November 2010

Faith & Culture Series

How do we, as people of faith, respond to our culture? How does our culture impact us and how can we impact it? Those questions are important for all Christians, and they're questions that are coming to life in a three-dimensional way for students at Geneva College.

Geneva students are in the middle of experiencing a multipronged program focusing their attention on contemporary culture. The Faith and Culture Series is presented by Student Activities, the Center for Faith and Practice and the Multiethnic Services Office. The intent of the series is to offer relevant events that create an atmosphere for the campus community to join the conversation of how we Christians can and should respond to the culture around us.

“As Christians, we believe it is important to be thoughtful about the posture we take towards these and other cultural artifacts. As the author Andy Crouch questions, should we as Christians condemn, critique, consume, copy, or create culture? Hopefully, the Faith and Culture Series will help us be more thoughtful about our response,” says Ryan Holt, Director of Student Programs and Leadership.

The Faith and Culture Series began Tuesday, Nov. 16 with the “Skinny on Pop Culture.” Conversations on various pop culture topics were held on campus including “Social Networking” and “Maybe she′s born with it. Maybe it′s make-up.” Dr. Watt, Kristie Martel, Craig Bennet, Ryan David Palmer and Joe Gaspar hosted the discussions.

The series continues today with the screening of the movie Inception at 8:30 p.m. in John White Chapel. The movie raises the question of “What is real?” and “What is true?” which is something that constantly challenges Christians in our society.

On Thursday, Nov. 18 the multicultural educators on campus will hold a panel discussion on human trafficking at 7 p.m. in Sky Lounge. The panel consists of Dr. Brad Frey, Missy Davis, and Jules Johnston.

The “Faith and Culture Series Benefit Concert” will be held on Friday, Nov. 19 at 7:30 p.m. in John White Chapel. The concert will feature Zach Williams, Lighthouse and the Whalers, The Farthest We've Come, Caleb Musselman and Justin Shaffer. Tickets cost $3 and all proceeds will be donated to Young Life, an organization dedicated to creating positive culture in our community high schools.

The series continues next month with “Hands on Culture Creating” on Thursday, Dec. 2. Students will have the opportunity to gather at the Center for Creative Arts Expression in Beaver Falls for a free lesson on drawing and painting.

On Friday, Dec. 3, the Faith and Cultures Series concludes with the annual “Film Fest” at 9:30 p.m. in the Fieldhouse. Those attending are encouraged to dress “formally fresh” and will have the opportunity to vote for the People′s Choice Award. As Christians we should not only critique and question the culture around us but, as creative beings, have an impact as well. The Film Fest provides an opportunity for students to influence culture through their art.

- Ji Yun Bae ‘12