On Thursday, Jan. 19, Dr. Tim Ross, minister at Hopwood Christian Church, stepped up to the podium with his advice on how to carry ourselves through what has proven to be an extremely controversial political election.
Ross first acknowledged the problems our country has been facing, such as debt, violence, poverty and racial tensions. He pointed out that to solve these problems we often look to our political leaders for help.
According to Ross, citizens are looking to President Trump to save American industries by providing jobs, securing the United States and destroying ISIS. Ross compared these high expectations to those of biblical Israel’s Messiah, how they hoped he would conquer the Romans and bring Israel riches and power.
In his sermon, Ross outlined three ways students could unite as citizens of Christ to “be the change that they wish to see” instead of solely relying on political leaders to create that change. Students could join a counter-cultural community, such as a local church; invest in a local organization to meet the needs of the community; or show understanding to those with whom they disagree.
Milligan junior Praise Weru said she overall enjoyed the sermon and its message of collectively living as citizens of Christ. Weru also said she had a great deal of respect for Ross, because he “practices what he preaches.” Weru saw evidence of this in the banner Hopwood hung at Christmas.
Hopwood’s banner stated, “Immigrants & Refugees Welcome” alongside an image of Joseph and Mary on a donkey with baby Jesus fleeing to Egypt. Ross hoped that “people might see the banner not as a political ad but as an indication that [Hopwood] is attempting to be faithful to the biblical calling of taking care of the alien, the refugee, and the vulnerable.”
While some students felt the content of his message was meant to defy distinctions between political parties, others disagreed.
Milligan sophomore Megan Williams said Ross “used his time to talk about his political beliefs.” After listening to the entire sermon, she felt as if Ross did not respect Trump’s win in the election.
Speaking next in the Faculty Series will be Dr. Garland Young on Thursday, Jan. 26, at Seeger Memorial Chapel.