Gasping For Hope

Why are we experiencing such a glorification of dark stories in current culture? Why, even here at Covenant College, do professors assign many dark (depressing, shocking, gory, sexual, etc.) stories for students to read? Where are the stories that show true joy and happiness?

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On the Bare Foot

We’re all familiar with feet. For some, they represent a platform for now-ubiquitous sneaker culture; for others, they are the primary mechanism of athletic and transportative activity. Some view the foot as an intimate phenomenon to be politely concealed; others, a badge of naturalistic bravado.

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Advice for the Undecided

Amidst the record number of freshmen this year, many have not nailed down which major to specialize in. Instead of picking one, you might have assumed the seemingly shameful title of “undecided.” Maybe you did declare a major but are not passionate about it. You might be worried about making money or just generally unsure.

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Five Things Not to Say to Ukrainians

At Covenant, there are currently four full-time students from Ukraine. We all speak positively about our experience at Covenant, yet there are a few things said to us that bring frustration. The purpose of this article is not to critique Americans but to improve communication and explain our reaction to seemingly harmless questions. In fact, despite being frustrated, we often choose to ignore the way a question is formulated and look at the good, curious motivation behind it. This article is intended to raise awareness of misguided questions which are easily preventable once explained. So, here is the list of particular comments and explanations as to why we don’t like hearing them:

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Redefining Service: A Defense of Mark 10:45

I was recently reminded of the inconsistency of my own opinion. A few weeks ago, I prepared to submit a scathing review of the Mark 10:45 service program to the Bagpipe. My main arguments hinged on the hypocrisy of the term “mandatory service” and the failure of Mark 10:45 to encourage service. But after a quick read and a short conversation, my judgmental opinion unwound almost completely. Skimming the Bagpipe’s latest publication, I found Luke Walter’s article on “The Conflict of Mandating Service.” It tells the familiar story of many Covenant students: Mark 10:45 is presented to the student body as a beautifully wrapped package of altruism and selflessness, complete with a biblical bow. Upon unwrapping, it reveals itself to be nothing more than a scam for indentured service.

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Christian Reflections During Ramadan

As of sundown on Sunday, March 10, the official Islamic holy month of Ramadan began for Muslims in the West. It will last until Tuesday, April 9. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is considered holy by the nearly two billion Muslims worldwide because it is the month during which, according to Islamic belief, Muhammad first received revelation from God in 610 AD.

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