Letters

True to the call
All my thoughts of Truett Seminary are awesome. As a woman called to ministry, Truett prepared me for the tremendous call God has placed on my life. That call has included teaching at various colleges and universities since graduation. Since January 2007, I have been teaching at Wiley College in Marshall, Texas. I will always be thankful that God brought me to Truett Seminary. It is my prayer that many others who answer God's call to ministry will also follow His call to Truett Seminary.
Melissa R. Crawford, M.Div. '00
Marshall, Texas

Going, going, green
I disagree with Dr. Larry Lehr's comment in the Summer '07 issue that "No single fuel will ever replace petroleum-based fuels." Several years ago, oil companies paid about $355 million to a Japanese inventor for his patent to an engine that runs on water! 
Using electrolysis, this engine converts water into hydrogen and oxygen. The only emission is water vapor. Talk about green.
Edward Lindsay, Ed.D.'82
Killeen, Texas

Dr. Larry Lehr, MS '85, senior lecturer in environmental studies, responds:
"The electrolysis technology is available and viable. I would be the first to applaud a significant fuel source. However, I do have concerns about water for fuel issues, especially in light of the significant potable water shortages in some parts of the world today. Though the technology is certainly feasible, it will need to be conducted on a relatively large scale. There are also some infrastructure issues to consider, such as replacing the current combustion engines and developing a reliable refueling strategy, but I will concede that it certainly may be possible."

I was excited to see an article highlighting the work of Larry Lehr, Ian Gravagne and Kenneth Van Treuren. The work they are doing is exciting and will help improve the lives of those around the planet. 
I was a little set back by the opening statement though. "Baylor is making strides to become more energy efficient and environmentally friendly...". Baylor doesn't even have an effective way to recycle on campus. It is great to promote research, but if Baylor wants to truly become more "environmentally friendly," this would be an important part of getting there.
Matt Hess, BS '02
Elm Mott, Texas

Pattie Orr, vice president for Information Technology and dean of University Libraries responds:
"Baylor is making strides to be more "green" in several ways. The ECO club has been around since the 1970s and they are actively involved in recycling, education efforts and Earth Day. A recycling program has been in place for a while in various university areas. However, we know we can do more and are working to have a more sustainable campus. 
"First, on behalf of the Baylor Executive Council I have established a campuswide committee on sustainability this fall that includes representatives from risk management, food services, housekeeping, libraries, information technology services, environmental studies, ECO Club, finance and administration, purchasing, campus living and learning, sponsored programs, student government, faculty senate, staff council, and undergraduate and graduate students. We established four working groups (recycling, policy and contracts, education and communication, and research) that are just beginning their efforts in each area. The recycling working group, in particular, is in the process of working toward a more comprehensive recycling program. 
"Second, we changed our public printing facilities so that they print duplex (on both sides) in order to save paper. Third, we negotiated a contract with our supplies vendor to secure a reduced rate for 30-percent post-consumer content paper for use in campus offices and facilities. We received our first shipment of this paper in early November and it is being used in our public printers throughout the libraries. 
"As the University Sustainability Committee continues its work, more improvements toward the "greening" of Baylor will be on the horizon and will have an impact on our recycling practices and in many areas across campus."

 

Faith and film
My curiosity was sparked when I read the section "Movies with a Message" in the article "Making Movies" (Summer '07). The quoted material in the section communicated the sense that film is a medium meant to serve our Christian agendas, in the same way that others in the industry who are not Christian (and who are we to say?) might use it. But let us not forget that when we talk about film, we are talking about art and creation. And as one who believes in The Creator, I am free to create without pushing an agenda or "message." The art will speak for itself. If it is bad art, then it is bad religion. And if it is good art, and it speaks to humankind and the truth, then there is good religion in that, no matter who created it. And so my curiosity: Is there such a thing as a Christian film? And what gives us the authority to claim it? If you are watching the "good" films being made, you will know that there is plentiful truth and light being created in Hollywood. And if it is "an industry at odds with traditional Christian values," it is because we have not trusted those values to shine in the light of the truth found in film and art. And if they cannot shine through with the truth, then they shouldn't be valued at all. 
Katharine Everett Meuli, BFA '05
Studio City, CA