value to give back to those who ministered unto them. Thus, when Christians cared for them, they demonstrated the unconditional love of the One who was the Father of the fatherless and the Bridegroom of the church. Today, we can share the same kind of love with the millions of unwanted unborn children across the globe. To advocate on their behalf is to practice true religion. Regarding the second principle, advocacy changes when we follow the One who calls Himself the Truth. Unfortunately, it has become standard advocacy practice to care more about winning than ensuring that truth prevails. This sort of view is shortsighted and fails to consider that immediate victories prove meaningless if they deny the objective truths that provide the long-lasting foundations of freedom and civility that Christ wants for us. But this is why the Institute partners so well with Cedarville’s communication department. Here, we have both the passion to defend the defenseless and the tools that students need to build persuasive truthful arguments and shape the culture. As Eric Mishne ’08, Assistant Professor of Communication, puts it, “We study persuasion and advocacy in order to know how to ethically and biblically persuade people to consider and hopefully accept the message God has laid on our hearts. We work to change people’s attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors to make them more like Christ.” Advocacy is not just a theoretical concept at Cedarville. Students have spent thousands of hours gaining hands-on experience in real nonprofit organizations in the pro-life arena as well as many other fields of ministry where the hands and feet of Jesus are needed. The Defending Life Summer Institute continues that long established tradition at Cedarville of putting others before ourselves, and we are glad to be pioneers in pro-life education. Roe and Casey may be overturned, but now 50 state legislatures must be convinced that the child in the womb is one of us, a human being for whom Christ died and for whom life is therefore a basic human right. This is why we love our neighbor. This is why we speak for the unborn. This is why we advocate. Andrew J. Harris is an Associate Professor of Communication at Cedarville University. He earned his PhD in communication from Regent University. COMMUNICATION § Credit Hours – 128 (including general education and major courses) § Terms – 16-week semesters § Program Delivery – on campus § Completion Time – typically 8 semesters § Concentrations § Advocacy Communication § Organizational Communication § Strategic Communication “ My communication degree and the encouragement from my professors have helped me in my professional career more than I could have ever imagined. My communication courses taught me invaluable skills like public speaking, op-ed writing, and thinking strategically about organizational structure and culture. I am grateful for professors pushing me and guiding me toward excellence throughout my college career and beyond.” Moriah (Woodall) Johnson ’21 Communications Coordinator, The Heritage Foundation “ The organizational communication program at Cedarville gave me a very broad and solid foundation as I launched into my career. My professors invested in me both professionally and personally, and I graduated with the tools that allowed me to be successful. Among the valuable skills that my major provided was a strong emphasis on both written and verbal communication. I was able to learn, grow, and thrive at Cedarville and allow God to use me for His glory!” Jason Atwell ’98 Regional Vice President of Sales, Erickson Senior Living “ The communication department prepared me for a dynamic and impactful career in public communications. From writing books to making speeches to hosting various podcasts, my craft and my spirit were honed by people who love the Lord at Cedarville University!” Dannah (Barker) Gresh ’89 Best-selling author, founder of True Girl, and co-host of Revive Our Hearts GET TO KNOW THE MAJOR To learn more about the Defending Life Summer Institute and register, go to cedarville.edu/defendinglife. 12 | Cedarville Magazine
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