Justin Whiting
Staff Writer
A group of faculty members and their friends are meeting on campus to examine what it is like to be a modern Christian in Los Angeles.
The group was founded by Rod Leard, project manager of Facilities, Management and Planning at Pepperdine. Leard is a member of the Church of the Brethren, and since the closest Brethren church is in Glendale, he was interested in forming a local fellowship that would meet occasionally. He started an informal group to discuss current issues and ideas with people with similar interest and beliefs.
“Our group centers around what it is to be a Los Angeles Christian,” said Dr. Doug Swartzendruber, professor of biology and member of the group. “We discuss major issues such as peace, justice, reconciliation, current events and politics. We also explore what it is to be an active peacemaker.”
The group attracted Dr. Richard Hughes, professor of religion, because he had an interest in related faiths that stress higher education and peace. Hughes had friends from northern Indiana who went to the same Mennonite College as Swartzendruber.
“We focus on how a Christian should react to contemporary issues such as politics and even movies,” Swartzendruber said. “The group trades off leadership each week so everyone has a chance to talk about what each member thinks is important or pertinent.
“Our meetings are mostly personal sharing, devotionals and meditation,” Swartzendruber added. “I see our group as being more like Sunday school.”
Because there are not Mennonite or Brethren churches nearby, the group has attracted many people outside of the Pepperdine community. Some members drive from as far as West Los Angeles and Glendale to attend meetings. All together, the meetings normally have a core group of 12 to 15 members. Often friends or interested faculty members stop by and experience the meeting.
This month the group has discussed the platforms of political parties and examined each in reference to Christian beliefs. They looked at all the propositions that were voted on Tuesday. They also discussed the controversy over an advertisement that ran in the Graphic about how God is neither a Democrat nor a Republican.
Meetings are the third Sunday of every month in the faculty dining room, and are open to anyone regardless of denomination or age. Meetings begin at 5 p.m., although many arrive early for conversation and snacks.
11-04-2004