Timeless truths from The Champion that span generations
Editor’s note: We relate past Champion op-eds to the present day. The last five books from the first editorial were omitted for space.
THEN
From the Liberty Champion’s “Read a good book lately?” (Vol. 2, No. 9; February 1985):
The Liberty Champion trades newspapers with many schools. Recently, a college paper included the list of the top (five) best-selling books on college campuses as reported by the Association of American Publishers/National Association of College Stores.
The list follows:
1. “In Search of the Far Side,” by Gary Larson.
2. “Pet Sematary,” by Stephen King.
3. “The Robots of Dawn,” by Isaac Asimov.
4. “Poland,” by James A. Michener.
5. “The Far Side Gallery,” by Gary Larson.
NOW
With midterms being over, now is the time to sneak in some pleasure reading before all the homework and assignments pile back up again. Here is a reading list of more recently published books (with a couple oldies thrown in) for the college student looking for a reprieve from their textbooks:
1. “Station Eleven,” by Emily St. John Mandel.
2. “Pilgrim’s Regress,” by C. S. Lewis.
3. “The Gospel Comes with a House Key,” by Rosaria Butterfield.
4. “And Then There Were None,” by Agatha Christie.
5. “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” by Suzanne Collins.
While reading for pleasure instead of for classes is most certainly enjoyable and allows for intentional rest, it also allows for distraction from projects that need to be finished. Be sure, dear student, to remain diligent in your studies and a good steward of the work that you’ve taken on.
THEN
From Tony Virostko’s “Fiction turns to fact” (Vol. 3, No. 8; October 1985):
Science fiction eventually becomes reality. Whether it’s men walking on the moon or space stations orbiting the planet, science fiction of the past has become the reality of the present. In recent months a science fiction of the physical kind has taken place.
Reminiscent of the old “Six Million Dollar Man” and the “Bionic Woman,” doctors have been experimenting with artificial body parts. …
Just how far the artificial body parts industry will go is still unclear. If there will be limits, some questions must be answered first. …
Christians with foresight will honestly seek answers to these. …
Until then, science fiction will continue to become reality, and possibly the nightmare we fear.
NOW
With the creation and widespread popularity of ChatGPT, the manufacturing of self-driving cars, our increasing dependence upon technology, etc., our society looks more and more akin to something straight out of one of Isaac Asimov’s novels. For Christians, these pieces of technology proffer some very unique opportunities for engagement.
Venture, “an online platform for new Christians seeking guidance and support as they embark on their spiritual journey,” provides visitors with a tailored, digital experience aimed at helping the young believer grow in their faith.
This AI-assisted discipleship tool is still undergoing tests, but nonetheless, it’s an interesting concept. As Christians, it’s important that we weigh the costs and benefits of a “discipleship” program such as this.
Anyone could argue that this program is not biblical nor an accurate representation of discipleship. As more and more science fiction becomes reality, it is imperative that we use critical thinking to discern what is right, true, of God and useful, and what is not. As for me, I’ll be waiting quietly in my fallout shelter for Christ to come back.
Glen is an opinion writer for the Liberty Champion
