speech, Nebraska’s athletic director ties Union for promoting must be stewards of biblical and university chancellor defended the right of faculty and stu- Christianity during moti- principles in their communities. dents to voice their opinions about public events and issues, vational appearances in news reports said. schools. He earned national acclaim for leading a prayer at mid- Brown, however, was reprimanded for listing Nebraska’s Me- field before the Cornhuskers’ game at sex scandal-torn Penn morial Stadium as his address of record in the council register, a State University in 2011. misstep for which he apologized. Some believers with ties to the Ivy League recently com- Brown is no stranger to the public arena, and he often trum- mended Brown for standing on his convictions. pets his convictions. Brown is a “rare voice calling in the wilderness,” said Kent The Massachusetts transplant heads the FreedMen Nebraska Dahlberg, who with his wife Denise, leads Integrare at Dart- ministry, hosts a show on a statewide Christian radio network, mouth College. The campus ministry focuses on professors, ad- and writes a column for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes’ ministrators, graduate students, alumni, and community leaders. magazine. Brown also has written books on Christian character Dahlberg described the Huskers coach of two decades as a and growth. “man of principle and character, someone who has the courage “The question I have for you all is, like Pontius Pilate, what are of his convictions because they are not simply his own opinions.” you going to do with Jesus?” Brown asked during his appearance in Likewise, Dahlberg recalled Brown’s integrity during their Omaha. “At the end of the day, it matters most what God thinks.” mutual days at Brown University. In an interview with The Ivy League Christian Observer, The Dahlbergs ministered at Brown University during the mid- Brown also noted he opposes slander and meanness toward ho- 1980s, when they met the future Big Ten football coach. Brown mosexual individuals. Likewise, in a letter to The Lincoln Jour- attended the couple’s Athletes in Action Bible studies, as well as nal Star, Brown assured the public he would never discriminate their pre-game chapel services for football players on game days. against gay players. “He called forth the best from his players, as he demanded it “I have and will embrace every player I coach, gay or straight,” of himself,” Dahlberg said. he wrote. Dahlberg also hailed Brown for his willingness “to be misun- In the letter, Brown also said he supports the University of Ne- derstood and unfairly characterized in order to be faithful, at braska’s non-discrimination policy and affirmed he has never vi- least to his calling in God’s kingdom.” olated it. As well, Steve Spaulding, director for the Fellowship of Chris- The Omaha City Council passed the ordinance by a narrow tian Athletes at Dartmouth, said Brown simply exercised his margin in March. freedom of speech and spoke of his convictions in testifying be- In May, Nebraska’s attorney general issued an opinion that fore the Omaha council. cities cannot adopt ordinances protecting people from discrimi- “I’m glad his voice is out there. I admire his courage,” said nation for being gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered because Spaulding, who played inside linebacker for the U.S. Military the state’s anti-discrimination laws do not extend to sexual ori- Academy. “I’m glad an alternative voice is allowed.” ■

Summer 2012 | 19 BIBLICAL FOUNDATIONS By Eileen Scott, Senior Writer LOSING OUR HUMILITY? Leading Schools Should Return to Service-Oriented Roots, Says Professor/Cultural Critic

In February, during his campaign to be the Republican are smug and self-serving, he greatly admires many of his stu- C nominee in this year’s presidential election, Rick Santo- dents,—“the general atmosphere,” he says, “encourages a sense of, COLUMBIA rum called President Barack Obama (Columbia ’83, ‘We made it because we are better and more deserving.’” Harvard Law ’91) a snob for his emphasis on higher education. This, he believes, is in contrast to the sense of humility, grati- While Columbia professor and au- tude, and charity with which the thor Andrew Delbanco (Harvard ’73, early academy viewed its giftedness Ph.D. ’80) disagrees with Santorum’s and purpose in society. assessment, he does admit that the na- “I’m not a Christian,” he added, tion’s leading universities have lost “but that way of understanding how their sense of humility and their con- people should live, if we are to attain nection to the values upon which they a better society in this world, makes a were built. lot of sense to me. I feel the institu- “Our oldest and most prestigious tions that inherited those values are colleges are losing touch with the spirit not doing as good a job to keep that in which they were founded,” wrote spirit going as they should be.” Delbanco in a New York Times op-ed Delbanco makes this point well in (March 8, 2012). To their founders, his New York Times piece with a

“the mark of salvation was not high CREDIT PHOTO: Columbia University quote from novelist Walter Kirn, self-esteem but humbling awareness of Columbia Professor Andrew Delbanco, Harvard Princeton ’83. Kirn said he learned to one’s lowliness in the eyes of God. With ’73 and Ph.D. ’80, comments on the Ivy League’s “rise to almost every challenge (at such awareness came the recognition Christian roots in his book, College: What It Princeton)...except, perhaps, the that those whom God favors are Was, Is, and Should Be. challenge of real self-knowledge.” granted grace not for any worthiness of In his book, College: What It Was, their own, but by God’s unmerited mercy—as a gift to be con- Is, and Should Be (Princeton University Press, 2012), Delbanco verted into working and living on behalf of others. That lesson discusses the influence of the academy’s Christian forefathers, should always be part of the curriculum.” such as Jonathan Edwards, and makes the case that the values In his Times article, Delbanco cites distinguished alumni who and goals of the universities’ early educators are not far-flung also remarked on the elitist attitude within some higher educa- historic notions. tion circles, including essayist William Deresiewicz (Columbia “One theme of my book is that you don’t have to be a believer ’95, Ph.D. ’98), who noted that his education taught him to be- in any formal religion to recognize that although we live in a sec- lieve that those who didn’t attend “an Ivy League or equivalent ular age, colleges should still be concerned with the formation of school” were “beneath” him. character, and should foster debate and discussion of moral val- ues,” said Delbanco, who “College in the early era was for training identifies himself as a non-observant Jew. “We teachers and ministers; people who served should recognize that these institutions are other people. More and more, it’s come to be straying from their origi- nal mission to encourage understood as an institution for conferring a sense of obligation, re- benefits on the individual.” sponsibility, and citizen- ship in their students.” —Columbia Professor Andrew Delbanco, Harvard ’73, Ph.D. ’80 Part of the issue, ac- cording to Delbanco, is The bottom line, according to Delbanco, is that in an effort to the increased emphasis on globalization that permeates the uni- establish themselves as the best of the best, the institutions have versity. In other words, in reaching out across the globe, local lost sight of their original purpose—to serve. neighbors in need are being left empty-handed. “College in the early era was for training teachers and minis- “The sense of public obligation, the sense of the importance of ters; people who served other people,” Delbanco said in an inter- citizenship, has been on the decline,” said Delbanco, who went view with the Ivy League Christian Observer. “More and more, on to advocate more partnerships with local community colleges it’s come to be understood as an institution for conferring bene- and opportunities for gifted transfer students. fits on the individual.” Delbanco said he believes in educating the whole person and But while Delbanco said he’s not suggesting that all Ivy Leaguers providing an educational environment that promotes character

20 | The Ivy League Christian Observer enhancement and development. he hopes to continue eliciting dialogue concerning the corner- “More than achieving the competence to solve problems and stone values of higher education, despite an academic environ- perform complex tasks, education means attaining and sustaining ment in which political correctness is a premium and an election curiosity and humility,” he writes in College: What It Was, Is, and year in which politicians use the issues for personal or party gain. Should Be. “It means growing out of an embattled sense of self into “One reason I never aspired to be a dean or administrator is I a more generous view of life as continuous self-reflection in light feel freer as writer and critic to speak my mind on the issues that of new experience, including the witnessed experience of others.” concern me,” said Delbanco. “Once you’re an official, it seems Therefore, as a writer and cultural commentator, Delbanco said that you’re expected to shut your mouth.” ■

By Eileen Scott, Senior Writer A NEARLY-FORGOTTEN LEGACY John Harvard Was a ‘Godly Gentleman’ and Lover of Learning

John Harvard lived in the United States for little more Word of God, he prized learning and scholarship, and he had a H than a year before he died. Yet, for nearly four cen- generous spirit.” HARVARD turies he has profoundly impacted America—and the The Christian influence upon the university’s early days is her- world—through a single act of charity. alded not only in the person of John Harvard, but in the schedule By bequeathing half his estate and his entire library, the min- and “rules” followed by the students and administrators, according ister set the foundation for a college that would carry his name to a piece written by John W. Robbins for The Trinity Foundation. and educate leaders who would influence and change the world. “The college [John Harvard] helped found was dedicated to the Harvard, considered a Calvinist, arrived in America in 1637. glory of Christ (In Christi Gloriam) and later dedicated to Christ According to a church timeline written by Dan Graves for Chris- and the Church (Christo et Ecclesiae). ‘Truth,’ (Veritas), from the tianity Today, Harvard came to the New Gospel of John, is emblazoned upon its seal. World “apparently to practice his faith in a Samuel Eliot Morison, the college’s histo- simpler and more pure style than he felt he rian, reported, ‘Her presidents and tutors could enjoy in the established Church of insisted that there could be no true knowl- England.” edge or wisdom without Christ.’” Further, the brochure New England’s That insistence on a Christ-centric focus is First Fruits describes Harvard as “a godly evident also in the “College Laws” and Cur- gentleman and a lover of learning.” That love riculum Schedule of Harvard’s early years. for learning was manifested in a 400-vol- For example, Rule No. 2 states: “Every one ume library he brought to his new country. shall consider the main end of his life and Aside from a young wife, Harvard had studies to know God and Jesus Christ which no other living relatives. Therefore, when is eternal life (John 17:3) and therefore to lay he died of tuberculosis a year after coming Christ in the bottom as the only foundation of to America, he left half of what he owned all sound knowledge and learning.” and his entire library to the school known Additional rules incorporate declarations as New College. John Harvard was a major benefactor such as “Seeing the Lord giveth wisdom, How John Harvard might react to the of the university that bears his name. every one shall seriously by prayer in secret contemporary mission, values, and stan- The minister donated a portion of his seek wisdom of him.” And, “Every one shall estate and extensive library to the dards of the college bearing his name will so exercise himself in reading the scriptures fledgling college. never be known (although, assumptions twice a day that they be ready to give an ac- can certainly be made). However, his con- count of their proficiency therein…” tribution to the school, America, and the world is self-evident Despite its Christian lineage, however, Harvard makes no and timeless. mention of its original Christian purpose or values in the college “He was a scholar and pious in his life and enlarged toward the history section of its Web site. Such Christian heritage sanitiza- country and the good of it in life and death,” the Rev. Thomas tion, despite the generosity of its original Christian benefactor, is Shepard, minister of the First Church of Cambridge, reportedly the norm in a present-day campus environment dedicated to di- said of Harvard. versity and pluralism. And, as the Web site dedicated to John Harvard states, “The “It used to be that Harvard had only one business—training naming of the college as ‘Harvard College’ goes directly to his young men for deployment into the ministry,” writes Anna K. character. He must have represented in nearly every way the Kendrick in “Harvard’s Secularization,” a 2006 Harvard Crim- ideals that his fellow Puritans looked up to: he left much behind son article. “And it wasn’t overnight that it transformed into the in order to come to the New World, he was dedicated to the famously secular research university we know today.” ■

Summer 2012 | 21 BIBLICAL FOUNDATIONS By David Urbanski, Contributing Writer ‘PRINCETON’S COVENANT AGREEMENT’ Paper by Alumnus Has Been a Source of Vision, a Call to Prayer

When Ken Jasko, Princeton ’78, turned in an 18,000- Jasko found that a “wave of college revivals occurred between P word research paper for a class at neighboring Prince- 1800 and 1815, with 1/2 to 1/3 of students being converted at PRINCETON ton Theological Seminary a year after his college Yale, Dartmouth, Amherst, and Princeton,” he writes. “Often- graduation, the idea that anyone other than his professor would times, one revival would set off a chain of others, since students take a gander at it was the furthest notion from were in close communication with Christians at his mind. other schools, and word of revival at another After all, Jasko was busy navigating one of sev- school would stimulate them to more prayer and eral possible modes of limbo attached to that pe- evangelism.” riod of life—in his case, it was the “just taking Princeton’s “remarkable revival of 1815 had some classes” mode. great impact,” Jasko writes, noting that at its But, as it turns out, Jasko’s “God at Work: Re- height, the two-month period was described by ligion & Revival at Princeton University, 1746- Princeton’s then-president, , “as if 1979” found its way beyond his professor’s eyes. the whole of our charge was pressing into the Apparently, it was passed around; a lot of people kingdom of God.” were reading it. Copies were made. Campus min- Another incredibly significant example of istry leaders started studying it. Christian stu- prayer’s power at Princeton was the rise of the dents were getting inspired by it. Student Volunteer Movement in the late 1880s. “I’m not sure how it got out,” reflects Jasko, One student, Robert Wilder, class of 1886, led While studying at Princeton now the pastor of Monmouth Worship Center in Theological Seminary more prayer for 1,000 students to answer the call to Marlboro, New Jersey, an hour’s eastward drive than three decades ago, missions work—and more than 13,000 got on from Princeton. “Maybe I gave it to a couple of Pastor Ken Jasko, board. “Has any such offering of living men and people. But it got around.” Princeton ’78, wrote a women been presented in our age? Or in any age Jasko said some people called him several research paper on revival or in any country since the day of Pentecost?” years later to get his permission to make copies that has inspired many Jasko writes, quoting Princeton’s then-president, and distribute them. “Sure,” he told the inquirers. believers to this day. James McCosh. “If it blesses people, spread it.” God still hears those prayers from 100 and 200 Indeed, “God at Work” became what one devotee of his find- years ago, Jasko insists—and they’re just as effective for today’s ings described as, “a source of vision and a call to prayer” for students. Princeton students. Jasko was jettisoned on his journey through Princeton’s Prayer has not only proven to be a key finding of Jasko’s pa- prayer-bathed spiritual history while sitting in a “dry, dusty car- per, and has grown in stature among students who’ve gone after rel” in the theological seminary’s library and cracking open a him; prayer is the backbone of the pastor’s ministry today. book that couldn’t have been opened in 60 years or so, he said. Revival at Princeton, he re- calls, was a powerful read, and “Princeton’s history is replete with revivals… through it, “God strongly spoke and the same thing can happen today and to me. It molded my vision and made me aware of how impor- will happen again.” tant prayer is to revival.” Jasko reinforces the fact that —Rev. Ken Jasko, Princeton ’78 Princeton was founded as a “covenant agreement” between Prayer is it. those who birthed the college and God. “And while current lead- “I think we have a very short perspective on prayer,” Jasko ers have run from that,” Jasko notes, “God has not forgotten says, adding that communication with God is often viewed as that.” quickly fading away once delivered. The pastor emphasizes telling data that about 10 percent of “What is prayed today, God hears—and those prayers rever- Princeton’s student body today is involved in Christian min- berate in heaven. Prayers are lasting. Even the prayers that pre- istries—a figure that students of Jasko’s era prayed about for the ceded us are still effective. I believe that.” campus’ future. At the time, Jasko says, such a “ridiculous no- For proof, Jasko needs only to point to one of the most mov- tion” seemed impossible. ing of his research findings—the number of revivals (and student “Well, now it’s a reality,” he says, adding that activities such as converts) on the Princeton campus, “as a result of people pray- 24-7 prayer, if continued, will draw in other groups to seek God ing. Princeton’s history is replete with revivals…and the same and pray for things, “way past what we imagine. This is just the thing can happen today and will happen again.” beginning.” ■

22 | The Ivy League Christian Observer By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer KEEPING THE FAITH Former Chapel Dean Pens Book about Princeton’s Spiritual History

When Frederick Houk Borsch ’57 was an undergradu- ments throughout United States history (i.e., beginning as an in- P ate at Princeton University, the all-male institution stitution rooted in Christianity, to one shaped by wars, waves of PRINCETON was overwhelmingly Caucasian, and about 75 percent immigrants, economic cycles, and growing secularism, he writes). of students were active or nominal protestant Christians, most From 1950 to 1970, the number of students attending institu- belonging to mainline denominations. tions of higher education tripled, while those schools became Today, Princeton’s religious landscape reflects a continually less residential and more vocationally oriented. They also be- diversifying student body. While the university now offers a wide came more ethnically, socioeconomically, and religiously di- range of chaplaincies, including ones focused on Hindu and verse, Borsch notes. Muslim beliefs, the campus also includes a notable evangelical The incoming students “did not leave their religious practices presence. at home,” Borsch told the audience in McCormick Hall. Borsch, a former dean of the The changes after World War II “al- Princeton University Chapel, recently tered campuses quite visibly,” Borsch chronicled the history of the campus’ said. Traditional universities began to spiritual life from its founding in 1746 reflect more liberal forms of Protes- as a college for Presbyterian ministers tantism and emerging populations of to its present status as a religiously di- Jewish and Catholic students. verse institution. Heading into the 1980s and beyond, Borsch appeared in McCormick the university became more secular and Hall March 28 to highlight findings sparked backlash when it decided to re- he documented in Keeping Faith at move the cross from the University Princeton: A Brief History of Reli- Chapel. gious Pluralism at Princeton and Some observers saw that action as Other Universities (Princeton Uni- “highly symbolic” of the loss of Chris- versity Press, 2012). tian faith at Princeton and a blow to the Frederick Borsch, Princeton ’57, spoke about “I wanted to tell the story about the research contained in his new book during university’s heritage and tradition. how we got to this place,” said Borsch. a March appearance at McCormick Hall. Borsch writes that some alumni were While much of the book focuses on deeply distressed, including Russell external and internal forces behind the Baker ’20, who noted Princeton was shifts in Princeton’s spiritual landscape, a subsection spotlights the founded by Christians and shouldn’t abandon— but rather main- campus’ present spiritual climate. There, it also cites the work of tain and strengthen—its tradition. Princeton Faith and Action (pfanda.com), a leadership develop- Until 1972, every Princeton president was a Presbyterian cler- ment ministry supported and resourced by Christian Union, gyman or the son of one. James McCosh listed one of his proud- Princeton Evangelical Fellowship (www.princeton.edu/~pef), Fac- est accomplishments as the dedication of the magnificent ulty Commons (www.facultycommons.com), Manna Christian Fel- Marquand Chapel in 1882 to seat 1,000 worshipers for Sunday lowship (www.princeton.edu/~manna), and Athletes in Action services and daily chapel sessions. (www.princeton.edu/~aia). But by 1964, Princeton’s administration abolished the last ves- Written from a scholarly perspective, Keeping Faith at Prince- tiges of required chapel attendance. ton explains how much of the growth in the number and range of Today, the university strives toward pluralism, Borsch told his beliefs and campus ministries is tied to the university’s expand- audience. “It’s a special place where people of different religions ing minority population. can talk to one another,” said Borsch, adding that he wants uni- With the opening of a sixth undergraduate college on campus versities to offer civil dialogue. “The heart of faith is about mercy in 2007, Princeton’s undergraduate student body pushed to and compassion.” 5,200 from 4,800, according to Borsch. The expansion—coupled The retired bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles with greater scholarship assistance for students who need finan- holds a doctorate from the University of Birmingham in Eng- cial aid (as well as a 2001 decision to offer full financial support land, and he earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from without loans to needy students)—sparked increased diversity, Oxford University. Borsch wrote. As for the highlights of his time at Princeton, Borsch served as About 37 percent of the freshman class of 2013 were Hispanic, dean of the chapel with the rank of professor of religion from Asian, African, Native American, or self-identified as multiracial. 1981 to 1988. In addition, 10 percent were the first members of their families Borsch is professor of New Testament and chair of Anglican to attend college, according to Keeping the Faith. studies at Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. Previ- Much of the book is a reflection of Borsch’s efforts to categorize ously, he was interim dean of the Berkeley Divinity School at Princeton’s faith history as a microcosm of religious develop- Yale and associate dean of the Yale Divinity School. ■

Summer 2012 | 23 INTELLECTUAL ENGAGEMENT By Eileen Scott, Senior Writer A VISIONARY, A VOICE Colleagues Remember Colson’s Longtime, Widespread Influence

Charles “Chuck” Colson—who Colson’s passing is a “tremendous loss. A senior fellow with The Witherspoon B founded Prison Fellowship af- He was a great man,” Bennett said. Institute, George said the Manhattan BROWN ter serving a sentence for his Colson also was a driving force behind Declaration was really the culmination of role in the Watergate scandal of the and key author of the Manhattan Decla- Colson’s scholastic and theological in- 1970s—was remembered as a powerful ration: A Call of Christian Conscience. quires and deep commitment to faith and voice who called Christians to act and as More than 150 religious leaders signed conservative causes. an advocate for Christianity in the Ivy the ecumenical statement in 2009 urging “This commitment will become in- League. Colson, a 1953 Brown alumnus, Protestants and Catholics to oppose abor- creasingly important as Christians, joined passed away in a Virginia hospital after a tion, same-sex marriage, and other issues with men and women of good will from brain hemorrhage. He was 80. tied to religious freedom and rights of other faiths, carry on the struggle to de- The former White House special coun- conscience. fend life, marriage, and freedom against sel gained notoriety during the height of In 1994, he helped pen Evangelicals powerful forces that wittingly or unwit- the Watergate scandals, and he pleaded and Catholics Together, an ecumenical tingly place these principles in grave jeop- guilty to charges of obstructing justice in document signed by leading religious ardy,” he said. one of the criminal plots that led to Colson, a Boston native, was no the resignation of President stranger to the public arena. The author of Richard Nixon. Colson served 30-plus books also was the founder and seven months in prison. chairman of The Chuck Colson Center for That arrest and prison term ig- Christian Worldview. The research and nited a dramatic conversion in networking center produced Colson’s Colson, and he spent the rest of his daily radio commentary, BreakPoint. life ministering to prisoners and But Colson was equally known for his forging a conservative coalition commitment to prison ministry. After that shaped the country’s political serving his sentence in the mid-1970s, landscape. In 1978, Colson’s mem- Colson founded Prison Fellowship, which oir about his conversion and today is one of the nation’s largest out- prison term was the subject of a reaches to prisoners, ex-prisoners, and dramatic film with the same title, their families. Born Again. Peter Ochs, chairman of The Fieldstone Christian Union Founder and Group and First Fruit, Inc., is also chair- President Matt Bennett, Cornell man of Prison Fellowship’s executive ’88, MBA ’89, expressed gratitude committee. to Colson for using his national Ochs, Princeton ’65, described Colson as prominence to help champion PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of Breakpoint “a mentor, a capturer of great visions, a CU’s ministry, as well as Christian- Prison Fellowship Founder Chuck Colson, passionate defender of the weak and pow- ity in general in the Ivy League. Brown ’53, passed away at age 80 on April 21. erless, and, most importantly, a model of Colson was the keynote speaker how to move in a godly way through life’s at the Christian Union’s inaugural Ivy scholars in the United States, including stages.” League Congress on Faith and Action in the late Father Richard John Neuhaus, a “I have for years considered him to be April 2005. He also petitioned The New prominent Catholic commentator. one of a very few mature, godly, powerful York Times regarding the ministry’s mis- Robert George, the Princeton Univer- men the Lord has put in my life that I would sion to lift up the name of Christ at top- sity professor who coauthored the Man- look to for how to handle myself as I grow tier universities, which led to a front-page hattan Declaration, described it as a older and, hopefully, wiser,” Ochs said. article in May 2005. Such exposure pledge to “render fully and ungrudgingly Summing up Colson’s vast and diverse prompted a wave of coverage from Na- unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s, but influence, George noted his widespread tional Public Radio’s Fresh Air, Christian- under no circumstances to render unto impact on the Church. ity Today, CBN News, and other media. Caesar that which is God’s.” “Chuck was deeply respected in both Bennett said Colson emphasized a pro- George, Harvard Law ’81, called Colson the Protestant and Catholic communi- found gratitude for the focus of the Chris- “a visionary” and said he especially will ties,” George said. “Christians across the tian Union, which was founded in 2002. miss his mentor’s “long phone calls dis- spectrum—and members of other faith Three years ago, during an event at Prince- cussing issues of moral and political phi- traditions, too—valued his work in the ton, the evangelical activist encouraged losophy, scriptural interpretation, and prisons and his support for the values of Bennett to “keep doing what you’re doing.” the development of Christian doctrines.” life, marriage, and religious liberty.” ■

24 | The Ivy League Christian Observer By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer A PIONEER IN NEUROTHEOLOGY Expert Discusses Relationship between the Brain and Religious Experiences

One of the earliest references oxygen serves as “gasoline” for the P to neurotheology appeared five brain, Newberg said. PRINCETON decades ago in a science fiction Modern scientists are uncover- novel. Aldous Huxley’s Island focuses on ing “substantial information re- the inhabitants of the utopian Pala who garding the relationship between engage in the rigorous study of religious the human brain and religious and experiences. spiritual practices and experi- But for Andrew Newberg, Penn M.D. ences,” Newberg said. Specifically, ’93, the emerging field of neurotheology the imaging studies aim to evaluate is far from the stuff of futuristic fantasies. how a variety of neurotransmitter Rather, the neuroscientist sees limitless systems relate to religious and spir- potential in the study of the brain’s inter- itual phenomena. section with spiritual phenomena. Research documents how medi- Newberg, a researcher at Thomas Jef- tation and prayer can lower anxi- ferson University Hospital and Medical ety, ease depression, and help the College in Philadelphia, discussed devel- brain improve memory. Thus, opments in the field during a visit to Newberg said, celestial practices Princeton University. In March, he ap- can play a role in brain functional- peared at Guyot Hall as part of the Center ity. for the Study of Religion’s lecture series. Along those lines, he said, the “There is a lot that both sides can learn Bible reflects some of the connec- from each other,” said Newberg of the sci- tions between human thought and entific and spiritual sectors. spirituality. Newberg, research director of Jeffer- For instance, Newberg said, the son’s Myrna Brind Center for Integrative Ten Commandments reflect hu- Medicine, is considered a pioneer in the Andrew Newberg, Penn M.D. ’93, discussed man spiritual limitations—and, in neuroscientific study of religious experi- developments in the emerging field of relation, he added that the brain neurotheology during a lecture hosted by the ences. In addition to impressive medical has a key weakness: It does not tell Center for the Study of Religion. credentials, including board certifications people when they are wrong. in internal and nuclear medicine, New- “We’re trapped inside our brains. berg serves as an adjunct assistant profes- science as rigorous as possible and reli- The brain never bothers to tell you if sor for the University of Pennsylvania’s gion as spiritual as possible.” Much of the you’ve made a mistake,” he said. “Your religious studies department. field’s research, he said, focuses on what brain can easily be fooled.” Ultimately, Newberg said he hopes the happens in the brain when its users expe- In addition to his interest in religiosity, field will promote an understanding of rience a variety of religious practices, in- Newberg’s medical research has focused how “two powerful forces in history” can cluding meditation, prayer, and yoga. on the development of neurological and psychiatric disorders, including clinical depression, head injuries, Alzheimer’s Research documents how meditation disease, and Parkinson’s disease. Newberg, who is an internationally rec- and prayer can lower anxiety, ease ognized leader in the study of the brain and imaging as it relates to spirituality, depression, and help the brain improve has published numerous books on his lec- ture subject (among them, Why God memory. Won’t Go Away, was a national best- seller). be integrated, as scientists have yet to Brain scans indicate when individuals “Today, we have the ability to do brain- evaluate many religious practices and ex- are about to make decisions or when they imaging studies that we never had be- periences with brain-imaging techniques. experience fear or awe. Increased brain fore,” Newberg said. “It’s fascinating to Newberg added that he wants to “keep activity brings a spike in blood flow, as see what goes on in the brain.” ■

Summer 2012 | 25 IN PERSON By David Urbanski, Contributing Writer TAKING A LEAP ON FAITH STREET Attorney Launches Web Site for NYC Churches

If you had told Sean Coughlin stands amazed at how many churches are to take on the challenge. Plus they both H that by the time he turned 25, “full of life” in the city and doing “incred- were experiencing the problem of finding HARVARD he would cast off his deep- ible” things. Believe it or not, there are and connecting with churches in New pocketed attorney career and opt to get about 3,400 churches in New York City, York City. Ministry work wasn’t a foreign neck deep in an Internet startup that and millions of New Yorkers attend concept to Coughlin, who served at Har- serves New York City churches, he imme- church every Sunday, he says. vard as president of the Reformed Uni- diately knows how he would’ve re- versity Fellowship and did mission sponded: work in Asia with Campus Crusade “You’re crazy.” for Christ. But that’s exactly what Coughlin, Har- “We considered the financial vard ’06, did in 2009 with the help of his tradeoff,” he continues, “but we’re good friend and roommate Ryan Melogy, seeing doors opened, so we’re defi- a fellow University of Virginia Law School nitely excited. It’s been an adven- alumnus and Manhattan attorney. ture following our calling—a wild Seeing no central online spot where ride—even if it’s not the same folks could locate and learn about New money we used to make in law.” York City churches, Coughlin and Melogy Indeed, one of the questions decided to create one—FaithStreet.com— they’re frequently asked is how and run it full time. FaithStreet can generate enough FaithStreet lets users search for cash flow if joining and using the churches in all five boroughs (Manhattan, site is free. Their answer: “We Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, and Staten haven’t figured that out yet,” they Island), as well as according to various note on the site, “but it will proba- features: new churches, churches with bly be through some combination of evening services, churches for young advertising and charging churches adults, and historic churches. In addition, for optional ‘premium’ features.” any New York City church can create and Coughlin says he and Melogy manage its own FaithStreet profile for both “learned a lot as attorneys— free. Sean Coughlin, Harvard ’06, is a co-founder and we brought those skills with Coughlin says the site houses 250 of FaithStreet.com, a Web site that helps us.” The pair knows of more than a churches so far, representing 30 denomi- people find churches in New York City. few lawyers who’ve left law behind nations, more than 100 neighborhoods, in order to pursue a wide range of and dozens of languages. “We cover the entrepreneurial enterprises: “They whole spectrum,” he says, “from Times “Outsiders look at New York City and take their law firm experience and start Square Church in midtown Manhattan to don’t get a great sense of spiritual inten- their own things. Sometimes, they just small, storefront churches in the Bronx sity,” he explains from his office in Brook- feel called elsewhere. In fact, I know a few and two-month-old church plants to 200- lyn, looking across the water to pastors in New York City who went to law year-old Episcopal churches.” Manhattan’s skyscrapers. “But for us, school—quite a few!” Since the launch, the 27-year-old CEO there’s no disconnect between God and And since Coughlin and Melogy also says God has given him “a sense of peace” New York City. God created New York share a fascination with the bourgeoning and confirmed the calling of the Faith- City. He’s in the city. The beat and the world of technology (as does CTO Erick- Street team, which also includes Glenn rhythm of the city are made by God. sen, obviously), the marriage of “faith and Ericksen, 25, who came aboard last sum- They’re all wrapped up together. We just innovation through technology” to meet a mer as the site’s technical expert. Erick- want to shine a light on that and help in- very community-based need has been a sen also shares a “co-founder” title with dividual churches share their visions.” good one. Coughlin and Melogy, who’s the senior Coughlin and Melogy talked often “Plus, the churches by and large are so member of the squad at 29. during their law firm days about doing far behind technologically,” he adds with And while church and God and faith something “big” and “entrepreneurial”— a chuckle. “We wanted to help bring them aren’t typically the first subjects most as- indeed something “that’s never been done out of the dark ages and into the 21st cen- sociate with the Big Apple, Coughlin before”—while they were young enough tury.” ■

26 | The Ivy League Christian Observer By Eileen Scott, Senior Writer YOLO NO-NO Cornell Student Counters ‘You Only Live Once’ Mentality on Blog

Just prior to his May gradua- Cornell],” he said, attributing much of defining moments at Cornell,” said Lin. I C tion, Larry Lin ’12 posted a blog that growth to his mentors. remember feeling so burdened for his CORNELL entry on the Cru Web site “These disciplers taught me the impor- soul, and not just his soul, but the souls of about a new phenomenon among young tance of daily Bible reading, community, the thousands at Cornell who had yet to people called YOLO. The acronym means humility, and missional living,” he said. believe in Jesus Christ. I just wandered You Only Live Once, and it has become Thus, through his growth and passion as aimlessly around campus until I came the rallying cry for careless behavior a Christian, Lin has reached out to his peers into an empty room, where I just prayed among young people seeking satisfaction and shared the truth of the Gospel. He re- my heart out for half an hour, listing my in the moment. called a time when he called a meeting and friends out name by name.” Despite his own preparations for grad- shared the Good News with his house- Lin reported that three weeks later, a uation, Lin communicated with Muslim friend who had been genuine concern for his peers and exploring Christianity, accepted the risks of a laissez-faire lifestyle. Christ. “People of Cornell (and every- From then on, Lin continued body else),” Lin writes, “the truest tending to souls on campus and way to live is to live for the pur- said he’s secure in the fact that big pose for which we were created, things are happening at Cornell in and that is to know God and to the name of Christ. make Him known. We were cre- “I was able to witness an in- ated to be in a relationship with crease in prayer movements and Him, and any time we replace that organized campus outreaches fundamental purpose with any- across Cornell,” he said. “Cornell thing else, we are exalting gifts is definitely experiencing a spiri- above the giver, and we are set- tual renewal.” tling for something sub par.” Lin will continue boldly reach- Those words aren’t simply in- ing out to students as he begins a trospective advice from a graduat- one-year internship with Cru, ing senior; rather they’re a call to working in college ministry in the live as Christ lived—and they ex- Washington, D.C. area. emplify who Lin is and how he Larry Lin ’12, pictured here with his mom Anita, was However, he still carries with navigated the secular halls of an part of several Gospel movements during his time at him hope and a prayer for his alma Ivy League university. Cornell. mater. A San Jose, California native, “I pray that God will continue to Lin was born into a Christian family and mates. The majority were non-believers. raise up men and women who are pas- came to Cornell with a desire to under- “It was one of the most awkward things sionate about knowing God and making stand the world outside the “bubble” of I ever did,” he said, “but I can thankfully Him known at Cornell; and that He will growing up in the church and attending say I stepped out in faith, and God used be instilling such a resolve in these people Christian schools. me to plant a seed that day.” that thousands of students would recog- Shortly after arriving at Cornell, Lin Another time, however, Lin was re- nize and surrender to the fact that Jesus joined Cru (cornellcru.com) and Campus buffed by a friend while sharing the Christ is Savior and Lord.” on a Hill (campusonahill.org), an um- Gospel. Lin’s exhortation to the Cornell com- brella ministry that seeks to promote and “He ended up saying something like, ‘I munity echoes in the words he leaves be- coordinate inter-ministry and inter- don’t want you to be talking about this hind on his YOLO blog post: church events on campus. Lin went on to stuff with me anymore.’ I responded, ‘I “I beg you to consider, every day, this serve as Campus on a Hill president for can’t not share this with you.’ And with life that you are living only once. What two years and credits both ministries with that, he just said that the conversation kind of life are you living? Is this what strengthening his faith. was done, that he had better things to do, you want? You only live once.” “I must say that I’ve probably grown and he left,” recounts Lin. As for Lin, he lives that life for the the most as a Christian during my time [at “That was probably one of my most Lord. ■

Summer 2012 | 27 IN PERSON By Eileen Scott, Senior Writer CAMBRIDGE BOUND Harvard College Faith and Action Member Wins Gates Scholarship

From Honolulu, Hawaii, to became involved with Harvard College times,” he concedes, “since it seems like H Harvard Yard, Nathan Nakat- Faith and Action, a Christian leadership the majority of scientists are atheists or HARVARD suka ’12 has a record of success development ministry resourced and sup- non-Christians. But I have learned to be that has him poised for a promising fu- ported by Christian Union. bold about my faith, confidently pro- ture in the field of medical research. “God used ministry fellows Don Weiss claiming the Gospel to those around me, In the fall, the recent Harvard alumnus and Nick Nowalk to completely transform even if it means I will be persecuted and will continue his studies at prestigious my life. They guided me through my spir- mocked.” Cambridge University in the United King- itual journey, answered tough questions, This multi-faceted scholar has been dom. Nakatsuka received a Gates Cam- and demonstrated how to live out one’s a key member of HCFA and has served bridge Scholarship earlier this year. theology.” the local community “The scholarship will provide me the Harvard College throughout his time at opportunity to study at one of the top re- Faith and Action the college. search universities in the world, while (HCFA) helped Nakat- Since his freshman learning from a different culture and suka understand the year, Nakatsuka has building connections with other future importance of bring- fought homelessness leaders committed to improving the ing his faith to all as- as co-director of the world,” he said. “After completing this pects of his scholarly Housing Opportuni- postgraduate fellowship, I hope to be- and extracurricular ties Program, a micro- come a physician scientist and, eventu- pursuits. In fact, he lending initiative that ally, a professor in genetics research.” first read the Bible in- assists individuals and Science came alive, Nakatsuka said, depth early on in his families facing evic- during the summer after his freshman participation in Chris- tion. Additionally, he year of high school in Honolulu, where he tian Union Bible was head coordinator conducted research in a genetics labora- Courses. of the Bioethics Bowl tory. As he grew in Nathan Nakatsuka, Harvard ’12, for the Harvard Un- “That ignited my passion for under- his faith and delved won a Gates Scholarship and will dergraduate Bioethics standing the world as a scientist,” he said. into Scripture, Nakat- study at Cambridge University this Society, coordinating Despite receiving National Honor Soci- suka notes, his work fall. a national competi- ety recognition, scholarships, and gradu- ethic became focused tion and helping re- ating as valedictorian, Nakatsuka claims around glorifying God’s name. In the cruit speakers for the event. He also he lacked the “natural intelligence” that process, Nakatsuka merged his passion served as co-president of the Pacific Is- others around him possessed. “I always for science with his devotion to Christ. land Student Association and volunteered had to work harder than those around “When I began my first Bible Course as with Phillips Brooks House at Harvard, a me, and I kept up that work ethic a freshman, I didn’t know the difference social justice organization. throughout my life.” between John and 1 John!” he said. “Now, Nakatsuka notes one of the most valu- His perfectionist tendencies fueled his the authority of Scripture permeates all able lessons he has learned through his desire for constant improvement. But, areas of my life. I view everything through participation in HCFA is that being a ser- Nakatsuka admits, this work ethic had the lens of a Christian worldview and take vant leader within the community and in one major flaw: his academic career was captive every thought and action to make his chosen vocation is simply part of be- far from God-centered. it obedient to Christ.” ing a Christian. Nakatsuka says: “Chris- That would soon change. At Harvard, Still, nurturing a biblical worldview can tians are called to serve those around us, Nakatsuka met Christian Union ministry be trying in a field populated with atheists doing the good works God prepared for us fellows Don Weiss and Nick Nowalk and and non-Christians. “It’s a bit difficult at to do.” ■

“The authority of Scripture permeates all areas of my life. I view everything through the lens of a Christian worldview and take captive every thought and action to make it obedient to Christ.”

28 | The Ivy League Christian Observer SOCIAL JUSTICE By Eileen Scott, Senior Writer MOTHER TERESA’S DISCIPLE Author Susan Conroy Returns to Campus to Speak about Serving Calcutta’s Poor

In the summer before her sen- son working in corporate America was by using the gifts that God gave them.” D ior year at Dartmouth, Susan also life-changing. “This latter type,” writes Conroy, “is DARTMOUTH Conroy left her home in Maine A company Conroy worked for in most pitiful of all.” and set off alone for Calcutta, India. Maine asked her to give a presentation Encouraged by the feedback she re- Her goal was to work alongside Mother about her experiences in India. Conroy ceived, Conroy wrote her book and has Teresa and the Missionaries of Charity, said she was surprised by the tremendous been using it as a road map for the jour- caring for the dying in a place where so turnout, and the feedback was over- ney she takes with audiences while shar- many were suffering. whelming. People approached her in ing the experience of living and serving Conroy’s mother described her daugh- ter’s mission to the destitute and disease- ridden region as “her worst nightmare.” But Conroy—a Christian whose eyes were opened after reading books by Mother Teresa—knew she had to go. Following graduation, at the request of Mother Teresa, she stayed in the Order’s convent in the South Bronx, New York, in contemplation of the religious life. Al- though Conroy did not enter the Order, she returned to Calcutta in 1991 to once again serve the poor for a season. Twenty-five years later, Conroy, Dart- mouth ’87, communicates the lessons she learned from her service, when she speaks at corporations, schools, and or- ganizations around the world. Susan Conroy, Dartmouth ’87, spent a summer ministering to the poor with Mother Teresa in Calcutta, India. In her book, Mother Teresa’s Lessons of Love & Secrets of Sanctity, she dis- cusses her experiences working at Shishu tears saying her words helped change amid destitution and suffering most peo- Bhavan, a home for unwanted babies and their perspectives on life. She recalls one ple can barely imagine. needy children, and at Nirmal Hriday man who said, “Even an atheist could tell “I had never seen so many grotesquely (Home for the Dying). someone was guiding you.” maimed figures as I saw in Calcutta,” This spring, Conroy returned to Dart- As a result, Conroy said, God shattered Conroy writes. “People lay on the side- mouth to participate in the Wheelock her misconceptions: “You can bring your walks, begging for rupees…There were so Conference entitled, heart into work in the many bodies with missing limbs—so Faith, Reason, and corporate world. You many twisted, frightful figures.” Vocation at Dart- “Holiness is not can bring your com- Yet, at only 20 years old, Conroy was mouth and Beyond. rocket science. passion, kindness, able to greet the unimaginable with The message Con- and honesty.” courage, love, and strength. She said the roy shared was a We are all called Through simple joy she found serving the Lord and the simple one—a mes- acts of love and com- wisdom of Mother Teresa sustained her. sage of love and joy to holiness.” passion, she con- “We are able to go through the most and a reminder to be tends, those living terrible places fearlessly, because Jesus in kind and merciful. In short, it’s a call to be “ordinary” lives can perform extraordi- us will never deceive us; Jesus in us is our holy. nary acts of mercy toward those living in love, our strength, our joy, and our com- “Holiness is not rocket science,” Conroy poverty of spirit as well as in regard to ma- passion,” Mother Teresa had said. said. “We are all called to holiness.” In terial wealth. It’s with that same love and compas- other words, God’s call to holiness echoes “There are two kinds of poverty,” writes sion that Conroy lives her life today—a through the boardrooms of corporate Mother Teresa. “We have the poverty of life she believes everyone is called to live: America, the lecture halls of the academy, material things…But there are those who one of joyful service. and the living rooms of homes everywhere. are poor in other ways…victims of a life that In particular, Conroy sees marriage In fact, while working in Calcutta was has stripped them of meaning, or a sense of and family as holy callings. Although she transforming for Conroy, she says a sea- being alive, or realizing their full potential says the Lord has not yet led her to marry,

Summer 2012 | 29 SOCIAL JUSTICE

she believes being a parent and a spouse no greater than you are in the four walls comes out. is an act of sacrificial love and the home a of your own home.” “To those they love the most, they give profound place to build a relationship Additionally, Conroy observes that the worst,” she says, calling families to be with Jesus. “it’s easy to be kind to people outside kind, loving, and gentle to one another. “If you want to know the measure of your home”—it’s often only when people “Faith begins at home. That’s when it’s your own holiness today, look at how you walk through their kitchen doors and let heroic—when no one is watching.” ■ treat your own family,” she says. “You are down their guards that their grumpiness

By Eileen Scott, Senior Writer A MEDICAL AND MORAL APPROACH TO SERVING THE POOR Dr. Paul Farmer Gives Yale Divinity School Lecture

Physician and humanitarian approach to healing spawns from libera- Haiti, however, has remained a pri- Y Dr. Paul Farmer said we need tion theology, which is rooted in the Latin mary focus of care for Farmer since his YALE to take better care of the poor American Catholic Church and promotes time there in the 1980s. In the biography when he gave the capstone lecture for preferential, compassionate treatment of about Farmer, Mountains Beyond Moun- Yale Divinity School’s New Testament the poor. And that, said Farmer, is a far tains, author Tracy Kidder writes: “To Seminar, Jesus and Paul on Poverty and cry from the “modern theology of public Farmer, Haiti’s history seemed, indeed, Economic Justice. health” which centers like The Lord of the Rings, an ongoing On April 26, Farmer on the cost effective- story of great and terrible struggle be- spoke to an overflow ness of treatment and tween the rich and the poor, between crowd at Marquand care. good and evil.” Chapel on the topic, Farmer initially em- The country was a place where, accord- “The Corporeal Works braced liberation theol- ing to Kidder, the manifestation of libera- of Mercy and the ogy as a Duke under- tion theology came alive: “Almost all the 21st Century Struggle graduate. When Arch- peasants he was meeting shared a belief against Poverty.” He bishop Oscar Romero that seemed like a distillation of libera- described the Ameri- was murdered by a tion theology: ‘Everybody else hates us,’ can and European ap- death squad in El Sal- they’d tell him, ‘but God loves the poor proach toward caring vador for preaching more.’” for the poor as: “If it liberation theology, Farmer also loves the poor. Enough to costs a lot, it’s too members of Duke’s fac- divide his time between teaching at Har- much for the poor.” ulty and student body vard and serving in Haiti and Rwanda, “I’ve never seen that gathered to hold a vigil where he helps develop solutions to applied to public at the Duke Chapel. poverty and disease. Farmer also told the health,” he said. Farmer was among the YDS audience about the rebuilding efforts Farmer, Harvard attendees. in Haiti after the devastating earthquake M.D. ’90 and Ph.D. Farmer encouraged hit there. ’90, co-founded Part- YDS lecture attendees Farmer has worked closely with former ners in Health nearly Paul Farmer (Harvard M.D. ’90, to do more than simply President Bill Clinton, Yale Law ’73. In three decades ago, Ph.D. ’90) spoke at Yale Divinity take care of the poor; Haiti, Clinton coined the phrase, “Build School on “The Corporeal Works prior to his first year rather, it’s all about back better,” which, Farmer acknowl- of Mercy and the 21st Century of medical school. “taking better care of Struggle against Poverty” this edged, helped inspire him to find long- Partners in Health spring. the poor.” lasting improvements to the health care (PIH) is an interna- The anthropologist infrastructure in the devastated country. tional organization and physician also An article for the National Catholic Re- serving the poor’s health care needs with spoke about the co-dependency of illness porter describes Farmer as “a doctor who a mission that is, according to its Web among the poor. Often pathologies such as reinvented international healthcare as a site, “both medical and moral.” hunger, drug abuse, and alcoholism run call to abolish poverty…Paul shows us While Farmer’s talk at Yale Divinity alongside illnesses such as tuberculosis how to follow Jesus by siding with the School (YDS) centered around medical and HIV/AIDS. Even within the U.S., says poor, advocating for social justice, and care for the poor and less on theology, his Farmer, some fall through the cracks. healing those in need. He models for us

30 | The Ivy League Christian Observer how to be a Christian, how to be human in Quad, Timothy Sommer ’13 wrote about Niebuhr Lecture Hall, and then makes its these inhuman times.” the impact of Farmer’s lecture: “There’s way into two other overflow spaces.” And, apparently, the YDS community something to be said when a lecture at Yale There was something to be said, in- was eager for such hope from the down- Divinity School not only fills Marquand deed, as Farmer gave a voice to the poor to-earth physician who lives to heal. Chapel to standing-room-only capacity, and marginalized and inspiration to those In the YDS e-magazine, Notes From the then fills the overflow capacity space in seeking to put their faith into action. ■

By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer A FACT-FINDING MISSION Students Explore Disturbing Issues Surrounding Sex Trafficking

It’s perhaps best known as the ternational Airport, one of the busiest air- from South America, Mexico, or Bosnia peach-tree-laden home of The ports in the world and the primary hub and trafficked across state lines to work Coca-Cola Company and CNN, for Delta Air Lines and a focal point for the streets of Atlanta. Others are from as well as a megalopolis that doesn’t skimp Southwest Airlines. The presence of an Asia and work in the area’s massage par- on sweet tea or southern hospitality. international hub makes the city an ideal lors or strip clubs, according to the news- But Atlanta, Georgia—the unofficial location for trafficking. paper. capital of the Deep South—bears a darker distinction: It’s one of the nation’s lead- ing hubs of human trafficking and child- sex exploitation. That reputation prompted 12 Princeton students to give up their spring break and instead visit Atlanta’s Pace Center for Civic Engagement to explore the disturb- ing issues surrounding human traffick- ing. “As Christians, we are called to be the voice for the poor and needy,” said Priscilla Agyapong ’15. Agyapong was joined by three other students who are members of the leadership development ministries Princeton Faith and Action and Legacy: Joanna Anyanwu ’15, Emily McDonald ’15, and Stephanie Tam ’13. Princeton Faith and Action (www. pfanda.org) and Legacy are supported and resourced by Christian Union. The spring break trip was hosted by Students with Breakout Princeton ventured to Atlanta during spring break to Breakout Princeton, an organization that study issues related to human trafficking in the United States. offers undergrads the opportunity to take part in student-led, civic programs fea- About 100 adolescent girls are sexually Some of the youths are runaways lured turing community-immersion work dur- exploited for money in Georgia on a typi- by pimps who promise care but introduce ing spring and fall breaks. cal night, according to a report by the them to cocaine and other illegal, addict- In Atlanta, the students explored issues Schapiro Group, an Atlanta-based re- ing drugs. “It could have been me or tied to child-sex trafficking as they inter- search, marketing, and communications someone I know. I have nieces this age,” acted with non-profit organizations, in- firm. The data reveals that 7,200 men pay said Agyapong. “What does this say about cluding a key faith-based group, for sex with adolescent females in Georgia the United States?” law-enforcement agencies, policymakers, each month. A key part of the week in Georgia for and government leaders. They learned In the United States, an estimated the Princeton students was spent volun- that a major factor behind Atlanta’s ro- 18,000 people are trafficked annually. teering with Jars of Clay, a Christian non- bust sex-trafficking business is its The majority are women and girls, the profit that provides emergency housing to bustling Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta In- newspaper reports. Some are smuggled homeless women and children, as well as

Summer 2012 | 31 SOCIAL JUSTICE

exploited and runaway youths. The or- ganization also provides social services, “It could have been me or someone I food, clothing, and essentials to the poor, know. I have nieces this age. What does as well as a residential development cen- ter to homeless teens. this say about the United States?” Overall, the Princeton students said they were deeply impacted by their trip to —Priscilla Agyapong ’15 Atlanta and inspired to help combat hu- man trafficking in the United States and tural transformation through the narra- committed to galvanizing her collegiate beyond. tive will be one of my goals,” said Tam. peers to confront sex trafficking through “As an aspiring writer, though, I am Agyapong noted the magnitude of the community awareness and activism. sure that generating awareness and cul- problem may be disheartening, but she is “These are real people,” she said. ■

By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer AFRICAN-AMERICAN FAITH LEADERS AND HIV PREVENTION Research Paper: Churches Can Help Fight Disease with a Social Justice Focus

The faith community is ready sexuality has historically divided the faith “There is a common misperception that B and willing to combat the community. African-American churches are unwilling BROWN spread of HIV/AIDS among Public health leaders have demon- to address the AIDS epidemic,” she adds. African Americans—if only public health strated, “a poor job of engaging African- “This paper highlights some of the histor- leaders will call upon it to do so. American community leaders and, ical barriers to effectively engaging Amy Nunn, a Brown University scien- particularly, black clergy members in HIV African-American clergy in HIV preven- tist, and her colleagues note in a study prevention,” writes Nunn, assistant pro- tion and provides recommendations from that faith institutions are uniquely poised fessor of medicine in Brown’s Warren clergy for how to move forward.” to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic, but Alpert Medical School. Pastors with a heart for preaching the they face challenges tied to the disease’s Gospel without compromise would find it stigmas. difficult to adapt some of the recommen- In an article from the May issue of dations as evident in the “challenges” PLoS ONE, a scientific journal, Nunn says listed in the study. Those challenges in- that if public health and religious leaders cluded “concerns about tacitly endorsing can together view the problem through a extramarital sex by promoting condom social justice lens rather than as a purely use” and “lack of educational information medical or moral issue, they are likely to appropriate for a faith-based audience.” find common ground. Additionally, some pastors say they “Religious leaders are, in fact, willing to face barriers to preaching about risk be- engage in dialogue and HIV prevention, if haviors without emphasizing abstinence. you do it in a culturally appropriate and Nonetheless, clergy from the study sug- faith-friendly way,” Nunn said. “This gest couching the HIV/AIDS epidemic as means that HIV prevention should be a social justice matter, rather than a be- couched in social justice and public havioral one, Nunn says. health, rather than in exclusively behav- Nunn, also of The Miriam Hospital, ioral terms.” earned a doctor of science in 2007 from In “African American Faith Leaders on Harvard University (where she also HIV Prevention,” Nunn’s team of physi- earned a master of science in population cians and public health researchers spot- and international health in 2003). The light the willingness among African- article’s coauthors include other re- American clergy to focus on HIV testing, Brown University Scientist Amy Nunn searchers from Brown’s medical school treatment, and social justice—a strategy said the faith community can be a and The Miriam, former Brown students, compatible with religious teaching. valuable ally in helping to reduce the researchers from the University of Penn- Nonetheless, stigmas surrounding homo- spread of HIV/AIDS. sylvania, and an official from the Council

32 | The Ivy League Christian Observer for Relationships. that an HIV-positive individual will trans- racial or ethnic group. Nearly 80 percent The paper in PLoS ONE—an interna- mit the virus, and that makes testing and of African-Americans say religion plays tional, peer-reviewed, online publica- maintaining treatment especially critical. an important role in their lives compared tion—distills dozens of interviews and Rev. Alyn Waller of Enon Tabernacle to 56 percent of U.S. adults, Nunn notes. focus group data among 38 African- Baptist Church is one of the ministers More than half of respondents attend re- American pastors and imams in Philadel- committed to eradicating HIV/AIDS. His ligious services more than once a week, 76 phia, where racial disparities in HIV church in northwest Philadelphia has percent pray on a daily basis, and 88 per- infections are pronounced. Nearly seven arranged marches to test sites. cent affirm certainty in the existence of in 10 new infections in the city are among “If we all go there to get tested, then the God, according to a 2011 survey from The African-American residents, and two per- stigma is out of the window,” he says. Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life. cent of the African-American population “Our responsibility is to love on people In partnership with pastoral and com- is living with HIV. and help people.” munity leaders, Nunn is overseeing an Nearly all of the 27 male and 11 female Rev. Arthur White of Christ Commu- HIV-prevention campaign that includes clergy say they could and would preach nity Baptist agrees. “We want to engage door-to-door testing in a zip code of and promote HIV testing and treatment, the community in a conversation and get Philadelphia with high-infection rates. a key finding because of the deep influ- more people tested,” White says of his African-American churches have a ence of faith leaders in their communi- West Philadelphia congregation. 200-plus-year history of providing social ties. Clergy participation is especially criti- and support services, Nunn says, and they Such messages from clergy would pro- cal to combatting HIV/AIDS because reli- played a critical role in the U.S. civil vide a needed complement to decades of gious institutions are the cornerstone of rights movement. public health cautions that have empha- the African American community. A na- Testing should be the “backbone of any sized risk behaviors, Nunn notes. Treat- tionwide survey identifies African Ameri- strategy to engage African-American ment can make it 96 percent less likely cans as the most religiously committed clergy in HIV prevention,” Nunn said. ■

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Summer 2012 | 33 ABOUT MINISTRY By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer ‘THE HEAVENS ARE OPENING’ Ugandan Pastor Challenges NYC Audience at Doxa Conference

Many of God’s dealings with fervent, travailing prayer and the role it lenged those in attendance to be forerun- mankind are through the na- played in undermining dictatorships and ners who seek the Lord and prepare the tions of the world. diseases that opposed Ugandans in recent way for His release of a fresh anointing That was the main point of the Rev. Dr. decades. across their homelands. John W. Mulinde’s message as the fea- Mulinde points to a mid-1990s “You need to build an altar in your life. tured speaker at a one-day Doxa Forum prophecy he and others received that Meet with the Lord, worship Him, and on Renewal and Revival in Manhattan in April. Doxa Conferences, launched by Christian Union, help believers make an Mulinde also emphasized that God is impact for Christ in their local churches, professions, and communities. raising an army of servants as He Mulinde was part of a historic revival in simultaneously “shakes the nations.” his homeland of Uganda, but not before his perspective had been enhanced. He challenged those in attendance to be “Everything God has done from Gene- sis to Revelation, He did in the context of forerunners who seek the Lord and nations,” Mulinde said, adding that God’s plan is to restore them. prepare the way for His release of a Likewise, every nation and person re- flects divine design and possesses spiri- fresh anointing across their homelands. tual appointments. Mulinde emphasized the relationship between prayer, revival, promised the Ugandan church a substan- then bring your prayer needs,” Mulinde and community transformation. tial worldwide outreach and revealed the said. “My ability to believe God is grow- “We are not here for ourselves. We are place of nations in God’s purposes. ing. The heavens are opening.” here for people,” Mulinde said. “As an The prophecy also noted that, “if we During his initial visit to the United continued to pray for prob- States in 1996, Mulinde said God warned lems to go away, there would him the country was governed by layers of be more to pray for,” Mulinde darkness. Mulinde said he felt impressed said. “But if we prayed for that God was “looking for a remnant to God’s purposes to stand and stand in the gap.” for [Uganda] to come into its Likewise, Mulinde warned Doxa partic- destiny, that would solve our ipants that evil forces use either oppres- problems.” Today, Mulinde sion and torment or comfort and ease to and other church leaders seek distract believers. to transform Uganda’s social, “The enemy is determined to keep the political, and economic land- nations away from what God intended. scape and share their suc- The enemy is targeting [things] of eternal cesses beyond their borders. value,” he said. “Let us make the primary In 1988, Mulinde founded purpose of God’s heart to be the primary World Trumpet Mission to purpose of our hearts.” help prepare believers world- Doxa leaders and participants alike wide for Christ’s return and said they were touched by Mulinde’s mes- equip them to finish His com- sage highlighting God’s desire to restore mission to the nations. The nations. ministry holds AfriCamp, a “I was encouraged again by his descrip- Ugandan Pastor John Mulinde shared about massive, annual prayer confer- tion of the power of prayer to draw the God’s plan for redeeming nations at the Doxa ence, and hosts intercessory presence of God and by his insistence that Forum on Renewal and Revival in Manhattan. gatherings at Prayer Mountain ‘forerunners’ are needed,” said Chuck for All Nations, a 100-acre hill- Hetzler, Christian Union’s teaching fel- ambassador for the Kingdom, I cannot ig- side retreat. low. nore what God is doing in this genera- Mulinde also emphasized that God is Hetzler, who holds a doctorate in phi- tion.” raising an army of servants as He simulta- losophy in New Testament from Southern As such, Mulinde points to the power of neously, “shakes the nations.” He chal- Baptist Theological Seminary, is transi-

34 | The Ivy League Christian Observer tioning to a new position as Christian to be spiritually active and not just ritu- Brook Hazelton, a private investor and Union’s first alumni ministry director and ally devoted,” Thorne said, adding that he co-founder of St. James Partners, said it will coordinate the organization’s Doxa wants “to be a walking revival, ready for was “inspiring and humbling” to see a movement. whenever God wants to do something mission-minded leader from the develop- Mulinde’s appearance in Manhattan fantastic and amazing.” ing world demonstrate passion for reach- was critical because of the city’s global in- A computer-science major from Con- ing the United States and beyond. fluence, Hetzler said. necticut, Thorne previously served as “Participants could feel the presence of “It would be amazing if Mulinde’s mes- president of Legacy, a leadership develop- God,” said Hazelton, Princeton ’96 and sage found reception in New York City,” ment ministry at Princeton that is re- Harvard Business School ’03. “The pas- said Hetzler. “If Christian leaders and lay sourced and supported by Christian sion and desire for revival was abun- people truly applied his message, New Union. dantly clear.” York City, the nation, and the world “New York City is a fantastic place to would not be the same.” start a nationwide movement,” he added. Videos of the Doxa Forum on Renewal Alan Thorne, Princeton ’13, echoed “It’s where a lot of people look for culture and Revival can be viewed at www. those comments. cues. The sparks of revival could carry to youtube.com/user/doxaconference. ■ “For me, the whole day served as a call anywhere from New York City.”

By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer COMMITTING THE WORD TO MEMORY Christian Union Hosts Contest in New York City

The Word of God can revive cludes frequent, fervent prayer; massive tation. Participating teams were required and enlighten the soul, while intake of Scripture; repentance; humility to recite between 50 and 120 verses, also instilling joy and purity, through fasting; perseverance; promptly which could be pulled from a single book according to Psalm 19. obeying the Spirit; and extended times of of the Bible or woven from a handful of With that as a basis for a deep apprecia- books into a thematic tion of the life-changing power of Scripture, presentation. the Christian Union held a Bible-memo- Christian Union fac- rization contest for students involved with ulty at Yale, Harvard, and its leadership development ministries. The Columbia encouraged event—a pilot program—was held on April students to craft engag- 6 in the concert hall of The Liederkranz ing, stimulating presen- Foundation in Manhattan. tations with the key goal The top prize went to four freshmen of connecting with audi- from Columbia University who per- ence members. Black de- formed a narrative of verses from Psalms, scribed the narrative Isaiah, John, and Hebrews that explored from the female Colum- issues of pain and suffering and the ulti- bia students as “moving mate fatherhood of God. Among them, and powerful.” Lillian Chow, Columbia ’15, said the expe- Also competing were rience has helped deepen her relationship Aniekeme Umoh, Columbia ’15, was among the Joseph Kim ’15 of Yale with Christ. students who took part in Christian Union’s Bible- and Keren Rohe ’13 and “It was a great feeling, when I was pray- memorization contest in Manhattan this spring. Matthew Harvey ’15 of ing or in my quiet time, that I had these Harvard. Rohe and Har- Scriptures in the back of my head,” she gathering with believers. vey presented a thematic presentation on said. “There’s hardly a better way for the the names of God, while Kim recited from Joining Chow on the Columbia team Scriptures to remain in us and be at the Philippians. were Tatianna Kufferath ’15, Aniekeme forefront of our hearts than to hide them Participants received gift certificates to Umoh ’15, and Cheyenne Stewart ’15. in our hearts,” said Jim Black, organizer Christian Book Distributors, as well as A primary goal for the Christian Union for the contest and Christian Union’s di- signed copies of the best seller, Bonhoef- is to encourage students at some of the rector of ministry at Columbia University. fer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy. The nation’s most influential universities to A panel of judges evaluated the submis- book’s author, Eric Metaxas, Yale ’84, at- pursue a seeking-God lifestyle, which in- sions on accuracy, creativity, and presen- tended the event with his wife Susanne

Summer 2012 | 35 ABOUT MINISTRY

said. “Not only did they have a “I was encouraged to see my peers who had desire to know it better, they a heart to know the Word of God. Not only were also so joyful about in- vesting their time in the did they have a desire to know it better, they Word.” Christian Union faculty were also so joyful about investing their time members say they believe a thorough knowledge of the in the Word.” Scriptures and memorization of them are essential to the de- —Joseph Kim, Yale ’15 velopment of future Christian leaders. “This is really a great way of Metaxas, who served as one of the judges. verse memorization when I was younger,” getting God’s Word into, otherwise, secu- Students said they appreciated the op- said Umoh. “I wanted to revive that pas- lar universities,” said Black. “These stu- portunity to be part of the event, which sion.” dents are being transmitters of Scripture was held on Good Friday. Kim, Yale ’15, echoed those comments. into the public square through their bold “I was excited to participate in this con- “I was encouraged to see my peers who leadership and promotion of the truth test because I had been involved in Bible had a heart to know the Word of God,” he contained in the Bible.” ■

By Jade Noble, Columbia ’12 CAPTURED BY THE CALL Closer Conference Focuses on Student Missionary Efforts

Ivy League students who are morning and afternoon sessions C interested in missions an- featured prominent evangelists COLUMBIA swered the call to worship, such as Che Ahn, Heidi and Rol- pray, and hear powerful messages on land Baker, David Hogan, and Bob Easter weekend. Johnson, each of whom recounted In April, Christians from all eight Ivy stories from their times in ministry League schools came together for Closer: and gave attendees invaluable, Captured by the Call, held by the Al- abundant advice on being mission- abaster Group at the Marriot Hotel in aries on campus. Although all Stamford, Connecticut. According to its parts of the Trinity were well rep- Web site, the Alabaster Group is “wholly resented at the conference, many committed to furthering the Kingdom of noticed an emphasis on the Holy God in every nation and every society.” Spirit. One Cornell alumnus of- The conference is the second of its fered this explanation: “I think the kind, dedicated to preparing students Holy Spirit was emphasized at from “target schools” (all Ivy League in- Closer because the Holy Spirit stitutions and MIT) to spread the Gospel tends to be underemphasized on and foster revival on their campuses. To campus.” encourage attendance, Closer was free to “Fundamentally, it was encour- all the students. Although target students aging to see that students with constituted most of the attendees, affili- similar educational backgrounds ates and members of the local community were eager to seek after God one made appearances as well. Closer at- way or another,” says Daniel Oh, tracted more than 300 participants. Columbia ’12. The conference schedule was ambi- The sessions were cushioned tious, beginning with soaking sessions led with periods of free time, usually by musician Laura Rhinehart that en- reserved for quick lunch and din- couraged entering God’s presence for in- Pastor Che Ahn was one of the presenters at ner trips to the local mall’s food tense prayer and meditation. The Closer: Captured by the Call. court. This provided an opportu-

36 | The Ivy League Christian Observer nity for students from different schools to tense day of worship. Matoga. One Dartmouth senior was mingle and discuss the day’s proceedings. Learning about the Bakers’ mission in grateful for moments of silent prayer: “I For those who were new to the charis- Africa or Hogan’s willingness to spread don’t always have time to do this at matic experience, the campus gatherings the Gospel in hostile territories was a school.” Perhaps the greatest benefit will prove “Fundamentally, it was encouraging to be what happens in students’ lives since Closer closed up shop. “I had lunch to see that students with similar with a group of students I met at the con- ference,” recalled Marie, a senior at Co- educational backgrounds were eager lumbia. “We talked about how our to seek after God one way or another.” relationship with God serves as a tem- plate for relationships with others. When —Daniel Oh, Columbia ’12 we returned to the conference, we prayed for revival on our campuses and ex- at the end of the day provided a forum for highlight for some students. Many were changed numbers. Hopefully our prayers discussion and explanation, as well as so- inspired by the evening worship sessions will be answered, and we’ll keep in cializing and winding down from an in- led by the Mike Smith Band and Zenzo touch.” ■

By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer REACHING OUT Penn Students Work with Local Churches to Help Hurting Communities

About a dozen students from Alexander said his neighborhood-ori- sition to the workforce and future roles as P the University of Pennsylvania ented church aims to prepare students for community leaders. PENN spent their spring break minis- future service opportunities as they tran- “As the students transition, we want tering to residents of inner-city commu- nities in Philadelphia. The students were among 40 or so un- dergraduates from various colleges who joined forces to reach out to residents of the Fishtown and Kensington neighborhoods in March. Likewise, students, in coopera- tion with a handful of churches near Penn, participated in efforts throughout the spring semester to reach their peers and serve the communities bordering campus. Among the spring break highlights: Penn students, along with members of Liberti Church East, cleaned up trash, handled household and landscaping proj- ects, and participated in after-school ac- tivities for children. They also invited neighbors to participate in an Easter cele- bration and meal, volunteered at a crisis- pregnancy center, served meals to the homeless, and put on a carnival for chil- dren. “We’re a church that loves Jesus and wants to bless the community,” said John Alexander, associate pastor of Liberti Bethany Haberer (front right), Penn ’14, was among a group of University of Church East, also located in the Kensing- Pennsylvania students who spent spring break ministering to residents of an ton-Fishtown area. inner-city Philadelphia community.

Summer 2012 | 37 ABOUT MINISTRY

them to be vibrantly attached to church because people are always shooting up Lennox appeared at Penn as part of a Ver- life,” Alexander said. heroin, leaving hundreds of needles scat- itas Forum. Campbell gathered with stu- Alexander added that he speaks once a tered in the grass and piles of trash,” dents two hours each week in Houston semester to Penn Students for Christ Haberer said. “Each needle that I picked Hall after the February event to explain (www.phillycru.org), and some of the up with my leather gloves reminded me of the basics of Christianity. campus ministry’s staffers and students the brokenness in this world.” The pastor reaches out to Penn stu- attend his church and participate in DeAnna Kerley, Penn ’14, echoed those dents because he remembers the stressful small-group and other activities. sentiments. years he spent as a pre-med undergrad. ”I “It really makes you dream big about “I felt God calling me to serve during have a burden to go back. I walked those what these students can be in and out of my spring break trip,” said Kerley. “My hallways,” he said. Philadelphia,” Alexander said. walk with Jesus had become too comfort- Students involved with Renewal Pres- Students said they were impacted by able, and I knew that I needed to step out byterian Church spent much of the spring semester discipling younger stu- dents, inviting classmates to “At Penn, we are secluded in our Ivy League church, and joining forces with area campus ministries to pro- bubble, surrounded by beautiful trees and mote unity at Penn. historic buildings. If you ride the subway for Renewal College Fellowship is a ministry of Renewal Presbyte- 15 minutes, you will find yourself at a bridge rian Church, which is part of Presbyterian Church of America. where 98 dead bodies were found in one As part of outreach activities, students invited peers to attend year from drug overdose and where children church and small group activi- ties, passed out care packages in cannot play in the grass across the street dining halls, surveyed class- mates about their knowledge of because it’s too dangerous.” Easter, and offered prayer sup- —Bethany Haberer ’14 port. “We are trying to be a bit more relational-oriented in our cam- their experiences serving in some of of that bubble with my brothers and sis- pus outreach,” said Samantha Shen, Penn Philadelphia’s neighborhoods. ters to be a witness for Him.” ’13, who serves as a small-group leader Bethany Haberer, Penn ’14, was af- In addition, students involved with An- with Renewal College Fellowship. fected by the suffering she witnessed. tioch of Calvary Chapel in West Philadel- Students involved with Grace Covenant “At Penn, we are secluded in our Ivy phia also helped serve troubled Church also formed teams to share League bubble, surrounded by beautiful neighborhoods. Christ’s Gospel on their campus. trees and historic buildings,” she said. “If “We’re very outreach oriented,” said In addition to spreading across campus you ride the subway for 15 minutes, you Senior Pastor Aaron Campbell, Penn ’96. to witness in teams of two or three, the will find yourself at a bridge where 98 Students have participated in the students distributed water bottles pro- dead bodies were found in one year from Chestnut Street church’s ongoing pro- moting outreach events and passed out drug overdose and where children cannot grams to feed the homeless, distribute treats with notes tied to Valentine’s Day, play in the grass across the street because clothing, and tutor children, as well as its Easter, and final exams. it’s too dangerous.” turkey giveaways during the holiday sea- “We really wanted to share the Gospel The students spent one of the first days son. and share God’s love,” said Jabez Yeo ’12. over break picking up trash from a neigh- During the spring, Campbell met with “We wanted to encourage everyone dur- borhood field. 20-plus students on a regular basis after ing finals because it is a stressful time. “The field is nicknamed ‘Needle Park’ University of Oxford Professor John Everything was received well.” ■

38 | The Ivy League Christian Observer The John Jay Institute Is now inviting applications for its 2013 John Jay Fellows Programs The John Jay Institute is committed to developing the next generation of principled public leaders.

John Jay Fellows explore graduate-level studies in theology, philosophy, political theory, and American constitutional law and jurisprudence in Philadelphia, the Metropolis of the American Founding. A semester of academic residency is followed by a three-month paid position in a leading institution in public life. Positions include public policy-related research, editorial assignments, business enterprise, legal internships, and public interest advocacy work in Washington, D.C., various state capitals, and international political centers. Commissioned fellows join an elite professional fraternity already serving the country. We encourage applications from college graduates who seek to pursue their respective callings in the public square.

Application deadline for the Spring 2013 term: September 27, 2012 Academic Residency: January 21, 2012 until May 10, 2013 For more information,