The Spirit at IU

5 minute read

The word “spirit” can be such an obscure term. Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary lists fourteen definitions. Here are a few:

1. an animating or vital principle held to give life to physical organisms
2. a supernatural being or essence: such as a. capitalized: HOLY SPIRIT b. SOUL c. an often malevolent being that is bodiless but can become visible specifically: GHOST d. a malevolent being that enters and possesses a human being
3. temper or disposition of mind or outlook especially when vigorous or animated in high spirits

Today, in our secular and materialistic age, we often hear the word used in phrases like “school spirit”. Or we speak of someone being in “good spirits”.

For those of us who are Christians, we believe that God is a Spirit. Specifically, we believe that God is the Spirit. How does Scripture help us understand this?

The Word at IU

5 minute read

Christianity is a religion of words. That may be an odd statement to some. Isn’t every religion a religion of words? It is true that most major religions have some texts they consider sacred. Islam has the Q’uran, Judaism the Talmud, Hinduism the Vedas, and the Buddhists the Tripitakas. Various offshoots of Christianity, such as Mormonism, too have texts they consider holy alongside the Bible. Even religions that don’t have organized sacred texts rely upon oral traditions for their practices and beliefs.

Rich Men North of Richmond

9 minute read

No one knew anything about Oliver Anthony a week ago, but he has sure made a splash on the internet. His song, Rich Men North of Richmond (lyrics below), was released just seven days ago on Youtube, and it currently has over 15 million views. If anyone was curious, the culture wars are not behind us. Take a look:

The Father at IU

3 minute read

Does Indiana University have a “father”? On January 20, 1820, the infant state of Indiana (admitted into the union in 1816) passed a law to establish a state seminary in Bloomington. One of the trustees commissioned to establish the school was a man named David H. Maxwell. A physician by trade, Dr. Maxwell became a vocal supporter for the founding of a state college in Bloomington after his move to the small town in 1819. That same year the first church in Bloomington was also founded at his personal home. Due to his substantial influence in founding the seminary, Dr. Maxwell has often been called the “father of Indiana University”.

A Soul That Will Never Die

4 minute read

Welcome to Indiana University! Whether you are a freshman this year or a grizzled old senior, I hope you’re excited to be back in Bloomington and back at IU. There are many good reasons to attend college, and there are many good reasons to come to Indiana University. But before classes begin, you should ask yourself an important question: why are you here?