Inspire, Spring 2004

What’s Abuzz I n the classic movie “His Girl Friday,” Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell portray newspaper journalists with a cutthroat approach toward reporting the news. Their lying, obstructing of justice, kidnapping, and blackmail seem so natural in the environment of the newsroom. Politicians bluster and bully, but they tremble when the two threaten to print the truth about corruption. The immense power they possess over what happens in their city is an assumed truth – even in 1939. Many journalists have a political or social agenda underlying their work. Merely reporting the news is boring compared to the expansive platform they have to shape public opinion about issues. From a biblical perspective, some agendas are noble while others are troubling. Recently I heard a Washington, D.C. journalist recite an old quote, “Every day I wake up trying to figure out how to bring the government down.” The explosion of the journalistic enterprise has left American culture breathless. Not too long ago, journalism was limited to the printed page. Now the Internet, 24-hour news channels, and talk radio provide inescapable coverage and commentary. The members of the Fourth Estate are essential to our well-being as a nation, but their power goes undetected by the average person. How can Christians make a difference in journalism? Do we jump right in with our own agendas and go toe-to-toe with those fighting against the biblical worldview? Or do we try to rise above them at their own game? Whatever we do, Christian journalists must be distinguished by excellence, truth, and justice. They recognize that whatever they do, they are doing as unto the Lord (Col. 3:17). Therefore, their writing and reporting is of the highest quality. Excellence in technique is evident in their work. Further, what is communicated must be the truth – the whole truth. Reporting of facts and statements must be fair in what is said and what is not said. Christians, of all people, must think deeply and broadly about life and the world and be able to see what others cannot. Finally, justice and fairness must be the trademark of the Christian journalist. Their worldview may be questioned by outsiders, but no one should ever be able to question their character. The power wielded by journalists can be used for good or evil. Christian journalists have the great opportunity to provide the light of understanding for a world groping in darkness. May our Lord raise up many to share a byline with Him. 6 Spring 2004 D.A. Carson Speaks at Staley Lecture Series Dr. D.A. Carson, research professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (Illinois), served as the guest speaker for the Staley Distinguished Christian Scholar Lecture Program in February. His theme was “Emerging or Submerging? Doing Church in a Postmodern World.” For his three-day visit, Dr. Carson spoke on “Will the Real Emerging Church Please Stand Up?”, “Evaluating A Complex Movement,” and “A Biblical Meditation on Experience and Truth.” He also interacted with the University family through a Q&A session and a time of fellowship with Bible majors. A graduate of Cambridge University, Dr. Carson is an expert in many theological areas, including Pauline theology, Postmodernism, and questions of suffering and evil. He has served as a pastor and professor at churches and schools throughout Canada and the United Kingdom. Dr. Carson is also a prolific author, having written or edited more than 45 books. His book The Gagging of God: Christianity Confronts Pluralism won the 1997 Evangelical Christian Publishers Association Gold Medallion Award in the category of theology and doctrine. Cedarville University thanks the Thomas F. Staley Foundation for making this annual lectureship program possible. Audiocassettes are available from CDR Radio by calling 1-800-333-0601. Sharing God’s Byline President’s Pen Dr. Bill Brown President Cedarville University