Technology has become the talk of the town lately at Montreat College. You see recently we have launched Montreat as a brand. Part of the launching has taken place on the new Montreat website. The new website is definitely different. I haven't fully decided how I feel about it yet. It look neat but I don't know now professional it looks. I'll tell you one thing, it took a little while to learn how to navigate it to where I need to go for classes and what not, but I feel that might just be because I was used to the old website. It is full of color and shows the character of Montreat for sure. It has a woodsy feel to it which is a testament to where our school is located; in the beautiful Appalachian mountains.
Don't take my word for it, navigate your way over and take a gander at it yourself and let me know what you think about it.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Technology and Faith
I must admit. I've never really thought of the integration of faith in technology. I can absolutely see a great need for it! However, I have never taken into consideration what technology should mean for a Christian. That being said, "Faith and Technology: Toward Integration for Christian Higher Education" was an interesting essay to read.
If we, as Christians, could take back the internet, or at least start to make our presence known, the world would slowly start to become a better place. I'm not talking about Facebook "like my status for Jesus" stuff that you see if you "like" Jesus Christ on Facebook. We need to step into our identity and start really make a difference within technology. Why can't we have Christian adds, or even meaningful ads, on the side of every webpage instead of half naked girls advertising some really ridiculous thing no one really needs? We need to get the word our and be bold in our faith.
God's command to "rule over and subdue" the Earth, and to "till and care for" the Garden of Eden established humankind's dominance upon the Earth. This dominance led to the thought that all of nature was intended for human use. The creation and use of technology is seen by technological optimists as a natural extension of the cultural mandate given in Genesis.This is a really interesting and confusing way to think about technology. Like I said I've never really thought about it and in my technology based courses here at Montreat we haven't talked about it. I guess I've just taken technology for granted, actually I know I have. That being said, I like what the authors of this essay have to say about technology. The idea the technology is an extension of the human dominance God has given us is makes sense and frankly just makes me want to take back what is rightfully ours. With all of the technology out there taking over our lives, this article makes me want to proclaim what is ours as Christians. The internet alone is completely corrupted and now that we can access it from basically any where and most people are on it for the majority of the day our world is becoming more and more corrupt.
If we, as Christians, could take back the internet, or at least start to make our presence known, the world would slowly start to become a better place. I'm not talking about Facebook "like my status for Jesus" stuff that you see if you "like" Jesus Christ on Facebook. We need to step into our identity and start really make a difference within technology. Why can't we have Christian adds, or even meaningful ads, on the side of every webpage instead of half naked girls advertising some really ridiculous thing no one really needs? We need to get the word our and be bold in our faith.
Integration Within One's Self
"What is a Christ-centered Organization or University?" by David L. McKenna is very similar to another article that I wrote about earlier, which discussed the importance of integration of faith and learning. McKenna focuses more on the importance of students insuring their own integration at school.
Here at Montreat, every student is required to take a class based on the integration of faith and learning, IS 102. In this class we discuss the importance of knowing what your worldview as well as integrating your faith and learning as you see fit. This class was really important for me coming in as a freshmen and not knowing fully what integration looked like. It lines up with what McKenna has to say to some extent.
Both have the idea that integration of faith and learning lies primarily in the hands of the student. One must choose how much they want their faith to be integrated into their learning. In IS 102 we learned that one can integrate their faith into their learning by simply centering their papers, class assignments, and homework around Christ and their integration can end there. We also learned that one can go deeper than that with their faith integration. One can completely dive in and integrate their faith in every aspect of their college careers. They can be intentional in their relationships and strive to seek out God in all they do. This is ideal and what we should try to do.
Here at Montreat, every student is required to take a class based on the integration of faith and learning, IS 102. In this class we discuss the importance of knowing what your worldview as well as integrating your faith and learning as you see fit. This class was really important for me coming in as a freshmen and not knowing fully what integration looked like. It lines up with what McKenna has to say to some extent.
Both have the idea that integration of faith and learning lies primarily in the hands of the student. One must choose how much they want their faith to be integrated into their learning. In IS 102 we learned that one can integrate their faith into their learning by simply centering their papers, class assignments, and homework around Christ and their integration can end there. We also learned that one can go deeper than that with their faith integration. One can completely dive in and integrate their faith in every aspect of their college careers. They can be intentional in their relationships and strive to seek out God in all they do. This is ideal and what we should try to do.
Integration--How Important is it?
"The integration of faith and learning is at the essence of authentic Christian higher education and should be wholeheartedly implemented across the campus and across the curriculum." David S. Dockery
Integration of faith and learning is an important ideal to look for in a college, but how much and what kind of integration should we be looking for is the important question. This answer is different for every student. This is the point David S. Dockery is trying to get across in his article "Integrating Faith & Learning in Higher Eduction." He points out that almost every higher education school in America was founded on Christian/Biblical views but are now falling more than short of their founding ideals. Dockery says that this falling short is cause because the academy has a lack of world view which is allowing for more secularization.
In my opinion, Dockery is entirely correct. If Christian colleges don't start staying true to their values and original biblical morals, soon there will be no more faith integrated higher education institutions. Sadly, I feel I have seen this happening within Montreat College lately. Granted Montreat doesn't admit students based on their faith, but it is important for students without faith to be reprimand for their actions the same way students of faith would be. It is great that anybody can be accepted to Montreat but we should all be held tot he same standards in athletics, academics, and otherwise.
Integration of faith and learning should be found in every aspect of a school. Everyone should be on the same page from the staff to the board of trustees. If everyone is not on the same page and doesn't share the same beliefs and ideal, the school is eventually going to struggle. Granted, this is an extremely hard thing to do because not everyone can know everything going on. Montreat's professors integrate faith into their curriculums fairly well, but I feel that integration stops at the professors. This is an unfortunate thing because we be even more tight as a community if it went past that.
Integration of faith and learning is an important ideal to look for in a college, but how much and what kind of integration should we be looking for is the important question. This answer is different for every student. This is the point David S. Dockery is trying to get across in his article "Integrating Faith & Learning in Higher Eduction." He points out that almost every higher education school in America was founded on Christian/Biblical views but are now falling more than short of their founding ideals. Dockery says that this falling short is cause because the academy has a lack of world view which is allowing for more secularization.
In my opinion, Dockery is entirely correct. If Christian colleges don't start staying true to their values and original biblical morals, soon there will be no more faith integrated higher education institutions. Sadly, I feel I have seen this happening within Montreat College lately. Granted Montreat doesn't admit students based on their faith, but it is important for students without faith to be reprimand for their actions the same way students of faith would be. It is great that anybody can be accepted to Montreat but we should all be held tot he same standards in athletics, academics, and otherwise.
Integration of faith and learning should be found in every aspect of a school. Everyone should be on the same page from the staff to the board of trustees. If everyone is not on the same page and doesn't share the same beliefs and ideal, the school is eventually going to struggle. Granted, this is an extremely hard thing to do because not everyone can know everything going on. Montreat's professors integrate faith into their curriculums fairly well, but I feel that integration stops at the professors. This is an unfortunate thing because we be even more tight as a community if it went past that.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Why The Treat?
The question I get most often here in Montreat, North Carolina is, "How did you find Montreat?" This is normally followed by, "Why did you come here?" These questions aren't exactly surprising for me being that I'm from Vacaville, California. They aren't really that hard to answer either.
"How did you find Montreat?"
Well, the story really isn't all that interesting though it is very exciting for me (or at least it was when it all went down). As it turns out, coming to Montreat was a total 'God thing'. I am a volleyball player, and for all intensive purposes, it is what motivated me most to go to college. I would never have admitted that fact when going through the college search, and I still won't admit that to my parents. I have always been motivated academically (except for that minor case of 'senioritis' last year) and knew college was the right and most intelligent choice, but sports have always motivated me to the core. God obviously knows that and sent Coach Mooberry's interest my way. She contacted me to play volleyball here at Montreat College and it just so happened that at the time Montreat also had my major, elementary education. Since this all first happened things have changed drastically, but ultimately I know the circumstances were perfect at the time to get me here, which is exactly where I have needed to be.
"Why did you come here?"
What now?
Things have changed here at Montreat quite a bit. Tragedy struck a little bit following Christmas break. People have been laid-off, others have been left dealing with the drama of their majors being cut, and still more and left questioning the stability of Montreat College as a higher education institution. The one constant in this is my God and the way he has worked in me. I have been left fearful of what is to come, but I know God has a plan and that even in my weakness and fearfulness, he is mighty and courageous. I will be here at Montreat next year working as an RA in Anderson Hall, playing volleyball for a new coach, as well as being a student and putting my all into my academics. God is present on this campus and that is apparent. In our hardships he will be strong and give me the strength to get through.
Monteat Volleyball playing IWU.
"How did you find Montreat?"
Well, the story really isn't all that interesting though it is very exciting for me (or at least it was when it all went down). As it turns out, coming to Montreat was a total 'God thing'. I am a volleyball player, and for all intensive purposes, it is what motivated me most to go to college. I would never have admitted that fact when going through the college search, and I still won't admit that to my parents. I have always been motivated academically (except for that minor case of 'senioritis' last year) and knew college was the right and most intelligent choice, but sports have always motivated me to the core. God obviously knows that and sent Coach Mooberry's interest my way. She contacted me to play volleyball here at Montreat College and it just so happened that at the time Montreat also had my major, elementary education. Since this all first happened things have changed drastically, but ultimately I know the circumstances were perfect at the time to get me here, which is exactly where I have needed to be.
"Why did you come here?"
The 'why' in this situation is pretty easy. I chose to come to Montreat College because I felt called here. As simple as that explanation is, I was terrified to pick up everything and move across the country by myself. God has called me to be here right now and I am truly happy with where I am in my life right now. Playing volleyball at the collegiate level has been an incredible experience and I have grown to love college for everything it has to offer, not just the athletics and not so tasty cafeteria food.
What now?
Things have changed here at Montreat quite a bit. Tragedy struck a little bit following Christmas break. People have been laid-off, others have been left dealing with the drama of their majors being cut, and still more and left questioning the stability of Montreat College as a higher education institution. The one constant in this is my God and the way he has worked in me. I have been left fearful of what is to come, but I know God has a plan and that even in my weakness and fearfulness, he is mighty and courageous. I will be here at Montreat next year working as an RA in Anderson Hall, playing volleyball for a new coach, as well as being a student and putting my all into my academics. God is present on this campus and that is apparent. In our hardships he will be strong and give me the strength to get through.
Monteat Volleyball playing IWU.
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