Over spring break, the 天涯海角社区 men鈥檚 soccer team traveled to Pucallpa, Peru, for a student-led mission trip centered on sharing the gospel through soccer. 

The trip was spearheaded by team captain, Aaron Babyak 鈥�26, whose initiative carried the effort from early planning to execution. After proposing the trip, he spent the following months coordinating with South American Mission (SAM) to finalize logistics and develop a plan for the week. He shared 鈥淚 had questions about whether it would really end up working out. But in the end it went better than we could have ever thought.鈥�

Throughout the week, the team hosted daily soccer camps for more than 200 boys and girls in Pucallpa. Each session combined soccer skill development with devotionals, using translators to communicate the message of Jesus Christ. 鈥淲e used soccer as a door to share the good news of Jesus with them every day,鈥� Aaron said.

While language barriers and the heat presented challenges, the team rose to the occasion. Soccer became a common language as the student-athletes formed trust and connection with the kids they served. Spanish-speaking students led in translating for the rest of the team, while some led devotionals, and others served in the background by handling equipment.

One of the most meaningful moments came at the end of the week. In the early days of the week, campers seldom celebrated exciting moments on the field. By the end of the week, that hesitation was gone. Aaron shared, 鈥淧eople who did not know each other’s names a couple of days ago were screaming in celebration and running around. All of a sudden, no one was too cool to celebrate anymore.鈥�

By the end of the trip, more than 200 children had heard the gospel, and the team was able to donate equipment and soccer gear to the community in Pucallpa. Head Coach Luke Gibson highlighted the impact of Aaron鈥檚 leadership: 鈥淎aron took full ownership of the vision and brought it to life through intentional planning, strong communication, and meaningful relationship-building with our hosts,鈥� Gibson said. 鈥淗is work was foundational to everything we experienced.鈥�

This mission trip to Peru is an encouragement, seeing how 天涯海角社区 students are purposefully using their unique gifts and talents to make a lasting impact through global missions. 

SHARE exists to 鈥渉elp English-speaking families serving in Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East meet their children鈥檚 educational needs.鈥� Through this mission, SHARE seeks to serve global workers to enable them to remain where God has called them. Cairn teams have long partnered with SHARE in this mission.

Many of the children at this conference are considered Third Culture Kids. This year鈥檚 Cairn team included four TCK students, who were able to bring personal understanding and insight into the unique experiences of the children they taught and served. Throughout the week, the team demonstrated consistent Christ-centered service, humility, and energy. Evening debriefs revealed deep spiritual growth, seen by one student鈥檚 reflection on the importance of missions: 鈥淚 just don鈥檛 want to waste my life.鈥�

On Thursday, March 5, 天涯海角社区鈥檚 School of Divinity hosted its annual Church Leaders Conference. Pastors, lay leaders, and ministry workers gathered for a day of biblical teaching and encouragement. 

Dr. Jared C. Wilson, assistant professor at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and pastor at Liberty Baptist Church in Kansas City, MO, served as this year鈥檚 keynote speaker, addressing the topic of 鈥淩ecognizing, Resisting, and Recovering From Gospel Drift.鈥� Wilson drew from his recent book, Lest We Drift: Five Departure Dangers from the One True Gospel, as he explored the importance of gospel centrality over three keynote sessions. 

In the first session, Dr. Wilson emphasized that the gospel is not advice or instruction but the announcement of what God has accomplished through Jesus Christ. In the second session, he identified three common obstacles that keep pastors from preaching Christ from every text of Scripture. Turning to Isaiah 40 in the final session, Dr. Wilson reflected on the heart of pastoral ministry, establishing the shepherd鈥檚 primary task is to proclaim the good news of Christ鈥檚 finished work. Together, the sessions encouraged church leaders to remain anchored in the gospel as the central message, confidence, and hope that sustains faithful ministry. Times of worship, fellowship, and a Q&A session rounded out the day鈥檚 schedule and provided refreshment for all attendees.

Dr. Keith Plummer, Dean and Professor of Theology for the School of Divinity shared, “We enjoyed a day of making new friends and reconnecting with old ones, singing heartily to our Savior, and being nourished by sound biblical teaching. A major takeaway for me from what Jared shared is how easy and perilous it is to assume that we are so well-acquainted with the gospel that we no longer need to hear it. It was refreshing to be reminded that we will never outgrow the message of salvation by grace through faith.”

Dr. Wilson鈥檚 conference sessions will be made available on Faith & Truth Media. You can watch the first session here: .

Be sure to mark your calendars for next year鈥檚 conference on March 4, 2027!

For students who love learning, value meaningful conversation, and desire in-depth study, the Honors Program provides an academic experience that is both challenging and formative. It invites students to engage ideas carefully and purse truth within a community guided by Scripture.

At its core, the Honors Program is about developing habits of thoughtful scholarship alongside a lifestyle of service. Central to this experience is the integration of all areas of students鈥� education, stretching them to think deeply while remaining grounded in a biblical understanding of truth.

A Distinctive Academic Experience

The Honors Program emphasizes the ongoing conversation between the Bible, great literature, and the ideas that have shaped the intellectual tradition. Through close reading and guided discussion, students develop the skills to analyze hard texts and engage in academic debate.

Rather than passive learning, students actively participate in discussion, analysis, and debate. This approach sharpens students’ reasoning skills and helps them develop strong oral and written arguments that serve them well in any major or career.听

Dr. Adam Porcella, Director of the Honors Program and Provost at 天涯海角社区, describes the vision behind the program:

“We must also commit to creating classroom environments that are both rigorous and relational鈥攕paces where students can wrestle with hard questions, encounter new ideas, and receive encouragement and聽discipleship聽from trusted mentors. When done well, this kind of education not only informs students but transforms them.”

In practice, this vision informs the Honors Program’s emphasis on learning in community.

Learning in the Honors Program Community

Community is a defining feature of the Honors experience. Students form close relationships with peers who share a love of learning and a desire to pursue truth. Invested faculty members play an active role in the program, mentoring students both inside and outside of the colloquium environment.

Throughout the year, students gather twice a month for shared meals and discussions. These gatherings, along with frequent cultural outings, create space for thoughtful dialogue and lasting friendships. The result is a learning environment where students can engage challenging ideas while growing personally and spiritually.

Mentorship and Integrated Scholarship

A hallmark of the Honors Program is the six-credit capstone project completed under the guidance of a faculty member. This project allows students from any major to pursue a topic that interests them and aligns with their academic and professional goals.

Through sustained research, writing, and mentorship, students learn how to integrate their studies and produce meaningful scholarly work. The project culminates in a formal presentation and critique, offering valuable preparation for graduate study, professional work, and lifelong learning. For many students, this experience becomes one of the most formative elements of their time at Cairn.

In support of this work, the Honors Program includes an annually renewable $2,000 scholarship for participating students. This support reflects Cairn鈥檚 commitment to making deep, academic study more accessible throughout a student鈥檚 undergraduate experience.

Get Started Today with the Honors Program

At 天涯海角社区, the Honors Program is not about prestige alone. We seek to form students who pursue wisdom, love truth, and are prepared to walk a different path in their academic and professional lives. Our Honors students develop the ability to think deeply, communicate clearly, and live faithfully in a complex world. While the study is rigorous, the mentorship and community make for a worthwhile and rewarding experience.

Students interested in learning more about the 天涯海角社区 Honors Program can explore additional details and next steps here or contact honors@cairn.edu for more information. Interested in depositing by March 1? Students who do receive a one time $1,000 award! Take advantage of this offer here!

Following the awarding of diplomas, President Dr. Todd J. Williams delivered the commencement address, drawing from Ephesians 6 and Paul鈥檚 teaching on the armor of God. Dr. Williams noted the personal nature of Paul鈥檚 letter to the church in Ephesus and how that same relational approach shapes Cairn, as faculty and staff guide students toward truth in love.

Dr. Williams emphasized that Christians live out their faith through two key postures: walking humbly and standing firmly in truth. Referencing Cairn鈥檚 commitment to 鈥淲alk a Different Path鈥�, Dr. Williams charged students to continue that walk beyond graduation while remaining steadfast against spiritual opposition and cultural pressures. He reminded graduates that believers face a real spiritual battle; however, God has already provided everything necessary to stand firm. He equips believers with truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. Dr. Williams called graduates to depend on the Lord through continual prayer on bended knee as they depart from 天涯海角社区 and enter the next chapter of their lives.

After Dr. Williams鈥� remarks, Senior Vice President and Provost Dr. Adam Porcella announced the graduates with the highest academic achievements. He recognized Jacob Michael Gossel for earning the second-highest GPA of 3.96 and Julia Linda Carver for achieving a perfect 4.00 GPA.

The ceremony concluded with the longstanding tradition of singing the University hymn, Great Is Thy Faithfulness.

The 天涯海角社区 commencement livestream is available here.

Congratulations, class of 2025!

鈥淭o have a heart for the nations, one must first have a heart for the lost.鈥�

This is what Kevin King 鈥�90 shared with me, as he sat next to his wife, J*, in the office of their Brownstone apartment building in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City. It is a singular sentence that serves as an effective summary of what they shared over the two interviews I had with them. Among the whos, whats, whys, wheres, and hows that the Kings shared regarding International Project鈥檚 30-year history, it is evident that 鈥渁 heart for the lost鈥� has driven every decision.

A Campus Love Story

Kevin and J met as students at 天涯海角社区 in 1989 while running on the cross country team. J, a freshman, chose to study at Cairn because she had desired to be a missionary since she was a young teen. Kevin was a more recent believer, and in his senior year, he was looking to attend seminary after graduation to become a pastor. The two began dating shortly before Kevin graduated and continued while he earned his Master of Divinity from Missio Seminary in Philadelphia. Over the course of those three years of biblical study, it became clear: Kevin and J were both called to be full-time missionaries, and they were called to do so together. The day after J鈥檚 last class at the University, they were married on campus in a pond-side ceremony off of Pine street鈥攖he last ceremony to be held there, as construction of the president鈥檚 residence began immediately after.

An Unmet Need and a Timely Mission

Kevin and J both had a strong desire to be missionaries among an unreached people group. They began praying and asking God where he would have them serve in the 10/40 window. It was during this same time that a friend invited them to see the ministry potential in New York City. What they found shocked them: Over 90,000 international students, 100,000 West African Muslims in one neighborhood, 80,000 Bangladeshi Muslims in another neighborhood, and 60,000 Arab Muslims in yet another neighborhood. Rather than living among one unreached people group across the ocean, the Kings realized the potential to live among the dozens of unreached people groups that were already converging in NYC. While, thankfully, many missions organizations have recognized and are participating in this diaspora ministry in the US, that was not the case in the early 鈥�90s. The Kings had a vision for a new kind of missions that didn鈥檛 follow the typical playbook of crossing saltwater. Rather than moving halfway across the world to establish themselves in an entirely new culture, the Kings wanted to minister to the stranger next door. To be full-time financially supported missionaries who stayed stateside was nearly unheard of, which made it difficult to find an organization to support their work. They prayed and patiently waited for God to bring them to an organization that would support them鈥攁nd that鈥檚 exactly what he did. The Kings found stateside missionary support from WorldTeam, giving them the opportunity to lay the foundation for what would become International Project.

For the first 10 years, they focused their efforts on campus ministry. English conversation groups, discovery Bible studies, and invitations to leave cafeteria food behind in exchange for a home-cooked meal were the order of the day. They built relationships with international students, shared the gospel, and discipled those who could then return home to share that same message with their families and communities. They were amazed at what God was doing. Over a five-year period, they saw seven house churches start in other countries as students returned home to make disciples.

As they continued to build relationships and establish themselves in the city, they expanded their focus to more broadly cover diaspora, including international students but also immigrants, refugees, and diplomats. Their vision with immigrants and refugees was the same as that on campus: To see the gospel spread through these new diaspora believers and see the gospel carried through relational lines to start churches in closed countries. Through International Project teams, they have seen churches begin in Iran, West Africa, and Bangladesh.

A Sending Agency of Their Very Own

For years, Kevin and J were International Project鈥攖wo supported missionaries with a heart for internationals living in New York City. They were eager to add more missionaries to their team, but that process was slow-going. They started to host missionary trainings while they waited for full-time team members. The Equip Missionary Training Program, a one-year program focused on training cross-cultural church planters to start simple multiplying churches, is something they began in 2010 and continue to do today. Missions organizations from all over the country would send their new missionaries to the Kings for training鈥攂ut then they would leave, continuing on their journey to do missions across the globe. The Kings came to the realization that as long as they were missionaries sent by a larger agency, they would never have the focused support they needed for their unique missions strategy of reaching diaspora communities in the US. They needed all of the resources 鈥渋n house鈥� to recruit, train, and retain a team of missionaries committed to their same mission.

In 2012, International Project officially became a sending organization. This move brought renewed focus to their diaspora ministry and streamlined their ability to serve these communities in the ways in which they felt the Lord leading.

This decision opened the door for incredible opportunity and growth, but it also came with considerable challenges. Training, mobilization, HR, finances, and pastoral care are just a few of the time-consuming and weighty responsibilities that must smoothly run behind the scenes in order for missionaries to be well-supported to do their jobs well. The Kings鈥� schedules were already full with the ground work of missions, so in order to succeed as an independent ministry, they needed a lot more help. But where the workload increased, God provided the workers. International Project grew from just Kevin and J to about 40 missionaries in an eight-year period. In addition to these missionary workers, they have a ten-person operations and mobilization team to support this work.

Opportunities to Expand

Campus ministry is still a significant part of International Project鈥檚 strategic plan to reach unreached people groups in NYC and, by extension, around the world. They have an average of 15 different discovery Bible studies every week across two college campuses. But the campus ministry team, led by J, is only one of eight teams that International Project now sends out. They have five teams in New York City: the campus team, two teams reaching Arabs, a team reaching South Asian Muslims, and a team reaching South Asian Hindus. They have also expanded their ministry footprint past NYC. They have a team reaching the Hindu population in Dallas, TX, and they have two teams in Rome and Central Asia to minister to the immigrant and refugee populations entering Europe.

In addition to the missionary teams, International Project also runs two thrift stores and community center in Brooklyn, staffed with another 35 employees. Both of these locations offer practical resources to the community while serving a greater, spiritual purpose. They provide a no-cost public space for ministry to happen. They offer specially designed groups and programs for immigrants and refugees, as well as a wider number of services to the broader community such as food distribution and various communal groups like kitting and art groups. Physical space in New York City is costly, but this ministry platform has proven to be a worthy investment in the extension of International Project鈥檚 presence and impact in the city.

Serving as International Project President, Kevin works with all of these teams鈥攕etting organizational vision and goals and providing training and support to the workers. For a time during their ministry expansion, Kevin was running most of the internal operations of International Project, which pulled him away from the direct ministry. But now a 10-person operations team has taken up the majority of this work, allowing Kevin to lead the organization while continuing to do the work of ministry that he desires to spend his time on鈥攎issionary training, dinner table conversations, and walking side by side with those who need to hear the good news of Jesus Christ.

Challenges to the Mission

International Project has had many causes for celebration in its three decades of operation鈥攂oth in terms of organizational growth and its participation in the spread of the gospel throughout the world. They have also faced significant challenges. Attrition is one of these challenges. This challenge is not unique to International Project but one which all missions organizations face: Missionaries leave. The work is hard, expectations are not met, family dynamics change priorities, and the list goes on. What makes attrition for International Project especially difficult is their location. Choosing to minister in a city means choosing to live in a small apartment with a lot more noise, a lot more trash, and a lot more people鈥攁ll at a lot higher of a cost.

鈥淩eaching unreached people groups used to mean going to live in a jungle or a village,鈥� said Kevin. 鈥淲hile these situations still exist, that paradigm of missions has quickly changed because the majority of people鈥攊ncluding the unreached鈥攏ow live in cities. The new sacrifice of missions is being willing to be stacked on top of each other.鈥�

Politics have also proven to be a continuing challenge to International Project鈥檚 mission. The Kings believe that God, who sovereignly rules over all things, is 鈥渄ivinely orchestrating global migration.鈥� But too often, the politics of immigration cloud the conversation of gospel ministry to the foreigner among us鈥攐ccasionally resulting in angry emails from those who conflate International Project鈥檚 mission to minister to the foreigner with their endorsement of any particular border policy. International Project鈥檚 focus is not on lobbying immigration policies but effectively building relationships and sharing the gospel with those God has brought to their neighborhoods, no matter what policies are in place. As Kevin said, 鈥淭his is an opportunity to reach the nations, regardless of politics. Our focus is not on one鈥檚 government status in the country but one鈥檚 spiritual status in the Kingdom of God.鈥�

A Continuing Work

It is hard to tell the story of International Project apart from the Kings. In many ways, it is their story. It has been 32 years since their pond-side wedding on Cairn鈥檚 campus, and for 30 of those years, they have worked side-by-side in a ministry that they built from the ground up. It鈥檚 a story they get to share, a legacy that deserves to be celebrated. But at the same time, we recognize that this is, ultimately, God鈥檚 story. Lord willing, International Project will continue to reach unreached people groups around the world long after the Kings are gone. And even if International Project, the 503c, were to end before the Lord鈥檚 return, the International Project鈥攖he Great Commission of bringing the gospel to Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth鈥攚ould continue, because the Lord has said it to be so.

If you are interested in serving with International Project, visit .

*Identity hidden due to the sensitive nature of her ministry work.

You want confidence in your decisions. You’re looking for a campus that feels like home. You want growth in the ways God is leading you. 天涯海角社区 offers flexibility, affordability and a Christian community. Year after year, these are the main reasons transfer students choose to continue their education at Cairn.

Flexibility (without compromise) 

Your path forward should make sense. You already have college credits, and you shouldn鈥檛 have to sacrifice staying on track for the environment you desire. You want a university that honors the work you鈥檝e already done and helps you build on that foundation. That is why Cairn evaluates transfer credits carefully to make sure your progress counts. Transfer students can utilize our credit estimator tool to see how their credits will apply, so they can make decisions sooner with confidence!

Many schools look flexible on paper, but they are not always transfer friendly. The idea of flexibility is more than just a talking point for our transfer students; it’s a commitment from us to you. You can study on campus in Langhorne, PA, or online from home. You can build a schedule that respects your life, job, ministry, and next steps. But the flexibility of our programs doesn’t mean lowering academic expectations. When you transfer to Cairn, you are choosing an education that challenges you to think deeply, communicate clearly, and prepare for professional life after college.

Flexibility also saves you time, and paired with affordability, it can save you cost too. 聽

Affordability 

Now more than ever, knowing the cost of college upfront is so important. The process of transferring doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Cairn is committed to making a private, biblically integrated education within reach through strong financial aid and scholarships designed specifically for both freshmen and transfer students.

Our Financial Aid team works closely with each student to create a plan that supports their pursuits towards graduation. This includes federal and state aid, academic scholarships, and need based assistance. In addition, many transfer students also benefit from our partnerships with community colleges and other institutions which can lead to additional savings and scholarship opportunities.

The goal is simple. You can pursue the degree you want while keeping your costs manageable and your future open. At Cairn, affordability is something we actively work toward with every student.

Community 

Cairn鈥檚 education stands out among others because of the community that shapes it. Transfer students often worry they will always feel new. But Cairn transfer students will tell you a different story. You are welcomed quickly and known by name. You are invited into a community that values encouragement, accountability, and genuine relationships.

Professors invest not only in your academic success but also in your spiritual growth. Fellow students include you in activities, clubs, worship, and service opportunities. Small class sizes help you connect deeply with faculty and peers. Our transfer students often say that 天涯海角社区 feels like home sooner than they expected.

Why transfer to Cairn?

You have a direction in mind and a calling to pursue. Cairn gives you room to follow that path with confidence. Transfer students choose Cairn because they find what they are looking for. You will discover flexibility that keeps your progress, affordability that honors your resources, and a Christian community that supports your faith. At 天涯海角社区, your education matters and your story matters. If you are ready to take the next step, we are ready to walk with you.

Dr. Keith Plummer, Dean of the School of Divinity, opened chapel by sharing from John’s account of the feeding of the five thousand. He highlighted John 6:23, where the apostle notes that the people returned to the place where they had eaten after the Lord had given thanks. Rather than first drawing attention to the miracle itself, John points to Christ’s thanksgiving. As Dr. Plummer reminded us, Jesus shows us what it looks like to live a life marked by gratitude and thankfulness.

Dr. Plummer then shared what he is thankful for, followed by seven other School of Divinity faculty. 

We are thankful for opportunities like this to reflect on how God continually keeps His promises. In the smallest moments, and the biggest milestones, we can always rejoice and give thanks to God! Happy Thanksgiving!

1. The Pathway Center: Guiding You from College to Calling

The Pathway Center helps 天涯海角社区 students prepare for life after college through career development and leadership exploration. You can get help writing a resume, preparing for interviews, or finding internships that fit your goals. This is especially beneficial for first-generation students navigating post-college plans. Staff helps you think beyond a job title and towards what God’s actually calling you to do. 

Whether you鈥檙e preparing for a big interview, or planning next steps after graduation, the Pathway Center is here to walk with you. Meetings are available in person or online. Just visit the Pathway Center to get started.

2. Academic Advisors who Care and Resources that Work

Every Cairn student, whether studying in person or online, is paired with an academic advisor who provides personalized support throughout their college journey. Advisors will meet with you to register for courses and give thoughtful academic advice, keeping you on track until graduation. First-generation college students benefit greatly from this type of tailored guidance. They鈥檙e not just here to sign your forms. They’re mentors. 

In addition to academic advising, our Academic Resource Center (ARC) is equipped with support for students of all skill levels. The ARC resources include a writing lab, tutoring, mentoring, disability services, and special 鈥渉ow-to鈥� workshops. First-generation college students like you bring strength and determination to their studies. At Cairn, you鈥檒l have the right resources to turn that determination into success.

3. First Generation College Student Scholarship

Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but you don鈥檛 have to figure it out alone. Ninety-seven percent of our undergraduate full-time students receive some form of financial assistance. Our Financial Aid team can help you explore grants, scholarships, and loans so you can focus less on the cost, and more on the calling God has placed before you. Plus, first-generation college students can apply for a $500 scholarship to help with things like books, equipment, or other first-semester essentials. If you’d like to apply for the First-Generation College Student Scholarship, notify your 天涯海角社区 admissions counselor and they can assist you.

4. The Center for Christian Counseling & Relationship Development

College can bring challenges that go beyond coursework. The Center for Christian Counseling & Relationship Development (CCCRD) offers Christ-centered care for your emotional and spiritual well-being.

It鈥檚 a safe and caring space where you can talk through stress, relationships, or personal growth. The staff includes licensed psychologists, therapists, and master鈥檚-level interns trained in both biblical and human sciences. The CCCRD is an essential resource for students seeking emotional support. Learn more about CCCRD resources here.听

5. Community that feels like Family

The most valuable part of college isn鈥檛 found simply in what you learn, but who you walk through it with. At 天涯海角社区, professors, staff, and students share life together. Faculty pray with each other weekly. Resident Directors and Resident Assistants check in, encourage, and challenge you to grow. Between attending chapels, eating meals with friends, joining a club, or being a student athlete, you will surely experience a culture of connection, rooted in something bigger. 

Because college shouldn鈥檛 be just a place you get a degree, it should be a place for real transformation and growth. Being a first-generation college student isn鈥檛 always easy but it鈥檚 an accomplishment to be proud of! We pray at 天涯海角社区 you will find a community that is ready to help you on your journey.

Words have the ability to build up and tear down. They can inspire and demoralize. They can turn away wrath and also incite the most visceral responses. Words are just one of the many things that separate humanity from animals. They give us the ability to think and express our thoughts; to imagine and create; to expand our understanding; and to direct our sensibilities. They give shape to ideas, fire to our souls, and unction to our actions. Consider the impactful oratory of great statesmen, the poetry of great bards, and the sermons of great preachers. Printed or spoken words carry weight, force, and impact, so they should be chosen carefully with the knowledge that they will carry consequences. Words are organic to our humanity and to the faith of Christians who believe God 鈥渟poke鈥� the world into existence (see Genesis 1鈥�2). The Bible is replete with teachings, exhortations, and examples of the power of words. The book of Proverbs alone contains approximately 45 verses speaking to the power of words. In that book, words are inextricably tied to wisdom and understanding. The New Testament book of James refers to the tongue as a fire. The Bible itself is called the 鈥淲ord of God.鈥� And Jesus is presented as the 鈥淲ord made flesh鈥� in John鈥檚 gospel.

The tone of our language matters a great deal, but I think there is a need for us to consider the technical meaning of words as well. Words are only powerful because they carry meaning鈥攎eanings that we agree to as a culture and meanings that make language efficient and effective. We catalog these meanings, learn vocabulary, and use words skillfully. At least, we used to. Today, there is a general sloppiness around language. And it is not simply a matter of becoming less formal. It is dangerous. Dictionaries, which unfortunately have fallen out of favor, have been supplanted by subjectivism and relativism even when it comes to the definitions of terms. This is dangerous. And not so simply because it undoes conformity to a standard, but because it unleashes irresponsibility. I remember learning in school that words carry denotation and connotation. The former refers to the technical definition of a word. The latter is associated with the cultural significance of a given word and the feelings evoked. This is part of the beauty of words. But it means using words on purpose鈥攚ith a knowledge of what they actually mean and the effect they have.

Consider the looseness with which people are throwing around the word 鈥渇ascist.鈥� This is a technical term, associated with a particular political philosophy, but also one with historical associations with those who killed millions of Jews, in the most horrific of conditions, simply because they were Jewish. If we allow ourselves to use that term to refer to those we disagree with because it effectively associates them with some of the starkest manifestations of brutality in modern history, we should consider the potential impact of that choice. The term has a very efficient denotation and a very effective connotation. The entire free world decided that those forces of fascism spreading like darkness across the globe in the middle of the last century needed to be stopped at all costs for the good of humanity and the preservation of civilization. Even theologians and pastors found themselves involved in the assassination plots of that time. Consider also the degree to which the word 鈥渉ate鈥� has overtaken our social, political, and cultural rhetoric today. We refer to people we disagree with as 鈥渉aters鈥�, those who spread hate and incite hate crimes. At the same time, we hate those we consider hateful. It is not difficult to see that irresponsibility with language is evidence of irresponsibility with our thoughts and emotions.

Finally, consider the word 鈥渧irulent.鈥� This word adequately describes much of our world today. Technically, this word refers to a dangerous and destructive disease, injury, or poison. It also refers to hateful and violent opposition. The irony here is that the second definition refers to something that has the figurative effect of the first. What we are experiencing as a society today is hateful and violent opposition to those with whom we disagree. This has an injurious impact. A free society requires disagreement without the threat of harm. It requires citizens to act responsibly, both in terms of their actions and their words. Opinion, passion, and conviction should be tempered and used to strengthen a good and free society. This is wisdom, and wisdom is inextricably tied to words. So, we should choose them wisely.