The Megachurch as an Idol: How the Church Replaces God with Itself

Megachurches in the United States draw massive crowds, bring in swaths of wealth, and are the locations of many controversies within and outside of the Christian faith. As demonstrated by two theologically divergent megachurches, Lakewood Church run by the Osteen family and First Baptist Church of Dallas lead by Robert Jeffress, the growth and current state of these megachurches is preeminently built upon the marriage of the American Dream and Christianity: resulting in overt or subtextual prosperity theology elements. The rise in Christian book and music industries, and advertising and marketing of products within the church are examples of these elements. Overt or not, both Lakewood Church, with outright prosperity gospel teachings, and First Baptist Church of Dallas, with intense Christian nationalism, lead their followers through flawed ideologies and monetized spiritual practices that promote and constitute idolatry

Bridgewater College, Photograph of President Warren D. Bowman smiling behind a pulpit, undated

Archival photograph from Bridgewater College Special Collectionshttps://digitalcommons.bridgewater.edu/b_last_name_individuals_photos/1005/thumbnail.jp

Bridgewater College, Photograph of Dr. Gary Adams watching an event, undated

Archival photograph from Bridgewater College Special Collectionshttps://digitalcommons.bridgewater.edu/a_last_name_individuals_photos/1035/thumbnail.jp

Bridgewater College, Photograph of Dr. Raymond Andes in his office, undated

Archival photograph from Bridgewater College Special Collectionshttps://digitalcommons.bridgewater.edu/a_last_name_individuals_photos/1044/thumbnail.jp

Using Chronopotentiometry to Explore the Effects of Chemical Additives on Electron Diffusion in Mesoporous Semiconductor Films

Solar energy plays a critical role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change by converting sunlight into usable electricity and heat. While silicon-based solar cells remain the dominant technology, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) offer a cost-effective alternative by using semiconductors and light-absorbing materials. Although DSSCs have the potential to provide cost-effective solutions, their efficiency tends to be lower than that of silicon solar cells. They face significant challenges such as back electron transfer. This phenomenon occurs when injected electrons recombine with redox mediators or oxidized dyes, reducing the overall efficiency of the cell. To address this, we explored the effect of two additives – lithium ions (Li+) and 4-tert-butyl-pyridine (tBp) – on electron diffusion within unsensitized solar cells (USSCs). Lithium ions are thought to lower the energetic levels of trap states – areas within the material’s crystal structure that can capture and hold electrons – making it easier for electrons to be captured. Conversely, tBp can increase the energetic levels of the trap states, making it more difficult. We hypothesized that lowering energetic trap states can retain electrons for longer periods of time by preventing electron diffusion to higher energy neighboring acceptor states. Furthermore, to analyze these effects, chronopotentiometry was used to track the flow of electrons through the system. Experiments were conducted using a potentiostat, and the resulting data was analyzed in RStudio to observe the time-dependent voltage decay curves. This study aims to examine the influence of lithium ions and tBp on electron lifetimes and how these factors impact the overall efficiency of USSCs. Additionally, the difference in performance between TiO2 and ZrO2 was examined as well as exploring differences in the length of applied bias

Composition Honors Recital and Lecture

This project demonstrates compositional techniques and development. It provides a view on the writing process of musical compositions and an analysis on the different components of the pieces. The project included public speaking, where I spoke about each piece and different aspects of the pieces to listen for. A large portion of my role before the recital consisted of organizing musicians, creating a program, and writing my essay

Bridgewater College, Photograph of Dr. Raymond Andes at the Phonothon, undated

Archival photograph from Bridgewater College Special Collectionshttps://digitalcommons.bridgewater.edu/a_last_name_individuals_photos/1043/thumbnail.jp

Vol. 100, No. 1 | Spring/Summer 2025

Hands-On Learning, Real-World Successhttps://digitalcommons.bridgewater.edu/bridgewater_magazine/1373/thumbnail.jp

Bridgewater College, Photograph of President Warren D. Bowman at his desk, 1950s

Archival photograph from Bridgewater College Special Collectionshttps://digitalcommons.bridgewater.edu/b_last_name_individuals_photos/1043/thumbnail.jp

Burnout in Healthcare Professionals Caring for Patients with Neurocognitive Disorders

Burnout among healthcare professionals has become increasingly prevalent, particularly in long-term care settings where staff regularly interact with patients suffering from neurocognitive disorders such as dementia. This study investigates the psychological and physical toll on certified nursing assistants (CNAs), nurses, occupational therapists, and physical therapists who provide care in these challenging environments. Drawing on prior research and firsthand experience, the paper explores the symptoms, causes, and consequences of burnout, emphasizing how understaffing, high turnover, and the demanding nature of dementia care contribute significantly to caregiver fatigue. Patients with neurocognitive disorders often exhibit unpredictable, combative behaviors, which, though largely unintentional, place immense emotional and physical strain on caregivers. The study incorporates interviews with staff at a local nursing home to better understand how caregiving in such settings influences burnout. Key findings highlight a cycle in which burnout not only affects caregiver well-being but also diminishes the quality of patient care. The research underscores the need for increased awareness, institutional support, and practical interventions to retain healthcare staff and ensure sustainable, high-quality care for patients with neurocognitive disorders