Inspire, Winter 2001

Inspire 5 What Does it Mean to be Human? C edarville University hosted the seventh annual Conference on Bioethical Issues, “What Does it Mean to be Human? A Christian Perspective in Bioethics,” on November 1. Co-sponsored by Mount Vernon Nazarene College, the conference featured Kerby Anderson, president of Probe Ministries International. In his first session, Anderson spoke on “Personhood at the Beginning of Life,” which focused on abortion, fetal tissue experimentation, and stem cell research. His second session centered on “Personhood at the End of Life,” discussing euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide. Key to Anderson’s presentations was his focus on the moral questions posed by modern technology and how Christians can be involved in the public debate on these issues. A graduate of Oregon State, Yale, and Georgetown, Anderson is the author of several books (including Living Ethically in the 90s and Moral Dilemmas) and nationally-syndicated editorials. He hosts the radio program “Probe” and frequently serves as guest host on “Point of View” (USA Radio Network) and “Open Line” (Moody). Another Enrollment Record C edarville University welcomed more than 850 new students to its campus as the academic year began. “We anticipated approximately 750 freshmen and more than 100 transfer students to arrive,” said Roscoe Smith ’82, director of admissions. “We had a record undergraduate enrollment of approximately 2,925 students for the Fall Quarter. This is our 11th consecutive record enrollment. Enrollment has increased more than 40 percent in the last decade and application volume for entry to the institution has increased nearly 85 percent during the same period.” Roscoe emphasized that the school’s fall enrollment marks the 23rd record enrollment in the 24 years that Dr. Paul Dixon has served as Cedarville’s president. “Those years include the late 1970s and early 1980s when many colleges and universities suffered declining enrollments due to demographic trends. Under Dr. Dixon’s leadership,” he stressed, “Cedarville’s enrollment has increased by more than 140 percent.” Campus of Prayer O ne of the traditions of Cedarville University is the Fall Quarter Day of Prayer. This year’s October 31 prayer services were especially meaningful, considering the many burdens on people’s hearts following the terrorist attacks. The day was packed with opportunities to grow near to God through intercession. The events began with a Concert of Prayer, involving student-led worship intermingled with ACTS (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) prayers. More prayer ensued in the extended chapel hour, followed by a message from Reese Kauffman, president of Child Evangelism Fellowship ® . Kauffman challenged listeners to pursue a focused, persistent prayer life. Throughout the day, the University family gathered in special-focus prayer groups which included “In Prayer with the Psalms,” “Using Scripture to Guide our Prayer,” “Praying for our Nation, our President, his Advisors, and the Military,” and “Practicing the ACTS of Prayer.” The theatre was also open for private, silent prayer time.