Perspectives

Twelfth century Christianity was in a bad way. While the whole society was Christian in name, almost no one had sincere piety, passionate desire for God or living and transformative faith. The very institutions set apart for holiness had become a mockery of their original intent; instead of serving and devoting themselves to prayer, the monasteries were rolling in wealth and … [Read more...] about New Monasticism seeks to revive wayward Church

Sept. 11: It is a date that lives in so much infamy, we use it in place of the actual event. This Sunday marks the 10th anniversary of those horrific attacks and the infamous date on which they occurred. A decade has passed since all of America watched in astonishment as a previously unthinkable atrocity brought New York’s twin towers to the ground. Children born that day are … [Read more...] about 9/11 revenge mindset must evolve

As responsible students, I am sure you are all no strangers to financial planning, student loans, and the sad reality of credit card payments. No doubt you track stock progress hourly, eagerly studying the debt crisis and drafting solutions you faithfully mail to the Capitol. What’s that? Your debit card just got denied? You’re overwhelmed with bank statements you can’t … [Read more...] about A Tale of two debts: The debt ceiling debate gets relevant for college students

Each year, students ask me to write letters of recommendation for them for jobs or graduate school or for leadership positions here at Pepperdine. Most of the time I can say without hesitation, “Sure, I’d be thrilled to.” But occasionally I have to have an unpleasant conversation where I say, “Well, you did really well on the tests, and I know you’re incredibly smart”—here’s … [Read more...] about Good 'citizenship' habits now yield better recommendation letters later