Exploring Biblical Foundations in Biology

Biologists have one of the most challenging areas of study due to the breadth of topics. Biology literally encompasses all life. Since life is based on chemical principles, which in turn are based on physical laws, we need to understand this panorama of science. Because academia in the US has pigeon-holed so much of our education, students are often unable to see the true integration of all aspects of life, resulting in a warped understanding of the interrelated complexity of our God’s creation. It is our duty to show how this intertwining of science and faith more fully represents God’s fullness in our classes. Worldview is the basis of our perceptions, and it influences how we see things. We have to be aware of the blurring that sin has cast over nature. Despite sin, God can be seen in so many different ways. Some examples include the Fibonacci numbers, the Urey-Miler experiment, the Homeobox genes, and both microbiology and stem cell function. The incredible complexity we see in the nucleus, in DNA, RNA, and ribosomes strengthens our appreciation. The biochemical reactions of respiration and genetic activity elicit biblical comparisons

Collegedale at a Crossroads

Collegedale – a place of scenic mountain landscapes, the tranquility of Happy Valley and the hum of rumbling trains; a place of perpetual traditional values, community pride and Southern hospitality. But how will the city look, feel and change over the next five to 10 years? Boasting a population of 11,000, this sleepy college town is the fastest growing part of Hamilton County. While growth might offer some advantages, such as increased tax revenue, more businesses, higher property values and better housing options, it also poses challenges for the community

Genetic Algorithms from a Biblical Perspective

The dominant opinion expressed by the scientific community is that life on earth as we observe it today evolved over millions of years from more primitive organisms. Its adherents insist that naturalist forces drive this process, and it is unaided by any form of intelligent oversight. In contrast, a biblical worldview upholds the Bible’s account of a six-day special creation by an all-powerful Creator. The competition between these two worldviews appears unresolvable. Complete resolution would require time travel to absolutely certify the winner. Indirect evidence can sway opinions, but individuals do not always apply sound logical reasoning when forming their opinions. Genetic algorithms is an area of computer science research that uses techniques attributed to biological evolution, genetic crossover and mutation, to improve the capabilities of computer programs. Genetic algorithms have proven to be effective, and their success might suggest to some that evolution is a reasonable option for the diversity of the species. Such a reaction is natural for humans, but it is faulty. This paper provides a simple example of a genetic algorithm in action to demonstrate that no faith is needed to believe that genetic crossover and mutation are indeed effective. Should that tip the balance in favor of evolution? Those who may be influenced in this way exercise a well-known logical fallacy. This paper examines this fallacy and then highlights two examples in the Bible of individuals who demonstrated this kind of faulty reasoning. In these accounts, the Bible itself refutes this logic. The utility of genetic algorithms, therefore, should not weaken a biblical worldview of the origins of life

Laurie Sim Living Memoirs Interview

Laurie Sim, a Southern alumna, shared her experiences as a student missionary in Aranyaprathet, Thailand. She served in refugee camps during the Cambodian refugee crisis, providing nursing care and assisting with nutrition programs. Inspired by her mother’s nursing career and her brother’s mission stories, she overcame initial fears and found purpose in helping others. Her time as a student missionary shaped her both spiritually and professionally, influencing her future missionary and advocacy work. Thailand, located in Southeast Asia, shares borders with Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia. Known for its rich cultural heritage, Thailand blends Buddhist traditions, monarchy, and modern influences. The country was historically known as Siam and remained independent during European colonial rule. Thailand has a diverse landscape, including mountains, fertile plains, and tropical coastlines, contributing to its strong agricultural and tourism industries. Bangkok, the capital, serves as a political and economic hub. While Thailand has experienced political instability, it continues to develop as a major regional power with a growing economy and vibrant cultural identity. Hafner, James A., Keyes, Charles F., and Keyes, E. Jane. Thailand. Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Mar. 2025, https://www.britannica.com/place/Thailand. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025. Views expressed do not represent Southern Adventist University or McKee Library but are the personal opinions of the interviewed individual

The Business of Business: A Biblical Approach to the Purpose of the Firm

The debate on the purpose of the business corporation has been raging for more than a century. Inspired by capitalistic thinking, economists, corporate managers and investors have mostly maintained that the predominant goal for corporations is to maximize shareholder wealth. In contrast, society has argued that the corporation also has a social responsibility as a legal entity and community member. The legal precedent set in 1919 with Dodge v. Ford Motor Co. is that “a business corporation is organized and carried on primarily for the profit of the stockholders”. The oft quoted argument of Milton Friedman (1970) that the social responsibility of business is to increase its profits, supports the materialistic philosophical purpose of business. This materialistic philosophy became the basis of finance textbooks, and the framework within which much management education is done. More recently, we saw a shift toward a humanistic philosophical approach to the purpose of business. An announcement in August 2019 by the Business Roundtable organization stated that business was refocusing the purpose of the corporation away from the primacy of shareholder wealth maximization to a commitment to benefit all stakeholders – employees, customers, suppliers, shareholders, communities. This statement ignited a debate between the traditional materialistic approach and a humanistic approach with the latter aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Both these approaches avoid the Biblical reality and purpose of every human entity on earth. A study of the creation week shows that humanity, created in God’s image, is endowed with abilities and responsibilities to exercise dominion over a perfectly created but incomplete world. Humanity’s purpose, as expressed in the cultural commission, is to bring glory to God through the development and maintenance (Genesis 2:15) of the earth, its resources, and its living creatures. Unfortunately, the entry of sin and the consequences of the fall had a negative impact on humanity’s motives and intellect resulting in developments that harm people and the environment. The fall also negatively impacted the four primary relationships humanity experienced at creation – relationships between God and humankind, with our individual self, with others, and with the rest of creation. By God’s grace humanity is redeemed from sin through Jesus Christ and thereby reconciliation with all things can be achieved (Colossians 1:19-20). In addition, redeemed humanity is given an active role to fulfill by becoming active messengers/ambassadors of God (1 Corinthians 5:18-20) in reconciling the world with God. This new role is the gospel commission (Matthew 28:19-20). Thus, fulfilling the cultural and gospel commissions within the context of the great command (Matthew 22:38) is the Biblical purpose of every human person and entity – government agencies, business firms, civic organizations, religious communities. How are Christian business practitioners to fulfill in love the cultural and gospel commissions in a broken and sin-scarred world? Begin with the reframing of the mind (Romans 12:2) in viewing the business’ purpose in society, and the way it interacts with its stakeholders. Views of success, of customers, of employees, of ownership, of money and profits, and of ethics are discussed within the Biblical cultural and gospel commission framework

Grading Under Authority: An Ethical Approach to Milgram\u27s Obedience Study

Obedience to authority remains central to psychological research, particularly in ethical decision-making. This study ethically replicates Milgram’s experiment in an academic context. Students are briefly trained and instructed by an authority figure to grade a fabricated student’s paper more harshly, enabling the analysis of compliance and resistance under authority. Behavior is analyzed across two conditions: when participants are given authoritative grading instructions and when they grade independently. Participants’ justifications and perceptions of authority and ethics are also examined. Findings may enhance understanding of authority’s impact on decision-making and obedience dynamics in education, while maintaining modern ethical standards in psychological research

Edvan Benítez Living Memoirs Interview

Edvan, a current Southern student, is a committed student missionary from Mexico City, raised in a supportive pastoral family that shaped his values and desire to serve others. After exploring different career paths, he felt called to ministry and pursued theology. He has served internationally, including in Hong Kong and China, where he focused on building meaningful relationships through education and outreach. His experiences have included supporting others through personal struggles, witnessing spiritual growth, and navigating the challenges of cross-cultural service. These experiences have confirmed his sense of purpose and deepened his commitment to a life of service. *Content Warning: This interview includes discussion of suicide, which may be triggering for some individuals. Please listen with care. Hong Kong, a special administrative region of China, is located on the southeastern coast and is known for its vibrant economy, dense urban landscape, and blend of Eastern and Western influences. Hong Kong has a diverse population and a rich cultural heritage. Its religious landscape is equally varied, with traditional Chinese religions such as Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism practiced alongside Christianity and Islam. Many residents incorporate multiple belief systems into their spiritual lives, reflecting the region\u27s cultural complexity and emphasis on religious freedom. Leung, C. (2025, May 6). Hong Kong. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/place/Hong-Kong Views expressed do not represent Southern Adventist University or McKee Library but are the personal opinions of the interviewed individual

Influence of Physical Appearance vs. Interview Skill Within the Hiring Process

This study investigates how interview performance and attire affect recruiting decisions, especially with a focus into whether professional attire skews HR assessments independent of an applicant\u27s competence. For the foundation of our study, we looked at earlier studies on the what is beautiful is good stereotype and appearance-based prejudice. The participants of the between-subjects experimental design of the research project will view one of the four pre-recorded interview conditions varying by dress (professional vs. casual) and interview performance (strong vs. weak). Afterwards, participants will grade the candidate on their apparent professionalism, competency, and their best fit for the imaginary company. It is hypothesized that the candidate who dresses professionally will get much better ratings—even if their interview performance is poor—highlighting the possibility of appearance-based prejudice in hiring policies. Based on the data collected, we will use the results of this study to inform more fair employment policies by uncovering how clothing may replace objective criteria in performance assessments

Wim Hof Method as Stress Defense in Undergraduate Nursing Students*

This study examines the Wim Hof Method as a stress attenuation tool in undergraduate nursing students at Southern Adventist University. It assesses the effects of 4 weeks of routine cold exposure therapy (via cold showers) and guided breathing exercises on academic test performance, submaximal VO2 values, and self-reported stress levels. This research aims to fill gaps in the literature by focusing on students as the population. The implications of the findings include the addition of alternative stress management tools for students to improve academic performance and physiological adaptation to stressful stimuli

The You God Sees

And the angel of the LORD appeared to him and said to him, “The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor.” Judges 6:12 God sees beyond your weaknesses; He sees your possibilities