Blog

Written By: Marissa Kusayanagi

In the middle of the summer there comes a time when you need to refresh and unwind from all the travel.  As someone who loves to travel, of course, my idea of relaxing is going on another trip. In my opinion, if you want the perfect combination of relaxation and exploration, Canada is the best place to go.

My last big trip of the summer season was to Vancouver and Banff, which was the perfect combination of city and nature. I am here to encourage you to take a trip to Canada whenever you can, and also to share the best places to stop when you are there.

Vancouver 

Capilano Suspension Bridge is a top tourist spot, and even though I like to avoid the busy tourist areas, this is a place you need to visit. There is one main bridge that crosses over a beautiful river and then countless other walkways. Each little bridge will lead you to a new tree with a spectacular view. And the best part is, there is a student discount!

Main Street is an area that will provide you with everything you need! If you love coffee, donuts, vintage shops or healthy drinks, then you MUST stop here! Cultivate Tea is a beautiful little tea shop that you will come across if you are walking down Main Street. The kombucha is made with a green tea base, which produces some very delicious flavors. Don’t forget to buy a handmade teacup from their selection – it is the perfect gift for a friend or for yourself!

49^th and Parallel might be the cutest coffee/donut shop in the area. After you order your fresh donut and pick up your coffee in a teal cup, sit down at the window seats to enjoy the view of the city. Or turn around for a front row seat of watching people make the delicious donuts.

Banff / Canmore 

There are not enough words to describe the beauty in Banff, Canada. If you ever get to travel to Canada you will experience the feeling of awe and wonder as soon as you enter the city. I stayed in Canmore, which is a city outside of Banff and would highly recommend it to anyone traveling to the area. There is a short drive from Canmore to Banff but it is worth every second. Canmore offers the small town feeling with local shops everywhere. With so much to see in Banff, I am going to discuss some of my favorite stops.

Lake Louise

As most people may know, the lakes in Banff are overwhelmingly stunning and there are plenty to visit. Lake Louise is by far the most popular lake with water that is a milky blue. You won’t be able to take your eyes off the water. If you want an even better view, you can hop on the Bee Hive Trail to overlook the lake.

Lake Moraine 

Each lake in Banff offers something a little different, which is what I love about Canada. A little hike will get you to the perfect view of Lake Moraine to gaze upon the incredible turquoise water. With the mountains stretching across the back of the lake, you will want to sit for a moment and take the scenery in.

Ha Ling Hike

First off, this hike was absolutely EXHAUSTING and extremely challenging. But, the view was worth every grueling minute of the very steep hike up. Ha Ling is about a ten minute drive from the downtown area of Canmore.

Johnston Canyons 

My final stop of the week in Banff was to the Johnston Canyons. An easy hike will guide you along the jaw-dropping waterfalls with crystal blue water at the bottom. You might want to bring a rain jacket because you will get a little wet!

With the perfect playlist at hand and your hiking boots always ready, you can have the trip of a lifetime!

Written By: Marissa Kusayanagi

Over the past year, an awakening has occurred concerning equal rights for women in a way that has sparked attention across the country. The media took hold of this movement for women, and eventually, so did the entire nation. Hollywood, pop stars, hotel employees and so many more joined the movement. Women started to walk out of their homes and their offices with heads held high because of this flame that ignited in the country. Time Magazine released an edition with the cover featuring leaders in the #MeToo movement.¹ The “Person of the Year” was not one individual but multiple women, known as “The Silence Breakers”. Countless women shared stories of mistreatment in the workplace and this sparked a fire in the hearts of many.

As the country begins to move in the direction of being a safe space for women in the home, public sector and workplace, I began to wonder what this means for the church. The Christian Church is divided in countless ways, but especially in regard to the role of women within its four walls. I grew up in a church in Southern California where women were accepted into leadership roles, but that was not the case when I moved to the Bible Belt. New to a different culture, I began to realize women did not have leadership roles and were sometimes not allowed to voice opinions. There are numerous arguments on where women belong, what their title should be, and who they should be allowed to lead. All of these issues are worth evaluating and digging deeper into what the Bible says is vital, but there is a simpler issue at hand (is this issue feminism?).

Feminism is a movement, a principle, and a voice for the advocacy of equal rights for women. There have been four “waves” of the feminist movement; each one represents a different point in history where women fought for rights. The women’s suffrage, which occurred in the nineteenth century, is known as the first wave of feminism.² The second wave of feminism took place in the 1960s-70s, where women were concerned about economic and social justice.² In the mid-1990s women created the third wave, which promoted intersectionality within the feminist movement.² As women began to include intersectionality, they started to realize that all of the issues in regard to feminism needed to be in the public eye. Women started to speak out about mistreatment in the work place and body image, which turned into the fourth wave of feminism.

Modern day feminism may be perceived differently than the past, but the same passion is behind the movement today – equal freedoms for women. In the beginning of this discussion I mentioned different feminist movements or promotions that occurred in the public sector. As aforementioned, Time Magazine released their annual issue, Time’s Person of the Year, with the women who spoke out about abuse in the workplace.¹ The famous magazine chose “The Silence Breakers” as the most influential group of people for the year. Following the magazine issue, Time released a book called, Firsts: Women Leaders Who Are Changing the World, to highlight women all over the world and their accomplishments.³ The book and web series identify these individuals as the first women to achieve a high status in their field of work. For example, Serena Williams was recognized as the first tennis player to win 23 Grand Slam singles and Nikki Hailey the first Indian-American woman to be elected governor.³ The nation took hold of this movement and realized that women being in leadership is rare. Today, 20% of Congress and 23% of the Senate is female.⁴ Only 39 women have held the position as governor and currently there are six female governors in total.⁵ There are currently 23 women as CEO’s of Fortune 500 companies.⁶ These numbers are mentioned to express how women in leadership roles are still unique, but there is a hope to increase those numbers. As the nation moves toward creating a space of freedom for women in leadership and professional settings, the church seems unsure about this movement.

When it comes to the church, there is a slow and quieter uprising for women, as female leaders are beginning to take on the challenge. Beth Moore is an example of a woman that is fighting this daily battle in the church today. She is a Christian author and speaker who is familiar with the issues at hand. Each woman in the church possesses a different story that contributes to the overall heart behind this issue. Beth Moore published a blog, A Letter to My Brothers, to call upon the men in the Christian Church and challenge them to see where the principles are wrong.⁷ She explained her uncomfortable interactions with men in the church and the ways they disappointed her. Beth Moore encouraged the men of the church to see women as equals and to embrace them into conversations.

Q Ideas is an organization that advocates for Christians to discuss challenging and uncomfortable conversations. The goal of Q is to create a space for thought-provoking dialogue about culture, social issues, and various other topics. This summer, they started a new campaign called “Q Questions”, where they ask important questions and let leaders answer. One of the questions was “How Can We Stop Objectifying Women?”, and there are few discussions that dig deep into the roots of this issue.⁸ A popular Christian author and speaker, Jefferson Bethke, spoke on the objectification of women in the church. He said a profound phrase, being “the culture can exploit the female body but then Christian culture can say, just hide the female body”.⁹ The Christian Church is allowed to tell women what not to wear because it is her responsibility to keep men from stumbling. As a teenager, I was told countless times to cover myself up with the sole purpose to protect my Christian brothers. I entered college and agreed to follow a dress code surrounded by the conversation that men needed protection. From my perspective, this created a culture within the church that women were the source of men’s temptation and that women are objects of sin. In his speech, Jefferson Bethke also mentioned the importance of viewing the human body as a representation of God and not a “vessel of sin”. A woman is constantly hearing that she needs modification or alteration but the last place she should hear that is in the Church. I believe that the Church should embrace women and allow them to walk with freedom instead of shame.

There are plenty of churches across the world that fight for women to be extremely involved in the church. Blue Ridge Community Church in Lynchburg, VA, is an example of a church that champions women each day. I actually took a piece of Pastor Woody’s sermon and wanted to explain the Biblical perspective in regard to feminism.

Often times in church doctrines, people will speak upon the Scripture found in Ephesians 5:22, “Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:22, New International Version). People in the church forget to look at the verse before Ephesians 5:22. In Ephesians 5:21, Paul speaks to the church of Ephesus and says, “submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” (Ephesians 5:21, New International Version). Why does the Church claim that women are immediately inferior to men? Paul clearly explains that there is a mutual submission between man and wife.

More importantly, Jesus Christ was known as a man that defied the culture and engaged with women. Jesus knew women were considered worthless beings but ignored what the world defined as worthy. Women were constantly involved in Jesus’ time on Earth and were known to have close relationships with Him. An important piece of Scripture is in John 20, when Mary visits the empty tomb:

He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?

Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”

Jesus said to her, “Mary.” (John 20:13-16, New International Version).

The first woman to see Jesus rise from the tomb was Mary, a woman, the most unlikely individual to be used in the specific encounter. The testimony of women in the courts at that time were not considered valid, so why of all the people would God use Mary? Jesus Christ loved men and women the same; He believed they all were worthy of His love.

The goal is for the conversation about women to change. Women are capable of being leaders, but most importantly are seen as equal to men in the eyes of God. My hope is for women to walk into a church and feel empowered by the men in the room. No, this might not be easy, but the conversation must change if the church wants to make an impact in the culture of today.

My prayer for my brothers and sisters in Christ:

Allow space for one another to lead in the church. Empower each other, like you would empower your children. Love more and criticize less. Create space in the church for growth, conversation and a transformation.

Sources

1. http://time.com/time-person-of-the-year-2017-silence-breakers/
2. https://femmagazine.com/feminism-101-what-are-the-waves-of-feminism/
3. http://time.com/collection/firsts/
4. http://www.cawp.rutgers.edu/women-us-congress-2018
5. http://www.cawp.rutgers.edu/history-women-governors
6. http://fortune.com/2017/06/07/fortune-500-women-ceos/
7. https://blog.lproof.org/2018/05/a-letter-to-my-brothers.html
8. http://qideas.org/Questions/this-summer-how-can-we-stop-objectifying-women
9. http://qideas.org/questions/how-do-we-stop-the-objectification-of-women/
10. Holy Bible, NIV

Disclaimer: Student Activities uses intentionality with the details of the content we write about. As always, we seek to engage with and review what is happening in our culture in order to interact with it in a godly manner, which is why we do what we do. If you have any questions/concerns, feel free to email studentactivities@liberty.edu!

Music

Ty Segall and White Fence – Joy

Punch Brothers – All Ashore

This week is promising for those who tend to stay off the beaten path. Ty Segall and White Fence joined forces to create an alternative garage rock album. Fans of folk music, check out Punch Brothers 5th studio album, All Ashore.

Movies

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again

Far from the Tree – Documentary

This week will be quiet as far as movies go, but hey, you can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life. Mamma Mia! is back and ready for you to sing along!

Television

Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind (HBO) – 7/16

Mountain Men (History) – 7/19

The 2018 ESPYS (abc) – 7/20

This week is packed with new series premieres and shows returning to your screen. For a feature length look at the life and legacy of the late comedian Robin Williams, check out

Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind. If you’re looking for the toughest reality show on TV, look no further than Mountain Men’s season seven. For all you sports fans, the 2018 ESPYS will be live on Friday. Check back in next week to see what’s coming up in music, movies, and television!

Written By: Kay Torres and Marissa Kusayanagi

London, England 

Kay: This summer, Marissa and I were lucky enough to take a trip to four different cities in Europe. Our first stop was London, England. With over eight million people living there, it is one of the most hustling and bustling cities in Europe. With London being our first stop on the trip, I arrived with bright eyes ready for a new adventure – so this part of my experience might be a little biased because I saw London through rose-colored lenses! From the museums to the sights, the city has preserved their rich history in such an incredible way.

London is a multicultural metropolis with a mosaic of cuisine, colors, languages, faiths, and cultures that make the city energetic and refreshing. There are so many sights to see in London, and luckily the public transportation there is incredibly easy to navigate. There are stops within walking distance of each major tourist spot! Some of my favorite spots around the city were Westminster Abbey, Kensington Gardens, Covent Gardens, Borough Market and Hyde Park. On our first day in the city, we were lucky enough to get a glimpse of the Queen of England as she was visiting Westminster Abbey for the opening of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee galleries, which features artifacts from the Abbey’s 1000-year history. Seeing the Queen of England was such a remarkable beginning to our time in London.

One of my favorite spots in London was Borough Market. It has a similar vibe to Pike Place Market in Seattle with local vendors ranging from food to flower arrangements. It was an open outdoor market with a gazebo-type covering that houses over a hundred vendors. Borough Market is the oldest food market in London, as it has been around for a thousand years. There is so much to see at Borough Market, such as fresh fruit being squeezed into juice and small-scale artisan producers bringing their goods to the market. Borough Market is another reflection of the diversity of London. The Market provides a place for local goods, but also for cuisine from cultures around the world.

Lastly, you must visit Brick Lane! We stayed at an Airbnb in this part of London and quickly realized it is an eccentric and flourishing part of the city. It is definitely a growing part of London with many young professionals moving in. This influx of people has furthered the rise of specialty coffee shops, bars, and boutiques. European coffee shops are very similar to restaurants in the States, as they have a full-service kitchen and encourage you to sit and have a meal there. My personal favorite coffee shop in Brick Lane is  Nude Coffee Roasters; they are a full-service coffee shop with their roastery across the street. They open their roastery to the public during cuppings or educational workshops. All their coffee is sourced ethically and ensures that their relationships with farmers are sustainable. Brick Lane’s Vintage Market is open from Thursday-Sunday, and it was hands down the best vintage market I have ever visited!

Hop on the Tube (or Underground, as some call it) and explore this diverse city, full of culture and cuisine! Don’t forget to try a classic English scone while you’re across the pond, you won’t regret it!

Paris, France 

Marissa: As I journeyed across the pond, I sat on a train that left the glorious city of London and moved toward the infamous Paris, France. There were countless sights, museums, and cuisine that I anticipated as I sat on the train, but nothing could compare to what I experienced. The architecture of the buildings was by far the most fascinating and inspiring part of my trip to Paris.

The Eiffel Tower is as incredible and jaw-dropping as you would expect. As I walked up to the immeasurable tower I could not even begin to fathom the enormity of the metal structure. Something that is a MUST on your Europe bucket list is visiting the Eiffel Tower at night, but beware of the thousands of rats that come out! Make sure you wait for the Eiffel Tower to shimmer – it happens every hour once it is dark.

The Louvre, one of the most popular art museums in the world is located in Paris and cannot be skipped. I must warn you, the museum is enormous and it is almost impossible to see everything in a day, so if you are in a hurry make sure you see the Mona Lisa. Follow the arrows to get to her and if you get a chance there is a café with balcony seating that overlooks the glass pyramids.

Grab a baguette and a blanket, sit under the Eiffel, pick up a cup of espresso, and don’t forget to see the Mona Lisa. There is so much to see and experience but make sure you find ways to really connect with the people around you.

Gent, Belgium 

Kay: Our next stop was Gent, Belgium, which is the second most populated city in Belgium and just an hour outside of Brussels. We had less than twenty-four hours in Gent – it was our break from all the larger cities. Although we spent the shortest amount of time there, it was definitely one of my favorite parts of the trip.

Gent is the quaintest city we stayed in, but the quaintness does not inhibit the fullness of culture and history there. Gent’s historical heritage has remained intact for hundreds of years, which makes a great deal of their architecture unique. My favorite part of Gent is their attention to “ecotourism”. Gent is committed to the environment and they want to encourage tourists to limit their impact on the environment. To achieve this goal, the city is very accessible by walking, bicycles, and green public transportation. Their city centre is a car-free area, encouraging use of the aforementioned modes of transportation. As a tourist, I easily understood why the residents of Gent love this growing city. Like Amsterdam, there are canals that connect the city, and these canals encourage tourists to take boat tours to see the city from a different perspective.

You can tell by the restaurants there that Gent’s attention to the environment is not just a fashion trend, but a way of life. In 2009, Gent launched “Thursday Veggie Day”, where they encourage their citizens to only eat vegetables on Thursdays. There are markets located all over the city that range from your typical farmers’ markets to flower and book markets. My favorite meal was at a small local café (Carmen Soep) that is owned by a local woman who opened it less than a year and a half ago. She prepped and cooked all the meals by herself, and the meal I ordered was simple yet delicious.

In the short time we were there the people we encountered were incredibly hospitable and kind, they had a plethora of Belgian waffles to choose from, and don’t forget to grab some chocolate for your friends back home. If you’re planning a trip to Belgium, skip Brussels and head over to Gent!

Amsterdam, The Netherlands 

Marissa: If you are a fan of vegan meals, vintage shops, and riding your bike, then Amsterdam is the perfect city for you. I can easily say Amsterdam was one of my favorite cities that I visited in Europe. Amsterdam has an entirely different atmosphere than London or Paris because people are extremely health-oriented. Our first Uber driver mentioned how vegetables are a staple in Dutch cuisine and that you will experience the healthy eats everywhere you go in Amsterdam.

We made our first stop in Amsterdam at a café called Pluk, because how can you pass up smoothie bowls and fresh avocado toast? Pluk was the perfect way to start off our visit in Amsterdam. The restaurants and boutiques really embody the feeling of the city. We walked in and immediately there was fresh fruit and vegetables to our right, sitting under a window that brought in light to the shop. As we looked over the counter, there were countless fresh baked good likes a matcha cake and carrot cake. Handmade goods surrounded the walls of the café along with plants, and sunlight was beaming into the room. Freshly made food and drinks kicked off the day perfectly for us, especially after a long morning of traveling.

Our next stop was the Anne Frank house, which is pretty much required if you ever visit Amsterdam. The tickets are cheap and it was by far the most incredible experience I had in Amsterdam. We walked through each room of the house and listened to an audio recording of everything that occurred in the home. Pictures, letters, and Anne Frank’s journal are pieces saved for people to enjoy as they walk through the house.

The Dutch-inspired city is home to the Canal Ring, a network of intersecting waterways, that surrounds Amsterdam. Canals were used in the Golden Age for trade purposes and architectural development, which created expansion in the city. Amsterdam is a unique city with vibrant colors, the feeling of home and the pursuit of culture. A city home to hundreds of different ethnicities creates a welcoming atmosphere for any visitor.

Music 

Florence + The Machine – High as Hope

The Essex Green – Hardly Electronic

If you are in need of some soulful indie rock check out Florence + The Machine’s new album “High as Hope”. For the fans of psychedelic rock with a pop-flare, The Essex Green will provide you will all the vibes you need with their new album “Hardly Electronic”.

Movies 

Recovery Boys – Netflix Original

Woman Walks Ahead

Hover

If you are a fan of documentaries, Sci-Fi, and drama then these movies will keep you entertained this week, whether you are at home or have a movie pass!

TV Shows – 6/29

Masters of Illusion (CW)

Churchill’s Secret Agents: The New Recruits – Season 1 (Netflix)

This week there is a wide variety of TV show releases that will keep you watching all week long! If you are a fan of illusionists then the CW’s Masters of Illusions is for you! For any history enthusiasts or lovers of action and a little drama you don’t want to miss the Netflix original – Churchill’s Secret Agents: The New Recruits.

Grab a bag of popcorn or your headphones because this week is filled with fresh jams and binge-worthy entertainment. Check with us next week for new weekly releases!

Disclaimer: Student Activities does not explicitly promote the albums/television shows/movies we write about. As always, we seek to engage with and review what is happening in our culture in order to interact with it in a godly manner, which is why we do what we do. For more information about movies/music that we do promote, check out our FAQ page!

This week is jam packed with a wide variety of new releases! Check out new music, movie, and television releases that will be available this week below.

Music: 

Best Coast – Best Kids

Dawes – Passwords

Kamasi Washington – Heaven And Earth

Fans of pop rock, be sure to check out Best Coast’s upcoming album “Best Kids”. Dawes is representing the folk rock world this week with their new album “Passwords”. Any and all fans of jazz should look no further than Kamasi Washington’s album “Heaven and Earth”.

Movies:

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom

The Catcher Was A Spy

The King

You can read more about each of these movie previews and more here.

TV Shows: 

Shades of Blue: Season 3 (NBC) – 6/17

The Proposal (ABC) – 6/18

Yellowstone (Paramount) – 6/20

The Great British Baking Show: Season 5 (PBS) – 6/22

Marvel’s Luke Cage: Season 2 (Netflix) – 6/22

This week offers a wide variety of genres. Fans of police and crime shows will enjoy the new seasons of Shades of Blue and Marvel’s Luke Cage. If you still dream of growing up to be a cowboy, check out Yellowstone for your western fix. Fans of NBC’s The Bachelor, be sure to check out The Proposal for your reality TV needs. Finally, The Great British Baking Show is airing their original first season as their “Season 5”, that was never available in the US – be sure to check it out if you’re a fan of cooking shows.

Be sure to check in next week for some new releases, and let us know what you think about this week’s at @libertysa on social media!

Disclaimer: Student Activities does not explicitly promote the albums/television shows/movies we write about. As always, we seek to engage with and review what is happening in our culture in order to interact with it in a godly manner, which is why we do what we do. For more information about movies/music that we do promote, check out our FAQ page!

Written By: Clay Copper

If your summer is anything like mine, it’s a daily mission to cram as many activities into your day before your body falls asleep on you. Whether you’re trying to survive a 10-hour road trip or you’re finally unpacking your bag at home, here are a handful of podcasts to keep your brain awake.

Gastropod:

Gastropod is a podcast series that “looks at food through the lens of science and history”. Whether or not you are a foodie, this podcast will catch your attention. Whether they’re breaking down the science of Seltzer water (fans of La Croix be sure to check out the December 13, 2016 episode “Getting’ Fizzy With It”) or discussing the history of feeding our troops (April 27, 2018), listening to co-hosts and journalists Cynthia Graber and Nicola Twilley interview experts, visit science research labs, and even go on archaeological digs is truly eye-opening. Check it out here: https://gastropod.com

This Cultural Moment:

If you’re looking for something a little more serious than food talk, This Cultural Moment may be just the thing you’re looking for. This Cultural Moment is an open dialogue collaboration between pastors John Mark Comer and Mark Sayers. The podcast aims to teach practical lessons on “Following Christ in a post-Christian world”. These guys are incredibly insightful and are very good at making deep theological discussions easy to understand. Whether they’re discussing what it means to live in a post-Christian world, Secularism, or personal struggles like anxiety and digital overload Comer and Sayers are filled with wisdom and offer it in an easy to listen manner. Check it out here: https://thisculturalmoment.com

Typology:

For those of you who are interested in the Enneagram and want to learn more, Typology is a great resource. Host Ian Cron discusses the human personality and how gaining a deeper understanding of yourself can lead to a healthier life spiritually, mentally, and even physically. Bringing in guests like Bob Goff and “Science Mike” McHargue, the conversations are practical to everyday life and offer insight to why we think the way that we do. Gaining a deeper understanding of the Enneagram not only helps you understand yourself to a higher degree, but it also helps strengthen personal relationships as well. No matter how well-versed a listener may be in the Enneagram conversation, this podcast meets you where you’re at. Check it out here: https://www.typologypodcast.com

Stuff You Should Know:

If you are the type that likes to know random facts, or maybe you enjoy a high stakes game of trivia, Stuff You Should Know podcast is for you. With episode topics varying from how a pinball machine works to how antibacterial soap works; this podcast is filled with all the random knowledge you didn’t know you needed. Stuff You Should Know is a great podcast for road trips, a quiet evening in, and everything in between. Check it out here: https://www.stuffyoushouldknow.com/podcasts

Disclaimer: Student Activities does not explicitly promote the albums/television shows/movies we write about. As always, we seek to engage with and review what is happening in our culture in order to interact with it in a godly manner, which is why we do what we do. For more information about movies/music that we do promote, check out our FAQ page!

A new week brings another Friday, which means new music, movies, and shows! Here are a few things to look forward to this Friday!

Music (6/15):

5 Seconds of Summer – Youngblood

Mayday Parade – Sunnyland

This week is going to be pretty nostalgic, with new music from Mayday Parade. 5 Seconds of Summer is also set to release their third full length album, making Friday a happy day for pop fans!

Movies:

Incredibles 2

It’s going to be a quiet week for noteworthy movies, but Incredibles 2 has received high scores and is a timely addition to the classic original.

Television:

Gordon Ramsay’s 24 Hours to Hell and Back (FOX) – 6/13

12 Monkeys Season 4 (Scyfy) – 6/15

The Ranch Season 5 (Netflix) – 6/15

All around a pretty quiet week in terms of new media releases, but there are still some goods to check out this week. Check back with us next week for some new releases, and let us know what you think about this week’s at @libertysa on social media!

Disclaimer: Student Activities does not explicitly promote the albums/television shows/movies we write about. As always, we seek to engage with and review what is happening in our culture in order to interact with it in a godly manner, which is why we do what we do. For more information about movies/music that we do promote, check out our FAQ page!

Written By: Kay Torres

92% of 18-29 year olds own a smartphone, and it is estimated that we as ‘millennials’ check our phones over 80 times a day. Our technology usage has become habitual, an automatic behavior that we are no longer aware of. As I’ve written these two sentences I’ve already checked my phone three times. Anyone else guilty of scrolling through Instagram and minutes later realizing you didn’t consciously open Instagram? Given how much time we spend using technology, it is definitely plausible that it has affected our understanding of relationships. The way Christ has called us to be present and relational is constantly changing under the influence of technology.

As humans, we are called to create and technology is intended for good because it allows us to explore creativity in a way that generations before us never could. Technology has allowed this generation to push the boundaries to understand culture in ways we never did. It has given a voice to those who were silenced before the rise of social media – from social issues to funny memes we are constantly up-to-date through technology.

Technology also allows us to communicate like we never have before as we can now share experiences within seconds and grow relationships with people thousands of miles away. But, without balance, our use of technology can be extremely dangerous. Technology separates us from the people near us. The moment we take out our phones it disconnects us mentally from the people around us and we are mentally no longer engaged with us those close to us.

Just as we have created technology, we must be mindful that technology can also re-create us. Are we consciously removing ourselves from the present when we pick up our phones? Are we conscious that our presence matters? How do we live well in the midst of technology?

How is technology shaping your attitudes and behaviors? How does it affect the relationships around you?

The idea of presence is so unique to us as believers. John 1:14 reads “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory,” Christ became flesh to be present with us. It’s incredible to think that the King of all Kings became human flesh to be present with us. In this society of absence, we as believers are called to be fully present. Our capacity to be fully present is entirely correlated to our relationship with technology.

Our presence matters. Our presence affects the world, and this culture that we live in. In this world of absence, we must be conscious that Christ has called us to be present. Our generation is so desperate for presence but we continue to look for it all the wrong places.

Go outside. Take a walk. Talk to your family and friends. Find the beauty in being fully present with the people around you. We are called to be in personal relationships, to foster an environment through valuing the people God has placed in our lives. Instead of increasing your follower ratio, deepen those relationships. Engage with the people around you, and remember that your presence is a present.

References:

http://qideas.org/videos/why-presence-matters/

http://qideas.org/articles/the-moral-dimension-of-technology/