Pepperdine Graphic

Akela Newman

The Devotion of a Stained-Glass Window – Currents Magazine Spring 2015

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Photo by Shawn Jones The most beautiful thing I’ve ever witnessed is a person living for something greater than themselves. Beauty is born when a person embodies the intentionality and care in which he or she was created. The person who reflects their Creator in action and in speech is like a great masterpiece — displaying their beauty and alignment to their Creator, … [Read more...] about The Devotion of a Stained-Glass Window – Currents Magazine Spring 2015

Riding the Wave of Change

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I’m not into labels, but I do believe in equal treatment and equal opportunity for women, especially when it comes to the issue of sharing something as wonderful as surfing. If that makes me a “feminist,” then I’m OK with that. However, I also believe that women have a different position out in the waves than men do — style tendencies and varying biological strengths make a … [Read more...] about Riding the Wave of Change

Part II: There is a Difference between Islam and IS

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Editor’s note: This is the second of a two-part series exploring the differences between Islam and IS. Read part I here.  The Problem with the Western Perspective Western media has not done a good job representing the Muslim population in a balanced or even accurate manner. The impact of that neglect has been very negative in terms of the treatment of Muslims and … [Read more...] about Part II: There is a Difference between Islam and IS

Part I: There is a Difference Between Islam and IS

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Art by Sacha Irick Editor’s note: Read the second part of this piece in next week’s issue, which will be published Nov. 13. As a Christian, I am appalled at the horrendous persecution of my brothers and sisters by the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (aka IS) as well as the brutal genocide of minorities and the horrific abuse of women and children. As a friend of … [Read more...] about Part I: There is a Difference Between Islam and IS

Kurdish Warrior Women Confront the Islamic State

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Art by Sacha IrickTheir culture is one that most Westerners perceive as valuing conservative, subordinate women. While this may be true of many places in the Middle East, Kurdish women have forged beyond boundaries placed on their gender. These modern-day Joans of Arc are reshaping Middle Eastern culture through their resistance to the rampant destruction by the militants of … [Read more...] about Kurdish Warrior Women Confront the Islamic State