December 29, 2015
Kayla & Andrew Ferguson, Harvard Law School '17
"We had only recently become engaged when we both applied and were admitted to Harvard Law School—and still only newlyweds when we began our studies.We were inspired by the rich Christian legacy at Harvard, and we felt called to rekindle spiritual passion at this historic law school while training to live out our faith in the legal field.
December 23, 2015
From Aesop’s animals seeking the wise owl to the people of Israel soliciting Solomon, the value of good advice has not diminished. However, one might argue that it can be harder to come by in a close-minded culture that silences dissent with the constant refrain of “do not judge me.” Nonetheless, one of the most brilliant scholars in academia – and Christian Union’s 2014 Christian Leader of the Year Award recipient – is regularly sought out by several major presidential candidates for his guidance, instruction, and wise counsel.
December 21, 2015
Gifts Must be Postmarked by Dec. 31, 2015
Good news: for those age 70 ½ and older, it is once again possible to make tax-favored charitable gifts from IRA accounts.On Friday, December 18, 2015, President Obama signed into law legislation that retroactively extends the charitable IRA rollover for 2015 and makes this provision permanent for future years. A total of up to $100,000 can be transferred directly from traditional or Roth IRAs to one or more qualified charities, such as Christian Union, free from federal income tax. These gifts count toward the mandatory drawdown of IRA holders 70 1/2 or older. There may also be state income tax savings.An important note: To make such gifts,
December 17, 2015
The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So He became as much superior to the angels as the name He has inherited is superior to theirs.— Hebrews 1:3-4
An Interview with Pat Gelsinger
By Pat Gelsinger/Christian Union From ChristianUnion.org
In December 2015, Christian Union presented the Christian Leader of the Year Award to a pioneer in the technology sector, Pat Gelsinger. In this video, Gelsinger talks about his experiences as a Christian leader and how he balances his faith and work as the head of a family and of a multibillion-dollar technology company...Watch Now >
December 14, 2015
Advice & Inspiration from a Tech Leader
In December 2015, Christian Union presented the Christian Leader of the Year Award to a pioneer in the technology sector, Pat Gelsinger.Gelsinger has made extraordinary contributions to his field, and his accomplishments are ones that affect many. But the ministry is especially pleased to commend his example as a faithful Christian leader.Read more about Pat Gelsinger...
December 3, 2015
Ah Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for You... — Jeremiah 32:17
Leadership: Think Different
By John Cunningham From YouTube
A leader can be characterized as capable and competent. They are the one "making things happen." But these are not the only distinguishing characteristics of a Christian leader. Using Matthew 20, John Cunningham, Christian Union ministry fellow at Penn, addresses students at Dartmouth to unpack the mode, motivation and model of distinctively "Christian" leadership...Watch Now >
December 2, 2015
Many athletes find a religious community on campus in one of the 37 recognized faith-based student groups on campus. Getting involved with these groups has given spiritual student-athletes a way to connect with their faiths and find another Columbia community outside of athletics. For religious athletes, faith can help them find the strength to excel on the field—and survive the agony of loss. - Catie Pellerin, Columbia Spectator A recent article in the Columbia Spectator, the university’s newspaper, explores spirituality in the lives of athletes at Columbia. Christian Union’s ministry at Columbia is highlighted: Senior Joshua Foster, a wide receiver on the football team, grew up in the Methodist church as the son of a pastor. For him, that meant finding time for church every Sunday in between his practices and games. At Columbia he continued to attend church on his own. Soon thereafter, he was introduced to Jim Black, the director of undergraduate ministry for Columbia Faith and Action. Since its inception, CFA has been tightly linked to Columbia’s athletic community. Black estimates that 30-40 student-athletes are involved with CFA today—and the ministry now offers athlete specific Bible studies to fit their demanding schedules.
November 19, 2015
After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice:
“Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb." — Revelation 7:9-10
What Happened to Harvard?
By Peter Greer and Chris Horst From Q Ideas
"Harvard was founded to prepare ministers of upright character," Derek Bok, president at Harvard University (1971–1991), penned these words in his annual letter to the Harvard Board in 1987. Candidly, he examined the storied history of America’s most prestigious university...Read More Here >
November 16, 2015
To Change the World: The Irony, Tragedy, & Possibility of Christianity in the Late Modern World
November 5, 2015
Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. — Psalm 73:25-26
To Change the World: The Irony, Tragedy, & Possibility of Christianity in the Late Modern World
By James Davison Hunter From The Trinity Forum
How does real culture change happen? Dr. James Davison Hunter, a sociologist who is the LaBrosse-Levinson Distinguished Professor of Religion, Culture, and Social Theory at the University of Virginia and a Senior Fellow at the Trinity Forum, addresses Christian assumptions about power, culture, culture change, and public engagement in a 30-minute lecture followed by 30 minutes of Q&A...Listen Now >
October 30, 2015
Christian leaders have been influencing the world for millennia. While the full impact of their work can never be truly measured, many leaders have already made their mark in history, bequeathing the ensuing generations with wisdom and examples to inspire and guide them. One such figure is 18th century British abolitionist William Wilberforce. Known and noted for his devout Christian faith, William Wilberforce led the anti-slave trade movement in Britain during the 18th century. Just three days before his death on July 29, 1833, Wilberforce learned that the Slavery Abolition Act – which would free almost all the slaves in the British Empire – would pass through parliament.
October 21, 2015
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." — Matthew 5:14-16
Effective Prayer
By Qwynn Gross From YouTube
What can we do to ensure that our prayers are effective? Christian Union Ministry Fellow at Princeton Qwynn Gross uses the Bible to show that by praying God's will, our prayers will always be heard... Watch Now >
October 14, 2015
by Wayne GrudemI believe that Christians should seek to influence civil government according to God's moral standards and God's purposes for government as revealed in the Bible (when rightly understood). But while Christians exercise this influence, they must simultaneously insist on protecting freedom of religion for all citizens, a right that is rightfully embedded in our First Amendment.
October 14, 2015
Gains New Editor-in-Chief
In the fall semester, Brown sophomore Nicholas Chuan will take over as editor-in-chief of The Cornerstone Magazine, a student-run, Christian literary and arts magazine. According to the Singapore native, the Bible teaching and leadership development provided by Christian Union's ministry on campus has helped shape his worldview and equip him for his new leadership role."The in-depth and rational look Christian Union takes toward various issues, such as sex and spirituality, has given me a model to think about issues within the Christian worldview," said Chuan. "Christian Union Bible courses have given me a deeper understanding of the Gospel and how to live it out as a student."October 14, 2015
Three Historical Developments Explain How We Got Here
by Ryan T. AndersonIn recent political memory, religious liberty was a value that brought together conservatives, libertarians, and progressives. As recently as 1993, the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act was passed by a nearly unanimous Congress and signed by a Democratic president. Today, the same value is a political liability. Bakers, photographers, and florists are being ruined, adoption agencies shuttered, and schools threatened with loss of accreditation and nonprofit status. So what happened? Why is religious liberty now losing so much ground?As I explain in my just-released book, Truth Overruled: The Future of Marriage and Religious Freedom, three historical developments explain our current predicament: a change in the scope of our government, a change in our sexual values, and a change in our political leaders' vision of religious liberty. An adequate response will need to address each of these changes.October 14, 2015
Christian Union Hosts Senior Sendoff
As the class of 2015 prepared to graduate, Don Weiss, Christian Union's ministry director at Harvard College, emphasized the need for seniors to keep Christ as their foundation in their new ventures."There's nothing that compares to being able to say 'It is well with my soul,'" Weiss told students during the ministry's gathering to honor seniors on May 1. "Your house is going to stand with Jesus underneath."October 14, 2015
Christian Union at Dartmouth Hosts Art Showcase
Christian Union's ministry at Dartmouth sponsored an eclectic art showcase on campus this spring.Students expressed their talents through a variety of forms, including visual arts, rap, and dance. With each brush stroke, dance step, and beatbox rhythm, God's creativity was expressed as the students shared their gifts."I believe that God is an artist," said Ian Chaffin '15.October 14, 2015
Longtime Friends, Colonial Figures Agreed to Disagree
by Catherine ElvyAn 18th-century evangelist whose legendary oratory skills helped ignite the Great Awakening across two continents also played a role in the creation of the University of Pennsylvania.George Whitefield, one of the most touted spiritual figures of the U.S. colonial period, preached to as many as 10 million spectators across North America and the British Isles, according to Christianity Today.Along the way, Whitefield enlisted Benjamin Franklin as his printer and publicist in the colonies in the early 1740s. Collaboration between the longtime pals helped birth a forerunner to Penn a decade later, though the pair differed on the role of faith in early American higher education.October 7, 2015
For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the Lord made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before Him; strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.— Psalm 96:4-6
Has Science Buried God?
By John Lennox From RZIM
In a lecture at Rice University last week, renowned Professor of Mathematics John Lennox, from the University of Oxford, tackled the question, "Has Science Buried God?" Professor Lennox is a tremendous communicator and thinker in the area of faith and science... View Now >
September 24, 2015
Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Yours is the dominion, O LORD, and You exalt Yourself as head over all.— 1 Chronicles 29:11
Renewing Christian Friendship
By Wesley Hill From Christian Union's Ministry at Harvard
Professor Wesley Hill, of Trinity College, addresses the value and potential in friendship that often goes unrecognized in the modern Christian community. Professor Hill gave this talk at Christian Union's leadership lecture series at Harvard... Listen Now >
