Below you will find summaries of recent Fuller media placements.  If you belong to the media and would like to request an interview, please contact Dan Ohlson at 626-584-5471 or email him at dohlson@fuller.edu If you would like a copy of an article, please email the office of public relations at dohlson@fuller.edu with the title of the article you are requesting, which month's media summary it appeared in, and either an email address or a fax number

May - August, 2009

BROADCAST MEDIA

NBC Nightly News, “Joe Colletti’s Mama’s Hot Tamales Highlighted for its Positive Contributions to the Community,” 5/5/09
Mama’s Hot Tamales, a job training restaurant and kitchen incubator founded by Fuller alumnus Joe Colletti (MA ’84), was featured on NBC’s Nightly News hosted by Brian Williams. The business was showcased as one of the program’s “Making a Difference" stories, which highlight positive, uplifting developments in the news.

ABC-Channel 30, “Forever 21’s Hidden Message,” 7/10/09
This Fresno station mentioned Fuller donors Do Won and Jim Sook Chang and the positive contributions their company is making in the Fresno area.

PRINT MEDIA

The Wall Street Journal, “An Upstart Church Movement Wrestles With Growing Older,” by Amy Dockser Marcus, 5/13/09
Ryan Bolger, associate professor of church in contemporary culture at Fuller, is quoted in this article on the emerging church, which explores the challenges facing churches seeking to reach a new generation while remaining relevant to the needs of their existing congregations.

Associated Press, “Lutheran Gay Clergy Vote Tests Mainline Churches,” by Erick Gorski, 8/23/09
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America voted recently to allow gays and lesbians in committed relationships to serve as clergy. The ELCA's move is especially jarring and significant because "it is viewed by all of us as one of the more Reformation-rooted, broadly orthodox denominations" and takes its theology seriously, Fuller President Richard J. Mouw is quoted as saying. "It's a huge, huge departure for a church like that," said Mouw, who has urged fellow conservatives in the Presbyterian Church (USA) to stay in the fold despite concerns about a leftward shift on sexuality.

Los Angeles Times, “Getty Displays Medieval Manuscripts Focusing on King David,” by Martha Groves, 7/20/09
John Goldingay, professor of Old Testament at Fuller, was quoted in this article about an exhibit concerning King David at the Getty Museum in Los Angeles. For many medieval Christians, the illustrations of David provided a guide for following their own paths to forgiveness and salvation, said Goldingay. That was their way of identifying with and reflecting on those texts."

Los Angeles Times, “Lutherans Lift Barriers for Gay Clergy,” by Duke Helfand, 8/22/09
This article also referred to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s decision to allow gays and lesbians to serve as clergy. “Those who have been actively campaigning for a change of this sort in the other mainline denominations will see this as a sign that they should intensify their efforts,” said Richard J. Mouw in the article. “For those of us who have opposed this on biblical grounds, it is bound to reinforce the sense that we are no longer welcome in the mainline.”

Los Angeles Times, “New Library is a Magnet at Fuller Theological Seminary,” by Larry Gordon, 5/25/09
This article highlighted Fuller’s David Allan Hubbard Library. The article discussed the grand opening ceremony held May 18, and pointed out that the new library allows Fuller to assemble its vast theological collection under one roof for the first time in its 62-year history.

Los Angeles Times, “Theology Author and Professor Passes,” by staff reports, 6/25/09
This article reported that Ray S. Anderson, longtime Fuller professor and prolific author of academic and popular works, passed away on June 21, and offered a review of some of his many accomplishments and contributions.

U.S. News & World Report, “Best Graduate Schools,” by staff reports, 8/31/09
Fuller’s School of Psychology was mentioned in this annual review of the country’s best graduate schools.

Pasadena Star News, “Theology Professor Passes,” by staff reports, 6/25/09
This article mentioned the passing of Fuller professor Ray S. Anderson.

Pasadena Star News,” Geoffrey Bromiley, Eminent Theologian Passes,” by staff reports, 8/15/09
This article reported that Geoffrey W. Bromiley, renowned church historian, historical theologian, and professor emeritus at Fuller, passed away on August 7.

Pasadena Star News, “New Hubbard Library Opens,” by Janette Williams, 5/19/09
This article prominently featured Fuller’s new David Allan Hubbard Library as its front page story.

Pittsburgh Post Gazette, “Westminster College Conference Encourages Missionary Service,” by Ann Rogers, 7/27/09
Fuller student Kyle Joachim was mentioned in this article. A veteran of two years of missionary work among migrant populations in Germany, he led eight other young adults this summer on a trip to Berlin. They assisted a local church and the mission group Teen Challenge with outreach to drug addicts and prostitutes.

Atlanta Constitution Journal, “Church's Radical Act: Sell Building, Use Money for Outreach,” by Christopher Quinn, 7/29/09
Kurt Fredrickson, Fuller’s associate dean for Doctor of Ministry and Continuing Education and assistant professor of pastoral ministry, was quoted about a new movement among many churches to move away from brick-and-mortar priorities. “It’s easy to do a ‘don’t go to church’ day,” said Fredrickson in the article. “But to sell your buildings and change the way you worship is a pretty radical step for a church.”

Christianity Today, “The Heresy of Individualism,” by Richard J. Mouw, 7/15/09
This article by Richard J. Mouw addresses recent comments by Katharine Jefferts Schori, bishop of the Episcopal Church, denouncing the “individualist focus” of evangelical teachings as a “great Western heresy.”

The individualism evangelicals profess, said Mouw, not only is not a heresy, it is at the heart of the gospel. “Many of us in the evangelical world have devoted much effort toward remedying what we see as an unhealthy individualist focus in our ranks,” Mouw concedes; however, “we evangelicals never downplay the importance of individuals—as individuals—coming to a saving faith in Jesus Christ.”

Christianity Today, “Counting Controversy,” by Ken Walker, 8/17/09
Juan Martinez, associate dean of Fuller's Hispanic Church Studies Department, is quoted in this article discussing the importance of not labeling all Hispanics in one group in the quest for immigration reform. Martinez maintained that using one label for this group ignores its numerous ethnicities and disparate agendas.

Christian Post, “Episcopal Head Clarifies 'Heresy' Comments,” by Lilian Kwon, 8/28/09
This article discussed another statement by Episcopal Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, defending her July comments in which she called individualistic salvation "the great Western heresy." The article quotes Richard J. Mouw’s response conceding that there is an unhealthy individualistic focus among many Christians, but rejecting the presiding bishop's heresy comment.

January - April, 2009

BROADCAST MEDIA

Lifetalk Radio, “Fuller Professor Discusses Depression,” 4/15/09
In this interview on Lifetalk radio, Jeffrey Bjorck, professor of psychology, discusses how Christians deal with depression.

PRINT MEDIA

Newsweek, “A Christian by Any Other Name,” by Lisa Miller, 3/07/09

This article quotes Fuller President Richard J. Mouw about the increasing number of people who are referring to themselves as followers of Jesus instead of the term Christian since they believe this does not carry as much baggage.

While many Christians applaud this effort to transcend labels and history, some also worry that "follower of Jesus" diverts people from the fundamentals. "Two questions constantly come up," said Mouw, "The first is Christology. What about the full divinity of Christ? How much can you keep that in the background? Second, what's the role of the church in all this?"

Louisviile Courier Journal, “Book On Angels Looks At Jesus,” by Peter Smith, 4/12/09

This article quotes Richard J. Mouw about the new book, No Ordinary Angel: Celestial Spirits and Christian Claims about Jesus. The book "does an amazing job of integrating serious theological studies of angels with both biblical teaching and popular culture,” said Mouw.


Pasadena Star News, “Fuller Seminary Nears Completion of Library,” by Janette Williams, 4/12/09

With completion of the new $28-million, 47,000-square-foot David Allan Hubbard Library, and the total renovation of the 1962-vintage McAlister Library, there is room for 1.4 million items - double the present capacity.

Librarian David Bundy called the project a "linchpin" of the $148-million campus expansion's first phase. "Physically, the two will be totally integrated," Bundy said of the libraries' combined 90,000 square feet.

Pasadena Star News, “Timothy Kelly Discusses Principled Centrism,” 3/02/09

In this op-ed, the De Pree Leadership Center’s Timothy Kelly writes,”Is President Obama a principled centrist, or will he eventually succumb to the ideologues and extremists vying for his ear? Only time will tell.- now is the time not for partisan grandstanding but for principled centrism.”

Pasadena Star News, “Lincoln and Faith Is Lecture Subject,” by Staff Reports, 3/5/09

This announcement mentioned author Ronald C White Jr’s lecture at Fuller about his latest book: A Lincoln: A Biography.

Pasadena Star News, “Juan Martinez Leads One City, Once Story Discussions,” by Staff Reports, 4/1/09

This announcement mentioned Fuller’s participation in Pasadena’s annual One City, One Story event with a lecture on religious themes in the book The Hummingbird’s Daughter, given at Fuller’s Pasadena campus in both English and Spanish by faculty member Juan Martínez. His April 3 lecture was one in a series of five held throughout Pasadena, focusing on various literary, cultural, historical aspects of Luis Alberto Urrea’s novel.



Pasadena Star News, “Symposium Explores the Future of Preaching,” by Staff Reports, 4/15/09

This announcement highlighted the preaching symposium which featured comments from some of today’s most dynamic preachers from the U.S. and internationally, including Lloyd John Ogilvie, James Earl Massey, William Willimon, Renita Weems, Peter Storey, Ken Fong, and Jana Childers, in addition to Mark Labberton. Andy Crouch, noted author of Culture Making (InterVarsity, 2008) and senior editor at Christianity Today International, moderated the evening.

Pasadena Star News, “Community Reaches Out to Homeless,” 1/29/09, by Janette Williams

Members of Fuller’s Pasadena campus community participated in an annual volunteer effort to count members of Pasadena’s homeless population.



January - December, 2008

BROADCAST MEDIA

ABC’s Nightline, “Church and Popular Culture,” 12/4/08
Craig Detweiler, associate professor of theology and culture and co-director of Fuller’s Reel Spirituality Institute, was interviewed about how Christians can connect with popular culture.

National Public Radio, “Faith and the Economy,” 10/12/08
Kurt Fredrickson, director of Fuller’s Doctor of Ministry Program, spoke to All Things Considered about how the Church can be present for people who are struggling during difficult economic times.

National Public Radio, “Timothy Kelly Discusses Earthquake Relief,” 7/29/08
Timothy Kelly, director of the De Pree Leadership Center Public Policy Institute at Fuller Seminary, was a guest on National Public Radio’s All Things Considered, discussing his June trip to the areas of China devastated by the May 12 earthquake.

KCET, “Documentary Featuring Fuller Alumnus Airs on KCET,” 7/17/08
The documentary Rolling, featuring Fuller School of Psychology alumnus J. Galen Buckwalter (MAT '86; PhD '89), aired on the television station KCET in the Los Angeles area. For the documentary, filmmaker Gretchen Berland gave video cameras to three wheelchair-bound individuals, including Buckwalter, and asked them to document their everyday lives. The footage resulted in Rolling, which offers a window into the daily lives and challenges of those with limited mobility.

KCBS Channel 2, “L.A. Railroad Tragedy,” 9/22/08
Kurt Fredrickson led a televised memorial service for the victims of the Metrolink 111 crash in Chatsworth, California.

KCBS Channel 2, “Church and the Economy” 9/24/08
Kurt Fredrickson discussed how the Church can assist those who are experiencing financial difficulties.

KCBS Channel 2, “Seven New Deadly Sins,” 3/10/08
Kurt Fredrickson was interviewed about the Vatican’s list of seven new deadly sins for this era of globalization.  New sins include excessive consumerism, harming the environment, and drug dealing.

KCBS Channel 2 and KCBS Channel 9, "Women and the Bible," 2/10/08
Kurt Fredrickson was quoted about Bible verses that appear to favor men over women and how they should be interpreted in today’s context.

PRINT MEDIA

The Wall Street Journal, “The Good Book Is the Best Seller,” by Stephanie Simon, 12/23/08
This article highlighted the fact that year after year, the Bible is the best-selling book in America—even though 90% of households already have at least one copy. Kurt Fredrickson commented that it's easy to get cynical about the way Scripture is pushed and packaged these days. But the more he thinks about it, the more he's come to believe that presentation does matter; a new look can draw in new readers, or inspire fresh thinking about a familiar passage.

Associated Press, “California Ruling Revives Gay Marriage Debate,” by Rachel Zoll, 5/30/08 (This was picked up by more than 70 papers across the country.)
This article discussed the implications of California’s decision to put a gay marriage initiative on the ballot last fall. Fuller President Richard J. Mouw said he worries both about evangelicals' angry rhetoric, and about gay rights supporters who portray gay marriage foes as homophobic and the equivalent of racists, ignoring the moral and religious dimensions.

"The more it looks like this agenda is going to carry the day nationally, the more evangelicals are going to be pushed back into a movement of very narrow focus that a lot of us have been trying to get out of," Mouw said. "For those of us who are trying to broaden the dialogue, [the California decision] was not the right thing to have happen."

Associated Press, “Romney Bid Was a Crucible for Mormons,” by Rachel Zoll, 2/9/08 (This was picked up by more than 50 papers across the country.)
In this article, Richard J. Mouw discussed Mitt Romney’s failed presidential bid, and the often tense relationship between Mormons and evangelical Christians. Mouw said some Christian conservatives consider Mormonism not just a questionable faith, but also a rival political force. Mouw discussed living in Michigan in the 1960s, when Romney's father, George, was governor.  At that time, evangelicals weren't deeply involved in politics, and many supported George Romney.

"What's going on when his son runs and all of a sudden there's this overt hostility that came out, which did not come out toward his father," Mouw said. "I'm kind of ashamed of the way that a lot of traditional Christians have handled this."

Associated Press, “Evangelicals Say Faith Is Now Too Political,” by Rachel Zoll, 5/4/08 (This ran in more than 30 other media outlets across the United States.)
In this article, Richard J. Mouw was mentioned as one of 80 evangelical leaders who signed the “Evangelical Manifesto,” a declaration that encouraged Christians to be politically engaged and to uphold teachings such as traditional marriage. Further, the Manifesto stated that evangelicals have often expressed "truth without love," helping create a backlash against religion during a "generation of culture warring."

Los Angeles Times, “Psalms Offer Source of Inspiration for Prayer,” by Connie Kang, 3/29/08
This article discussed worshipers turning to ancient Hebrew verses as a way to discover intimacy with God. John Goldingay, professor of Old Testament at Fuller, said the Israelites preserved the Psalms because they resonated with them. The verses continue to resonate in the 21st century because they express the full range of a collective human experience, he said. "Often people feel that before you approach God, you got to put your best suit on," said Goldingay. "The Psalms show when you come to God, you don't have to put your best suit on."

Los Angeles Times, “More in U.S. Jump to New Faiths, Poll Finds,” by Connie Kang, 2/26/08
Americans are switching religious affiliation in ever-greater numbers or abandoning ties to organized denominations altogether, this article claimed, according to a recent survey. “The presumption of a Protestant framework for understanding the American character is now a thing of the past," Richard J. Mouw was quoted as saying in the article. "We are an increasingly pluralistic society, and we Protestants now have to think much about how we can contribute to the common good as simply just one more voice in the American choir."

Christian Science Monitor, “A New Style Evangelical Pastor Ascends the Political Stage,” 8/14/08
Kurt Fredrickson was quoted about the presidential forum hosted by Rick Warren. “He (Warren) is representative of Evangelicals who now see that the gospel message is more than just about getting people into heaven; it's about how we use our spiritual resources to make this world a better place,” Fredrickson said.

San Diego Union Tribune, “The Healing Power of Forgiveness,” 8/16/08
The late Lewis B. Smedes, professor of Christian ethics for many years at Fuller, was mentioned in this article about the healing power of forgiveness.

The Orange County Register, “Pastor Hopes to Redefine Presidential Politics,” 8/8/08
Kurt Fredrickson was interviewed prior to the forum hosted by Rick Warren that featured Barack Obama and John McCain. "The way he's going to approach it is: 'Here's my buddy John, and here's my buddy Barack,' and with that genial, winsome way Rick Warren has about him," Fredrickson said. "Every time I've heard Rick, whether it's on 'Larry King' or at his church or up here at Fuller, he has that sort of personality where you feel like he's talking to you and he's just your friend.”

Pasadena Star News, “Timothy Kelly Discusses Earthquake Relief,” 7/20/08
In this article, the De Pree Leadership Center’s Timothy Kelly discussed his trip to the areas of China devastated by the May 12 earthquake.

Herald and Review (Illinois), “Grace Uninhibited: For Many, Bowing Their Heads and Praying in Public Is Just Part of Who They Are,” 8/15/08
This article discussed the power of prayer, particularly in public places such as restaurants. “There is no place that is outside the scope of God’s mercies, not even Burger King,” said Richard J. Mouw. “I still believe that wherever we are—whether we acknowledge it or not—we are in the presence of God. There is no distinction between our ‘private’ and ‘public’ lives in God’s eyes,” he wrote in one of his columns on Beliefnet.com.

South Florida Sun-Sentinel, “Entertainment Theology,” by Staff Writers, 5/3/08
This article reviewed Fuller Adjunct Professor Barry Taylor’s new book Entertainment Theology. Taylor uses literature, film, television, theater, visual art, and cyberspace to build a theological interpretation of life in the 21st century, the review stated.

United Press International, “Religious Attendance Predicts Fidelity,” 4/10/08 (This ran in more than 30 publications across the country.)
Attendance at religious services predicts marital fidelity, according to School of Psychology Professor David Atkins in the May issue of the Journal of Marriage and Family. "The study focuses the spotlight on religious service attendance with respect to this important aspect of marital life," said Atkins. "It opens the door for a host of questions about why attendance might have this special association."

The Magazine, “Religious Pillars of the Community,” by Staff Writers, 3/08
This Pasadena-based lifestyle magazine ran a series of articles on religion in the San Gabriel Valley that included a four-page piece about the history of Fuller, its three schools, and its role in preparing men and women for a variety of ministries.

Christianity Today, “An Open-Handed Gospel,” by Richard J. Mouw, 4/1/08
In this article, Richard J. Mouw addressed the need for charity and civility in interacting with members of others faiths. “The obligation of nurturing a gentle and reverent spirit toward those with whom we disagree takes on a new urgency for us today in engaging those who represent non-Christian religions and lifestyles. How do we convey our Christian convictions while displaying a spirit of generosity in our relationships with others?” wrote Mouw.

Christianity Today, “Friends, Faith, and a Feud,” by Staff Writers, 3/18/08
This article reviewed Purple State of Mind, the latest documentary film by Craig Detweiler, co-director of Fuller’s Reel Spirituality Institute. The film is an 80-minute effort to bridge the cultural gap, to push past politics, and “wade into the middle ground where most people live."

The Conservative Voice, “Muslims Turn to Christ,” by Grant Swank, 4/29/08
Dudley Woodberry, professor of Islamic Studies at Fuller, stated here that Muslims are coming to recognize Christ because Christians befriending them have shown them a better way than Islam. Woodberry cautioned Christians from staying aloof from Muslims. In fact, he asks his Christian friends how recently they invited a Muslim family to dinner. Woodberry has done a study in which he has found that Muslims are impressed by the courtesies shown them by Christians in contrast to the rudeness shown them by non-Christians.

E-MEDIA
(Please note: You may need to hold your keyboard’s “Control” button while clicking on a link.)

Fuller Website, “President Mouw Honors Billy Graham on 90th Birthday,” 11/7/08
In this video, Fuller President Richard J. Mouw wished Billy Graham a happy 90th birthday. To view the video, click here.

Fuller Website, “President Mouw Offers Christmas Greetings,” 12/18/08
President Richard J. Mouw offered Christmas greetings. To view the video, click here.

Fuller Website, “My Firsthand Perspective of a Nation Mobilized by Grief,” 6/2/08-6/23/08
Timothy Kelly, director of the De Pree Leadership Center Public Policy Institute, offered a series of “on-the-ground” reports and reflections for Fuller’s website during a June visit to China, where he helped provide psychological training and care following that nation’s devastating earthquake. To read his journal reports, click here.

Fuller Website, “Fuller Professor Discusses Silk Road Trip on YouTube,” 8/11/08
In this video clip, Linda Wagener, associate dean of Fuller’s School of Psychology, discussed her six-week journey along the "Silk Road," an ancient east-west trading route through Bosnia, Jordan, Turkey, and China. As she met young people along the way, Dr. Wagener—along with a traveling group that included two School of Psychology students—sought to better understand what it takes for youth to survive and even thrive in today’s world. To view the video, click here.

Christianity Today Online, “A Messy Conversation,” 7/17/08
In this article, CT Online’s Brandon Fibbs offered a review of Craig Detweiler’s documentary Purple State of Mind, calling it "authentic, messy... [and] deeply moving."

The President’s Blog, “Mouw’s Musings”
In his personal blog, President Richard J. Mouw offers weekly reflections on significant spiritual, social, and cultural issues. The blog is accessible either from Fuller’s homepage at www.fuller.edu, or directly at http://www.netbloghost.com/mouw/. Blog entries in 2008 were as follows:

“Holy” Competition? 12/23/08

More from the “Cesspool” about Catholicism, 12/8/08

Evangelical Ecumenism, 12/1/08

Evangelicals Are Celebrating Obama, Too, 11/13/08

“You Never Know!” 11/10/08

“Unknown” Leaders, 10/29/08

Belonging to Jesus, 10/20/08

Church Property Disputes, 10/13/08

Being “Nice” to Catholics, 10/7/08

Cheer and Gloom, 9/29/08

Governor Palin’s Prayer Request, 9/22/08

The Difficulty of Self-Knowledge, 9/15/08

Death as the Defeated Enemy, 9/8/08

Toward a Theology of Cremation, 9/2/08

Predictive Prophecy as Motivation, 8/25/08
In Touch with the Angels? 8/19/08

The Attributes of God, 8/14/08

Waiting for the One, 7/28/08

Honoring the Washerwoman, 7/21/08

On Being a “Van Tilian,” 7/16/08

Dealing with “Alterations,” 7/9/08

Marriage: The Public Debate, 6/25/08

Seeds of Rebellion, 6/16/08

Influential Books, 6/12/08

The Politics of Nurture, 6/1/08

A Forgetful Messiah, 5/23/08

Evangelism and Public Discipleship, 5/8/08

Dealing with Divorce, 4/28/08

Reflecting on the Pope’s Visit, 4/21/08

Singing the Goods News: At Fuller Seminary and on “American Idol” 4/14/08

Traditional or Seeker-Sensitive? 4/8/08

Lectures in Korea, 3/26/08

Seeker-Sensitive Preaching and Karl Barth, 3/18/08

Spiritual Nurture and the Local Church, 3/10/08

Apologizing to Muslims, 2/18/08

Of Chocolates and Sermons, 2/12/08

Hymns as “Compacted Theology,” 2/4/08

Thinking About Tourism, 1/22/08

The Cross and Capital Punishment, 1/11/08

2008: A Year for Beholding, 1/4/08

Newsweek/Washington Post, “On Faith Blog”
Richard J. Mouw is a regular contributor to this blog hosted by Newsweek and the Washington Post, offering reflections on specific questions of current interest. To read, go to http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/. Posts in 2008 were as follows:

Warren: A Good and Hopeful Choice, 12/30/08

Episcopal Church Needs Evangelicals, 12/17/08

Evangelicals Are Celebrating Obama, Too, 11/12/08

Check the Evidence, 10/10/08

Inconsistent, Not Hypocritical, 9/3/08

A Refreshing Look at Character, 8/18/08

Private Matters and Public Trust, 8/13/08

Theology’s Failure, Astrology’s Gain, 7/17/08

Humor, a Gift from God, 6/23/08

Choose “Humbly” Next Church, 6/8/08

Achievement Must Be Linked to God, 6/3/08

Evidence of Heartfelt Spiritual Longings, 2/27/08

Signals of a Shift, 1/11/08

New York Times Blog, “A Papal Discussion”
This blog focused on the visit to the U.S. by Pope Benedict XVI.  New York Times correspondents Laurie Goodstein and Ian Fisher answered readers' questions, and the New York Times' Katy Roberts directed a panel of experts providing analysis of Benedict's papacy and his visit to the U.S. Fuller President Richard J. Mouw was among the experts providing commentary. His posts are below.

Why the Pope Speaks for Evangelicals, Too
April 18, 2008

On Faith and Human Rights
April 19, 2008

Stadium Religion
April 21, 2008

“Voices of Fuller” Podcasts

Fuller began offering a new series of podcasts in 2008, featuring discussions on current issues and topics of interest with seminary leaders and members of the Fuller community.Podcasts were posted regularly on Fuller’s homepage as well as being available on iTunesU, and included interviews with the following speakers:

Richard J. Mouw, President
“Challenges and Opportunities in 2008”
January 28, 2008

Kurt Fredrickson, Director, Doctor of Ministry Program
“The Challenges of the Changing Church
February 4, 2008

Eddie Gibbs, Senior Professor of Church Growth
“The Church in a Post-Christendom World”
February 11, 2008

Linda Wagener, Associate Dean, School of Psychology
“Focusing on the Needs of Youth”
February 18, 2008

Jeff Bjorck, Professor of Psychology
“Trends in Understanding Faith and Psychology”
February 25, 2008

Joe B. Webb, Vice President of Seminary Advancement
“The Ministry Impact of Fuller’s Leading Change Campaign”
March 7, 2008

Richard J. Mouw, President
“Evangelicals and the Coming Elections”
March 17, 2008

Ralph Watkins, Assistant Dean of African-American Church Studies
“African-American Studies and Popular Culture”
March 24, 2008

Ryan Bolger, Assistant Professor of Church in Contemporary Culture
“New Descriptions of Being the Church”
March 30, 2008

James Furrow, Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy
“The Importance of Marriage and Family Therapy”
April 15, 2008

Clayton Schmit, Arthur DeKruyter/Christ Church Oak Brook Associate Professor of Preaching and Academic Director of the Brehm Center for Worship, Theology, and the Arts
“Connecting Worship, Theology, and the Arts”
April 28, 2008

Kara E. Powell, Executive Director of the Fuller Youth Institute and Associate Professor of Youth and Family Ministry
“A Passion for Youth Ministry”
September 3, 2008

Juan Martinez, Assistant Dean for Hispanic Church Studies
“Latinos and the Upcoming Election”
November 3, 2008

David Bundy, Associate Provost of Library Services and Associate Professor of History
“Fuller’s New Library”
November 13, 2008


January-December, 2007

TELEVISION

PBS, "Mormons in America," 4/30/07
Fuller President Richard J. Mouw appeared on this program discussing the history of the Mormon church and its growing influence in American life.

CNN, “Selling Religion with Sex,” 3/30/07
Kurt Fredrickson, director of Fuller’s Doctor of Ministry Program, was quoted in this program about the growing number of evangelical churches who are having Sunday morning series about sex. One church in particular has been using roadside billboards to advertise its series. “My issue was that the billboard had this sense of luridness and deception. They're trying to draw people someplace, and when they got drawn to a church, I think people would feel cheated or duped,” said Fredrickson.

NBC Today Show, “Sex and Religion,” 2/20/07
Ryan Bolger, professor of church in contemporary culture, was quoted about the increasing number of churches discussing sex in their services.

NBC Today Show, “Parenting Young Stars,” 12/21/07
School of Psychology Associate Dean Linda Wagener offered comments on a new book on parenting by Lynne Spears.

KCBS Channel 2, “The Selling of the Pope’s Clothes,” 10/1/07
Kurt Fredrickson, director of Fuller’s Doctor of Ministry Program, was interviewed about the variety of ways individuals search for meaning.

KCBS Channel 2 and KCBS Channel 9, "The Pope’s Ten Commandments on Good Driving," 6/20/07
Kurt Fredrickson, director of Fuller’s Doctor of Ministry Program, was quoted about the pope’s recent “ten commandments” for good driving.

KCBS Channel 2, “Mother Teresa’s Faith,” 8/23/07
Kurt Fredrickson was quoted about a recent Time Magazine story about the occasional struggles Mother Teresa had with her faith throughout her ministry.

KCBS Channel 2, “Was John Paul II Euthanized?” 10/12/07
Kurt Fredrickson was interviewed about reports that John Paul II was euthanized.

KCAL Channel 9, “The Search for Meaning,” 11/15/07
Kurt Fredrickson was interviewed about the variety of ways individuals search for meaning.

Annenberg Television, “Church and the Arts,” 11/18/07
Craig Detweiler, codirector of Fuller’s Reel Spirituality Institute, was interviewed by the University of Southern California’s student television station about the growing number of churches who are emphasizing the arts.

Telemundo, “Intra-faith Dialogue,” 7/11/07
Juan Martinez, assistant dean of Fuller’s Hispanic Church Studies Program, discussed the relationship between the Catholic church and Protestant denominations.

Telemundo, “Sexual Abuse Settlement,” 7/17/07
Juan Martinez discussed the $660 million settlement between the archdiocese of Los Angeles and sexual abuse victims.

Telemundo, “Immigration and Politics,” 4/25/07
Juan Martinez, assistant dean of Fuller’s Hispanic Church Studies Program, discussed the political leanings of recent Hispanic immigrants to the U.S.

NEWSPAPERS

Associated Press, “Jesus as Sports Fan Chips Away at Savior,” by John Marshall, 4/13/07
This article discussed how golfer Zach Johnson, in his interview after winning the Masters tournament, talked about his faith and gave credit to Jesus. "I would give Zach the credit to say that's what he meant," said Chap Clark, professor of youth, family, and culture at Fuller. "People of faith often give credit to God for helping them overcome everything from fear to nerves to insecurity. To do what no other golfer has done in a major facing Tiger Woods on his neck was a great example of this reliance on faith."

Associated Press, “Once Weary of High Art, Evangelicals Seek Greater Role as Creators of Culture,” by Eric Gorski, 7/28/07
This article addressed the increasing attention being given to the relationship between faith and the arts. Craig Detweiler, co-director of Fuller’s Reel Spirituality Institute, said students are fascinated with finding the sacred in the mundane and exploring life's mysteries. "Maybe 20 years ago, young filmmakers wanted to tell stories for their own audience," said Detweiler, a screenwriter. "Today's young filmmakers ... find holy moments within mainstream movies and want to create more of the same.” He continued: "For too long, Christian art has implied pale imitation. We're trying to get back to the days of the Renaissance, where the church was the patron of the finest art."

Associated Press, “Theology and Doctrine the Root of Mormon-Evangelical Divide,” by Jennifer Dobner, 12/5/07
This article discussed the theological differences between Mormons and evangelicals as Mitt Romney seeks to increase evangelical support for his presidential campaign. "Christians and Jews have always held that there is a great gap between creator and creature. God is God and we're not," said Fuller President Richard J. Mouw. "Mormons believe that God and humans are of the same species. In our eyes they have tried to bridge that gap in ways that really is a fundamental violation."

New York Times, “A Mormon’s Ultimate Doorbell,” by Laurie Goodstein, 12/9/07
In this article, Laurie Goodstein addressed the influence of Mitt Romney’s Mormon faith on his presidential aspirations. “There will always be a segment of evangelical Christianity that doesn’t trust anything Mormons say,” said Richard J. Mouw. “They don’t even trust it when the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sings ‘Silent Night.’” Mouw said the hostility to Mormonism is so enduring because there is a “history of nastiness” between the sides that stretches back to Smith’s declaration that the Christian concept of the Trinity was a great apostasy.

Los Angeles Times, “Left Behind? Not This Book Series,” by Connie Kang, 4/3/07
This article discussed the April release of Kingdom Come, the 16th and last novel in the hugely successful Left Behind book series. The article said the timing of the series was perfect, appearing as the world was gearing up for the end of the millennium in 2000. "We all wonder what it all means and where it's all heading," said Craig Detweiler, co-director of Fuller’s Reel Spirituality Institute. "So, anyone who is willing to step into that fray and say, 'I have a theory, I have a possibility…' has a built-in fascination." As millennial anxiety grew, Detweiler said, "the speculative fiction satisfied a felt need."

Los Angeles Times, “The Lord’s Prayer Unites a Diverse Christianity,” by Connie Kang, 4/7/07
On Easter Sunday, when two billion Christians around the world celebrated the resurrection of Jesus, many read, recited, and sang the Lord's Prayer in hundreds of languages in houses of worship both modest and grand, said this article. "There is a sense of solidarity in knowing that Christians around the globe are praying together the prayer that was taught us by Christ himself," said Clayton Schmit, professor of preaching at Fuller. "Even when Protestants and Catholics worship together, though much divides us theologically, these words always unite us."

Los Angeles Times, “Doctors Say Spiritual Beliefs Help Patients,” by Angie Green, 4/21/07
A nationwide study released in April found that 85% of 1,144 physicians surveyed believe that religion and spirituality have a positive influence on a patient's health. Alexis D. Abernethy, associate professor of psychology in Fuller’s School of Psychology, commented in this article that negative emotions can be caused by a religious community that judges a person's illness. "Support is not always positive," said Abernethy, who researches areas such as spirituality and health at Fuller. "There are certain diseases that have a little bit…more stigma attached to them," she said, citing HIV-AIDS and certain types of cancers. Patients also can feel guilt or anxiety if they believe their condition is their fault or a punishment from a higher being, Abernethy said.

Los Angeles Times, “Selling the Good Book by Its Cover,” by Stephanie Simon, 12/25/07
This article highlighted the growing amount of new Bible translations available in the United States.
Kurt Fredrickson, director of Fuller’s Doctor of Ministry Program, sees modern publishers as, in a way, following the hallowed footsteps of Christian heroes such as Jan Hus, William Tyndale, and Martin Luther, who risked their lives to bring God's word to the masses. "For centuries, there's been a desire to make the Bible more accessible," said Fredrickson.

Los Angeles Times, “A Christmas Story of the Incarnation,” by Connie Kang, 12/22/07
In this article, Connie Kang focused on the Christmas story of the incarnation. Clayton Schmit, a Lutheran minister and professor of preaching at Fuller, said Christmas is about celebrating God's grace that came "in this unexpected contrary form—the most powerful essence of the universe is reduced to the weakest possible human being—the newborn infant." Robert K. Johnston, professor of theology and culture at Fuller, said Christianity has repeated the pattern of the original Incarnation, "seeking to enflesh the divine" in current and contemporary form.

Arizona Republic, “Pewless Pastors: Seminary Graduates Find New Paths of Ministry Beyond Church,” by Sadie Jo Smokey, 4/14/07
Many seminary graduates now seek employment not in a sanctuary, but in a range of workplaces, claimed this article. Today’s range of career choices, from football team chaplain to professor, wasn't common for seminary graduates even 20 years ago. "I'm having a lot of conversations with students who don't know what their career path is going to be," said Fuller’s Kurt Fredrickson. "When I graduated in 1979, I knew I was going to end up in a church."

Austin Statesman, “Austin’s ‘Emergent’ Christians Finding a New Path,” 8/12/07
This article addressed the movement of thousands of young Christians around the country and abroad who are re-examining what it means to follow Jesus: changing not only how they worship, but also how they live—adopting, for example, lifestyles that are simpler and more “downwardly mobile.” Fuller professor Eddie Gibbs was quoted as saying, "I think it is a return to a more radical Gospel." Young people, he said, see limitations in the institutional church, which has been vulnerable to corruption and has at times prized money and power. This movement is a "reaction against the consumerism of their parents."

Pasadena Star News, “Neighbors Object to Developer’s Record,” 8/6/07
This article addressed the purchase and planned move by developer Fil Salcedo of the Herkimer Arms apartment building from the Fuller Seminary campus.
Howard Wilson, Fuller's vice president of administration services, said that Salcedo was a qualified buyer, approved by the city, and was chosen because he had suitable land and the "financial capacity" to complete the project.

Pasadena Star News, “Historic Apartment House is Saved,” 8/14/07
In a move hailed by preservationists, this article stated, the 1927 Evelyn Boadway apartments on the campus of Fuller was bought by Antreas Hindoyan, whose family has owned Burger Continental on South Lake Avenue since 1969. He purchased the apartments from Fuller for $10. "I'm thrilled, I think it's a brilliant solution," Sue Mossman, executive director of Pasadena Heritage, said.

MAGAZINES

Newsweek, “Unmasking Male Depression,” by Julie Scelfo, 2/26/07
Six million American men will be diagnosed with depression this year, this article reported. But millions more suffer silently, unaware that their problem has a name or unwilling to seek treatment, commented Archibald Hart, senior professor and dean emeritus in Fuller’s School of Psychology.

Christianity Today, “Evel Overcome with Good,” by Brad Greenberg, 4/13/07
This article reported that on Palm Sunday, hundreds responded to Robert "Evel" Knievel's spontaneous testimony at the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California, by asking to be baptized on the spot. "I don't want to make grandiose claims; I'm not a prophet," said Richard J. Mouw, president of Fuller, who spoke with Rev. Robert H. Schuller the next morning. "But I think it is a sign that in God's own sovereign goodness, he sends these moments to remind us that we are all sinners and reaches out to us in surprising ways. This is something the Christian community in general, and particularly the evangelical community, needs to take very seriously."

Christianity Today, “Muscular Christianity or Fluid Theology,” by Barry Taylor, 4/10/07
In this excerpt from his book Emergent Manifesto (Baker, 2007), Barry Taylor, adjunct professor of theology and culture in Fuller’s School of Theology, suggests that as our culture abandons any sense of certainty, we should consider a less dogmatic and “muscular” view of our faith in favor of one that is comfortable in the ever-shifting currents of our world.

Christian Post, “No More Splashing Around in Shallow Ministry,” by Nathan Black, 4/10/07
For many youth workers, this article said, countless hours of work and dedication are not resulting in the transformation they hope for in students' lives. Kara Powell, executive director of Fuller’s Center for Youth and Family Ministry, worked in youth ministry for 19 years and, she said, eventually came to a "scary" realization: "Here I had given countless hours to something I believed in...and was passionate about it. And while, of course, God was changing students' lives, it wasn't the type of transformation that I was hoping for and I think I had been clinging to the verse in the Scripture that God's Word will not return void." In the end, Powell hopes youth workers will work "smarter," not harder. "I would rather do one hour of work that is more strategic than three hours of work when I'm splashing around in the shallow end."

Christianity Today, “Costly Commitment,” by Sarah Pulliam, 8/13/07
This piece talked about the growing criticism leveled at South Korea's missions movement after a group of 23 church volunteers were abducted in Afghanistan. Many Korean Christians are divided on how the situation should have been handled, said Timothy Kiho Park, director of Korean Studies at Fuller. Some Christians question the value of dangerous short-term missions; others say that Christians will always face opposition. "This situation will prompt churches to re-evaluate their missionary methods with the imminent dangers in mind," Park said. "The Afghanistan incident may halt Korean short-term missions in Afghanistan for a while, but will not stop the missionary movement of the Korean church."

The Christian Century, “Ecumenism’s New Basis: Testimony,” by John Dart, 8/21/07
After keeping a low profile for several years, this article described, advocates of a fresh approach to ecumenism are going public about a promising international gathering in Kenya this November. About 240 leaders from the Vatican, World Evangelical Alliance, Orthodox churches, historic Protestant and Anglican communions, and Pentecostal and independent churches will gather outside Nairobi.

Most of the participants describe their faith and understanding in personal terms. "We prefer first names, and not using titles," said Cecil Robeck, professor of church history and ecumenics at Fuller. "That's the thing that breaks down the walls; you find people who had no idea others thought the same way. After that, they're hooked."

The Christian Century, “Romney’s Speech on Faith May Reassure Some, Trouble Others,” by John Dart, 12/18/07
This article discussed reactions to Mitt Romney’s December speech about his Mormon faith. Richard J. Mouw said Romney's speech "more than overcame my concerns" as an evangelical. Romney quoted Jesus' call to compassion: "I was a stranger, and ye took me in; naked, and ye clothed me." In response, Mouw said his own prayer will be that the "call to welcome 'the stranger' will now begin to show up in Romney's statements about undocumented immigrants."

Christian Post, “Dawkin’s Call to Atheists Is a Christian Wake-Up Call,” 8/11/07
Richard Dawkins, author of The God Delusion, stated this article, is calling on all his fellow atheists to “come out of the closet” and let their voices be heard. The Associated Press this year described the all-out assault on religious faith by atheist authors like Christopher Hitchens, who are reaching the top of the best-seller list, as “a sign of widespread resentment over the influence of religion in the world among nonbelievers.”
The success of these books, said Fuller President Richard J. Mouw, reflects a new vehemence in the atheist critique. "I don't believe in conspiracy theories," Mouw said, according to AP, "but it's almost like they all had a meeting and said, 'Let's counterattack.'"

E-MEDIA

The President’s Blog, “Mouw’s Musings”
In a new personal blog that generated popular interest throughout the year, President Richard J. Mouw offers weekly reflections on significant spiritual, social, and cultural issues. The blog is accessible either from Fuller’s homepage at www.fuller.edu, or directly at http://www.netbloghost.com/mouw/.

Newsweek/Washington Post, “On Faith Blog”
Richard J. Mouw is a regular contributor to this blog hosted by Newsweek and the Washington Post. Each week, Mouw and other religious leaders from the U.S. and around the world are asked to reflect on a particular question of current interest. To read, go to http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/.

January-December, 2006

The Los Angeles Times, “Theologian Aims to Clarify a Loaded Word’s Meaning,” by K. Connie Kang, 12/2/06
     In this feature interview, Fuller president Richard J. Mouw reflects on the history, significance, and perceptions of the word “evangelical.” “To be an evangelical is to take seriously the cross of Jesus Christ as the only solution to the fundamental issues of the human life,” Mouw explains. Although this word has often become “tied up with culture wars,…we have a special obligation to explain what the word means and why some of us think it’s such an important label.”

ChristianityToday.com, “Shoot-First Apologetics,” 11/10/06
     In defense of his dialogues with Mormon scholars, Fuller president Richard J. Mouw recounts an exchange between Walter Martin (of Kingdom and Cults fame) and theologian Donald Grey Barnhouse in which Barnhouse shot a bluebird he had mistaken for a grackle. This accident became an analogy for the dangers of hastily formed conclusions about other faith groups. “It is not wrong to contend for the gospel,” Mouw recalls Barnhouse explaining, “but it is wrong to shoot first and ask questions later. What you think might be a grackle, an apostate, or an Antichrist might well be a bluebird you looked at in a hurry.” To read the complete article, go to http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2006/november/27.98.html

USA Today, “Some Churches Rejecting Occult for Holy Halloween,” by Judy Keen, 10/31/06
     Pastors who believe Halloween is a pagan tradition are urging children to trade pumpkin-carving and scary costumes for hayrides, contests for best saint costumes and prayers, writes Judy Keen of USA Today.
“More churches are spurning Halloween as interest in witchcraft, seances, and ‘channeling’ grows,” said Richard Mouw, president of Fuller. “At the very least, this means that Christians cannot view Halloween as just another innocent childhood ritual.”