Intellectual Engagement

Establishing the Christian Voice, Conscience, and Imagination

As the West grows more and more post-Christian, engaging the predominant culture with the gospel in coherent, winsome, and theologically sound discourse has never been more important. Though apologetics have long been practiced as the way to argue for the plausibility of Christianity and its tenets, cultural apologetics takes those practices a step further to apply gospel and biblical principles to our culture so that we might actually engage people who are uninterested in Christianity.

The Key to a Longer, Healthier Life?

It turns out that quiet time every morning, dinner time prayers, and corporate singing are more than religious practices—they are scientifically proven to make you happier, healthier, and live longer. 

Yale Students Find Ways to Share their Faith Despite COVID-19

By Kelly Parks, Staff Writer

Editor's note: This Throwback Thursday article originally appeared on our site in January of 2021 as ministries like CU Lux at Yale were adapting to the challenges and restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Why do Christians believe what they believe?” It’s a question that has intrigued our world for centuries. While cultural Christianity may have sufficed as a reason for some to associate with the Church in years past, in our increasingly secular age, Christians must think more critically about what they believe, and more importantly, why they believe it.

Campaign Features Answers to Tough Questions

By Tom Campisi, Managing Editor

This spring, Christian Union is mobilizing students on its ten campuses to share the gospel more boldly, strategically, and frequently than ever.

Trinity Forum Conversations Feature James K.A. Smith

Augustine is one of the giants of Christian philosophy and theology, often compared to Paul for his contribution to the faith. But in spite of his enduring impression on how we understand Scripture and ourselves, Augustine offers us an honest and unashamed look at his own life—one that is marked by the struggle of sin and a dependence upon grace. 

Dr. Craig Keener Makes His Case

Science and faith are always in opposition, right? It’s a basic assumption that most modern people take for granted, but is it true? Dr. Craig Keener, in this article for Christianity Today, dives into one of the most misunderstood assumptions of our time—that science and faith are contradictory.

Students Challenged to Be Salt and Light at 2019 Nexus Conference

By Tom Campisi, Managing Editor

Editor's note: This article, which features coverage of Christian Union's Nexus Conference, originally appeared in the Spring 2019 edition of  Christian Union: The Magazine and is reprinted in conjuction with the publication's "Throwback Thursday" series.  

Nick Nowalk Focuses on Bible Narrative, Romance, and Marriage

By Anne Kerhoulas, Staff Writer

Have you ever noticed that the Bible begins and ends with a wedding? The creation story of Genesis 1-2 culminates in the marriage covenant between Adam and Eve when God declares that it is not good for man to be alone and how a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife as one flesh. The story of God begins with a wedding, but it also ends in the same fashion as Jesus, the bridegroom, is finally united to his Bride, the Church, in Revelation 21-22. 

Q and A with Professor David Gustafson

Editor's note: This Throwback Thursday article originally appeared in the Fall 2018 edition of Christian Union: The Magazine.

Social Commentator Speaks at NYCU Salon

By Tom Campisi, Managing Editor

Atheism is no longer an option for those who seek to be regarded as intellectually honest, according to Eric Metaxas. The cultural commentator and Yale alumnus of 1984 shared that premise when he spoke at Christian Union New York’s salon on December 15.

The True Path to Freedom

The great promise of modern life is that you can be whatever you want to be. The world is your oyster. Your options are limitless. You can go out and make whatever you want of yourself and your life. The freedom to create your identity pulses through our culture shaping our politics, discipling our young people, and redefining the boundaries of humanity.

Yale Professor: Theory of Evolution Is “Religion” to Most Scholars  

By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer

A renowned Yale University professor is openly questioning academia’s unwavering allegiance to Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution.

David Gelernter recently sparked controversy when the Yale alumnus of 1976 published a candid, favorable review of several books dismantling core aspects of Darwin’s theory. The professor of computer science highlighted gaps in the theory of evolution by natural selection, despite its status within academic circles as the bedrock of science’s modern worldview.

A New Season and A Great Commision for CU Gloria Law

By Kelly Parks, Staff Writer

As members of the student executive team of CU Gloria Law prayed about the vision for the current academic year, each sensed the Lord calling them to focus on evangelism and discipleship. CU Gloria Law is Christian Union’s leadership development ministry at Harvard Law School.

Harvard Alumna Thankful for Cornerstone Partners Bible Study

By Alexandra Tartaglia, Harvard ’17

It was January of 2021, and I had been living at my parents’ house in my hometown of Rye, New York. I was completing my final semester of law school virtually, as the Fordham University School of Law campus was closed because of the pandemic.

CU Lux at Yale Hosts Summer Seminars

Christian Union Lux at Yale University hosted a series of seminars this summer entitled: “The Science of Love: A Conversation with the Gospel of John.” The study explored the theme of love in the Gospel of John in dialogue with various religious, philosophical, and sociological notions of love. By hosting these conversations, CU Lux “aspired for nothing more than an increased love for God and neighbor at Yale.”

Initiative Invigorates, Encourages Stanford Students

By Anne Kerhoulas, Staff Writer

When the word broke that Stanford would continue virtually for the entirety of the 2020-21 academic year, ministry fellow Abigail Carreon knew something had to change. In one-on-one meetings with CU Caritas students, she heard repeatedly about feelings of isolation and loneliness, apathy towards coursework, and what she suspected were the beginnings of depression for many of them.  

Noted Author Speaks at CU Martus Lecture Series

By Anne Kerhoulas, Staff Writer

Most college students are not concerned about virtue. According to author Karen Swallow Prior, virtue has primarily been whittled down to an old-fashioned word for sexual purity. But the concept of virtue is a robust one, extending far beyond what most modern Americans attach to the word, she said. Prior shared those sentiments when she spoke earlier this year at CU Martus’ leadership lecture series, Philia.

The Pilgrimage to a Holy City

By Caleb King, Harvard ’23

Editor’s note: The following article was reprinted with permission from theHarvard Ichthus, a journal of Christian thought and expression produced by undergraduates at Harvard University.

“Christian Union Has Been Such a Blessing”

By Tom Campisi, Managing Editor

When Dr. Ben Pascut prepared to teach a workshop on organizational excellence for CU Lux at Yale University, he did not have to look very far for subject matter—it is one of Christian Union’s core values.

Pilar Is Christian Union’s Minister of Music

By Tom Campisi, Managing Editor

Linnette Pilar has a heart for worship and a prayerful passion for New York City.

Pilar, executive assistant to Christian Union Founder and CEO Matt Bennett, is a member of the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, a six-time Grammy-winning group of singers who minister in their home church and around the world.