Volume 45, issue 4

The Point student newspaper of point loma nazarene university

monday, february 15, 2016

Features, page 3

volume 45 | issue 4

A&E, page 5

Sports, page 6

Opinion, page 8

More on Loma Beat!

Beauty for Ashes raises money and attention

PHOTO BY JONATHAN SOCH Pastor Eugene Cho visited PLNU to speak at Thursday’s “Just Saying!” event as well as in chapel on Friday.

BY DANA WILLIAMS & MICHELLE TORRES

STAFF WRITERS

PLNU’s Beauty for Ashes is hosting their second annual fundraiser to create scholarships in order for sex trafficking victims to attend PLNU. Beginning on Ash Wednesday and ending on Easter Sunday, otherwise known as the liturgical season of Lent, the Center for Justice and Reconciliation is working through the Beauty for Ashes club using mason jars in order to raise money for sex trafficking victims. The mason jars are referred to as Freedom

Jars and used to collect donations that will go directly to the Beauty for Ashes scholarship fund.

“The Freedom Jar Project is a simple way to engage in helping a person who has survived human trafficking come to PLNU to get their education,” Supervisor Kim Berry Jones said. “The idea behind it is to take a season- maybe during Lent or really anytime- and give up something- like Starbucks once a week- and then donate that money to the project.”

A recent study funded by the National Institute for Justice and researched

by University of San Diego and Point Loma Nazarene University’s Dr. Jamie Gates reveals “Sex trafficking is San Di-

ego’s 2nd largest underground economy after drug trafficking. The underground sex economy represents an estimated $810 million in annual revenue.”

The Beauty for Ashes Scholarship Fund offered through the Center for Justice and Reconciliation is reserved solely for victims of human trafficking. PLNU freshmen and biology major, Lindsay Gates, said, “ I think the organization brings a lot of awareness to a really hard subject. It’s not easy to talk about human trafficking so I love that Beauty for Ashes provides a lot of support to people who have been victims...”

The informational webpage for the scholarship fund states, “Aside from a

deep faith in Christ and a loving Christian congregation to surround them, there may be no more important longterm intervention for the rehabilitation of survivors of human trafficking than the loving, academically challenging and carefully mentored environment of a Christian university education.”

Throughout Lent, the Beauty for Ashes Scholarship Fund is giving PLNU students a unique chance to directly make these scholarships available.

The Freedom Jars take form as mason jars that will be provided by the members of the scholarship fund. Interested students can get involved by encouraging peers, hall mates and workers

to participate with them. Fundraising doesn’t have to stay secluded to campus either; Berry Jones encourages to pass them on to locals, church groups and more.

A freshman kinesiology major at PLNU, Maddie Dow, said, “It’s scary learning how prominent sex trafficking is in San Diego (2nd largest underground economy); however, it is amazing seeing the support and involvement from Beauty for Ashes and Point Loma students. It’s a great feeling knowing that Point Loma’s scholarship can help make a difference and improve survivors’ lives.”

Jake Henry contributed to this report.

CVS drops bid for former Fresh & Easy property

BY JULIANA VERHAGE

STAFF WRITER

As of Thursday, CVS Pharmacy has officially dropped its bid to acquire former Fresh & Easy location on Catalina Boulevard.

Mike Ryan, a local resident who has been a major voice of advocacy for the community against CVS taking over the location, received an e-mail from attorneys representing the landlord of the former Fresh & Easy location which officially stated that CVS has removed its bid.

According to Ryan, the attorneys wrote, “CVS has elected to terminate its right to purchase the Point Loma lease accordingly. The portion of the lease sale motion relating to the Point Loma lease is now moot.”

“As such, the agreed scheduling order is also moot. And no further hear-

ing will be held under lease sale motion,” they said.

While word has been out for over a week that CVS dropped the bid, February 11 marked the pull out as official.

Prior to this, a hearing was set some time this month to deal with legal issues between the bankruptcy courts and the landlord’s contracts. CVS purchased the location on Catalina Boulevard along with three other locations through the bankruptcy courts. But the landlord stated in his contract for the former Fresh & Easy location that the space must be occupied by a grocer.

Michael Saad, owner of the nextdoor Point Loma Cabrillo Drug pharmacy, had in his contract a non-compete clause stating he could be the only one to own and operate a pharmacy in the shopping center.

The hearing will no longer happen because CVS decided to drop the bid.

Local community members have expressed excitement over this decision - especially Saad.

“I was very happy. Obviously, very happy,” Saad said. “The community came together very nicely. There was a wonderful reaction from the community.”

He, along with Ryan, believes that the local petition,which gained 2,871 supporters as of Friday, made a big difference.

“It’s nice because the community should be able to choose what kind of businesses and stores they have in their area” Saad said. “I think it made a difference directly with CVS. CVS realized that the community wasn’t happy with what they were doing.”

Ryan believes it was more than just the petition which made a big difference

in CVS deciding to pull out its bid.

“I think the combination of the media, the petition, the landlord fighting and the presentation to the Point Loma Community Planning board and the letter from them I think convinced the CVS attorneys that the community didn’t want it,” Ryan said. “I think they realized it could be a bad move for them financially and with public relations.”

Ryan and Saad both said CVS dropping the bid is a hopeful first step towards getting a grocer in the location especially for PLNU students who don’t have cars and have to take the shuttle or find other ways to get their groceries.

Sophomore Fashion Merchandising Major Kate Bristol is one student who doesn’t have a car on campus.

“I hope they put in a grocery like establishment. I think it would be any easy way to get food for cooking meals instead of going to the Caf every night,”

said Bristol.

Now that CVS is out, it is unsure what will happen or who will offer bids next.

“Everybody is anxiously awaiting something to come in,” Saad said. “Because anybody that comes in has to do their part, get their lease sorted out and redo the store…We’re anxiously waiting now.”

Because there is no news yet of potential buyers, it could take months or even years for the replacement owner to come in and have the location fully operating.

Despite the current state of waiting, people like Saad and Ryan retain a sense of hope and excitement from CVS dropping its bid.

“Today, David wins over Goliath” Ryan said.

the point | monday, february 15, 2016

2 | NEWS

Beloved ministry sends Valentine’s Day cards to children in Rady’s Children Hospital

BY SAVANAH DUFFY

STAFF WRITER

Valentine’s Day is sometimes looked at as a reason to buy chocolate and flowers for someone special, or maybe going out with some friends to watch Deadpool defeat some bad guys. For the volunteers of the “Beloved” ministry, Valentine’s Day’s approach is a time to gather, as they did on Tuesday night when they made a variety of Valentine’s Day cards for the children who live in the Helen Bernardy Center at the Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego.

“Beloved” is a PLNU student ministry that specifically serves the children in the Helen Bernardy Center who live there indefinitely because they are too medically fragile to live elsewhere. It is co-lead by PLNU students Sabrina Schreiber, Kate Draeger, Claudia Castilleja, and Caitlin Macfarlane. According to Director of Community Ministries Dana Hojsack, the Beloved program has been working with Rady Children’s Hospital for the last 10 to 15 years, and this is her fourth year as the director.

According to Hojsack, Beloved volunteers go to the hospital to spend interactive time with the children there, ranging from infants to adults. PLNU junior Shreiber said that most of the children in the Helen Bernardy Center are unable to speak, so hands-on-crafts and sensory activities are often used for interactive purposes between volunteers and the children.

However, with current flu season restrictions at the hospital keeping un-

authorized volunteers from visiting the children, Beloved has had to get more creative at reaching out to the kids by hosting craft nights to make and send cards to the hospital.

“I’m not crafty, but it was super fun to go and make Valentine’s Day cards for kids who would appreciate a Valentine,” said PLNU Freshman Julia Robison, who attended “Beloved’s” Valentine’s Day card night.

When flu season restrictions are not an issue, Beloved volunteers are able to visit the hospital and more directly interact with the children there.

According to Jenelle Nettles, Appointment Coordinator and Recreation Therapist Assistant in the Helen Bernardy Center, the Beloved ministry has a huge impact on the children in the hospital because it gives them positive interactions with the volunteers. The one-onone time that the children get with the volunteers is important because without the volunteers, Nettles said that the staff does not have much time to spend individually with the children. She added that many of the children do not have family nearby to see them.

Nettles said, “[Beloved] makes a difference in the kids and it makes a difference in the families who aren’t always able to be there with their kids.”

Rose McGowan is a junior PLNU student who has regularly volunteered with Beloved for the last three years. McGowan said that her first visit to the hospital with Beloved included some frustration. She was trying to interact with a patient who seemed unresponsive to her.

“But then, I was holding his hand, and he squeezed my hand after I said something,” said McGowan. “And I knew that he heard me and that I was making a difference.”

Junior Castilleja talked about the benefits of being able to visit the hospital when some of the children are sick. According to Castilleja, when a child is sick and has to stay in his or her room, a volunteer visiting that child clearly brightens the child’s day.

While Beloved is making a difference in the lives of the children in the Helen Bernardy Center, students say that the ministry is affecting their lives as well.

“It grounds me, because in the middle of all the stress of college and working and financial aid, to go…and spend quality time with these kiddos is so rewarding,” McGowan said.

Castilleja added that the kids have shown her God’s love in countless ways, and that she still sees that in them every time she visits.

Hojsack said that even with flu season restrictions preventing students from visiting the hospital, the positive side is that it gives Beloved volunteers a chance to build community with each other as they work to send cards or crafts to the hospital.

“We can’t underestimate how much that [being loving] affects people and how much we can be the hands and feet of Christ…” Hojsack said.

PHOTO BY SAVANNAH DUFFY Some of the cards created for children at the Helen Bernardy Center.

Protests continue against SeaWorld

BY JAYME O’HANLON

STAFF WRITER

Animal activists gathered in front of SeaWorld on Valentine’s Day to protest animal captivity. Ellen Ericksen, an independent animal rights activist, led the protest by creating a Facebook event under the group she created called “Protest SeaWorld the San Diego Community.”

Sitting in the bleachers waiting for the Shamu show, a family from Utah said that their main attraction of their family vacation was the killer whales. Bill Hansen supports SeaWorld even though he does not travel to San Diego with his family often.

“I think SeaWorld educates people are far as marine life to where they will take better care of them and respect them. I think they do more good than harm,”Hansen said, “You can go whale watching; it’s like three quarters cheaper than it is to get into SeaWorld and you can actually see the animals in the wild,” Ericksen said.

That’s a true learning experience. Every-

thing in SeaWorld is fake. There is nothing educational about SeaWorld.”

Ericksen became an animal rights activist after visiting the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus show in New York where she witnessed circus elephants contained back stage with chains around their hooves. “(SeaWorld is) a pretty corrupt company. Any company that houses animals for entertainment is not honest,” Ericksen said. “If they were honest, they would not keep animals locked up. They do not tell the truth about animals here.

They don’t tell the truth about the orcas and how they reproduce. The male orcas are actually masturbated by trainers here and their sperm is stolen from them, unwillingly. And then they impregnate the females, unwillingly.”

In October of last year CNN reported that the California Coastal Commission banned SeaWorld’s orca breeding as a compromise for the future installment of bigger tanks.

Ericksen said that she chooses holi-

day weekends to protest at SeaWorld because park visits are usually higher as more families come together. She said that SeaWorld guards have threatened to arrest her if she were to step again in SeaWorld’s parking lot. Years of protesting the business have made her face known to the park’s employees.

“While a few dozen people are expected to protest near the park, it is anticipated that more than 50,000 people will visit SeaWorld San Diego this 3-day President’s Day weekend, each being inspired and educated by our animals,” said SeaWorld’s Communications DirectorDavid Koontz, in an email to The Point “SeaWorld is the nation’s true animal welfare organization, and the real advocates for animals are our trainers, aviculturists, animal-care staff and veterinarians,” Koontz said. “SeaWorld has also given a second chance at life to more than 60 rescued sea lions and seals so far this year. We encourage everyone to get the facts at www.SeaWorldCares.com

andwww.askseaworld.com.”

The Hansen family sat in the splash zone of the Shamu show, capturing pictures of trained orcas, one of which was named Orchid. This female orca splashed the Hansen family, offering them a timeless family memory.

In 2007, Orchid “injured a trainer that was trying to impregnate her and he was sent to the hospital. They have forcibly impregnated her multiple times since,” Ericksen said. And now what they do is they take [the orcas] out of the water so they can’t swim away when they do it so they can’t even escape. In my book, if someone did that to me, it would be called rape.”

Dressed in black, white and red to raise awareness of the orcas’ captivity, Erickson gathered the protesters through a Facebook event. She said that many of the protesters that support her activism are not from San Diego, but places such as Los Angeles and Oxnard.

Cesar Carracco is a junior transfer at PLNU majoring in history. Although

he believes that SeaWorld is harming the killer whales, he also sees the positive outcome of animal captivity.

“I think [captivity] is bad, but at the same time, they’re also helping out and doing research on them,” said Carracco.

“I feel that SeaWorld needs to be more open about their research. It’s okay for them to keep them captive, but up to a certain point. After that they should release them back into the wild just so that they don’t have to live their whole lives in captivity.”

Empty the Tanks is a worldwide event that protests orca captivity. For the fourth year, protesters will gather in countries all around the world, such as Budapest, Hungary and Barcelona, Spain. Animal rights activists plan to protest again with Empty the Tanks in front of SeaWorld on Saturday, May 7.

This week in black history: February 15th-20th

BY JORDAN LIGONS

STAFF WRITER

It is important to understand black history; many generations of African Americans were pioneers. They opened the doors for the generations to follow and they give all African Americans the one thing that has lacked in throughout Black History—hope.

For the month of February The Point is looking significant moments of black history for the corresponding week.

February 15, 1804: The New Jer-

sey Legislature approved a law calling for “gradual” emancipation of African Americans. New Jersey became the last Northern state to outlaw slavery.

February 16, 1951: New York City Council passed a bill prohibiting racial discrimination in city-assisted housing developments. Managers of the housing development prohibited African American tenants and dispossessed residents who had been active in the campaign to end racial discrimination. Lawsuits were soon filed on the basis that the project

was public- or semi-public, and thus violated anti-discrimination laws for New York City public housing.

February 17, 1891: Albert Richardson patented his invention of the butter churn on this day. According to the online museum Black Inventor, the device consisted of a large wooden cylinder container with a plunger-like handle, which moved up and down. In doing so, the movement caused oily parts of cream or milk to become separated from the more watery parts. This allowed for

an easy way to make butter and forever changed the food industry.

February 18, 2006: Speed skater Shani Davis became the first, African American person to win a gold medal at the Winter Olympics in an individual sport. In Turin, Italy Davis won the 1,000 meter race and also took home a silver medal in the 1,500 meter speed skating event.

February 19, 1942: On this day, the Tuskegee Airmen were initiated into the armed forces. U.S. Army Air Forces

trained at Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama during World War II. The 99th Pursuit Squadron was the first African American flying unit in the U.S. military.

February 20, 1992: Film director John Singleton was the first, black director to be nominated for an Academy Award for his first movie, Boyz ‘N the Hood. The movie featured actors Ice Cube, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Morris Chestnut in a dramatic story of about life in a south central Los Angeles neighborhood.

monday, february 15, 2016| the point

FEATURES | 3

features

THINK ON THAT

“What I’m telling you is that God knows everything about you, and God is still pursuing you.” Eugene Cho, Friday Chapel

Just Saying spoken word raises awareness

BY ANDREW EAKES

STAFF WRITER

Some of the most sensitive of subjects hit the hardest when they come from home. An event called “Just Saying!,” put on by Point Loma Nazarene University and the University of San Diego highlighted the impacts of Human Trafficking in San Diego County.

The event featured guest speaker Eugene Cho, founder and leader of Seattle’s Quest Church.

“Just Saying is a time for people to hear about the Beauty for Ashes Fund and hopefully give toward it,” said Natali Perez, an intern for the Center of Justice and Reconciliation. “It is also an awesome time for people to learn about human trafficking through spoken word and find ways in which they can get involved in the efforts to combat human trafficking.”

Both schools, along with PLNU’s Center for Justice and Reconciliation, conducted a three-year investigation led

by Jamie Gates, Director of the Center for Justice and Reconciliation and Sociology Professor at PLNU. According to www.abolishhumantrafficking.com, the website that PLNU’s Center for Justice and Reconciliation created to address the problem, human sex trafficking is the second largest un-

derground economy in San Diego. Between 8,830 and 11,773 people survive Human Trafficking each year in San Diego alone. 110 gangs in San Diego are involved in Human Trafficking, and the average age of the people who are victims of human trafficking is 15.

This study’s findings resulted in two new ways for PLNU to raise awareness of human trafficking: the Just Saying poetry event and the Beauty for Ashes Scholarship Fund. They were first implemented in 2014.

“The anti-trafficking work that PLNU is engaged in has grown substantively to where PLNU sits at the heart of the anti-trafficking movement in San Diego,” said Gates. “Last year the Just Saying event raised awareness about Human Trafficking to social service agencies that work with survivors of human trafficking in our region and served as the night we launched the Beauty for Ashes Scholarship Fund.”

This scholarship helps to support survivors of human trafficking and awards them with a scholarship to Point Loma Nazarene University. It also attempts to extend this aid beyond the classroom with psychological counseling and help finding a job after graduation.

In its first year, Just Saying used presentations of spoken word poetry

PHOTO BY JONATHAN SOCH President of the Spoken Word club Gia Cabarse and senior chemistry major Connor Voss perform at Just Saying.

to raise $120,000 in its first year for the Beauty For Ashes Fund.

“I hope that students understand how prevalent this crime is - even in our own backyards,” said spoken word artist, Poetry Club President, and former Beauty For Ashes Intern Gia Cabarse. “The kind of trauma that these victims endure call for us to sit down and reassure those who are brought out of this life. They are people who deserve an education, an opportunity, a full life and freedom from oppression.”

Cabarse, along with former student and poetry slam team member, Haley Courtney performed two poems each at last week’s Just Saying event. The main focus of the night is getting involved.

“The night was designed to be inspiring, educative and a call for action,” said Gates. “The best way to get involved is by going to the next Beauty For Ashes Fund Club meeting on Tuesday February 16.”

Other ways to get involve include educating yourself by going on their

website www.abolishhumantrafficking. com. Donations toward the Beauty for Ashes Fund can be given online at www. pointloma.edu/BeautyForAshes.

For some people the freedom to live how they please is not an option. In San Diego human trafficking has become one of the city’s major problems. Events like Just Saying and scholarships like the Beauty for Ashes Fund give these survivors a chance at a life. Through one mission our voices can be the solution, I’m just saying.

ogy and world religions at PLNU and author of “Claiming Abraham: Reading the Bible and the Qur’an Side by Side” said that it depends on how you’re looking at the question if Muslims and Christians worship the same God. “The obvious huge difference is that Christians believe and confess that God is Triune – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit --- while emphatically insisting that God is One,” Lodahl said. “This is where Jews, and more emphatically Muslims, suspect

that we’re not all worshiping ‘the same God.’” Lodahl says that it gets tricky because Muslims believe the Qur’an and there is an overlap of content from the Qur’an and the Bible.

It must be taken into account, “the real and honest differences among these traditions about the nature and identity of this one God – even in spite of so much shared territory,” Lodahl said.

Within the weeks following Hawkins’ Facebook posts, debates broke out at Wheaton about her suspension and it has now ended with Hawkins parting ways.

In a press conference Wednesday, Hawkins thanked those who supported her during the past two months but she did not comment about losing her job or the fact that she was Wheaton’s first tenured African American professor.

Instead she focused on embodying solidarity and her past nine years as a tenured professor at Wheaton.

“There are no goodbyes, only good memories. And we will continue to walk together, because I will always stand with Wheaton College,” Hawkins said.

In honor of Hawkins, the college will endow a scholarship in her name.

“I do think that Wheaton overreacted,” Lodahl said.

Lodahl admits that he has said comparable things to what Hawkins posted but in “greater length and in more detail and in print.” Specifically in Lodahl’s book “Claiming Abraham: Reading the Bible and the Qur’an Side by Side.”

The book came out in 2010 and Lodahl is still a professor at PLNU. He did not elaborate if he received any criticism from PLNU for it.

“But I’m not an African-American

woman wearing a hijab to class – an act I understand to have been her praiseworthy attempt to demonstrate solidarity for Muslim women who are easy targets for bullying,” Lodahl said.

Another difference between PLNU and Wheaton is the theological traditions the university and college are based upon.

In Wesleyan tradition there is the doctrine of prevenient grace that, “the conviction that all people, everywhere, of all times throughout the history of our planet, have been and are actively loved

by God who is love,” Lodahl said.

While Wheaton’s theological roots are based on the Calvinist tradition that does not include the doctrine of prevenient grace.

Lodahl said that the doctrine makes it easier for Christians of the Wesleyan tradition to affirm that, “we do indeed ‘worship the same God’ – precisely because we believe that it is the ‘same God’ who is present, active, and at work in all people and within all cultures.”

Being out of the United States for work, President Bob Brower was unable to comment about the situation at Wheaton and if anything similar could happen at PLNU. Students who were asked about the situation at Wheaton were either unaware of what happened or declined to comment.

As Hawkins leaves Wheaton, her mark will remain on their campus with her scholarship.

“I admire and applaud this young woman, a colleague in Christian higher education, for her courageous love,” Lodahl said.

Professor at Wheaton forced to leave over religion, PLNU professor weighs in

BY SAMANTHA WATKINS

STAFF WRITER

Associate Professor of Political Science Larycia Hawkins announced this past week that she will be leaving Wheaton College after her statements about solidarity with Muslims caused controversy.

In December, Hawkins posted pictures of herself on Facebook wearing a traditional Muslim headscarf. She said she would wear the hijab for the duration

of the Advent season to express support for Muslims.

But that wasn’t the reason for Wheaton administration forcing her to leave.

It all came with Hawkins’ post that Muslims and Christians “worship the same God.” This statement appeared to violate Wheaton’s “Statement of Faith,” which can be found on their website, summarizing the biblical creeds.

Michael Lodahl, professor of theol-

STUDY ABROAD PHOTO OF THE WEEK “We make the world seem so disconnected by talking about how large it is.

What we should be doing is traveling. Traveling makes the unknown the familiar.”

Makayla Vandeveer is a sophomore studying abroad in Italy .

PHOTO COURTESY OF MAKAYLA VANDEVEER

4 | FEATURES

Who says exercise can’t be fun?

PHOTOS COURTESY OF COMMONS.WIKIMEDIA.ORG

Yes the weather has gotten warmer this week, which means we’re on step closer to summer. So we all know what you’re thinking – summer bod. Well lucky for you, The Point has made a list of all the places in San Diego that you can go to work out. But these aren’t you’re typical gyms, these are workouts that use all your muscles and throw in a little fun too!

BY SAMANTHA WATKINS

STAFF WRITER

1

Orange Theory Fitness 3980 West Point Loma Boulevard Cost: It depends on what membership you want, check the website for exact information. But you do get the first session free!

While this looks like your typical gym with all of the same equipment, the idea behind the workout is what’s different. Orange Theory has what they believe to be a 60-minute workout pushing you into your highest energy zone. Your results are broadcast onto the screen (don’t worry your name isn’t) and you compete with other people around you to see who can burn the most calories within the hour of working out. If competition is on your Strengths Quest, this gym sounds like the perfect fit for you!

Core Power Yoga 3555 Rosecrans Street Cost: $21 for a single class but you do get the first week free.

This yoga studio offers a variety of classes from regular yoga to hot yoga-to-yoga classes with weights. There are multiple locations in San Diego, with one in Point Loma right by the Sprouts area where the shuttle drops off.

Evolve Fusion Fitness 1618 West Lewis Street Cost: The first class is $10 followed by a free week or you can pay $92 per month for unlimited classes or $25 per class.

Though the name does not mention anything about cycling this studio is all about riding and gliding – that is actually the name of one of the classes. It includes indoor cycling and gravity training or there is a glide class, which focuses on strength and resistance training.

Aerial Revolution 5370 Napa Street Cost: The first week unlimited is $35 while a drop in rate is $25 per class.

There are a variety of classes offered from acrobatics to trapeze and even those with aerial fabric. That’s right, you too can learn how to twist and fly while being wrapped in fabric; it will make the perfect Instagram shot.

Culture Shock 2120 Hancock Street Cost: A drop in class is $15 or you can buy a four-class package for $49 or an unlimited week for $75.

If you want to get your dance on then this is the place! Culture Shock offers classes from belly dancing, to hip-hop, ballet bar, and of course break dancing. If you don’t have experience, don’t worry. There are entry level classes and advanced for those with more experience.

Party Fitness 4659 Mission Gorge Place Cost: $15 for your first class or a drop in class, $100 for 10 classes or $69 for an unlimited month.

This studio plays upbeat music and offers zumba classes seven days a week at multiple times. Each zumba class has a theme that relates to their music like “spicy Latino” or “hard rock.” So come get your party on and dance to those beats!

2 3 4 5 6

Where in the world are our graduates?

BY SAMANTHA WATKINS

STAFF WRITER

While the spring semester has only just begun, chances are that if you’re a senior you’ve been asked the dreaded question of: “What are your plans for after graduation?”

Well have no fear, because we’ve reached out to the Office of Strengths and Vocations to find out where most of our recent graduates are landing jobs. So listen up seniors, and everyone else too, because it’s never too early to job hunt or apply for internships!

Here are the top companies where PLNU alumni can be found, listed in no particular order: Jack in the Box . Yes it’s your typical fast food restaurant but there are also many opportunities within the corporation like public relations.

Gordon Rush. It is in fact as classy as the name sounds. The company is a leading designer for men’s footwear and accessories.

Regus. They create products and services to meet their customer’s needs however, whenever, or wherever. The site might as well be called, anything for your regal heinous.

Aaron Chang. This definitely fits in with the Point Loma vibe of hipster. They

are an art company that captures life in motion, specifically with surfing.

Carefusion. They are a global medical technology corporation that serves the health care industry.

Capital Real Estate Ventures. The name speaks for itself, but they are a real estate company that focuses on properties valued from one million to 20 million.

Stratford Partners. Once again, real estate seems to be a common job market for PLNU grads.

Torrey Cove. The company works with clients to create customized investment solutions that, yes you guessed it, benefits the client.

SPAWAR (Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command). This company looks like something you’d see in the latest Netflix series. They provide topnotch software needed to execute Navy missions.

La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club. Who wouldn’t want to work here and look out at the beach each day?

GLA (Global Leadership Adventures). They plan adventures abroad for students.

Classy.org. Interesting name for the supposedly “number one” online and mobile fundraising platform.

Lennd. It’s an online site that helps

people plan events and get more work done by tracking tasks and easier communication.

Petbox. It could be defined as those well-known Graze boxes but for your pets. I guess everyone needs a little TLC once in a while.

EY. That is in fact their full name with the slogan “building a better working world.” EY is a global leader helping entrepreneurs and other businesses.

Moss Adams. They are one of the fifteen largest public accounting firms in the United States according to their website.

Deloitte. They provide audit, consulting, tax, and advisory services.

CBIZ. They are a professional service company that provides business services and solutions focused on the client’s success.

Lindsay. This company focuses on providing irrigation and infrastructure solutions as the population grows.

Northwest Mutual. We’ve all probably seen the commercials for this life insurance company.

Plant with Purpose. They work in 435 communities worldwide bringing hope out of poverty and creating a lasting change.

monday, february 15, 2016 | the point

A&E | 5

a&e

PLAN YOUR WEEK

Monday: San Diego Global Poverty Forum; 2-4:30pm (Ellipse Chapel in San Diego First Church) Tuesday: Writer’s Symposium by the Sea - Dick Enberg (3pm and 7pm in Crill Hall) Wednesday: Writer’s Symposium by the Sea - Robin Jones Gunn (3pm and 7pm in Crill Hall) Thursday: Writer’s Symposium by the Sea - Nikki Giovanni (3pm and 7pm in Crill Hall) Friday: Writer’s Symposium by the Sea - Sarah Bessey (3pm and 7pm in Crill Hall)

‘Hail, Caesar!’ is fun for the right crowd CONTRIBUTOR

Universal Studios’ “Hail, Caesar!” is a comedy set in the early 1950s that centers on Eddie Mannix (Josh Brolin), a Hollywood “fixer,” and his struggle to have his star Baird Whitlock (George Clooney) returned without press coverage after he has been kidnapped.

Throughout the film, he also has to deal with several smaller issues, such as the pregnancy of starlet DeeAnna Moran (Scarlett Johansson), the readjustment of Hobie Doyle’s image (Alden Ehrenreich) from cowboy to dramatic actor, and having to stop twin gossip columnists (Tilda Swinton) from printing two different stories about Whitlock. Hail, Caesar! is written and directed by Ethan and Joel Coen.

This film comes across as the Coen Brothers’ love letter to the Golden age of Hollywood, which took place during the late 1940s and early 1950s. This occurs through the film’s use of scenes from movies of this age. Those scenes are some of the most entertaining in the movie because of that obvious love, but they are also some of the movie’s biggest issues, which I will touch upon later.

This love for the movie’s source material is shown throughout the film in a myriad of ways, the main way being the incredible cinematography by Roger Deakins who is able to make the scenes

being filmed feel like the cinematography that was predominantly the style during Hollywood’s Golden Age. His shots are beautiful and perfect for the tone that the Coen’s were going for.

The acting throughout is also magnificent. Scarlett Johansson, even with her smaller role, was entirely believable as a starlet of the 1950s. Her character even has a highly believable New York accent.

George Clooney, who I am admittedly not a fan of, also was believable as the dim-witted star of a Roman epic about the crucifixion of Jesus. The real stand-outs, though, were Josh Brolin and Alden Ehrenreich. Brolin brings humanity to his character by conveying the emotional toll the man’s job requires despite how much he enjoys it, but while also showing that he enjoys what he does at the same time. Ehrenreich, on the other hand, brings to life a character who is dedicated to the roles he is given, as well as free of the corruption that characterizes the world he works in.

Ultimately, the real stars of the movie are the Coen brothers, simply by their directing abilities. The film is similar to Fargo, another Coen Brothers’ film, in several aspects; there are multiple storylines, an older main character trying to handle the world around them, and a quirkiness that is not found in most movies.

Additionally, the film features sev-

eral visual gags that contribute to its hilarity. The funniest of these was one referring to spaghetti westerns; however, these are not the best parts of the Coen’s style choices for the movie. The movieswithin-a-movie scenes were all really fun to watch, and each of these was able to create the feel of standing on a soundstage during this time in Hollywood history.

Although the film and its structure were ultimately enjoyable, they are also my biggest gripes with the film. While the scenes depicting the movies-withina-movie are fun, the narrative seems as if it was created to lead to these scenes; they seem to serve no purpose to the main narrative that is being told. These scenes cause the narrative to feel stunted, and in one scene it even comes to a complete halt because of them. The narrative becomes second-fiddle during these scenes and for around 5-10 minutes during each of these scenes, nothing of real importance about the main story occurs.

Overall, this movie is enjoyable despite the jumble of its narrative, as well as its unsatisfying ending, as in; it makes pretty much no sense whatsoever. I would recommend this movie for anyone looking for a fun movie see, especially if you are interested in the Golden Age of Hollywood and want to see beautiful imagery throughout.

PHOTO COURTESY OF EFILMSWORLD.COM

TEN CONCERTS TO CATCH THIS SPRING

It’s second semester and you’re stressing out over the piles of homework you have to do. What do you do? Cry? Scream? Stress eat? Negative. You attend a concert! Here are some of the hottest bands coming to San Diego

BY GRACE LIESTMAN

STAFF WRITER

1

Metric Wednesday February 24th 7:00 p.m.

Venue: House of Blues General Admission: $28.50 About: Metric’s pop techno beats are perfect for those wanting to get groovy and dance the night away!

6

Justin Bieber Tuesday March 29th 7:30 p.m.

Venue: Valley View Casino Center Admission: $145 and up About: You’ll love yourself if you choose to attend JB’s concert at the Valley View Casino this Spring!

2

3

4

5

7

8

9

10

Vance Joy Monday February 29th 7:30 p.m.

Venue: Balboa Theatre Admission: $89 and up About: Pricier than some of the other shows, but if you love folk and Vance, you may want to check this out!

Geographer Saturday April 2nd 7:00 p.m.

Venue: Irenic General Admission: $15 About: Geographer’s electronic indie pop could be a fun break from studying and for a cheap price, it’s something you won’t want to miss!

Tyga Wednesday March 2nd 7:00 p.m.

Venue: The Observatory North Park General Admission: $54 About: Looking for an energetic and exciting hip hop show? How about you switch lanes over to the Tyga concert!

James Bay Sunday April 17th 8:00 p.m.

Venue: Humphreys Concerts by the Bay General Admission: $35 About: British singer/songwriter James Bay will send you into a slow groove with his soulful voice and folk-pop convections.

From Indian Lakes Saturday March 5 7:00 p.m.

Venue: House of Blues-Voodoo Room General Admission: $12 About: Joey Vannucchi will blow you away with his extreme lyrical talent accompanied by an amazing band playing post rock alternative jams.

Say Anything Saturday April 23rd 6:30 p.m.

Venue: House of Blues General Admission: $17.50 About: If you’re in the mood to rock out, Max Bemis and his band’s poppunk jams will satisfy your craving!

Gungor Sunday March 13th 7:00 p.m.

Venue: House of Blues General Admission: $20 About: Gungor’s unique sounds and religious undertones may be just what you need to de-stress from school and connect with great music.

Brad Paisley, Tyler Farr & Maddie and Tae Saturday May 21st 11:59 p.m.

Venue: Sleep Train Amphitheatre Admission: $49 and up About: Tomorrow’s a blank page, why not begin it with country star Brad Paisley?

PHOTOS COURTESY OF COMMONS.WIKIMEDIA.ORG

BY SCOTT BROWN

the point | monday, february 15, 2016

6 | SPORTS

sports

SEA LION SCORES 2/11: Women’s basketball wins against Dominican, 72-69 | Men’s basketball wins against Dominican 72-69 2/12: Men’s tennis loses at UC Riverside, 2-5 | Baseball wins against Cal State La, 1-0 2/13: Women’s Tennis loses against Azusa Pacific, 2-7 | Men’s tennis loses at Azusa Pacific, 3-6 | Baseball wins against Cal State La, 6-3 and 8-4 (doubleheader) | women’s basketball loses at Azusa Pacific 61-77 | Men’s basketball loses at Azusa Pacific 72-77

UPCOMING EVENTS

2/15: Women’s & men’s basketball vs Academy of Art 2/18 & 19: Baseball vs Eastern New Mexico 2/19: Women’s and men’s basketball vs California Baptist 2/20: Track & Field at Collegiate All Comers Meet | Men’s tennis vs Holy Names | Baseball vs Eastern New Mexico

Women’s track and field hopes to make a statement

BY GRIFFIN ASELTINE

STAFF WRITER

With several key seniors gone, some talented recruited freshmen, a promotion within the coaching staff, and a sudden transition into NCAA Division II, it would be an understatement to say that recent times have been a period of typical changes for the women’s track and field team.

“We’re missing some key cogs from last year that were really important,” said head coach Jerry Arvin, who has been a crucial part of PLNU’s track and field program for 20 years. “While we still have some great senior leadership, we’re a really young team with mostly freshmen and sophomores. We’re still waiting to see how everything unfolds with this group, but if we continue to build, we might be back to the pinnacle we were at five years ago.”

While every college team faces drastic roster changes over time, it’s been a critical story within the PLNU women’s track and field team, especially considering how the strengths and weaknesses of the squad have been dramatically altered.

“We lost Soliaana Faapouli (thrower), Emily Loogman (hurdler) and Alexia Avila (hurdler),” said Arvin. “Those areas probably won’t be our strengths this year, so we’re looking for some improvement in pole vaulting, jumping and distance running.”

Nearly two-thirds of the current roster are composed of freshmen or sophomores (24-of-37). But some members of the team feel that the young talent sparks positive competitiveness within the entire squad.

“The freshman distance runners showed their potential during cross country; they’ve pushed Alex Hernandez to a level we’ve never seen before,” said Arvin. “Hawaii State Champion Celine Lum (pole vaulting), Idaho State Champion Hannah Cain (sprinter), Katrina Lusky (jumper), Erin Beezhold (sprinter) and many other young contributors are also going to change the dynamics of this team.”

Hernandez said the freshmen talent has made a significant affect on the team.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PLNUSEALIONS.COM Soliaana Faapouli gathers herself for a throw in the shot put last year at the UC Irvine Invitational in May.

“We have a lot of freshmen on the team who are pushing us and making us better,” said Hernandez. “I know that because of them, I can definitely improve.”

A particularly important meet will be the PacWest Championship at Azusa on April 28. The PacWest did not hold a championship meet in 2015, so it will be the team’s first conference championship in two years.

“Last year we didn’t have a Conference Championship to compete at, but this year we’re back to that,” Arvin said.

“It’s critical for what we do because it gives us a goal to aim for, as well as a chance at a title.”

Aside from the aforementioned changes, perhaps the most significant story of all is that of Shane Peterson, who was recently announced as the new assistant head coach. Peterson has been coaching for PLNU’s track and field program since 2000, and is a Sea Lion alumnus.

“It’s been a long road working with Jerry Arvin. He’s been a really good fa-

ther-figure to a lot of us,” said Peterson.

“While my promotion hasn’t officially taken effect, it’s kind of known by now, especially by the team. It’s a dream come true. I love working with Jerry and what he stands for and he’s looked out for me since day one. This really puts that extra fire under me to make sure that I’m doing my job and laying the foundation.”

Peterson said the team’s recent transition from NCCAA to NCAA Division II has significantly changed the competition level of the team.

“The level of competition that we’re looking at to even qualify for the postseason has really elevated,” said Peterson.

“We’ve talked to the girls and told them that if they want a shot at competing in the National Championship, they need to dig as deep as they possibly can.”

The first meet will be the Collegiate All Comers Meet on Saturday, February 20 at Pitzer College. They will be participating in a total of eleven meets this year, including the PacWest Conference Championship.

Helping You Help Others Earn Your MFT Degree in San Diego The M.A. in Clinical Psychology: Marriage and Family Therapy program at Azusa Pacific University’s San Diego Regional Center offers the following: Preparation for counseling with individuals, couples, and families Curriculum that integrates spirituality and values Professionally active faculty Aligns with California licensure requirements Finish in two, three, or four years Includes option to become a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) with the addition of one course

Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology:

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Apply today! Deadline is October 1.

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10/2/15 10:45 AM

monday, february 15, 2016| the point

SPORTS | 7

Golf: how far is your reach?

BY ANDREW EAKES

STAFF WRITER

With 14 strokes to spare, the Sea Lion’s golf team completed the PLNU Reach 2016 tournament with their third win in five matches this season on February 9. PLNU hosted the tournament at the Riverwalk Golf Course in Mission Valley and posted a score of 620 (+44) over two days.

“We were able to use our hard work and team camaraderie to help us get the win,” said sophomore Haley Fuller.

“Winning three out of the last five tournaments is something we knew we had in us. It was great to finally get out there again.”

Fuller and senior captain Samantha Stockton were selected to share PacWest player of the week honors. Stockton and Fuller both shot a 153 (+9)—the third best individual score of the match.

Sophomore Rima Antous shined for the Sea Lions. After shooting a career best 76 (+4) in the first round, she finished with a score of 156 (+12)—sixth best individual score in the field.

“The greens were playing fast as lightning. This really upset the other teams,” said Antous. “We had the advantage from the start and our amazing coach helped us through the whole thing.”

The team saw similar success in the fall: winning two out of their four tournaments. With three months in between their final tournament of last year and the PLNU Reach 2016 competition, the team looked to continue the energy and competitive edge all the way until their first tournament at home this season.

“It was amazing to see the all of the support that came from PLNU,” said Antous. “A 7:30 am start makes it hard for

PHOTO COURTESY OF PLNUSEALIONS.COM The women’s golf team poses after winning the PLNU Reach Tournament. It was the first tournament the squad hosted this year.

everyone to make it out. Just seeing the faculty out there meant the world to us.”

The team’s effort comes from the inspiration of a supportive coaching staff.

Head Coach Noel Allen said everyday is a blessing to instruct what she considers to be a talented team.

“We all have a healthy respect for each other,” said Allen. “I wanted them to keep positive, humbled and confident as we prepared for this tournament.

They need mental strength and long-

term endurance for a game that is played for lengths of five plus hours.”

The Sea Lions are in the midst of a historic season.

However, it’s not all about winning for the squad.

“Our spring tournament we changed to PLNU Reach. It is an outreach-based tournament,” said Allen. “This year the team decided to support the fight against human trafficking. I wanted a way for our tiny team to make a big impact

through capturing a bit of PLNU’s heart of serving others.”

The tournament name change alone has directly impacted 102 survivors.

Coach Allen said their main goal is to “aid in the fight to bring hope, rescue and restore lives.”

The team’s next tournament is at the Cal Baptist Women’s Invitational in Corona, CA on February 22-23.

Through PLNU Reach, the women’s golf team not only challenge each oppo-

nent they face, but anyone they encounter with one simple question, “how far is your reach?”

Further information on their human trafficking outreach can be found on www.abolishhumantrafficking.com.

Surf’s up you radical Sea Lions! El Nino is bringing some gnarly waves. Get stoked.

Get pitted. Get tubular.

MONDAY 15TH

TUESDAY 16TH

WEDNESDAY 17TH THURSDAY 18TH

Surf height: 3-5 ft.

Wind speed high: 18 mph at 3pm Wind speed low: 3 mph at 9am High tide: 1.57m at 1:30 am Low tide: 0.27m at 8:30 am High tide: 1.03m at 2:24 pm Low tide: 0.46m at 7:57 pm Sunrise: 6:31 am

Surf height: 3-4 ft.

Surf height: 3-4 ft.

Wind speed high: 12 Wind speed high: 14 mph at 12 pm mph at 12 pm Wind speed low: 1 mph Wind speed low: 5 mph at 9am at 6 am High tide: 1.57m at 2:41 High tide: 1.61m at 3:58 am am Low tide: 0.19m at 10:07 Low tide: 0.04m at 11:29 am am High tide: 0.98m at 4:20 High tide: 1.05m at 5:53 pm pm Low tide: 0.58m at 9:21 Low tide: 0.61m at 10:49 pm pm Sunrise: 6:30 am Sunrise: 6:29 am

Surf height: 3-5 ft.

Wind speed high: 14 mph at 9 am Wind speed low : 2 mph at 3pm High tide: 1.68m at 5:08 am Low tide: -0.11m at 12:30 pm High tide: 1.17m at 6:53 pm Low tide: 0.56m at 11:59 pm Sunrise: 6:28 am

Sunset: 5:34 pm

Sunset: 5:35 pm

Sunset: 5:37 pm

Sunset: 5:36 pm

This information was collected from Magicseaweed

FRIDAY 19TH Surf Height: 4-7 ft.

Wind speed high: 14 mph at 12pm Wind speed low: 6 mph at 6 am High tide: 1.76m at 6:06 am Low tide: -0.22m at 1:17 pm High tide: 1.27m at 7:37 pm Sunrise: 6:27 am Sunset: 5:38 pm

Surf report : Jayme O’Hanlon

Surfing last Thursday afternoon was one of the best sessions I ever had at Sub. Not only were the waves clean and glossy, but the water felt warmer than usual. It is always a pleasant surprise whenever I paddle out alone and find everyone I would ever like to surf with already out in the lineup. Having been stressed with school and interviews from that week, heading out to the ocean was a sweet escape.

All of a sudden I heard a great commotion near Garbage while waiting for the next set. It sounded as if a door had slammed- but not just an ordinary door from a building- rather, a majestic door from earth’s core. Just as I heard the pounding door that quieted the sea, I innately turned toward the beach. A fresh pile of dirt from beneath the cliff had subsided onto the sand. Feminine shouts of ignorant fear from afar responded to nature’s dominance over man. But the next set came rolling through; all of the surfers’ attention turned toward the ocean and forgot about mother nature’s self-destruction.

The next day, I warned two, drunken women who had laid their beach towels next to the eroded cliff that the fresh pile of dirt their six beer cans were next to was from only yesterday. The drunk woman moved her towel, which was directly under the cliff, about a foot away from her initial placement. She said she thought that the pile of dirt had gathered from a period of time, and that she would have thought it ironic if the remaining cliff were to fall atop of her drunken self.

As soon as she said this to me- my mouth agape- a small chunk of the remaining cliff fell and almost hit her dog.

But a new set came rolling through; all of the surfers’ attention turned toward the ocean and forgot about mother nature’s self-destruction.

the point | monday, february 15, 2016

8 | OPINION

opinion

Jonathan Soch // Editor-In-Chief Jake Henry // News Editor Samantha Watkins // Features Editor Louis Schuler // Sports Editor Autumn Schultz // A&E Editor

Cori Deason // Opinion Editor Abbey Stewart // Copy Editor Jayme O’Hanlon// Layout Editor Jordan Ligons//Web Editor

Valentines Day & countering sexism

BY CAROL BLESSING

CONTRIBUTOR

I seldom respond to The Point content, having only written to the newspaper twice in my 23 years here, but I must speak out in regard to an article that appeared in the February 8 Opinion section, entitled “Valentine’s Day and the Loma girl to guy Ratio” by Phillip Ward.

Instead of probing and deconstructing consumer society’s co-option of Valentine’s Day (do some historical research about its origins), the article reinforces gendered stereotypes by painting Loma women as desperate for men, and especially for Valentine’s dates. The author asserts “Valentine’s Day, in general, means more to girls than it does to guys.

It’s just how it is. SO what is the girl to do who wants a valentine, but has the odds stacked incredibly against her?”

What follows is even more astonishing and derisive: “...I do know that if you want something bad [sic] enough, there is always a way to get it. Seduce him if it comes to that.” So, in other words, women are willing to trade a physical relationship for a dinner or chocolates,

thus making them prostitutes.

In 2016, the progress in countering sexism, devaluation of women, and sex-trafficking is still underway. What a surprise to find that our progress is countered by such a reactionary work in a university paper.

Dr. Carol Blessing is a professor of Literature and Women’s Studies at PLNU

Thoughts on ‘microaggression’

BY PHILLIP WARD

STAFF WRITER

Does being a white male of privilege disqualify me from participating in certain dialogues? Last week I wrote an article that made light of gender roles in relation to Valentine’s Day. It was a bit controversial. The thing is, I didn’t mean to be controversial at all. I was looking at an issue and offered a tongue-in-cheek opinion on the matter. I honestly had no intention of upsetting anyone.

So imagine my surprise when I heard of multiple classes across multiple disciplines discussing, debating and dissecting my article. I was shaken for two reasons. One, I had never before written anything in my life that even had the capacity to offend someone. I was in uncharted waters. And two, I realized that even my subconscious, thoughts I don’t even know I have, can offend someone by manifesting in unconscious action or speech. Who I am and what I think can be offensive if expressed in the wrong way to the wrong person.

Because I am a white male of privilege, I do not and can never fully understand the complexity of minority

discrimination in the United States. The closest thing I have come to empathizing with such a thing was experiencing a huge lack of scholarship opportunities for white males from an upper-middle income household seeking a college education. I remember racking my brain to think of diversity characteristics I could put on college applications and scholarship forms. All I could come up with was…I’m really tall? I think I’m like one twenty sixth Native American? Needless to say, in terms of legitimate minority discrimination and lack of opportunity, I am under-experienced.

There is a new term getting a lot of use on college campuses across the country today. Microagression. According the University of California’s Tool: Recognizing Microaggressions and the Messages They Send, “Microaggressions are the everyday verbal, nonverbal, and environmental slights, snubs, or insults, whether intentional or unintentional, that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative messages to target persons based solely upon their marginalized group membership.”

In my article last week I used the words “men” and “girls” in the same

sentence, unintentionally implying that women are not equal to men. That is a microaggression. While it seems like a small thing, it is the accumulation of lifetimes of similar microaggressions that contribute to the devaluing and diminishing of minority groups.

Microaggressions are a legitimate concern and the more I researched them the more this question came up: Because of my socioeconomic status, am I automatically predisposed to exhibit and communicate certain microaggressions?

And if so, does that mean I should remove myself from situations in which I could cause someone harm?

I think in some ways the answer to that question is yes. Would I consider myself sexist? No. Racist? Another no.

Have I said things that could be construed as sexist and racist and could be potentially harmful? Certainly.

But on the other hand, what if I wanted to learn about and participate in an unfamiliar issue? If I was worried about upsetting someone through my predispositions and biases, I would never get to take part in anything more complex than ordering delivery pizza. I think it would be a massive loss of hu-

The Point

The opinions in this section may not reflect those of The Point or of Point Loma Nazarene University. Letters to the editor and columns are subject to editing for length, taste, grammar and clarity. Letters to the editor must include the author’s name, major, class standing and phone number and be limited to 500 words. Please submit your opinions to corideason404@pointloma.edu.

man diversity to exclude from important dialogues any group that could potentially offend another group.

The problem is in the extremes. I acknowledge that my poorly thought out use of language in last week’s article could have been harmful to someone, and I think it is incredibly important to think about the impact your words could have.

However, it is impossible to be completely politically correct one hundred percent of the time. Furthermore, trying to be zealously politically correct can lead to a dangerous sort of homogeneity that encroaches our right, as humans, to free speech.

In conclusion, I contend that the effort to minimize offense by monitoring our language has very limited returns. I think, instead, that we should focus on how we can speak encouragement and value into someone’s life. To me, political correctness feels like a Band-Aid. We try to cover up the issue and avoid aggravating the wound. I think far more good would come from proactively attempting to heal the wound, by speaking truth and love into sensitive areas.

#LomaChatter Have something to say? Submit your random thoughts, funny comments, or opinions!

Text your #LomaChatter to 619-786-6890!

I love not being allergic to chocolate.

The bees are angry at Wiley So what are the odds I give up Lent for Lent?

To the girl in my HIS111 class with the big framed glasses, you will be my wife one day.

Walking up to the caf like, “I smell bacon.”

Why didn’t Noah fish during the flood? Because he only had two worms.

I LOVE being a Christian.

How do you really know God is there?

I say we all skip class on Presidents day in protest I swear people are real weird about being naked here.

Sarah Bessey: Why not have a woman preach

BY SARAH BESSEY

CONTRIBUTOR

Why not to have a woman preach.

It’s a statement, not a question. Here’s why not. Here’s all the reasons why not.

Here’s why women should not preach. Or teach. Or lead. Or pastor. Or prophesy.

Or exhort. Let’s parse it, narrow it, nitpick it, label the functions so that we can figure out the line and walk it well. Here’s one verse and another and another. You can’t argue with the Bible, after all.

But more and more I see people adding a question mark to that statement and that question mark gives me hope.

Why not?

Well, indeed. Why not have women preach? It’s a question that many devoted disciples have asked through out the ages – long before the 70s and 80s – and it’s a question that was resolved in the early church, in the practice of Paul’s leadership, in faithful followers of Jesus through the ages. There isn’t anything new under the sun, it’s true, and the use of Scripture to silence the witness of women, to sideline the gifts of half the church, isn’t new either.

Why not have a woman preach? Why not have a woman at a pulpit, teaching the Scriptures, proclaiming the Gospel, leading others in the way everlasting?

Sometimes the Spirit’s movement begins with the question mark instead of

the period.

Why not? Well, because the Bible says so.

Oh, really?

There are many ways to read and understand Scripture. For instance, some read Paul’s words in 1 Timothy 2:11-12: “A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet” and then they silence women in the church … in a well-meaning way. It’s couched with gentle language like “different roles don’t mean difference in value” and a paternalistic ideal. But in some extreme examples, these passages have been used to justify spiritual, physical, and emotional abuse towards women. (Don’t ignore that fact just because it isn’t pleasant.)

But we’re missing a few important things in that understanding of Scripture: translation, context, interpretation, let alone communal understanding and practice. Allow me to point you to some wise and mature teaching on this subject: Defusing the 1 Timothy 2:12 Bomb and “But What About 1 Timothy 2:12?”

– Ten Talking Points, both by Gail Wallace for The Junia Project.

There’s a hopeful and inclusive answer to that question and many of us have already answered it. We’re living into the answer already.

There is Scriptural justification, his-

torical justification, Spirit justification, traditional and communal justification for women preaching and pastoring and leading.

You can’t really argue with the anointing. God anointed some to preach, be careful not to stand in the way of that.

I’d think long and hard before silencing someone speaking words of life and fire and Spirit.

I am always so appreciative of scholars and academics and theologians. I love to learn, theology is my geek-out place (well, that and Doctor Who). I love to read and to learn, I love to study, I’m profoundly curious about Scripture and God and how we live out the hope of glory in the world.

I’m also wildly in love with Jesus, convinced that he is he answer, and I want to be faithful to follow well, I want to glorify what I think I know about the Spirit of God, I want to see prisoners set free, deserts bloom, beauty for ashes, life for death. I have a high view of Scripture and the Spirit. I am faithful to the Church and to my little “c” church.

So these things matter to me. And they matter to the church. And they matter for a world caught in the crossfire. Are we benching the answers? Are we silencing the ones who would cry out for freedom and wholeness? Are we minimizing the wild inclusive countercultural dream of God?

I needed to see her preaching, the people of your church and community likely need to see it, too.

Women are preaching already.

I hate to break it to you. Women have always preached, just as women have always worked, always taught, always discipled, always followed Jesus. Right from the days of Jesus until now.

We’re getting on with it. We kept walking from the statement to the question to the answer and now we are living within the freedom of Christ.

Preach! Preach! Cry out in the city gates and in pulpits and online and in classrooms: we bring you tidings of great joy! However you preach, whatever your method or place, proclaim it: the year of the Lord’s favour has dawned! Beauty for ashes! Resurrection is real! Life and life more abundant!

Women are preaching and, did you know? Chains are being cast off. Fear is running away. Deserts are blooming.

The Gospel is being proclaimed. The dead are coming to life. People are being born again and set free.

Jesus is working through and in and with women, just as he is working through and in and with men. And wouldn’t you know it? Women and men are working together, beautifully, in what Carolyn Custis James has christened the “blessed alliance.” It’s not either-or, it’s both-and.

We are made in the image of God, watch us walk on water together.

Men and women are receiving steady and sober, wild and holy teaching from women, too. People are being healed, the Spirit is baptizing many. Women are leading in the curve of the globe in business, medicine, technology, academics, sports, and yes, religion in ways unique to their temperament and anointings.

You’re missing it. Don’t miss it. Open your eyes and see what the Spirit is birthing in these days, watch women rising up to reclaim their communities for peace and wholeness, watch women laying on hands and proclaiming the Gospel with their lives and their voices and their writing and their songs and even, yes, in their quiet. Watch women raising their children, gathering the lonely, loving the unloveable, building up the church, watch the world change.

Why not have a woman preach?

Sarah Bessey is a blogger and an author who writes about the intersections of a spirit-filled life. “Why not have a women preach,” was originally written for her site sarahbessey.com. She is the author of “Out of Sorts,” and “Jesus Feminist,” and will be speaking in Friday’s chapel service on February 19th.