Author: Houghton STAR

The student newspaper of Houghton College for more than 100 years.

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Opinions

Seeking Home, Finding God

What is home? This question was posed and discussed by President Mullen the first day of classes, and prompted a lot of reflection in my own heart about how the Holy Spirit has been convicting me about what I call “home.”

As I moved out of my childhood “home” and into my Grandma’s house for college during my freshman year, I began to develop a crisis. I spent most of my time at college, slept and “lived” at Grandma’s, grew up where my parents live, studied abroad a semester in a place where I grew roots, and then lived at a camp every summer. With so many places and people, what did home mean to me?

Photo of the author.

I fell into the party of students President Mullen described in chapel who are disappointed after coming here because Houghton did not meet the glorious and romanticized picture of “home.” For me, that picture had been painted in my head by my family since infancy (Go Highlanders!). Struggling with my physical insecurity of a place to call “home,” I examined my loneliness and confusion. This search began with identity. By knowing where my identity lies, I thought I could figure out where home was.

What was that identity? My identity, I know for certain, is that I am a child of God and a servant in His glorious Kingdom. He identifies my worldview, influences how I make decisions, and determines what I choose to believe in or act upon. Feeling like a nomad of sorts in this world, I eventually came to the conclusion that my “home” is in heaven with Jesus, so wherever Jesus is, that is where my home is here on earth.

I feel “at home” when I am in the presence of my Savior and in a place of deep fellowship with His followers. But even in isolation, my “home” is ultimately located in my relationship with Christ. I once read of a missionary who was imprisoned in solitary confinement for a year. When he was released and people asked what it was like, he responded, “It was like a honeymoon with Jesus.”

May even in our loneliest moment, Jesus be home! “Home” can be wherever I am, whether that be at Houghton, my grandmother’s, the town I grew up in, Africa, camp, or anywhere else on this earth. My earthly home is found in my relationship with Christ and His church. To be “at home,” I think, is to draw near to Jesus and the foot of the cross. The closer one is to Jesus, the more at home they will feel in Him and with others.

In an article I was recently reading regarding Billy Graham and his stance on racial issues, I came across this quote, “The closer people of all races get to Christ and his cross, the closer they will get to one another.” This concept, I believe, carries into our Houghton community. The more emphasis that is placed on Jesus and surrendering our lives to Him at the foot of the cross, the more united Houghton will be in relationships with the Savior and with one another. Billy Graham also said, “History shows that the thought of Christ on the cross has been more potent than anything else in arousing a compassion for suffering and indignation at injustice.” With all the chaos, hurt, and other issues plaguing this campus, I keep drawing to the conclusion that the answer to all of this lies in Jesus Christ and the gospel, as simple or profound as that may sound.

I long more than anything for Christ Jesus to be glorified at Houghton College. I hope we may be a body of believers whose identity, passions, purpose, and “home” will be found in Jesus and His work at the cross of Calvary. By being at home in Christ, we will adopt as a body this Calvary love that crosses all barriers.

 

Aubrey is a senior majoring in inclusive childhood education and intercultural studies. 

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Letter to the Editor

Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor,

Last week, the Star published an article concerning oncoming changes to Title IX legislation and guidance at a federal level.  The Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos, raised an important point recently which last week’s article quoted: “The sad reality is that Lady Justice is not blind on campuses today.”  Currently, almost all private and public colleges have internal disciplinary and justice systems.  However, while these systems often handle severe cases, sometimes of a criminal scale, they are not held to the same standards as the legal system.  Houghton is a prime example of this problem.  Houghton’s current disciplinary evidence standard is “preponderance of evidence.”  This means that if investigators think there is a greater chance that the accused is guilty than innocent, even if only by a margin of 1%, they can dispense punishment of various forms.  This is, frankly, a slap in the face to the justice that should be inherent to our Christian identity.  All things considered, I find Nancy Murphy’s statements of apprehension to be disconcerting.  The purpose of any justice system is the protection of the innocent.  The presumption of innocence is the very foundation of this goal, and to ignore this principle, no matter how grave the accusations, is fundamentally irresponsible.  Students here are held to a standard of excellence and honesty; we should expect the same from our administrative faculty.  The adoption of a “clear and convincing” standard of evidence would be an important step in the right direction, if only those in positions of authority could be convinced to place justice in its rightful place above both ease and subjectivism.

Hendrick de Smidt ’19

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Opinions

Body Image and Disordered Eating

In our society, there are so many opinions, ideas and prototypes thrown at us for what the ideal body looks like.  Sure these standards may change every few years or so, from small women to tall men, from skin and bone European models to our cultural fascination with “thicc,”but there is always a standard.  With lines of beauty clearly defined by society, there are always many people that do not fit into that mold of “beautiful” or “handsome.”

The people that fall outside these beauty standards feel inward shame, anger, and sadness.  These feelings  alone are a terrible effect of cultural image standards, but even more disheartening is that some people then form unhealthy eating as a solution. However,  this isn’t entirely a matter of choice, as Eastern University’s assistant professor of psychology, Michael Thomas, pointed out in chapel on Monday.  Biopsychology has found a genetic leaning that, with excessive pressure to meet a bodily standard, causes people with a certain genetic makeup to resort to disordered eating.  Disordered eating is not genetic-based or choice-based alone.   

Both women and men, but more often women, will conceptualize what they need to look like to be beautiful. To achieve this, some people undergo large periods of fasting (a day or more), with either large binges of massive calorie consumption or small meals between these fasts. Or they may restrict all their food and calorie consumption.  Others may eat vast quantities of food and “purge” it after a meal by vomiting or excessive workouts.  Some may feel they are two skinny and desire to be “thicc” so much that they eat to the point of pain and illness at every meal.

More people are affected by this than we think, and definitely more than we can see.  So what can people without eating disorders do to help?

Primarily, remember that everyone is different.  A key concept I’ve learned from my psychology degree, my Christian faith, and my friends who suffer from eating disorders is to  be empathetic.  Loving your neighbors and being empathetic towards them doesn’t seem like a breakthrough, but that is where we, as Christians and peers, should always start.  We must love our neighbors enough to pay attention to those around us.  Notice if someone is rapidly gaining or losing wait, notice if they binge or they go to the bathroom right after most meals (they might be vomiting each time), notice if they are losing vibrancy and energy.  Some people you think might have an eating disorder, may not in fact.  We make mistakes, but that’s ok because we’re still displaying God’s love by paying attention to our neighbors.

But if we do find a friend is showing signs of disordered eating, what should we do?  The worst thing to do, as a friend or peer, is to try to give the person therapy ourselves.   Instead, we should start by simply being present and being a friend.  Ask someone you noticed displaying disordered eating habits how they are doing, take an interest in their lives, and show that you care about their well-being. Please do not explicitly (and bluntly) ask a person right away if they have an eating disorder.  For example, show you care about the person by mentioning you’ve noticed they have lost a lot of weight recently or that they don’t really seem to be eating much at meals and ask them why. Then, both you and the person of a suspected eating disorder, should continue talking and pray God gives you wisdom and direction.  You may find out you’re wrong, or you may need to suggest they go to the counselling center if their condition seems dangerous.  Another option is to go online to the “counseling services” section of Houghton College’s website and refer someone (or yourself) to take a “free online confidential screening” if they are afraid of gaining weight or are worried about their eating habits.   But remember, you cannot force anyone to go to the counseling center, or to take a test.

There are no clear guidelines because every situation is different and people who have disordered eating symptoms are unique in how they deal with them. But I promise, if you approach an individual with a true sense of empathy and compassion for their well-being, you will be heading in the right direction.

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Letter to the Editor Opinions

Letter to the Editor // Chris Cilento

Dear Editor,

In January of 2015 I came back to Houghton after many long years away.  I was, at first, shocked and disheartened at the size of the LGBT+ community here.  But then something happened, I got to know some of them.  A few became friends.  I did some research and started reading my Bible.  I found out that these people are some of the nicest, most loving people you could ever hope to meet.  I realized that what I had been taught about homosexuality was wrong.  I also realized that we, as Christians, have done these folks a disservice in making pariahs of them.  I couldn’t help but think about how disappointed Jesus would be if he saw how we treated them.  Are we not commanded to treat everyone with love, compassion, dignity, and respect?

Monday night I participated in the SGA meeting discussing changes to the Community Covenant.  I was dismayed to see that the proposed language for change was even more exclusionary than before and blatantly discriminatory.  I grew more and more concerned as the meeting went on.  I could see tempers flaring on both sides.  The person mediating the discussion did an admirable job of keeping things from getting out of hand but the underlying tension is what bothers me.  While there were many fair questions asked on both sides of the issue I felt that the LGBT community was not being given a fair hearing.  To be fair, there were some questions the LGBT community brought up that could have been viewed as accusatory and threatening.

Folks, this is not the way to do it.   I came here because I needed a place where I could find peace after far too much time involved in the chaos of war.  Instead, what I found was a town torn apart by discrimination and hatred.  Good people beaten down and run out simply because they are different.  

In a world full of chaos and hate, Houghton College should be a shining beacon of love and mutual respect.  Instead we are falling into the same pit of wretchedness as the rest of the world.  Jesus Christ commands us to love our neighbor as ourselves.  He said “as you have done to the least of these, my brothers, so you have done to me” (Matthew 25:40)  He showed true compassion and love to the people the Pharisees saw as beneath them.  Should we not do the same?  Should we not show Christ-like love and compassion to everyone, no matter how different they seem to us?

So I offer a challenge.  Madam President, board of trustees, faculty and staff, fellow students: I challenge you to show the love of Christ to our LGBT+ community.  Change the Community Covenant to be more inclusive of all walks of life.  You don’t have to agree or even like it.  What you do have to do is show the love and compassion we are commanded to show.

To the LGBT+ community I also offer a challenge.  Be patient with us.  This process will not happen overnight and it will not be easy.  Work within the system for positive change.  My brother once offered me a bit of advice that I now offer to all of you: “Take the high road.  It is difficult to get there and hard to stay there, but the air is a lot clearer and you cannot beat the view!”  Handle this with the grace, patience, and love you have all shown me as I grew and learned.  

Blessings,

Christopher Cilento ‘19

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Letter to the Editor Opinions

Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor,

I am a member of the “underground” LGBT support group here on campus. It is a group of LGBT Christians that meet every week to just get together and be ourselves without fear of having to defend ourselves to others that may not agree with us. The point of this isn’t to argue for or against being LGBT and Christian. That is something that all of us have reconciled with ourselves and our Lord Jesus Christ. The point of this is to let you all know that, to put it bluntly, we’re here, we’re queer, and we aren’t exactly feeling the love from this community.  Houghton is supposed to be a place where everyone can feel the love of God, that is, everyone unless you happen to have an LGBT identity.

Despite what you may have heard, there is a significant LGBT community here on campus who have found “community” together. Yet, outside of our group, we are the outsiders. People don’t understand us, and often times don’t really want to sit down and get to a point of understanding. Yes, we are LGBT, but we are more importantly children of God. Just because you don’t agree or support LGBT rights and actions doesn’t make it your job to suddenly become a theological expert on social media concerning the matter. Being LGBT is a part of our lives, but that does not, however, make it a huge topic in order to be our friend or simply even be friendly. We too are people, and bashing us does not get you or us closer to God. Growth and understanding takes time, and it isn’t easy or pain free, but inflicting more pain or adding fuel to the fire makes it so much worse for those of us who are already feeling like outsiders.

Colossians 3:14 reminds us of the importance of love and unity “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

Signed,

Elizabeth Knight ‘16

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Campus News

Correction: Tanzania Program Changes

The October 7 edition of the Houghton Star incorrectly reported the semester in Tanzania program would be changed to run biannual.

According to Marcus Dean, Director of Off Campus Studies, the semester abroad will only be halted for the spring semester of 2017. Dean stated his intentions to continue the program in the Spring of 2018, “It will resume in 2018 with full intentions to continue to offer the Tanzania semester every year.”

There were many factors that went into the decision to halt the program for a semester, Dean said. One of those factors was low enrollment “at the time of the decision.” Dean continued, “We felt it in the best interest of students to make the decision during the summer not to run the Spring 2017 semester to give students plenty of time to choose another option if they desired to do that.”

Dean also hopes to improve upon the popular semester during the semester’s break. He said,  “We do hope that by waiting a year we will be able to make the program better in the future.”

Additionally, Dean said, there was no discussion of eliminating entirely, and stated, “It is our full intention to continue to offer the Tanzania semester.“

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Letter to the Editor Opinions

Letter To The Editor

Dear Editor,

I’m writing because the Faith and Justice Symposium that focused on Immigration and Refugees has come to end. Now the question is how can we continue to talk about these issues on campus and in the community? The answer is simple. We can visit, write a letter, or make a call to our congressional representatives. These are only a few ways college student and community members can be involved and contributing to the issue.The issue of immigration is close to my heart because I come from an immigrant background. Both my parents are immigrants from Mexico. They came to the United States in the early 90’s seeking a better life for their children because of their decision to immigrate I was fortunate enough to be born in this country. Being born in this country has enabled me to pursue my dreams and goals.

Immigration is an issue that affects every community in the United States. There are currently 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States. During the symposium we learned that “Immigrants are a blessing not a burden.” I am currently an advocacy corps member with Friends Committee on National Legislation working on lobbying our representatives and organizing around Western New York.

As Houghton students and community members we have to urge for our representatives in congress to commit to working on bipartisan comprehensive immigration in the next congressional session. Please urge 23rd District Rep. Tom Reed to support this kind of legislation.

Sergio Mata ‘19

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Letter to the Editor Opinions

Regarding Discourse on LGBTQ Issues

Dear Editor,

Recent public debate in the Star (and the world) regarding LGBTQ issues is provocative because of one reason: the Bible.  St. Paul’s words are inflammatory to many.  He declares that homosexual actions and passions are dishonorable, shameful and unnatural.  (Rom 1:26,27)

Paul asserts that it is possible to change one’s sexual behavior from natural to unnatural.  Thayer’s and BDAG Greek lexicons define  “natural”  (phusikos) as “inborn” and “instinctive.”  Paul argues that these people were born with the instinct that would naturally predispose them to heterosexual behavior.  However, these people “abandoned” (v.27) their innate God ordained instinct.  They “exchanged” the natural function for a behavior against nature.  From ordained to inordinate.

In v. 27 the epistle calls their homosexual acts “indecent”  – (ascheosune)   The lexicons define  ascheosune  as “lewd,”  “brazen exposure of privates,”  “shameless,”   “disgraceful nakedness.”

           Paul also addresses their feelings.  Their attractions. (V.26)  Thayer’s and BDAG Greek lexicons define “passions” (pathos) as “desires” and “affections.”   The apostle calls their desires – “degrading,”  ”shameful,” “dishonorable.” (V.26)  Their desire is perverted from honorable attraction to indecent and disgraceful craving.  

The inspired writer reveals that God “gave these people over” (v.26) to perversion.  The Greek word for “gave them over” (v.26)  is paradidomi.  The lexicons define it as – “to yield up”  “to hand over”  “to allow.”  Paul reveals that God ceased his attempts to restrain their unnatural actions.  God surrendered.  He yielded.  He allowed them to pursue their desires.  He no longer fought to hold them in check.

The Bible forewarns. There is a “penalty for their error.” (V.27) Verse 28 accuses them of doing things which are “not proper.” (forbidden, shameful).

The growing juggernaut of public LGBTQ opinion is hostile to Paul’s words.  As the most prolific writer of our New Testament should we abandon Paul?  The Bible is the source of the controversy.  Disregard the Book – eliminate the hostility.  Embrace the Book – provoke a storm of disputations.

Dan Moore

(former) – Houghton College Audio Visual Coordinator  (from 1981 – June 2015)

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Letter to the Editor Opinions

Response to “The Right to Die (With Dignity)”

Rom. 12:15 says “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” Our response in the face of pain must be compassion to love sufferers like Jesus did. Christ destroyed the last enemy, death, and brought life by paying the price with his blood; therefore, our lives are no longer our own (1 Cor 6:19-20). We are called to submit to God’s will, regardless of our feelings, including His plan for our lives and deaths.  Where there is life, there is hope (Eccl 9:4). “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day” (2 Cor 4:16).  However, this world is broken and we must contend with the reality of suffering.  Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection saves us from judgment and gives us assurance of future glorification, but it also gives us the promise of present grace to endure pain until He calls us home (2 Cor 12:9).  In our finiteness, we don’t always understand the purpose of our pain, but we trust God will be glorified. As created beings, we don’t have the authority to tell our Creator, “You cannot bring hardships in my life, even kinds that may lead to death” (Rom 9:20). We don’t have the right to number our days, offer death as a solution, refuse the miraculous, or actively assist in murder or suicide. By so doing, we elevate ourselves to God’s level of authority and fail to submit to His perfectly loving plan for us.

Ransom Poythress

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Letter to the Editor Opinions

Letter to the Editor: Dean Jordan

Dear Editor,

Nothing is as tiresome as professors crowding in on a student forum–the Star is (among other things) a place for students to share opinions, and I have many other channels which I can use to share my thoughts with students. Still, in Raisa Dibble’s opinion piece she raised a question about Praxis that only I can answer. “I don’t think it’s fair,” she writes, “to only have African-American speakers highlighted.  Racism and ethnic prejudice happen to millions of people in so many different countries around the world…Why were only African-American speakers brought in?”

Raisa is rightly concerned with drawing the circle wider–this is one of her many lovely and admirable qualities. And she raises a fair question: because reconciliation is obviously complicated, why invite only black speakers? Here was my reasoning: the divide between black and white in America is an unusually difficult one. There is ugly history there, and it’s very personal for all of us who grew up in America.  People who looked (sort of) like me brutalized and enslaved people who looked (sort of) like many of our black students. This means we have a complicated history together. Because we feel ashamed, many white folks run away from this history. Black folks cannot escape it.

If we are to be a reconciling people, we need to do more than just educate people about how much racism really exists in the world. Such knowledge is debilitating if we don’t feel like the tools we have to address the racism right in front of us. Simply, if we learn to listen well in this very thorny relationship, we are better equipped to listen well to the many victims of racism around the world.

I don’t intend to dominate the dialogue, but just to answer Raisa’s question. Students can (and should!) debate about whether it was the right decision–and that’s what college is for, thinking critically about the problems we all face. I trust you to debate that fairly and well. I should add that I hope that this decision has not hurt the feelings of non-black students of color, or seemed to trivialize the difficulties that they face. I honor them and hope that by teaching our students to listen to one group in depth, they learn to listen to all groups sympathetically and with an ear to repentance, change and growth.

Love in Christ,

Mike Jordan (’99)