MARS’ HILL
ACTS 17:19-20
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VOLUME 19, ISSUE 2
NOT ALL THOSE WHO WANDER ARE LOST
OCTOBER 1, 2014
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marshillonline.com
HUMANS OF TRINITY
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BEAR WITH ME, I’LL BEAR WITH YOU
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OCTOBER 1, 2014
FROM THE EDITOR Mars’ Hill 7600 Glover Rd. Langley, BC V2Y 1Y1 604 513 2109
PETER WOEKEL
managing editor
MARS’ HILL
Mars’ Hill is a student publication of Trinity Western University, floated with funds raised by the Student Association. Mars’ Hill seeks to be a professional and relevant student publication, reflecting and challenging the TWU community, while intentionally addressing local, national and international issues.
MISSION TO MARS
AMY GOERTZEN
visual editor
JUNHO KIM
Identity theft
STEPHANIE REDEKOP
chief copy editor
EDITORIAL POLICY
Reclaiming our stolen identity
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COLTON MARTIN
layout editor
tara GORMAN
SIDSEL RICHMOND
illustration editor
JUNHO KIM
photo editor
ERIK DELANGE
web presence
REESE MARTIN
advertising & finance manager
Identity is a concept that is as difficult to describe as it is to form. For some, it is formed by how others see us; for others, it is shaped by how we see ourselves. I have always had a difficult time grasping the essence of the word. It has no set identity of its own – which accurately reflects how the word applies to our lives. Identity is ever-changing, ever-evolving, but never set in stone. We are always searching for it and rarely happy with it. Never has something been so tangibly intangible. So, what is our identity? Sadly and shortsightedly, it can be defined by our single most pronounced trait, such as humour, intelligence, or looks (“He’s the funny one!” “She’s the smart girl!”) while ignoring the complexities of the daily thoughts, emotions, and experiences of an intricate human being. At university especially, it
The mission of Mars’ Hill, as the official student newspaper of Trinity Western University, is to inform and entertain its readers, cultivate awareness of issues concerning the TWU community and provide a forum for purposeful, constructive discussion among its members in accordance with the Community Covenant, Statement of Faith, and Core Values of the University.
I think that our identity has been stolen. It is has been stolen and sold to us in the shape of popularity, nice clothes, a 4.0 GPA, a thin body, an acceptable personality, a husband or wife, a house, 1.5 children– the list goes on, and often it goes on for the rest of our lives. It has been stolen and twisted by the material, superficial world. When did identity stop being simply who we are, and become instead who we ought to be? If you believe in God, and that humanity is separated from Him through our sin, then you have your answer: we will never be who we are ought to be, because who we are ought simply to be humans made in God’s image and in close relationship with Him. Through sin, however, we have lost that identity, and because our identities gained in this world are no match for the original, we will always be found wanting. But have hope – God sent someone that is fully human to reclaim our stolen identities: Jesus. And as cliché as that sounds, finding our “identity in Christ” couldn’t be more true.
is very easy to define someone’s identity by their field of study, the group they hang out with, or where they live on or off campus. This is frustrating and restricting. For example, TWUSA’s identity – or, at least, the student body’s view of it – is often perceived to be not in the events that they plan for students, the representation, or their drive to make the student experience as amazing as it can be, but in the money that they spend. Mars’ Hill’s identity often doesn’t make it beyond the last page. It is frustrating that a once positive identity can be so easily taken and twisted into something negative. Identity can seem disappointingly simple, but it can also be confusing and complex; we can be one person on the outside while being completely different within. In some ways identity is as innate and unchangeable as our fingerprints, but in others, deciphering its print is nearly impossible. Why, then, is our society so bent on discovering identity when it is at our fingertips? Why is it something that needs to be found? When did we lose it? When did we lose ourselves?
Mars’ Hill encourages submissions and letters to the Editor. These must be signed and are due one week prior to publication. Mars’ Hill reserves the right to edit submissions for style, brevity and compatibility with the Mission, Statement of Faith, the Community Community Covenant, and the Core Values of the University. Anonymous authorship of any material may be granted at the discretion of the Editor-in-Chief. Opinions expressed in Mars’ Hill belong to the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the editorial board, Trinity Western University, its officials or its Student Association.
SENIOR EDITORS Tara Gorman Editor-in-Chief
Peter Woekel
Managing Editor
Amy Goertzen Visual Editor
SECTION EDITORS Sarah Grochowski News
Ellen Graham Academy
Mackenzie Cameron Arts & Culture
Connor Ewert Sports
Trevor McMahan Humour
PRODUCTION STAFF Junho Kim
Photo Editor
Sidsel Richmond Illustration Editor
Colton Martin Layout Editor
Stephanie Redekop Chief Copy Editor
OPERATIONS Reese Martin
Advertising & Finance Manager
Erik deLange Web Presence
CONTRIBUTORS Juju Milay Maria Metcalfe Erik DeLange Aline Bouwman Joel Redekop Courtney Porra Cam Thiessen Kreg Lonneberg Naomi Toms Riley Reimer Jordan Schroeder Sarah Robertshaw Johnny Janzen Kyle Rose Jessica Hurd
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s e m i n a r i e s
Who was/is your imaginary friend? “I used to fight an imaginary pirate named Scarf.” -Ryan Schaffrick
OCTOBER 1, 2014
NEWS
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SARAH GROCHOWSKI
Victory for the victimized
sarah.grochowski@mytwu.ca
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bill will only push the exchange of sexual acts – which so often leads to sexual violence – in places where their cries are not heard, consider this: maybe Bill C-36’s desire to dismantle an industry where “workers” are often left screaming for their lives and largely trafficked against their own will is the best option here.
Bill C-36 to discourage prostitution
sarah GROCHOWSKI
Trinity Western was awakened to the worldwide realities of sex trafficking in December when Jay and Michelle Brock, of the Canadian organization Hopeforthesold, debuted their documentary Red Light Green Light to an auditorium full of students. This film unveiled the largest, most racist, sexist, violent, and common form of modern day slavery, all within a few hours. The Canadian reality is this: 70% or more of the women prostituted in Canada are aboriginal; over 80% of women involved in sex trafficking were prior victims of childhood sexual abuse or rape; 91% of prostituted women surveyed have been physically assaulted; 67% have been raped five or more times; over 95% of prostituted women, when asked if they want to leave the industry, say yes with a stressed urgency; and the
average lifespan of a woman after she has been trafficked is seven short years. Considering the injustice of this industry, it is surprising that until this year, the Canadian government had no concrete stance on whether selling one’s own body or purchasing sexual services was illegal or not. The approach that our government has historically taken has been to focus on women who were selling their bodies in public places, which led to criminalizing these women more harshly than even their buyers. This neglect has proved fatal for over 171 women between 1991 and 2004. Nevertheless, the government was pressured into action by a 2007 Charter Challenge; three sex workers appealed for the complete decriminalization of laws prohibiting prostitution, in the supposed fight for an individual sex worker’s physical safety and freedom of expression. These women’s claims seem questionable, however, when we consider the evidence opposing their argument: over 25,000
pages of proof, oral testimonials, and statistical studies compiled over two years. This appeal led the Supreme Court to rule that Canadian prostitution laws were unconstitutional and gave them one year to re-write the laws. This led to an online consultation being opened to Canadian citizens, asking for their input on prostitution in Canada. The results revealed that more than 50% of Canadians believe purchasing sexual acts should be illegal. The culmination of this past year’s events led to the June 4th introduction of Bill C-36, which is The Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act. This bill boldly asserts that prostitution is a victimization of humans and those within vulnerable communities. It also ushers in a paradigm shift of how society views those who sell sex. More specific components of this new Canadian bill include: Prostituted people will be seen as victims of circumstance and coercion. The buying of sexual services is now illegal; this will result in a
criminal crack down on the johns and pimps. Advertising sexual services sold in print/online however is still legal. The government is allotting $20 million to fund programs so that anyone wishing to leave the industry may have tangible resources to do so. Ultimately, our government aims to decrease sexual exploitation in Canada, and this new legislation is an initial and wellintentioned move towards a safer place for the most vulnerable members of our society. This also means that selling sex is legal – not because sexual exploitation should be condoned, but because if we continue to criminalize sex workers, the stigma of prostitutes as socially-outcasted deviants will continue, leading to further oppression of those who would choose freedom if given the chance. The hope is that soon our entire country will begin to understand the plight of the socially vulnerable and motivate them with a new understanding of their inherent worth and personhood. For those who worry that this
While wandering the various booths at Expo, you may have noticed a certain table that perhaps got you scratching your head. And there we were, with our giant hand-painted poster, big smiles, and plenty of brochures. And you may then have begun to wonder: a prolife club, on a Christian campus? What could they be doing here, besides preaching to the choir? And so, to this, we answer: something no pro-life group on a secular campus would ever dare to wish for. Not to discount differing opinions – to be realistic, not everyone on TWU campus shares a pro-life view. And
for that, we’ll be here, ready for open dialogue, and sharing a message of love and support. But, here, on Trinity Western University campus, we are given a unique mission. Not having to fear violent pushback or unfair censorship of our message, we are able to become a hub for developing strong pro-life leaders. We strive to challenge pro-lifers to rise from passivity to action. And to that end, we offer many opportunities for prolife activity to become a natural part of campus life. Throughout the year, we keep a regular booth open for dialogue and stocked with resources, host a number of speakers from the “front lines”
to both inform and call to action, lead an open-invite prayer ministry for all those affected by abortion, and find opportunities to volunteer with off-campus pregnancy centers and outreach efforts, among other things. The abortion issue is the most pressing social justice issue of our time. Claiming 300 lives a day in Canada alone, its scope has reached genocidal proportions. And more frightening still is the deep state of denial our culture is in about it. But rather than having to wrestle to get our message out from the get-go, here at TWU, we can actually begin to develop a culture of life. We can grow our knowledge of the
The pro-life mission
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naomi TOMS
On behalf of TWU Students for Life, we hope you are all having a fantastic beginning of the year! I’m sure things have already started moving at a hundred miles an hour for everyone, and with Expo having hit campus already, all sorts of exciting clubs, groups, and outreach teams have already eagerly vied for your attention, hoping to keep you even more busy this year!
Who was/is your imaginary friend? “Kunga and Mitzo.” -Amy Geertsma
What Can You Do to Help? If you are compelled to do something to help those enslaved by this industry, here are two options available for you to make a tangible difference: Ride for Refuge: A large team from Trinity Western is taking part in this bike ride and raising funds. Join them or donate! Contact Mady.Sieben@mytwu.ca to join the team. Donate Used Cell Phones: If you have any old, broken, or used cellphones or cellphone chargers, donate them! Each cell phone effectively prevents three to five vulnerable humans from being trafficked worldwide. Contact Sarah.Grochowski@mytwu.ca for yours to be picked up.
sacredness of life, and become equipped with a deeper understanding of what must be done to protect the lives of our most vulnerable. And with such a springboard, as we go our separate ways on weekends, holidays, summers, and at graduation, we can go forth into the world, informed and prepared to act when the opportunities are given to us. Instead of being dully resigned to our culture never changing its stance, we can become an active part of its change. Please pray for us as we seek to become that change. And, if we’ve caught your attention, our meetings are always open. Feel free to stop by!
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OCTOBER 1, 2014
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riley REIMER
January 19, 2006 is a day that TWU President Bob Kuhn will never forget. It’s the day he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The news not only shook Kuhn’s world, it distorted his sense of the future. How quickly would he lose his independence? What would he have to give up? How would he manage? Plagued with fear and frustration, he asked himself these questions. Though the answers did not seem positive, Kuhn was faced with the decision of how to move forward and, more importantly, how to live life with Parkinson’s. Despite the life-altering, incurable, degenerative, and debilitating nature of Parkinson’s, Kuhn decided that the disease would not define him. He committed himself to living life positively with Parkinson’s. Since his diagnosis, Kuhn has remained an active advocate for Parkinson’s disease. Having embarked on several long-distance motorcycle trips to raise awareness and funding, it is clear he has a passion for adventure – but also for making a difference. In addition to riding for the cause, Bob also speaks regularly on the subject and uses his blog, Positively Parkinson’s, as a way to encourage and connect with others. This fall, in partnership with the Michael J. Fox Foundation
Bob’s ride for life
Our president’s cross-country journey for a cause
for Parkinson’s Research, Bob will embark on another motorcycle adventure. The 50 CC is a signature event of the Iron Butt Association, a 50,000-member club dedicated to safe, long-distance motorcycle riding.
From October 7 to 9, Kuhn, along with fellow motorcycle enthusiast Andrew Westlund, will complete the roughly 2400 mile, 50 hour, coast-to-coast ride beginning in San Diego, CA and finishing in Jacksonville, FL.
To follow Kuhn on his 50 CC adventure or to make a donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, please visit his Team Fox fundraising page at http://www2.michaeljfox.org/site/ TR/TeamFox/TeamFox?team_ id=9400&pg=team&fr_id=1461
or the C2C for the Cure Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ coasttocoastforthecure . You can also follow his C2C for the Cure ride on Instagram at c2cforthecure and Twitter @TWU_Bob.
Conventional vs. satirical news Which is more effective at truth-telling?
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sarah ROBERTSHAW
Following the news headlines this past month and over the summer has left many of us feeling depressed. Delivered to Western ears and eyes, our nightly local news anchors deliver the headlines to us in a panicked frenzy. From the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, to the international crisis in Ukraine, the Gaza dispute, the rampage of the terrorist group Islamic State in Iraq, and the events in Ferguson, current events seem to be bringing out the best and worst sides of humanity – as well as the best and worst of news reporting. When I find myself flipping through news stations or scanning headlines from mainstream news networks online, a realization often occurs: news headlines have been delivered to viewers like a product for consumption rather than the educational awareness they were,
in their purest form, meant to provide. Many anchors no longer report the straight facts of a news story; they now have to entertain viewers with flashing info-graphics, holograms and arguing guests. More recently, there has been a trend for news networks to bring on purposely-controversial guests and allow them free range on a topic in order for shock value and viral publicity. For instance, one news station decided to pander to its audience because a man with a Bible, a beard, and a multi-million dollar enterprise built on duck calls sells more than an International Relations professor in a suit. This patriarch of the Duck Dynasty family proclaimed his solution to ISIS was to either “convert them or kill them,” essentially taking the Islamic State’s theme and throwing it back at them in a cringe-inducing FOX interview on September 2nd. This instance brings us to consider an alternative form of news, which many have discounted due to its dabbling in dark comedy. In a recent study run by the
Annenberg Public Policy Center, Dr. Bruce Hardy concluded that viewers of the political satirist news reports of Stephen Colbert on The Colbert Report were actually more informed and aware of domestic American policies than viewers of other conventional news sources. They stated that reading newspapers, listening to talk radio, and even watching news channels increases one’s knowledge, but “to a lesser degree” than many satirical news television programs. The Colbert Report and Jon Stewart’s The Daily Show have also managed to garner worldwide audiences due to their coverage of international news stories. Excusing the very liberal leanings of both shows, they use humour and parody to not only successfully teach their viewers about current news situations, but also the logic behind the choices that lead to these events. Colbert and Stewart can take a step back and point out the ridiculous pageantry that many Western news programmes have adopted as the norm. These shows and their unconventional ap-
proaches make you question the way you look at mainstream news, no matter what your political leanings or beliefs – something that desperately needs to happen.
As viewers, we have the ability to accept the news that is presented to us, but we also have the responsibility to determine what opinions we take up as our own.
Who was/is your imaginary friend? “My dad was a psychologist, so he would have thought I was schizophrenic.” -Corben Dunn
OCTOBER 1, 2014
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Improving mobility AND Safety?
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jordan SCHROEDER
“Improving Safety and Mobility on BC Highways” – that’s the tagline of a recent set of changes the BC Government made on speed limits around the province. Among other changes, many speed limits that the majority of motorists consider too low on BC highways were raised, bucking the trend of governments setting ever decreasing speed limits in response to the RCMP’s call to decrease “dangerous driving.” Most people understand how increased speed limits increase mobility, but scratch their heads when considering how it could improve safety. How can this apparent paradox be resolved? The central argument of those who wish to increase speed limits is that speed limits do not actually change how fast people drive on the highway. In a research report for the Ministry of Transport prior to the new legislation, the report found broadly across BC that: “The majority of motorists drive at a speed they consider reasonable and safe for road, traffic, and environmental conditions. Posted limits which are set higher or lower than dictated by roadway and traffic conditions are ignored by the majority of motorists.” To give an example, on the Coqui-
halla highway, where the speed limit is 110 km/h, the average speed of drivers was 127 km/h. In other words, the vast majority of drivers were exceeding the speed limit because they did not see it as practical. What does this information mean for BC motorists? Research on speed variance on highways reveals that the greatest danger to motorists is a large variance in speed. The Solomon Curve is part of this research, showing through crash statistics that the vehicles most at risk of getting into a
crash are those that deviate from the speed of the majority, otherwise known as the 85th percentile speed. Now, as already mentioned, the majority of motorists ignore the speed limit if they consider it impractical, instead gravitating towards a natural, safe speed. Knowing this, speed limits that are set arbitrarily low raise two problems for motorists. First, they put every driver who drives at the 85th percentile at risk of a speeding fine. This feeds into the second problem: a small minority of drivers, motivated by fear
endum by Russia. In eastern regions of Donetsk and Lughansk, pro-Russian separatists declared themselves independent republics without any legitimate referendum process. These separatists are demonstrated to have direct Russian support including unlabeled soldiers, weapons from Russia, tanks, and GRAD missiles, but Putin’s constant script is to deny and ignore such accusations. Events soon escalated with the invasion of Ukrainian military bases by pro-Russian troops and the murder of 298 civilians on Malaysia Airlines MH17 with a Russian-supplied SA-11 missile. The unrest in the East has now turned into a full-scale war with over 2200 casualties. This has resulted in an unprecedented humanitarian crisis that retired TWU professor Wes Janzen, his wife Kim, and their family, are stepping into with open arms through the humanitarian missions organization Music Mission Kiev.
Wes and Kim have moved to serve an utterly traumatized people, sharing in their suffering, with the hopes of the Gospel’s love and comfort being spread. They support Ukrainians’ lives in many ways: through listening to their stories, empowering their hearts with Biblical teaching, providing food to the impoverished, and many other necessities. Citizens have also come to this family after facing inhumane atrocities of torture at the hands of pro-Russian rebels, as even going outside would have resulted in death. People are coming to Christ in the wake of tragedy, and this hope stands and raises its head high in the midst of an international tragedy. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in the midst of Nazi German suffering, said, “We must be ready to allow ourselves to be interrupted by God. God will be constantly crossing our paths and
of receiving a speeding fine, drive too slowly on the highway for the majority of motorists. This adds to the problem of speed variance and increases accidents. These people aren’t necessarily poor drivers; they could be a student who just can’t afford a ticket, or someone who isn’t willing to risk a ticket to shave 10-15 minutes off of their commute. Regardless, they put themselves and others at a greater risk of a crash for following the law. The answer to this dilemma is to raise speed limits up to the
level people are already travelling at. This will have a few effects on the safety and mobility of BC highways. Most obviously, mobility is increased as everyone can travel at a safe speed without fear of getting a ticket. The speed limit on the Coquihalla highway was raised to 120 km/h, meaning that with a small buffer zone, the majority of drivers will be able to travel 127 km/h without worrying about speed traps, thus decreasing commute times. However, it also means an increase in safety, because those who were going slower than that speed are now able to increase their speed to the level of the majority, which lowers the speed variance between drivers and decreases accidents. To be clear, this article has not argued for an abolishment of the speed limit; there is a small minority of people who travel at outrageous speeds that are detrimental to public safety. Therefore, the increased speed limit has one additional positive effect on safety that has not yet been discussed: the speed limit increases will allow the police to focus their efforts on targeting those who are substantially varying from the average speed in an upwards direction. Without having to pull over people who are actually going a safe speed, the police will be able to decrease the amount of truly dangerous drivers on the road, resulting in safer roads for all British Columbians.
Seeing God’s kingdom in the Ukraine aftermath
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johnny JANZEN
As a former Soviet Republic, Ukraine has had difficulty getting on its feet, primarily due to government corruption and an oligarchy that tight-handedly held onto the nation’s capital. In early 2014, the Euromaidan protests resulted in the legitimate election of a pro-West government in response to the former president’s gross and blatant corruption. Ukrainians saw this as a potential moment for increased freedom and integration into Western society. Vladimir Putin, on the other hand, saw this as a challenge to his power and an opportunity for imperialist expansion. Since the annexation of Crimea – a strategically significant port region in the south of Ukraine – in March 2014, hostility has continued through a fixed refer-
canceling our plans by sending us people with claims and petitions.” The Ukrainian people are being pushed by the horrors of a war zone into the arms of people that love them and desire Christ’s best for them. In suffering with other believers, many are able to abide in the kind of love that Christ demonstrated on the cross. Through even the most horrible circumstances, these Ukrainian families are finding a reason to hope. This month, Music Mission Kiev partnered with the Kyiv’s
Symphony Orchestra and Chorus to endeavour on a “Friendship Tour,” playing in over 20 venues across Canada. Their hope is to pierce through the crippling darkness of Ukraine’s situation with melodies of genuine evangelistic praise and trust. Wes Janzen himself pled through a veil of tears that each audience would go with their family to Ukraine through giving and praying all that they can, as the country’s political unrest leaves its citizens helpless.
Who was/is your imaginary friend? “Sometimes it wasn’t a ‘who’... Sometimes it was a ‘what’.” -Leanne Wilson
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OCTOBER 1, 2014
ACADEMY
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ellen GRAHAM
Since starting at TWU, I’ve probably answered the question, “What are you studying?” hundreds of times. Inevitably, whenever I tell the nice old lady on the bus or the distant friend of the family that I’m studying English, I get one of two reactions: the shocked, slack-jawed silence, or the “Oh, so you want to be a teacher.” To both, I follow up with the fact that actually, I don’t know what I want to do to – which generates an awkward “Oh…” Their not-so-favorable reactions don’t surprise me. Let’s face it; being an English major in this modern economy is not a smart move. I have no plan for my future and no idea what will happen when I am ejected from this safe little community in two years. Yet I don’t feel any sense of panic or ominous dread, as perhaps I should be feeling right now. The thing is, we are young. We may feel old and wise now that we’ve left the awkwardness of high school behind, now that we have credit cards and licenses and groceries, but in the grand scheme of things, we are still in our infancy. We have many
long years ahead of us to find out who we are and what we would like to do. We don’t have to figure it all out right this moment. Some people know early on what it is that they are called to do, but the majority of us haven’t got a clue. And that’s okay. Unfortunately, many people don’t feel this way. Over the years, the motivation behind going through higher education has changed. In ancient Greece and Rome, the emphasis was placed on becoming a better citizen. Men were trained from a young age in order to contribute to the community. This was the age of Socrates and philosophy, when Plato created the Academy, which was the first institute of higher education in the western world. At that time, education was a pursuit of the true, the good, and the beautiful. Over the years, the face of the university has evolved. While before, education was a means of bettering oneself, today its sole purpose seems to be to prepare people for a job that they may or may not hate. This mentality is extremely flawed; we strive toward the goal of getting a career and for years this keeps us going, but when we get through the craziness of exams and classes and have established a career, everything stops. Suddenly, you go to work and do
the same thing everyday. You get married and have kids and your schedule revolves around them. You value your nights in and become relatively boring. This is not to condemn a lifestyle like this; many have flourished in this situation. This is just to warn you that with stability can come stagnation. What is the point of slogging through forty years at a job you hate thinking that you’ll start living once you retire? Whatever you do must above all else make you happy. This world is temporary; don’t get so caught up in its regulations that you forget what’s really worth living for. When I was fifteen, I was forced to take planning class. It was supposed to prepare me and my fellow classmates for the real world, but it was really just a joke. The teacher, Mrs. Fergusson, tried her hardest to impart life’s greatest secrets upon us, but the boys just joked about pubescent boy stuff and the girls just laughed along, hoping that the boys would like them. I didn’t learn anything. I have vague memories of a horrifying unit on STI’s and a certificate that says I completed some sort of training about workplace safety, but that’s about it. The only thing I really took away from the course was the fact that at fifteen years old, I had to choose a career; and that if I didn’t, I could basi-
ELLEN GRAHAM
ellen.graham@mytwu.ca
cally kiss my future goodbye. Mrs. Fergusson even made us fill out a worksheet saying what we wanted to do and how we were going to do it. At the time, I put down that I wanted to be a nurse because I was in the middle of watching all 15 seasons of ER with my mom and I thought that it would be cool. But the fact of the matter is that the life of a nurse, though a noble pursuit, is not for me. I can barely clean the cat litter box without gagging. I was a child, barely out of puberty, and I was expected to know for certain what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Since then, and since starting university, my plan for the future has been continually changing. For instance, during the summer when I worked at a library, I decided to become a librarian. Weeks later, I woke up inspired to write novels, while the next day, after rearranging my closet, I decided to be a professional organizer. My experience at university has definitely helped narrow things down; I took Chemistry 103 for my science credit in first year and quickly discovered that I am no scientist. Over the years, I’ve been weeding out what I don’t want to do and figuring out what I love. I’ve recently discovered that I have opinions and that I know how
to articulate them. I never used to disagree with people for fear of sounding stupid. Now, not only can I express my opinion in a somewhat intelligent manner, but I actually enjoy doing so. The past two years at Trinity have been such a learning curve, and as much as I appreciate what Mrs. Fergusson was trying to do, her technique was flawed. The face of higher education has evolved over the years from something meant to better a person to something meant to usher you into a job. Some people know from a young age what they would like to do, while others take longer to figure things out. So often, we feel pressure from the world around us to plan ahead for our future, but not knowing what you want to do with your life is not only common, it’s normal at this time in our lives. My lack of a life plan used to scare me, but now I find it kind of exhilarating. My life is completely up to me at this point. It stretches forward like a blank canvas and I love that I can still daydream about the ‘what if ’s. The plan is constantly changing, but at this point in my life, that’s alright. We have many long years ahead of us, so don’t sweat it the next time that casual acquaintance gives you the stink eye because you’re a philosophy major; you’re going to be okay.
Who was/is your imaginary friend? “It was a fire truck. When I grew up I wanted to be a fire truck.” -Cassidy Newfield
OCTOBER 1, 2014
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Unconditional unity Affirming the imperfect parts of the whole
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dents like myself, the campus environment carries a familiar and even comfortable tone. But for someone newly embarking into the T-dub subculture, it can be overwhelming, and perhaps terrifying. However empathetic we returning students can be, it is necessary for us to also recall our own experiences in new, unknown, and overwhelming situations in order to more fully recognize and embrace the other – for we, too, are the other. And yet I see second years parading around campus as if they have achieved territorial rights. I watch third years retreat to their fortressed apartments. I hear fourth years talk about how ready they are to leave Trinity. I know all too well that I have been a perpetrator of this unrighteous, prideful attitude that asserts my “status” against the first years. But I have been convicted to re-evaluate the purpose of “status” and have found that it is exclusive. Status, hierarchy, pyramidal, or ladder-based approaches are not what belonging is about. Belonging stems from a Biblical concept: unity. As Romans 12
maria METCALFE
Picture yourself on O-day. Balloons, signs, energy, explosive personalities, totally irrelevant Hawaiian shirts everywhere, and a whole lot of foreign words like “meal card,” “the Back 40,” and “collegium” being thrown at the new students as they are confronted by this “transformative community.” Why do the people in oversized red and blue shirts celebrate fanatically while the incoming students slide down in the back seat of their parents’ cars? Why does the girl guarding her pillow want to escape into an abyss when an overly-enthused welcome committee threatens to “take her stuff ” to her “new home”? How about the jet-lagged international student whose Google Translate can’t keep up with the all-encompassing English, not to mention the Trinity pseudo-language? Certainly, for returning stu-
indicates in its context, unity is about everyone, the entire body. It is incredibly fitting that Romans 12:1-2, our theme Scripture passage this year, arises from the context of Paul’s exhortation to the Romans to start acting like a church body and recognizing the value of all of its parts. In forming the Trinity student body, I want to encourage you that we are not only first years or fourth years; we are a university and a community – note that both of these words contain “uni” in relation to unity. You see, our #wearetwu hashtag does not merely revolve around us; it cannot truly revolve around people alone. There is a tendency to believe that it does, however, when individuals or groups assert themselves and their particular strengths in a manner that does not give credit to Christ’s original and sustaining power. Rather than defining ourselves by our strengths, I ask that we might consider discovering ourselves through our weaknesses. We are so often advised to play to our strengths. What would happen if, instead of subsidizing our insecurities by trying to prove
our strengths, we subsidized our weaknesses with Christ Himself ? Where we are strong, little room is left for God’s strength and glory. Where we are weak, Jesus’ power is made strong (2 Corinthians 12:10). So then, since our strengths tend to be about us and our weaknesses are more readily about Christ, let us also find unity in weakness. Let us see value in people who are not strong, for Christ is there. Let us include and talk to people who are different, even if our own weaknesses may be exposed, for Christ is there. Let us hold fast to the truth that our being made whole happens in the acknowledgement of our shortcomings, filled through reliance on our Creator and shared between the community in which Christ dwells. It is in weakness that we share our common humanity, which is Christ. Although it may be harder than ever with the façade of social media pervading our understanding of reality, I challenge you to realize that who we are on Facebook is not our whole selves. We often do not portray
our weaknesses, which are part of our whole selves, and it is only our whole, unified selves that can truly engage, connect, and form relationships with other selves. So when you have a conversation with someone, realize that everything they say portrays some aspect of their whole selves. Ask others about their lives; as best as you can, see them as whole people – mental, emotional, relational, physical, and spiritual beings. Every aspect of our humanity is connected, and when we let go of something – even something as small as our weaknesses – it takes away from the truth of our wholeness in unity. I am calling you to unity and calling you to engage a greater circle than yourself, your dorm, your club, your gender, race, age, sexuality, major, love language, sense of humour, workload, religion, or whatever it may be that makes you exclusive. The beauty of unity – and of our comm-unity – is that it is made up of different, imperfect, parts that form a body, a whole. There is no one who does not belong.
Of Games and God
Dr. Schut’s inaugural lecture as a full professor
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erik DELANGE
The lights of the Northwest Auditorium were upon Dr. Kevin Schut as he was introduced to a packed audience. Friends, family, and an interdisciplinary array of students and faculty from near and far filled the auditorium to hear Schut talk about the medium of video games from an academic faith perspective. Schut, a well-loved professor here at TWU, gave his inaugural public lecture as full professor about his life passion: video games. Throughout the course of the evening, Schut challenged many of the popular conceptions of video games and introduced some new ideas about what video games could be in the future. He countered the two major arguments against video games: that they’re addictive and that they’re
violent. Evidence of a link between violent behavior and violent video games, he argued, is not conclusive; and in the studies that do point to an increase in violent behavior, this increase is short term. With regard to the addictive nature of video games, he argued that while it is true that video games can lead to compulsive gaming, he has noticed similar possibilities with reading fiction, which nobody seems as intent on discouraging. Schut noted that in the same way that the first 20 years of film produced mostly rubbish, the first 20 years of video games are coming to an end and we are beginning to see some truly creative and unique things develop. When asked if he thought certain things could be inherently good or evil, Schut replied, “I think things are inherently things.” He argued that everything in this world can be used for good or for evil and that God is in the process of redeeming and reconciling to himself all
things. Schut maintained that as a gamer, one is playing the role of a character and is therefore not necessarily making choices that he or she would make in real life; rather, through the gift of play, they are exploring what their character would do in that situation and are able to learn from the consequences. In the same way, one can play a video game with the mindset of a storyteller or novelist who doesn’t necessarily make decisions for their characters based on what is right and good, but on what would make the best story. Rather than shrinking back in fear, Christians ought to be at the forefront of video game development, crafting interactive stories and worlds of play that stay faithful to goodness and prune back what is evil. Different mediums have different biases, certainly, but according to Dr. Schut, there are a lot more positive elements to be explored in video games than most people give them credit for.
Who was/is your imaginary friend? “Well, there’s my dog…. Oh wait, he’s not imaginary, he’s actually there!” -Gussie Kooijman
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OCTOBER 1, 2014
(Tr)Identity: A Parody
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A freshman having already picked up a copy of our valued student newspaper? It pleases the eye; it warms the heart. How lovely it is to see that you, most valued freshman, have already become so involved in our student body – ah, I mean, in our community. Involved. Community. If we have been doing our job at all, you should be feeling a slight nausea upon reading these words – the vague sense of sickness that comes with indulging in too much candy, or chocolate. At Trinity Western University, your involvement in our community will surely shape your identity. At Trinity Western University, we love things that come in threes – though as a Calvinist, I prefer things that come in fives – because we love God, and God is three-in-one. To be created in His Image means that one must strive not only for Christ-likeness, but for Father-likeness and Spirit-likeness as well. And that is exactly what we strive to do at this godly institute: creating for you a triune identity – your (Tr)Identity. Worry not, valiant freshman, this transformative process requires no effort on your part; you simply are the blank slate that we will scribble on until you have been shaped in our Image and Likeness. Let us start at the beginning.
Aline BOUWMAN
Part One of Your (Tr)Identity: I Just Felt The Holy Spirit Leading Me Apart from eternal classics such as involvement and community, at this point you will surely be an expert on terms such as Ring-by-Spring, D.T.R., and, of course, the ever-coveted (and often-unattained, considering the 1-to-3 ratio) MRS-degree. You will have no problem, admirable freshman, in answering questions about our jargon, and will in that respect appear quite the integrated Trinity Western student. But in all likelihood, you will also have encountered that frequently-asked question, “So, why are you here at Trinity?” The only thing more important than your romantic life is, of course, your spiritual life. By far the most important thing you will learn in your fouror-so years at this prestigious and costly academy is to attain the full integration of these two. But now that you are still a pliable freshman, how do you answer that all-important question in a Spirit-filled manner? Easy. Your foolproof answer is: “I just felt the Holy Spirit leading me.” For maximal effect, you deposit this answer with a slightly other-worldly voice, a near-dreamy look, a remote smile, and a faint-butnoticeable head-shaking. Alternatively, you may answer that Christ just put it on your heart, or that you prayed about it and God revealed that it is His plan for you. As for the dramatic effect, you know that tingly feeling you get when your favourite worship team in chapel drops the beat to the utterly repetitive chorus? That fluttering in your heart of hearts, or stomach, or somewhere around that region? That sudden surge of passion between joy and exaltation?
That somewhat Dionysian rush? Yes, you know it all too well. Try to capture that feeling, suck its sweet fragrance into your nostrils, and let its mild intoxication reflect on your face. There – you are prepared to answer any question in a Spirit-filled manner. Now, in order that you may appear as authentic as possible, I shall share my wisdom in how not to answer. Allow me to share a very valuable insight here: if there is anything that antagonizes the Spirit, it would be reason. In answering questions of the Spirit, anything goes as long as you do not involve reason. Did you rationally decide to come to this Spirit-filled place for its small class sizes? Or because you were awarded an athletic scholarship? Or perhaps simply because it is close to home? Heaven forbid you would ever answer thus! Reason is the root of all evil, and subsequently, it must be fought at the root. In Christianity, reason and logic, reaching their pinnacle in the evils of systematic theology, are an ever-lurking danger that wickedly seek to refute the Divine Mystery. So don’t bother with reason; you may attribute quite everything to the leading of the Holy Spirit, and, naturally, that is simply God’s plan for you. Part Two of Your (Tr)Identity: God’s Plan For You Ah, yes, God’s Plan: the second of the three standards of holiness quietly but all-encompassingly imposed by our demanding school. This phrase may seem to be an ossified theological term, but, darling freshman, don’t be deceived! God’s Plan simply means that which is in accordance with God’s Will. And, seeing as the Spirit and the Father are one, that happens to be the very same thing that the Spirit has led you to do. To display your awareness of and appreciation for the Divine Strategy, add “The Lord willing” to your speech as frequently as you can possibly manage (Religious Studies majors are known to take it up a notch and add instead “Deo volente,” just to flaunt their recently-attained aristocratic knowledge of ecclesiastical Latin to those plebeian Christianity and Culture majors). This will show that you, as a proper student of this virtuous university, have been granted a glimpse into God’s Agenda. Trinity graduates say it up to seven times per sentence, and soon you will rival them in their godliness. God’s Plan For You is especially important when it comes to romantic relationships. It does not matter at all that you are a Pentecostal and they are a Catholic; love will overcome, if that is in accordance with God’s Will! Be aware, however, that in most cases, it is God’s Plan for you to convert your love interest. Unless, of course, they are a heathen; stay far away from heathens, if you value your soul’s salvation! Part Three of Your (Tr)Identity: Christ over Education But there is more! So far we have covered the Spirit and the Father: you now know how to answer questions in a Spirit-filled manner in accordance with God’s Will. One down, two to go. Now let’s take a moment for Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. One of Trinity Western’s most profound slogans reads: “Educate. Inspire. Transform.” The middle and last terms reside in the lofty realm of Christian abstracts, and are quite easily achieved if you assume your new (Tr)Identity. The first term, educate, however, is quite
a palpable thing. In the cradle of your academic career, you ask: how do we at Trinity Western combine spiritual enlightenment with intellectual enlightenment? How do we align Faith and Academia? The answer is: we don’t. Your education actually is not all that important in this holy place of magic and wonder. If you watch the hip event videos produced by our yearbook (Pillar), or this year’s dance-themed promo for the student council (TWUSA), you will quickly understand that our student body is focused on fun. Fruitfulness in academics always comes second to amusement. But wait! Did your Psychology major roommate not preach to you that spiritual growth must be accompanied by intellectual growth? Well, they are wrong. My pen is not pointed against Psychology majors (not today); in fact, I believe that one should always listen to Psychology majors – for they know much more about life and living and love and loving than any of us peasants ever will – but in the area of intellectual growth, they are wrong. You see, if your grades are bad, that counts as a hardship to pray about. And because everyone’s grades are bad in a student body that amuses itself to death, you can show yourself to be a godly Christian leader by starting up a Christ-centered study group! Plus, you can serve others by soothing their anxiety with words of affirmation, which never speak so true as in times of trouble. But most importantly, if your transcript is void of A’s (or even B’s), or if in the future your resume will display a rather large time-gap between full-time education and full-time employment, that is but another void that may be filled with Jesus Christ. If your status quo is a status woe then rejoice, because when there are such Jesus-shaped holes in your life, more Spirit is allowed to dwell in you. Poor grades equal great faith. So, my dear, dear, fledgling freshman – are you ready? Will you clothe yourself with our (Tr)Identity? Do not forget that you are only attending this revered school because, indeed, the Holy Spirit led you here, just like He did when you could not decide whether to get a grande or venti iced soy milk sugarfree latte. You did not decide to come to this pious place by pagan prudence, but because it is God’s Plan For You – just like tall and handsome #5 on some Spartan team is. In conclusion, a disclaimer: the author assures the reader that the purpose of this light-hearted and facetious piece is not to court any offense. For all its valour and uprightness, there is one thing that this wonderful (Tr)Identity of ours will deprive you of, and that is the ability to tell the difference between playful parody and overt opinion. Subject to the yoke of unity, the reader is prevented from grasping at any true intention behind the word here printed, the greater part of which is distasteful nonsense and born of great ignorance. Thankfully, the pretext of the twice-removed medium of parody more than suffices in rendering the motives of the author a matter beyond good and evils. The author concedes, however, that even the most jocose of parodies, stereotypes, and satires contain a grain of truth – and some, a whole loaf of it.
GREGORY REESE
Who was/is your imaginary friend? “Depends on what I was eating the night before.” -Emily Gillespie
OCTOBER 1, 2014
[spaces] literary journal is currently accepting submissions for Volume 9! The theme of this volume is “Encounters.” This could mean encounters with anything and everything, or even the antithesis of encounters. Take it where you will! Surprise us! We are looking for poetry, prose, artwork, and play submissions for this year’s journal. If you are interested, check out our website http://www.twuspaces.com for more information and submission criteria. All submissions must be emailed to spaces.literaryjournal@gmail. com by November 5. This is a tremendous opportunity to have your work published and celebrated at our Launch party in the Spring. Also, find us on Facebook in order to stay up to date with submission information and [spaces] events. Happy Encountering!
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Who was/is your imaginary friend? “I never had one. I just talked to myself.” -Mikaila Hamilton
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OCTOBER 1, 2014
WELCOME, HUMANS OF TRINITY Mars’ Hill: What was your hardest moment in your life? Juju Milay: When my dad left us, my mum and I became homeless when I was fourteen, three months before starting high school. MH: What was the hardest thing about being homeless? JM: I never expected to be homeless at fourteen. We stayed in a shelter for about 10 hours during the day. My mom and I didn’t have a place to go, so we wandered the parks, slept on benches, and went to a soup kitchen to get our lunch. At a young age, I realized that people are homeless not because they are lazy, but because life just throws some of us a very curvy ball. If anything, homelessness tests your sanity. MH: How did you manage to keep your sanity? JM: My mum and I laughed a lot and always saw the glass half full. My mum reminded me that God had the situation under control and just to have a little faith. MH: Was she right? JM: Yes. I’m attending a top Christian university in Canada. Never did I imagine myself here. God has a great sense of humor, I’ve learned to laugh along with him. MH: Are you mad at your dad? JM: Now there is no need to be mad. If anything, I’ve
forgiven him. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t understand the importance of standing on my own two feet, working hard to pay off Trinity, or understanding what forgiveness really looks like. I think as Christians we over-romanticize forgiveness. God reminded me that just as He forgave me, I had to learn to forgive my dad. It wasn’t easy – trust me – and it took years. Although I’m not in contact with him, I pray that God works in his life, like He did in mine. We all meet God in different places in our lifetime. I still have hope for him. MH: What do you want to do with your degree? JM: Well, I’m studying International Studies and history in hopes of one day going back to DR Congo where I was born, to start an NGO focused on education reformation in Africa, and a self-sustaining program for women and ending violence towards women and children in an African context. MH: What about your mom? JM: She’s finishing up her Bachelor’s degree in Business at McMaster University while raising my three sisters. If anything, my mom has showed us that life will knock you down, it’s the matter of how you respond; you can be bitter or better. In our family, we chose better.
Who was/is your imaginary friend? “How do we truly know anything is real?” -Jacob Rothenbush
OCTOBER 1, 2014
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In the summer of 2010, Brandon Stanton, a photographer based in New York, set out on an ambitious project. His ultimate goal? To create a photographic census of New York City. Armed with his camera, Brandon thought it would be “really cool to create an exhaustive catalogue of New York City’s inhabitants.” Stanton single-handedly photographed over 10,000 New Yorkers, his blog beginning to take shape and form as he filled it with quotes and short stories from the people he encountered. Stanton brought us stories of people living in America’s biggest city: a long but rewarding journey to present to the rest of us what we’ve come to know as Humans of New York. In a world where technology has created a “global village,” we’re able to cross state boundaries and interact with individuals across the globe. We can read, share, and easily obtain information about the Ebola crisis in West Africa, ISIS in Northern Iran, and the situation in the Ukraine. Technology is allowing us to connect with each other in ways that we never could before. Stanton’s project this summer proved just how interconnected we are to each other. This summer, HONY went global. Partnering with the United Nations and supported by the Secretary General’s Advocacy Group, Stanton is currently traveling across ten countries, hoping “to visit some faraway places, and listen to as many people as possible.” The reason for this tour is to “raise awareness of the Millennium Development Goals.” For those of us who aren’t familiar with it, MDGs were established following the Millennium Summit in 2000, in which 193 United Nations member states and at least 23 international organizations came together to target and eradicate a wide range of social issues such as extreme poverty, halting the spread of HIV/AIDS, and providing primary education by the year 2015. While the trip is to help the United Nations see how things are moving on the ground, Stanton and his team are also hoping to “inspire a global perspective, while bringing awareness to the challenges that we need to tackle together.” As humans, we are always seeking a way to connect with each other. Relationships craft a psychological space, and safety so that we can explore and learn. We yearn for a community or group that gives us a sense of identity, helping us to understand who we are and to feel a part of something larger than ourselves. When we connect with others, we no longer feel alone; we share our suffering, our experiences, and our common trials. The misery we face is no longer insurmountable when we have someone to face it with us. So, if you have been following HONY this summer, you kind of have to stop and wonder: what is it about the stories and pictures that draws us to Stanton’s Instagram or Facebook account? Why do a picture and few quotes make us laugh, cry, and share the laughter or pain of someone who is across the globe? I think that looking
juju MILAY
and reading about a stranger helps us to identify with that person who might be going through something we’ve gone through, or to realize how blessed we are to be living in a country where the term freedom actually means something. In some ways, HONY forges the human connections that we all long for. Stanton has helped many of us to connect with humanity: those stories become our stories, their dreams our dreams, their laughter a source of joy to us. In some ways Stanton’s presence is a way of connecting with someone whom we may otherwise pass by on the street. It’s recognizing that they matter, they have a story and a voice. Through the stories these brave individuals share, their fears, the saddest moments in their life, and what they look forward to in the future, they open up and they’re real, deep and authentic. They share stories that are not on the surface; they share personal tragedy and joy, bringing us closer together, and giving us hope despite what’s happening in the world. There are good people out there, people who share the little that they have with those around them. People displaced due to violence and who have lost everything they had, who still have joy, peace, and dreams. HONY reminds us that no matter what, the human experience is the same. We all share a common reality. We are all on the journey together, although our paths may be different. We are all searching for meaning and ways to connect with someone. Above all, we want someone to see and listen to our stories and to restore our own sense of family in humanity. Stanton’s project has now inspired countless others to do the same: to take their iPhone or camera and find the humanity that’s right in their own neighborhood. This year, I thought it would be great to present the students, faculty, and staff, with the Humans of Trinity. We are all blessed to attend and work in a Christian environment, and this academic year I want to learn what draws each of us to Trinity. What are our great stories? What are our happiest memories? What were the hardest moments in our lives? You’ll see me on campus, stopping you to ask you some personal questions or just what’s on your mind. We don’t need to travel the world to make a connection or hear a heroic story; there are people on campus who have stories to share of their life experiences, good or bad. I know being in the west we have developed a mindset that we need to save “children in Africa,” when in fact there are children in our community that need a mentor, a friend. While a heart for the world is a great thing to have, what HONY reminds us of is that there are people who have stories and experiences ready to be shared right in front of us – all we have to do is pause and listen. I hope to have the ears that hear your stories, hold the camera that captures your smile or tears, and be the heart that will share your pain or your achievements with our community. I hope that a connection can be made between relative strangers in a way that really does make a lasting difference in all of life here at Trinity Western University. I can’t wait to meet you, Humans of Trinity.
Who was/is your imaginary friend? “I was all my imaginary friends.” -Rachel Schultz
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OCTOBER 1, 2014
CREATIVE
inspired by
[spaces]
A cruel angel’s thesis Norman’s Journal Entry Dated: September 19 Sometimes at night I am startled out of sleep by a nightmare. I am standing in a place of pure brightness. It is like I am in a cube with all the sides painted the same shade of white, so I cannot tell the proportions of my surroundings. Only a thin line running endlessly in either direction before my feet indicates that this dimension may indeed be infinite. I suppose this place somewhat resembles the minimalist’s vision of heaven. But I am not alone. Standing on the other side of this line is a girl. She is tall, with shoulder-length hair and a very pretty face, just as I remember her. She is also Christian, just as I remember all too well. It has to be her, because in this nightmare we have to fall in love. I know who she is, but I try hard not to call out her name in my sleep, for I cannot allow my memories to mingle with my dreams more than they already have. Initially I fear her. I don’t think it is the same kind of fear that
the Christians mean when they speak of the fear of God, but as an atheist I cannot write this with certainty. I regard her as my equal. She fears me too, but she is also drawn to me, as I am also drawn to her. Gradually, for some reason, inevitably—how and why do not matter here—we fall in love. Naturally, we desire to be closer, whatever that means. I make a gesture to cross the line and join her, and she makes a move to join me, but something always stops us. We each have the vague notion that to cross the line would constitute a crime against human dignity, or would make someone else, someone present but not really here, very angry. We each begin to wonder why the other simply will not cross. We ask ourselves, what is so wrong with me that, despite our love for one another, the other will not cross the line? Although I prefer my side, I decide that being with her is more important. I tell her that I will change sides for her sake alone. But she rejects my proposal. She tells me I cannot join her side for
her sake only, but rather I must do so for her side’s sake. But I cannot do this. I can change sides for her, but I cannot change my allegiance to my side. It is who I am. In desperation, I try to pretend that there is no line at all. Soon I realize that the line is not really keeping us apart. It keeps us apart only because we both treat it as a barrier. I suggest that we could be together despite standing on different sides. She dismisses this as impossible. I try to tell her that the line isn’t even really there, that it is only a cut in sand that would dissolve with the quietest breeze. But for some reason, the line is very important to her. It is essential to her very being. I think she is being very unreasonable. We begin to resent one another for not crossing that cursed line, and furthermore, we resent ourselves for not willing the power to cross. Soon our resentment is overwhelming, for there is no hope of finding a resolution. But there is no compromise. Eventually, we cannot stand one another. The dream always ends in one
of two ways. In the first ending, we turn and walk away from one another, each heartbroken. In the other ending, I find a gun in my hand and I shoot her dead in the face. I collapse, weeping, still alone. This dream is no mystery to me. I know, have always known, what it means. The bright light dissipates, the surrounding proportions retract into the finite, a setting settles in. We are standing on Golgotha’s rock. The separating line is the cross upon which Christ is crucified. I am standing on the left side, because I am an atheist. She stands on the right, because she is a Christian. I am the darkness and she is the light, and that is why we stand on opposing sides. I believe that our love can conquer our differences, can conquer all differences. But her scripture tells her that Christians should not love atheists, because God forbids his followers from yoking to them. And so we cannot be together. I am an atheist, and she is a Christian, and that is all. Second Corinthians, Six-
Who was/is your imaginary friend? “Real people.” -Sam Ravensbergen
Fourteen. I do not love Olivia Singer. But it makes no difference. That other woman I loved, now the phantom of my nightmares, is gone. What matters is only that, in theory, I could fall in love with Olivia. But I will not allow that. I could have chosen any Christian girl for my thesis. But I have chosen Olivia only because we share history. I do not want to hurt her, really. But I need her, as a Christian, to understand. I will cause her to fall in love with me. I shall study all her motives and behaviors, and when I approach her she will not have seen me coming. And then, only when I know she loves me, I will reveal to her that I am an atheist. She will confront the contradiction between her heart and her faith. She will suffer as I once suffered at the hands of someone who rejected me on the pretense of faith. But this time, she will understand. I will make her understand that her faith drives people away from, not towards, one another.
ARTS & CULTURE
OCTOBER 1, 2014
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MACKENZIE CAMERON
mackenzie.cameron@mytwu.ca
The rest is noise
Musical taste and identity
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joel REDEKOP
“Tastes are composed of a thousand distastes,” wrote 20thcentury poet, Paul Valery. In a society where the lines between the high- and lowbrow are blurred, Valery’s statement rings true. Popular culture has been compartmentalized further and further in the post-internet age, creating more and more specific genres, and allowing individuality to flourish. With such a defined cultural landscape – or undefined, depending on your viewpoint – schisms will inevitably appear. The metalhead will accuse the indie rocker of being pretentious. The IDM producer will denounce the pop songstress as kitschy. Everyone puts their own tastes on a pedestal. And the rest – just noise. Music critic Carl Wilson is intrigued by this phenomenon. Throughout his book Let’s Talk About Love: Why Other People Have Such Bad Taste – a study of, yes, Celine Dion – he emphasizes that regardless of aesthetic, every artist has their fans, and those
fans are able to find something redeemable about said artist’s work. “If even Celine can be redeemed,” Wilson argues, “is there no good taste or bad taste, good art or bad art?” It would certainly seem so. Perhaps musical tastes first become defined in high school. At an age where acceptance is everything and life experience is limited, an “identity vacuum” is created. Music is an easy answer, and understandably so. Music has been argued to be the only true way to describe emotion, with Tolstoy even calling it “the shorthand of emotion.” Even more importantly, it can relate you to others in ways few other mediums can. Socially speaking, finding a friend that
shares a favourite band or genre is one of the quickest ways to make a connection. As one matures and their experiences grow, music is seen much less as the defining factor to one’s true identity. While you may still identify with your favourite bands, musical tastes rarely maintain a dominant place in ones life. The Greek philosopher Heraclitus made it clear that the only thing that we can be certain of is the certainty of change. While the metaphysics of this statement can be debated, it is a fact when it comes to music.
Consider the second half of the 20th century. The naiveté of the fifties led to the idealism of the sixties, which made way for the hedonism of the seventies and the even greater hedonism of the eighties, which finally came crashing into the disillusionment of the nineties. With these fluctuations in cultural attitudes came shifts in musical taste as well. As Bob Dylan sang, “The times, they are a’changing.” Though the protest music of the sixties may not have brought on any social change itself, it gave a large group of people something to unite over, a voice for the masses. In a sense, so did disco, new wave, and grunge in the decades t h a t fol-
lowed. As Wilson points out in his essay, while some of these genres have received heavy criticism in the past, they have been defended and even celebrated in more recent years. This raises the question: if a genre that brought so much disdain in decades past can be celebrated in the present, how much does taste really matter? As the saying goes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Something profound can be seen in what is understood to be beautiful, whether it is by an entire society or a small subculture; in something vastly impressive, like a mountain, or something awesomely small, like a newborn baby. And music is no different. You may live for top 40 or attend basement shows every weekend, love the simplicity of folk or the non-conformity of punk, but whatever your taste, these aestheticisms speak into your identity to one extent or another. What is equally as important, however, is to understand and respect the tastes of others. Herein lies the great part of musical aesthetics: the ability to discuss and contrast different genres of music. As writer Nick Hornby asks, “Wasn’t the whole point of pop its democracy?”
The (creative) Christian identity
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courtney PORRA
In 2014, we live in a society where everyone has the right to express themselves as they please – unless, of course, your view contradicts someone else’s. In that case, thoroughly expect yourself to be unfriended and unfollowed, your art to be criticized, disliked, and so forth. So often in western culture, we shy away from expressing ourselves creatively as Christians out of fear of offending others, or worse yet, actually starting a heated debate over the different views offered in our vast society. So how then, as Christians, do we identify ourselves creatively? And really, what does it mean to have a creative, Christian identity? In order to answer these questions, we first need to understand the Biblical premise of how we are designed as creative beings in the image of the
ultimate creator, Christ. By drawing on the story of Exodus 35 (ESV) – which tells the story of the construction of the tabernacle – we are told of Bezalel, a man God called to serve in this construction with his Spirit-given skill, intelligence, knowledge, and craftsmanship, one of the most prime examples of Spirit-led creativity in the Bible. All of these skills were given to Bezalel so that he could “devise artistic designs,” as we’re told in verse 32. Not only were these characteristics of creativity given as a gift reflecting the image of God, but they were also given with the purpose of worship and serving the greater good. Even though this story takes place in a much different
setting, the creative characteristics exemplified are still very present in the Christian identity today. Many of us have a certain artistic skill, intelligence or knowledge of different art forms, and a passion for good craftsmanship. Just like Bezalel, we were all given these unique qualities in the image of God. After all, we were created in the image of the ultimate creator, so shouldn’t we then use the gifts he’s given us to serve and praise him? So what does this creative identity in Christ look like in today’s culture? It looks like Christians confidently embracing their creative views without shame. It’s posting your piece about the adoration of Christ without fear of
rebuttal, knowing that the truth of the love of God that you’re sharing rings truer than the arguments against it. It’s showcasing that painting depicting redemption and forgiveness in a liberal way without fear of judgement, knowing that the message of redemption isn’t always a comfortable visual to stomach. It’s producing that film that is firmly founded on Christian faith and deals with the touchy subjects, even if your views are more conservative than the rest of society. The book of Genesis starts: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (1:1 ESV). From the beginning of our understanding of God, we understand that He is the creator of all
the beauty we see around us. And just like the earth and the heavens, “God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them” (1:27 ESV). So, as good stewards of the talents He has passed along to us, we, too, must create. We must learn and navigate all the different forms of art that surround us. We must put our voice out into the world of art, not just for the sake of expression, but for the greater good: spreading God’s love. The creative Christian identity is found firmly in the belief that we can create beauty in a dark, sinful world when we turn to Christ as our
Who was/is your imaginary friend? “Imagination is discarded in my culture.” -Jemimah Fernando
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OCTOBER 1, 2014
Bear with me, I’ll bear with you
Thoughts on a painful art
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mackenzie CAMERON
When I was about eight years old, I had the strange conviction that I hadn’t suffered enough to create anything of significance. I imagined myself as an orphan child living with a distant relative, sleeping in an attic, and penning marvelous stories by candlelight. It was dramatic, to say the least, but the notion that art cries out from pain is not a new idea in our society. When we know that the work comes from a place of great darkness, it tends to feel more substantial, or perhaps even sacred. We recognize the lengths the artist went to in bringing the art to the surface and we revel in that.
Think of Edgar Allan Poe or Ernest Hemingway, life-long sufferers of depression and substance abuse, who brought soaring monstrosities into the artistic market. Their work is haunting. When I think of Robin Williams’ life and recent death, I wonder whether or not the scope of his work will be regarded with more fervor now that his suffering is public knowledge. Williams leaves behind a legacy of work that inspired generations of laughter. Whether onstage or onscreen, he lit up his work with a life force that was unmatched by many other actors. I will never forget watching him transform into a full figured matriarch in Mrs. Doubtfire. I haven’t even seen Good Morning, Vietnam in its full length, but I can hear his voice in my head: “Goooood moorrnning Vietnaaam!” He also inhabited the more dramatic roles with a sense of humor. In Patch
Adams, Dead Poets Society, and Good Will Hunting, he managed to give his roles a sense of holistic life that made them tangible and relatable. He found the humor in everything. And he didn’t do it as a form of escapism, but rather with the knowledge that life is humorous. He laughed in the face of oppression, of illness, even of death. It was never mockery, but more the sense that this too shall pass. This too shall be a part of your story. This too has meaning. Suicide is one of those devastatingly complex things in life that seem to hold little meaning. It’s abrupt and irreversible, more revealing in hindsight than in anything else. It is speculated that Williams’ recent diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease was one of the final factors that led to his suicide. He lived through a great deal in his 63 years of life, including but not limited to three mar-
riages, three children, addiction, rehabilitation, 106 acting credits, depression, and then Parkinson’s. It sounds like a great deal. I am reminded, however, of the fact that every person has a story that could break your heart. Williams’ very public story has broken a great many hearts. It is personal and hits close to home for millions of people. Statistically, 350 million people suffer from depression or a mood disorder worldwide. Williams was not alone in his suffering, but what he did with it put him at the forefront of entertainment. He worked from a place of acknowledgement of the darkness and of the pain in order to bring forth light on the stage and screen. Bringing forth light from the darkness is at the crux of the artistic experience; it’s about the uneasy truths. Artists don’t make art for themselves, they make it because they have something to
say that they feel strongly about. However, it isn’t always related to a difficult experience. I think that the truest art is born out of closeness to who you are as a created person, and that rich experience is what fuels the artistic message. That truth deserves a story, a stage, a canvas, a song, and most importantly, an audience. One of the most meaningful aspects of art comes from “bearing with one another.” It draws upon the collective human experience and highlights the communal aspect of sharing in art. Sharing in pain doesn’t explain it, but it certainly validates it. Experiencing Robin Williams’ work will hold a new weight from now on, as his pain has become something that we will bear with one another. How will you use your story to shed light into the dark – “what will your verse be?” (Dead Poets Society, 1989).
By Cam Thiessen
1.
Switchfoot – Oh! Gravity.
The first time I heard Switchfoot was the first time I had heard rock music. They are the band that has stuck with me throughout my life in every phase of my musical growth. Oh! Gravity tells my story, one of a skeptic surrounded by Christian influence. Topics such as consumerism, self-identity, loving with integrity, dealing with death, and struggling with faith are the core of this album. Lyrically and musically intricate, this is the album that sums up my worldview. Lyricist Jon Foreman petitions listeners to critique the “modern machine” (“Circles”) in which they live, “where success is equated with excess” (“American Dream”). They urge us to think critically and cherish the world around us. And they do it with more musical flare than they are often given credit for.
2. More
3.
Macklemore and Ryan Lewis – The Heist
Mumford and Sons – Sigh No Acknowledging that my identity is
This album is a masterpiece not only because of its musical originality, but also because of the intricate ways in which Mumford explores such complex theological, philosophical, and sociological issues. As a lyricist, he truly is a man after my own heart, intrigued by philosophy and ruined by human conflict. Sigh No More’s lyrics express the frustrations of a philosophical mind, which is still dominated by desire and emotion. It is a complex struggle to give in to human desires while also desiring to fight for what is good. I find that I can be as passionate as I’d like about the important issues in life, but I feel bound and restrained by the limitations of the human psyche. Sigh No More explores this conflict between heart and mind, body and soul in an enthralling way.
heavily defined by my generation’s culture, The Heist is an anthem of the things that our culture associates with itself – the good, the bad, and the ugly. It also includes brilliant commentary on the music industry and its effect on artists attempting to express themselves with integrity. Macklemore’s lyrics reflect a passion for issues of equality and human rights, while also including humour and more light-hearted concepts. In that way, this album progresses similarly to my thought process. Macklemore jokes about things I love to joke about and preaches about things I love to preach about. Enhanced by Ryan Lewis’s unique musical inclinations, The Heist tackles subject matter that few hip hop/rap albums tackle, from religion to social justice to rehabilitation and substance abuse to critiquing and commenting on the music industry.
4. Here
Pink Floyd – Wish You Were
Written about former Floyd vocalist, Syd Barrett, Wish You Were Here conceptualizes the fragile nature of an artistic mind. The album is reminiscent of Barrett’s manic nature and artistic flare, his acquisition of fame ultimately accelerating its own end: his mental breakdown. The music and lyrics in this album are a hauntingly accurate exploration into the mind of an artist, a “miner for truth and delusion.” As an artist, perhaps I am horrified by the possibility of my art being recognized, and thus, becoming more exposed than ever.
Who was/is your imaginary friend? “Spike, the secret agent animal.” -Gerald Rosenau
OCTOBER 1, 2014
15
A conversation on Art & Faith with David Squires
GREGORY REESE
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mackenzie CAMERON
Mars’ Hill: What is your involvement with the arts? Professor Dave Squires: I’m a composer, primarily. I’ve been writing music since I was a teenager and I also play music, sing, and conduct. I’m an arts appreciator as well; I go to theatres, galleries, and museums. I just appreciate human creativity wherever I can see it and find it. MH: So why do you do what you do? DS: I compose because I have to. I have this inner compulsion to be creative, to do something. I see something and I want to respond artistically. I hear a piece of music and I want to write a piece of music. There’s an inner compulsion to be creative. And that gets back to my whole understanding of the human being – not just the so-called “creatives” of the world, but the human being. We are all created in the image of God and God is a creator, which means that you and I are creators. So when we release that creativity in ourselves, we’re actually becoming more fully human. With regard to teaching, I teach because I have a thirst and curiosity for knowledge and to develop wisdom with that knowledge. And I want to pass it on. As soon as I learn something, I want to tell somebody – to share something for their benefit. There’s also the pastoral side, because
I’ve been told that I pastor like a teacher and I know that I teach like a pastor. It’s about the things that I’ve learned in life that have helped me to be a better disciple of Christ, helped me to be a better human, and they are continuing to help me that way. MH: How has being an artist impacted your faith? DS: I see God as an artist. That helps me to understand who I am and why I am the way I am. I see myself in God, and vice versa, which is very good for the soul, good for the spirit, and good for my own psyche. To see that I am made in the image of God – this isn’t just something I read about and appropriate as a cerebral fact, it’s something that I can experience and know because I resonate with God. I look at all the things that God made in nature and I think, “Wow, He dreamed that up!” And I think that’s what I do as an artist: I dream things up. I think about a certain kind of chord, or melody, or piece of music that hasn’t been written before, that didn’t exist, and then I play it out loud. This piece didn’t exist a few minutes ago, and now it does. That’s what God did.
MH: What has art taught you about God specifically? DS: In addition to what I’ve already mentioned, I think of the playfulness of God in creation and how that affects me and my art and my faith. I’m a playful person; I’m a person with a sense of humor. I see the fun in many things and I think God’s like that too. I think of the film representations that we have of Jesus and the ones that I hate are the ones where He’s this sort of stern otherworldly person you can’t relate to. The ones I relate to are the
ones where He’s cracking a smile, or even cracking a joke. I love the scene in The Passion of the Christ, where Jesus the carpenter is bantering playfully with his mom. It’s just for fun, because he loves it. And I think to myself, that’s my God. He’s playful. MH: When do you feel closest to God? DS: I feel closest to Him in a lot of different situations. I feel closest to Him when I’m in the midst of His creation because of that sense that we’re not alone, that this stuff is not random. I look around and I see his Hand in it, His work. I feel close to Him with other people, in times of pain and joy. When I read scripture I feel close to Him as well, especially when scripture is preached. I have an immense appreciation for metaphor; I see metaphor everywhere. When I get hold of a good idea where the images and the metaphors resonate with me, I feel like God is speaking to me in ways beyond the cognitive. He’s reaching deep into my being, beyond my rational, cognitive, linear thought. Those things are also important, but I think He moves beyond that in the “deep calls to deep” way that the psalmist talks about in Psalm 42. I don’t fully know what that means,
Who was/is your imaginary friend? “His name’s Fred. He’s homeless.” -Nathan Dunford
“deep calls to deep,” but as I keep exploring that metaphor, I think my soul knows what it means. It’s related to the Romans 8:26 picture of the Spirit praying and groaning for us when we can’t pray. That’s deep calling to deep. So I feel a lot of things take me to that place. Sometimes they’re linear, cognitive things, and sometimes they’re artistic things. MH: What kind of a role do you think the arts can be, or are currently playing, in our culture? DS: I think the arts are absolutely crucial to who we are and I think we’ve actually lost touch with what they can do for the human being, for the human soul. I think one of the tragedies of our contemporary culture is what the arts have become. There are two things that have happened to the arts: one is that they so often get disregarded or set aside in the interest of pragmatism, and two is that they are so often seen for their instrumentality – using the arts to achieve some other end. We’re missing out on what the arts really are, which is where I started. That sort of expression of the human being and connection of humanity at its deepest sense with who God is as a maker, as a creator, as someone who dreams up things that weren’t in existence before. Stephen Harper and his government are concerned about the economy – well so am I, but we should also be concerned about the arts, because even though we may materialistically thrive if we’re economically healthy, we’re not going to thrive as human beings unless we’re artistically healthy.
16
OCTOBER 1, 2014
SPORTS
CONNOR EWERT
connor.ewert1@mytwu.ca
Men’s soccer update
Men’s soccer looks to gain some ground with playoffs in mind
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kyle ROSE
The Men’s soccer Spartans look forward to another great season as they anticipate their next opponent, UNBC on October 4th and 5th. The Spartans realize they will be up for a challenge as they compete against their cross-province rivals. While talking to some of the Spartans in a brief, recent interview, they seemed very ready for this contest with UNBC, seeing as they had lost to them previously towards the end of last season. The game was really close and down to the wire. The score was 1-0 midway through the 2nd half with both teams struggling to push and break through. With it being an away game, the Spartans did not have that much support present. In the end, it was the goal of a striker for UNBC that ended the game. The Spartans only play UNBC twice a season with both games being away. They now look forward to avenging their loss on familiar soil on Friday October 10th when they return to play at Rogers Field and take on the University of Victoria. Head Coach Pat Rohla con-
ducts stern and stressful practices that keep the men in shape and well prepared for the game. In my interview with Rohla, he shared, “These boys know how competitive the CIS is and that is why they understand the intensity level is where it is at practice. I want them to go hard at each other so that mentally and physically, they are ready for the tough teams in our schedule.” CIS soccer is also known to have been “hitting its peak” in the last few years or so. We are currently in the prime
of CIS men’s soccer talent, with many different schools – especially in the Canada-West Conference – recruiting high level athletes. Shout out to the Men’s Soccer Player of the Week, Joel Friesen, who is being recognized for his hard work as a Spartan athlete on and off the field. This is Joel’s second year on the Spartans and he is thrilled to be contributing to another great season this year. Joel strives to be all he can be as a Spartan athlete and at the
Women’s soccer update
same time, he makes sure to keep up with his classroom and dorm duties. Joel is not only a great influence athletically and academically, but a great leader spiritually as well. Joel is the RA for 2H in Fraser, and with many things filling his daily schedule, he still finds the time to rally all the boys in his dorm together for dorm meetings, updates, and spiritually uplifting activities including prayer. He even encourages the other Spartans in his dorm to reap the benefits of Bible Study.
Coach Rohla is happy to have him on the team – and so are we, as fans, to know that God is moving in our Spartan varsity teams. Keep up the great work, Joel! It will be a great season for men’s soccer as they push toward a season of excellence. They have been training hard and now they set their sights on their next opponent: two away games against UNBC. Games can be streamed online, or you can check twu.ca/ athletics for updates!
Women’s soccer continue their roll on their quest towards nationals
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kyle ROSE
The Spartan women never disappoint. They look to give it their all against UNBC this coming weekend as they travel to Prince George to take on the Timberwolves. They just came off a
thrilling weekend in which they tied the women’s Under-18 Elite Vancouver Whitecaps team. The women proved that they could compete with the best that the CIS and even some women’s professional leagues have to offer. If you’ve been following the Spartans women’s soccer team, this should be of no surprise to you; the Trinity Western women’s soccer teams have been up to par in the CIS ever since its inception.
Trinity Western women’s soccer has battled to the top many times, holding the bar high in the CIS, the Canada-West conference, and the national championships, having won five national championships in the past decade. They won their first CIS national championships in 2004, and have taken home the last two championships in 2012 and 2013. The team looks to repeat their success again this year with a back to back to back
appearance in the championship final, but more importantly, another national championship banner! Head Coach Graham Roxburgh is a decorated coach with plenty of winning experience. He took over as Head Coach in 1999, and he has guided the Spartans to five CIS National Championships (2004, 2008, 2009, 2012 and 2013), five Canada West gold medals (2004, 2006, 2009, 2011 and 2012), and a record of 160-66-38 in CIS play. Of all the Spartans athletic programs, women’s soccer has been one of the most successful in school history and in all of the Canada-West conference. They have racked up several championships, and that is why it is an exciting time for women’s soccer at TWU! This week’s player spotlight goes to none other than senior Jessica King. Jessica is being recognized for her tremendous leadership on and off the field. As one of the few 5th year seniors, the women on the team look up to her as one of the leaders and essentially an extension of the coach on the field. She is a great example
Who was/is your imaginary friend? “Issac.” -Kaitlin Bloemberg
of a true student athlete and has winning experience as she was on last year’s CIS championship team and the 2012 Canada-West gold medal team. She was also named Canada-West 2nd Star of the Week (September 19th 2014). Jessica, originally from Liverpool, England, also adds to the already diverse community of TWU. Her presence on the team is truly a valuable addition to the legacy of women’s soccer at TWU. Jessica, continue the great work! The women’s season never disappoints, so you are all encouraged to come out and support your team. The home opener against UFV had an amazing turnout. They have been training hard to compete this season and maintain their dominance of the CIS! The Spartans take their squad to UNBC this weekend to take on the Timberwolves, and you can tune in online or search for updates at twu.ca/athletics. Come with your biggest signs and your loudest cheers as your Spartans take on UBC and UVIC October 10th and 11th, as well!
OCTOBER 1, 2014
Alumni Interview
17
with Jamie Vaughan
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connor EWERT
Mars’ Hill: What is your fondest memory of being a Spartan? Jamie Vaughan: My fondest memory was our playoff series in 2009 against UVIC. It was a best of three with the winner moving on to play UBC. For Game 2, hundreds of fans decided to dress up as Spartans. They came into the gym chanting and cheering. It was quite the scene. I remember looking over at Jake before we were introduced and saying, “This is unreal, we gotta get the win.” MH: What are one or two highlights you remember from being on a road trip with your team? JV: Our team took a trip to San Diego at Christmas time. Even though we didn’t play particularly well, we had so much fun. D-Horns, Lance, and I rented surf boards and went out into the water, only to dominate the waves and be offered sponsorships by different surfing companies. As a
team we all went to the zoo, and after a while we realized we had lost Scott Allen, so we searched everywhere for the guy only to find him cuddling a panda bear. We also enjoyed some good food at Fuddruckers! The trip was a great bonding trip which helped us go on a huge second half of the season tear. MH: If you could have played another sport as a Spartan, what would it be (other than the team you played for)? JV: I would play hockey, as this is the sport I grew up playing and love the most. MH: Do you keep in contact with any of your teammates? Are there any other people you still keep in contact with at TWU? JV: Yes, I keep in contact with a lot of my teammates: Jon Schmidt, Danny Horner, Mike Brouwer, David Bron, Daniel Demain, Brian Banman, Cal Westbrook, Tonner Jackson, Lance Verhoeff, Matt Myers, Scott Allen. MH: Where do you live now and what are you up to these days? JV: I live in Vancouver and I
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MH: Is there any aspect of TWU that you miss most? JV: I miss the fellas, my teammates. It’s also fun to go to battle with people you love. I also miss the ease of that lifestyle. MH: What advice would you give
SW: Well, I was planning on playing at Seattle Pacific University until I noticed that Trinity Western had beaten them. I had no idea who Trinity was so I started checking out the team and communicating with the coaches.
connor EWERT
Name: Sebastian Wingfield Birthday: April 30, 1995 Place of Birth/Where are you from? Washington, USA Year of Schooling: Second Year Major/Program: Counselling Psychology Sport/Club/Team: Spartan Soccer and Langley United Div 1. Position/Role: Forward/Left Wing
work for a large real estate development company. I am a Development Manager. My role is to manage projects from the time we purchase the property until the time we start construction. I lead us through the entitlement process where we rezone the land for a better use. Once that has happened, I manage a consultant team consisting of architects and structural, mechanical, and electrical consultants to come up with a design of a building that city staff will be in support of. Once we have a Development Permit and a Building Permit I then hand off these drawings to our Project Manager. I’ve had the privilege of managing some large projects in Vancouver that consist of a 44 storey residential tower and a mixed-use project consisting of residential, retail, and office.
Mars’ Hill: Why did you choose to come to TWU and become a Spartan? Sebastian Wingfield: I came up for a preview weekend in November where I met the coaches and gave them my highlight tape. I played in the ID Camp where I was offered a spot on the team, but the preview weekend was what really convinced me to come. I stayed with some really cool people. MH: How did you hear about TWU and the Spartans?
MH: What are some accomplishments you had in high school or prior to becoming a Spartan? SW: When I lived in Arizona, I got to play for something called Arizona ODP (Olympic Development Program) and we were invited to play in Madrid and San Sebastian, Spain to participate in the Donosti Cup. It was a tournament against over 30 other countries. We placed fourth. MH: If you could play any other sport other than your Spartan sport, what would it be? Why?
freshmen coming into their first year of university and their first year of collegiate athletics as a Spartan? JV: Don’t stress, enjoy this time of your life because it’ll only last for a few years. These are years you’ll remember forever, so have fun. School is important, but the relationships you will foster are probably more important. Take time to get a core group of friends and experience life. Most importantly, grow your hair out! MH: Is there any moment that you had as a Spartan that you wish you could relive? JV: Beating UBC at the David E. was an incredible experience, but I do wish we could go back to the Canada West finals and produce a better outcome. MH: What skills did you learn when you were a Spartan that you utilize today in your daily life away from university athletics? JV: I learned to set a goal and not let anything get in the way. I learned that no matter what, if I set my mind to something, I can accomplish it. I learned to lean on God for strength as life isn’t always going to go the way you
SW: Definitely wrestling. I started wrestling at a young age for a club team in Germany with my brother. We excelled quite a bit and had both been undefeated in our weight classes. When I was wrestling in high school, I was strongly considering dropping soccer to commit full time. MH: What scares you about becoming a Spartan? What are you nervous about? SW: I was really nervous because I knew that the speed of play was going to increase significantly as well as the toughness of other players. MH: What excites you about becoming a Spartan? SW: I was really excited to be part of a program where I knew I would really like the character of
envisioned it. I learned that accomplishments are more fulfilling when your identity is in Christ.
Name: Jamie Vaughan Birthday: November 13, 1983 Major/Program: Bachelors in Business Admin Sport: Men’s Basketball Year of Graduation: 2009
the team. Having teammates that I can grow in my faith with is a very unique opportunity. MH: Who is one person in your life that has been a mentor to you? SW: In soccer, my dad, definitely. He consistently motivated me to train harder than the day before. Spiritually, my mom. She’s an incredible role model. MH: Where do you see yourself when you are done the next four years? SW: Ideally, I would like to be on my way to getting my Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology, taking the next steps on my way to becoming a school counselor. As a Spartan, I want to leave the program being remembered as one of the hardest working guys in the team.
21 Number of 4th quarter comeback drives $33,000 Money’s worth of gifts led by Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo, the most given to New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter from other baseball clubs in the MLB this season. Jeter plans to retire at the end of the season.
of any QB in the NFL. Peyton Manning is a close second with 20, followed by his brother Eli and Matt Ryan.
17-1 Seattle Seahawks home record 6 Number of interceptions returned for a 7-0 Seattle Seahawks’ QB Russell Wilson’s since the start of the 2012 season. This home touchdown, or pick six, thrown by New York record against other Super Bowl winning QB’s inrecord is the best in the NFL. Russell Wilson himself is 16-1 at home in Seattle.
Jets QB Geno Smith since the start of last season, the most in the NFL in that span.
cluding Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers
Who was/is your imaginary friend? “Blues Clues! I would pretend like I was helping them.” -Rosari Polii
18
OCTOBER 1, 2014
Social identity and sports affilliation A look into society’s need for sport
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connor EWERT
Why do so many people in the world become so fanatic about a sport or a specific team? Why do people buy jerseys, pay outrageous amounts of money for tickets to attend games, collect memorabilia, and plan work or life schedules around when their beloved team is playing? Almost all sports and sporting events in today’s sport scene have pools or contests that
fans can join with their peers, and the major sports have even become a “fantasy” where an individual can pick their own players and create their very own “dream team.” Social identity theory can be applied to such sports fans to help explain some of these behaviors. Social identity theory explains that people will be motivated to behave in certain ways in order to boost their self-esteem and selfconcept, both of which are derived from perceived membership in a social group. Without self-esteem and the positive aspects that having high self-esteem brings the individual, an individual will
feel alone. This isolation can cause serious anxiety. Sports function to increase self-esteem through association and affiliation: association is when a body of people become organized for a joint purpose, which is essentially the idea of being a fan; and affiliation is being attached or connected to an organization. Wearing team colors, attending or watching each and every game, and knowing players, positions, and statistics makes the individual feel like they are a vital part of the team as a whole and of the game that is being played. When the team does well, self-esteem is increased, and even when teams play poorly,
self-esteem will remain the same because the individual fears the threat that a defeat has on their own self-esteem. The connection that fans develop is an example of in-group favoritism, which helps individuals form their own social identity by attaching themselves to a group that has significance to them and that has people who are like-minded. The individual seeks positive contributions to their identity from these groups, and their self-esteem is therefore increased and strengthened. “True fans” will go to any length to defend their team and will place blame anywhere but on the team
itself because of the connection and identity that one feels with them. For example, one fan of the Green Bay Packers was quoted as saying, “The Packers (Teams) are like your children. You don’t love them because they’re good. You love them because they’re yours.” Self-esteem and self-worth stem from many different things, and sport is a very important tool to gaining and developing them even further. With self-esteem heavily influencing identity, it is clear that the world of sport contributes to people’s identity and feelings of belonging, something that all people in society strive for.
Derek Jeter’s 5 Greatest Moments Yankee’s Future Hall of Famer’s Career Moments
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connor EWERT
Prior to the 2014 Major League Baseball Season, New York Yankees’ All Time Great Shortstop Derek Jeter announced that he would be retiring at the season’s end. Last week, the Yankees were officially eliminated from postseason contention following a loss to the Baltimore Orioles. Over his 20-year career, Jeter has accomplished many amazing milestones and career-defining moments. Here is a brief countdown of the top five moments in Jeter’s Hall of Fame career. 5. First Career Hit
There can be no end if there is no beginning. On May 30, 1995 at the Seattle Kingdome, Jeter came to the plate in his second major league game, the seventh overall plate appearance in his short career. He entered the record books with his first career hit, a single to left field off Tim Belcher. He later came around to score in that inning.
4. The Jeffrey Maier Home Run The biggest moment in Jeter’s rookie campaign was also one of the most controversial moments in MLB history. In the 1996 ALCS Game 1, Jeter hit a fly ball into deep right field where 12-year-old Jeffrey Maier reached over the wall and caught Jeter’s hit. The umpires ruled it a home run, which led to Tony Torasco’s
epic meltdown. The Yankees won the game and eventually the series in Game 5.
3. MVP In Subway World Series in 2000 In the first Subway World Series since 1956, Jeter helped pace the Yankees’ offense with 9 hits in 22 appearances en route to earning the series MVP. The biggest of those 9 hits came on the very first pitch of Game 4 when he put Bobby Jones’ first pitch of the game into the left field stands. The Yankees lost Game 3, but Jeter’s homer in Game 4 led the Yankees to wins in Game 4 and 5 and ultimately a World Series trophy, the first of five for Jeter. 2. Mr. November Due to the September 11th
attacks in New York City and Washington DC, the 2001 postseason and World Series were postponed for one week, meaning that if the World Series went beyond four games, it would be held in November. In Game 4, Tino Martinez tied the game in the 9th inning with a home run off Byung-Hyun Kim. In the 10th inning, the stage was set for Jeter, who hit a walk-off home run off Kim seconds after midnight. Yankees announcer Michael Kay immediately named Jeter “Mr. November” and the nickname will be his forever. 1. The Flip No single play defined Jeter’s career better than the famous flip from the 2001 ALCS between the Yankees and the Oakland A’s.
While in a 2-0 hole in the series, the Yankees were leading Game 3 with a score of 1-0 in the bottom of the 7th inning. Terrence Long hit a single into the right field corner; Shane Spencer fielded it and threw it towards home. Jeremy Giambi was rounding third and it appeared that he would easily score. The throw missed the cut-off man but out of nowhere, Jeter appeared, fielded the ball, and flipped it to catcher Jorge Posada, who tagged Giambi with milliseconds to spare before he crossed the plate. Giambi was out and the Yankees went on to win the game 1-0. After almost being eliminated in Game 3, the Yankees bounced back and won the next two games, winning the series and eventually the World Series.
STUDS
DUDS
The Kansas City Royals baseball club find themselves in playoff contention for the first time since 1985. With a strong second half of the season, they have put themselves 1.5 games back of the division lead and leading the wild card race.
The Seattle Mariners had a 17-10 record in August, were atop of the AL Wild Card standings, and had their fate in their own hands. A dismal September has led to a 10-12 record while they have fallen directly out of a playoff spot, sitting 3 games back of the Royals.
Florida State Seminoles Football team, led by QB Jameis Winston, have started the season 3-0. They have continued their winning streak of 20 games last weekend, dating back to November 2012 when they lost to their rivals, the Florida Gators.
Bill Simmons, writer for ESPN.com and creator of the 30 for 30 series, was suspended for three weeks last week after he called NFL commissioner Roger Goodell a “liar” on his podcast. Simmons has already been suspended from Twitter by ESPN.
Women’s Soccer Spartan Jessica King was named Canada West’s 2nd Star of the Week last week. This came after her two game-winning goals while on the road. This is also the second week in a row that King was named a Star of the Week by Canada West.
The NFL is yet again in the duds column after their handling of domestic violence cases amongst their players. In addition to Ray Rice, Vikings RB Adrian Peterson was accused of child abuse when he struck his son with a branch in what he called “disciplining.”
Who was/is your imaginary friend? “The only name that comes to mind is William Wallace, and I don’t know why.” - Jenna Kastelein
OCTOBER 1, 2014
HUMOUR
19
TREVOR MCMAHAN
trevor.mcmahan@mytwu.ca trevor.mcmahan@mytwu.ca
Your bi-weekly dose of LOLs and guffaws
#WeAreTired
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trevor MCMAHAN
When I meet someone for the first time, I usually follow unspoken etiquette and ask a myriad of common questions: What’s your name? Major? Hometown? Though it is sometimes monotonous, we need small talk to discover common ground. But more often than not, a common ground exists that takes no effort to access. There’s no need to delve into a surface level understanding of this person you just met whose name you already forgot; you most likely already inhabit this common ground with them. One thing is true for all of us university students: We Are Tired. Yes, we are all members of a wonderfully renowned Christian university known for its academics and community, but we’re also downright exhausted. All of the time. This all too common experience can often seem like a solitary struggle, but it’s high time that we
stop treating it as such. For some odd reason, it is nigh impossible for us to sleep enough to function at an ideal, non-obtrusive level. To choose sleep is to temporarily ignore our schoolwork, friends, and other conscious desires… and that’s really hard to do. With so many things to do and people to see, many would rather stay up into the wee hours of the night in order to fulfill the demands of all these realms of their lives. In defiance of the imminent lack of time we all face, some foolishly adopt the philosophy, “You can sleep when you’re dead.” To their surprise the next morning, they feel as if they were actually dead. Sleep, however necessary, is essentially the antithesis of the values closest to the hearts of Trinity students. Think about it. How surprising is it when someone tells you that they’re NOT tired? It simultaneously evokes frustration and disbelief. You got more than eight hours of sleep last night? Bull. Fully awake students inadvertently alienate themselves from the rest of their fellow classmates by choosing to let their brain function at its full capacity.
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Gene pool closed
kreg LONNEBERG
As another school year commences, I plunge into yet another year where the cruel reality of my singleness is daily shoved in my face. I spent the first two years of
my Trinity experience chasing the wonderful and godly women that the school has to offer, and the only thing I have to show for it is the record for most failed first dates. I’ve heard every line in the book: “I’ve been praying a lot, and I think God’s calling me to not date you,” “It’s not you, it’s me,” “It’s not me, it’s you,” and the overused but nonetheless painful classic, “I just want to make sure I’m not settling.”
1. No more sexual tension at coed discipleship group 2. No more sexual tension in class 3. No more sexual tension in the cafeteria 4. No risk of breaking the community covenant in a heterosexual relationship 5. No risk of breaking the community covenant in a non-heterosexual relationship 6. No more sexual tension in the library 7. Best and cheapest form of contraception 8. No more awkward eye contact with the opposite sex 9. No need to engage in the Catholic-Protestant contraception debate 10. No-strings-attached coffee dates are actually a thing I’d really appreciate the prayers and support of my peers as I embark on this journey. As a celibate man attending a school where getting your degree is secondary
Usually my excessively apparent singleness really bums me out around this time of the semester, but not this year. This time I’m back and full of life. This time I’m the one who’s been praying. This time I’m convinced that God is calling me to a life of celibacy. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking, and there are some real benefits to celibacy. Here’s the top ones on my list so far:
11. Can confidently wear socks and sandals without hindering the gene pool 12. No more deciphering hidden meanings in text messages 13. No more encoding hidden meanings in text messages 14. Doing my part to reduce overpopulation 15. I can eat a whole tub of Häagen Dazs without worrying about body image 16. No longer risk committing adultery when I lust 17. What happens in Vegas can realistically stay in Vegas 18. Can be more like Paul 19. Can be more like Jesus 20. Hipster appeal
to getting a spouse, it can be a real challenge to remain true to yourself and not get married. Nevertheless, I’m convinced I’m taking the right path: I’m really big on
Who was/is your imaginary friend? “The only friend I ever had.” -Tara Gorman
Biblical proof, and as Jesus says, “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman” (1 Corinthians 7:1 NIV).
20
OCTOBER 1, 2014
DE-CLASSIFIEDS
marshillonline.com/de-classifieds
Mars’ Hill editors reserve the right to edit or reject submissions based on content and/or length. A printed submission does not necessarily reflect an endorsement of any kind, nor does it necessarily reflect the opinions of Mars’ Hill staff , the student association, or that of the University. In fact probably not. Hey, you know who is doing an I didn’t think that Mars Hill Never has the TWU campus Austin Novakowski has the To the guy who got hit by a amazing job this year? TWUSA. knew we used the paper for seemed so eerily silent without beard of Moses, but the cleanligirl’s umbrella and said “that’s bonfires. Nick McAlister’s sweet sweet ness of John the Baptist. okay, you can make it up to me The best part about a Saskatch#HarshReality voice. by sharing it.”, and walked off Jake Schellenberg leaked nudes ewan wedding is trying to figure I’m a Science major, and even together, I applaud you, that Gill Curtis, you’re a bro. out how closely the bride and I enjoyed reading ‘ A Cruel Anwas incredibly smooth. ...oh wait this isn’t google groom are related. Dear TWUSA, gel’s Thesis’! Can’t wait for the To the kind soul who stole Fraser Apartment 325 still acKeep doing what you’re doing 2 spots remaining on the next one! my laundry basket from the cepting applications! because it’s working. Thanksgiving Las Vegas trip. douglas laundry room - treat it If someone actually tried to pay My friend recently got crushed Sincerely, Join us for MAGIC!, Blink 182, nice - ok? 50 cents for a Mars’ Hill, I bet by a pile of books, but he’s only TWUSA Fan Enrique Iglesias & Pitbull. Conthey wouldn’t know what to do got his shelf to blame I didn’t see the shooting Trinternet is back... tact: ask around, you’ll find us. with the money... The universe...what a concept. star because I was busy That GIF of Bob Kuhn waving a I can be your Tinkerbell and you The only thing we have to feel is talking about poop nests spatula warmed the hearts of If I had a dollar for every solid can be my Peter Pan, then we feel itself. #qwanoes2014 RaKuhns everywhere. bowel movement Sodexo gave can fly together off to Never“When all 18 year old girls want too cute to boot - so what, if me, I’d have 50 cents. Sick of eating the same thing land. #TaylorJohnson to be Miley Cyrus, that is the you’re not cute enough you’ll for breakfast, lunch and dinner. those evil upperclassmen smiles death of God.” #townsend You passed me the salt I passed Cereal has worn away its charm. get kicked out of your social when a freshmen asks what fort you my heart<3 What if Bob Kuhn is the mastercircle? week is. I can’t tell if as second years sincerly, mind behind TWU Confessions??? For the last time, we did not my friends are actually doing Graeme Geddes is the The girl who asked you for the Well played Mr. President, make wife applications for their homework, or if they have sweetest, most sincere and salt well played... ourselves. just learned not to talk about amazing person. If you don’t dear guys playing beyblade If Cody Friesen doesn’t end up Sincerely, all they have to do in a social know him, then that sucks. outside neufeld at 2am, you on Dancing with the Stars then The 325 situation. Protip: Next time someone don’t exist. this whole year is a waste. “Stalker” is such a strong word. If you are not tucking your shirt comes up to you for an uncomPutting hashtags in Ok, I should probably get back I prefer the term ‘intense reinto your pants, then you are fortable conversation, try talkdeclassifides is like putting your to HW. None of these are search of an individual.’ tucking your pants into your ing with your tongue sticking laundry in the oven. They don’t gonna get published anyways. shirt. Jim Scott = Nic Cage? out of your mouth. belong there.
THE HIMNAL
Joel Gajdos
age: 19
year: 2
height: 5’ 11”
major:
ART & DESIGN
Age limit (max/min)? I’m not sure what this question means, so if it refers to the max difference in age between me and potential datee, then probably Views on courtship? How long until you propose? Hometown: Sherwood Park, Alberta 8 years. I have a more traditional standpoint. I’d like to Till I feel like we’re actually best friends and I Denomination: Non-denomination Fave Bible verse? Isaiah 41:10 Love language? Touch and a little bit of Acts of Service/Deeds
Top quality in a future mate? Laughter
Age limit (max/min)? Anything classified under suga’ mama
get to know the girl before I date her, so I guess I’m not opposed to courtship
know she’s the one
How would you make up after your first fight?
Nice dinner followed by a stroll in the park under the lights
Two options: (1) pretend like I’ve hurt myself so she’d feel sorry for me (2) doing the dishes
How many kids do you want?
Biggest Deal-breaker?
Favourite Movie?
Too clingy.
Idea of a perfect date?
Enough to do the chores at home Gladiator
Say “Yes” To The LLC. Apply by Oct 15
twu.ca/llc
Who was/is your imaginary friend? “I had Lego.” -Connor Thiessen