For years we have entertained the idea of our passions as arts, endeavors that train our perspective on the human experience and evolve into a philosophical discussion of purpose and ardor for life. That space for thoughtful creation is healthy, it is necessary, it is imperative and it is lacking. Now, more than ever, we have the opportunity to exist in these sacred spaces reserved for the artistic and exploratory notions that life is magnificent, beautiful, and fraught with tragedy and … [Read more...]

Last week in chapel, Professor Lisa Pay spoke about pornography addiction. Pay spoke openly about the effects of pornography addiction and cited research about its harmful effects on the psyche and on relationships. She said that porn is for masturbation, while art is for appreciation. In the United States, pornography is a multi-billion dollar industry. The industry grew substantially with the advent of the Internet and video streaming. And, while the viewing of porn has become commonplace and … [Read more...]

Valentine’s Day tends to be a day of extremes—if you don’t love it, then you probably hate it. In the weeks leading up to Feb. 14, stores become overrun with giant stuffed animals and boxes of various candies and chocolates. Many people, especially those who aren’t in favor of Valentine’s Day, begin to make snarky comments about the holiday, while those who love it begin to wonder what the day will bring. The stereotypical Valentine’s Day for a single person looks lonely, dreary and depressing. … [Read more...]

Ever since I graduated from high school, I’ve been contemplating what my spiritual life should be like now that I’m more independent.  At church, I serve on the worship team, but I’m not involved with children’s or youth ministry as a leader. I could probably benefit from a more intimate group of people my own age, maybe an accountability partner of sorts. Not every 18-25 year old goes to college, and this age group is arguably the most critical for spiritual growth, but it can sometimes be … [Read more...]

This year, I decided I was going to jump on the bandwagon of picking a “word of the year.” Essentially, you pick a word out—it can be any word, but words such as love, peace, forgiveness or mercy are common choices. The general idea is to choose a word that you can connect with: a word that can bring you closer to the Father and also to yourself in the journey that is 2016. I didn’t really pick my word out so much as it picked me. I was studying in Romans when I remembered that I wanted to have … [Read more...]

College students are constantly being bombarded with dates. From exam and paper due dates to maybe even actual romantic dates with someone (if so, good luck with that). The constant stream of dates never seems to end. However, April 4, 2016, though it doesn’t directly correlate to school or a class, is a date you need to put on your calendar. “What is it?” you may ask, It’s the day by which you have to be registered to vote in the presidential primaries. While the primaries may not seem as … [Read more...]

I’ve spent a lot of time in the church over the past few years, especially considering I interned at my home church the entirety of my senior year of high school. Church is, or at least can be, great. The fellowship that is found in a healthy church body is the kind of thing that leaves you sad when it ends. There’s nothing quite like a Sunday morning filled with grace, worship and food from anywhere other than the MP. The problem with church, though, is that we think it can save people. I … [Read more...]

I have had the privilege of growing up in a fairly safe and comfortable position in life. My family has never had financial hardship to the extent of relying solely on governmental help, both of my parents are very open about how much they love and care for my brothers and me, I’ve never been horribly bullied, physically abused or raped. I’ve gotten good grades and was on the “fast track” all through middle and high school. However, despite all of the amazing opportunities that I have had in my … [Read more...]

This is my third semester on staff with the Andersonian, but my first in such an important position. While I am slightly intimidated by the responsibilities this position holds, I am so looking forward to the semester ahead. The staff of writers, editors and designers we have this semester are absolutely amazing and I can’t wait to see the great work that we’ll do in the weeks to come. —Beth Stark, Co-Editor Hello to those of you who read this column! I am humbled and honored to be a part of … [Read more...]

The third anniversary of Roger Ebert’s death will be this April. The impact that he had on the world of film criticism, and in the general audience’s response to it, is incalculable. I remember, as a child, that unforgettable tagline attached to critically acclaimed movies: “‘Two thumbs up!’ – Siskel and Ebert.” After Gene Siskel’s death, it became Ebert and Roeper. Though the partnership had changed, that praise began to represent films that I cherished as a child, and that shaped my view of … [Read more...]