Torch, Winter 2012

W inter 2012 V olume 32 N umber 2 C edarville U niversity is a C hrist - centered learning community equipping students for lifelong leadership and service through an education marked by excellence and grounded in biblical truth . cedarville . edu 1-800- cedarville Features Every Issue A Culture of Fear 2 by William E. Brown, Ph.D. When culture is immersed in fear, hope is the countercultural answer. In Search of Solid Ground 4 by Robert G. Parr, Ph.D. In a society built on a shifting foundation, we long to structure our lives on something more secure. The Politics of Fear 8 by Mark Caleb Smith, Ph.D. Whether it’s personal security or the economy, political leaders know how to use fear to their advantage. Beyond the Hype 14 by Jeff Gilbert A 24/7 news cycle creates urgency to get the story, not necessarily to get the story right. Captured by Awe 20 by Robert Rohm, M.R.E. Fear isn’t always something to be, well, feared. In the right context, it can lead to reverence, worship, and awe. Looking for the Blessed Hope 24 by Robert Gromacki, Th.D. As a result of Jesus’ resurrection, even death has lost its sting. Viewpoints 18 Words of Truth 22 Make the Most of 28 the Opportunity Digging Deeper 33 Campus News 34 Cedarville Connection 36 Editor Joel Tomkinson Managing Editor Carol Lee Publication Designer Carrie Savage Photographer Scott Huck ISSN 1093-4618 Torch is published twice a year by Cedarville University. Subscriptions are free of charge in the United States and Canada. Please direct inquiries, address changes, and subscription requests to: Torch , Cedarville University 251 N. Main St., Cedarville, OH 45314 cedarville.edu/torch torch@cedarville.edu 1-800-766-1115 Cedarville University supports the highest environmental market standards in paper use and printing. Winter 2012 | TORCH 1