Fox News journalist encourages students to stand firm in faith

Fox News contributor and columnist Todd Starnes encouraged Liberty University students and 2,400 College For A Weekend (CFAW) guests to stand firm in their faith, despite cultural pressure, during Friday’s Convocation.

President Jerry Falwell introduced Starnes, calling the journalist a good friend and a familiar face on the Convocation stage. Falwell also honored his wife, Becki, on her 50th birthday, with flowers and a birthday cake.

This is the second time Starnes has spoken in Convocation, the first being in October 2014.

Starnes said he was glad to be back at Liberty and commended the crowd for its commitment to influencing culture through faith.

“You folks here in this arena are some of the bravest and most honorable people that I know,” Starnes said. “As we wage this battle for the heart and soul of our great nation, I am mighty proud to share a foxhole with the great patriots at Liberty.”

During his speech, Starnes talked about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, three biblical heroes from the book of Daniel who did not fall to pressure from the king to bow down to an idol. Starnes said he believes Christians today face similar moments where they must choose between the government and their faith. But despite what Starnes called a “grim landscape” for religious liberty, he still has hope.

“I believe that God saw fit to give our nation a second chance,” Starnes said. “The reason I believe that is because of young men and women like you, the believers here at Liberty University who are unafraid to stand resolute in the face of this very dangerous culture.”

Starnes said a journalist’s job is to find the truth, and as he closed his message, Starnes offered those sitting in the Vines Center an opportunity to find the truth in Christ.

“Jesus can radically change your life,” he said. “Invite Him into your heart this morning and He will give you purpose, meaning, and direction.”

Starnes received a standing ovation.

After Convocation, Starnes met with more than 20 journalism students from the School of Communications & Creative Arts during an hour-long Q-and-A session.

During the talk, Starnes encouraged students to take responsibility for mistakes they will make in their professional careers.

“I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my career and best thing to do is fess up and take responsibility for your actions,” he said.

Freshman Abigail Bowman said she was grateful to hear from Starnes in Convocation and in the student discussion. Bowman said what stuck with her was how Starnes encouraged students to be genuine.

“I think it’s wonderful that we get the opportunity to hear from Christian professionals at Liberty,” she said.

Senior Jordan Jarrett, a journalism major, walked away from Starnes’ talk feeling encouraged.

“When I tell people I’m majoring in journalism, I get a variety of responses,” she said. “Hearing about how (Starnes) puts his faith first in his profession really empowers me.”

Students were able to glean wisdom from another communications professional this week; Hollywood producer Phil Cooke spent time meeting with students from the School of Communication & Creative Arts Thursday and Friday and was also the featured speaker at the Ann Wharton Lecture Series Banquet Thursday night.