Harding School of Theology

Walton, John

Insights for Recovering the Lost World of Genesis 2-3

Shelly, Rubel

From the Beginning

Harding University 
Scholar Works at Harding 
The Bison Archives and Special Collections 
4-5-2024 
The Bison, April 5, 2024 
Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.harding.edu/thebison 
Recommended Citation 
The Bison, April 5, 2024. (2024). Retrieved from https://scholarworks.harding.edu/thebison/2050 
This Newspaper is brought to you for free and open 
access by the Archives and Special Collections at 
Scholar Works at Harding. It has been accepted for 
inclusion in The Bison by an authorized administrator 
of Scholar Works at Harding. For more information, 
please contact scholarworks@harding.edu. 
Written by Kenzie James // Photo by Edgar Cardiel
Three Harding students received awards for their poems in a statewide poetry contest last week. 
Sophomore Ayden Pritchard, senior Elliott Coombes and freshman Joseph Huffaker submitted work to the Poetry
Roundtable of Arkansas 2024 Pat Laster Collegiate Poetry Contest and received an email last week notifying them of
their awards. 
Pritchard placed second, Coombes earned first honorable mention and Huffaker earned second honorable mention. 
The Poetry Roundtable of Arkansas is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to the study of poetry and encouraging poets.
This competition encouraged college students to write and enter a free verse poem on any subject of their choice. 
Dr. Nick Boone and Professor Paulette Bane, two of Harding’s English professors, are members of the PRA. Bane
shared the details of the contest with her students and encouraged them to enter. 
STUDENTS RECEIVE POETRY AWARDS
written by Guest April 5, 2024
1
Bane said being a writer is a long game and that she wants her students to start putting themselves out in the writing
community because they won’t always get immediate success. 
“[The goal is] just reminding them that they shouldn’t fear rejection and that it takes sending out work,” Bane said.
“The point is to be part of a community and take yourself seriously as a writer.” 
Pritchard has written poetry for the past four years and previously entered his work in the Jo Cleveland Creative
Writing Contest through Harding’s English department. 
Pritchard said his writing is truth driven and focused on how our minds interact with the world. The poem that he
placed with was based on an experience he had reading a book. 
“There’s a whole sentence on one page, and then you flip the page, and there was just one word from that sentence
on the next page and it had a question mark,” Pritchard said. “I ended up writing a poem, and I don’t know how I
made this connection, but [it was] just kind of this image of a lot of the calamity going on in the world.”
Huffaker said his poem was about seeing the Christmas lights hanging up on campus in January and that they were
a reminder of what he lost leaving home to start the new semester. 
“Whenever I have my biggest first creativity inspiration, it’s me having this big wave of emotion and having an object
nearby that I can associate with it,” Huffaker said. “It’s like weaving together an object and an emotion in a way that I
don’t think is normally done.”
2
Written by Randi Tubbs
Laura Eloe, part-time faculty member at the University of Dayton, visited Harding March 25 to speak about Theology
and Mathematics for the inaugural lecture in the “Theology and” series hosted by the Theological Studies program in
partnership with various other departments. 
Eloe’s undergraduate degree is in religious education and math education. She taught high school for 29 years
before going to graduate school at the University of Dayton in 2013. She then taught at Dayton for 10 years.
LAURA ELOE PARTICIPATES IN THEOLOGICAL STUDIES
PROGRAM LECTURE SERIES
written by Guest April 5, 2024
3
Director of the Theological Studies program Mac Sandlin was a student with Eloe at  Dayton while he worked on his
doctorate in theology. Sandlin and Eloe became quick friends at Dayton and have kept in touch ever since. Sandlin
said he invited Eloe to give the inaugural lecture of the series because of his respect for her work and his eagerness
to share what the Theological Studies major is all about.
“What [the Theological Studies program] is trying to embody in the lectures, is what the theology major is ― namely,
people who are called to different things but always looking for God and to refine their senses of God and eyes to
see Him,” Sandlin said.
Theology and math are Eloe’s two passions, and through the years she said she has come to realize that the only
real boundaries separating the two, or theology with any other field, were created by humans. God created every
discipline, so therefore they all can be related and appreciated together, she said.
“It’s hard for many people to imagine how to cross disciplinary boundaries because it is hard to imagine that not
meaning ‘teaching each other’s content,’ and we know so little about each other’s fields,” Eloe said.
Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, S.J. ― a French Catholic priest, mystic and paleontologist from the early 1900s ―
became a major component of Eloe’s study of the relationship between theology and math. Teilhard wrote for people
with anxieties, questions and doubts while also exploring the connected world of theology with mathematics and
sciences. 
In the essays, letters and journals that Teilard wrote, there are “hundreds of references to mathematics and a number
of important mathematical analogies that speak to pursuing and finding God in the world in which we live,” Eloe said.
“For Teilhard, science always had a purpose beyond itself to lead us to God.”
Eloe feels that Teilhard beautifully communicates the idea that any separation between theology and people’s
interests are completely made by humans. Eloe said that Teilhard is so compelling because he let the patterns of this
world become the patterns of his mind. 
“We can see every course in every department as able to reveal the face of God,” Eloe said. “We don’t need to teach
each other’s content to embrace the boundaries between disciplines. We just need to quit thinking that God is
revealed more fully in only one of them.”
A student who attended the lecture, sophomore Luke Bensinger, is a theological studies major along with a math
licensure and a major in computer science. Bensinger said he decided to come to the lecture because of his
relevance to his aspirations and its application to two out of his three majors.
4
“I see the complexity and order of math come together to solidify my knowledge and security of a savior,” Bensinger
said. “I love how everything orders together and builds off of each other to create the whole concept of math as we
see it today. I really took away how solid and spherical geometry work together to show how the entire world points to
a singular creator, just like in a cone.”
Eloe left the lecture with a call to action for everyone in the audience. Whether a student, a professor, or just
someone who was interested in the topic, Eloe called for them to seek more from their education and become
beacons for God’s word intertwining in academics.
“Go deep into everything,” Eloe said. “Students, ring every last drop out of every class you take. Make it clear to your
professors that you want to be challenged. Professors, take your students into the depths. Everything is connected.
Since God is there to be seen in all of creation, all the ways we learn about that creation reveal the face of God.”
5
Written by Emma McDaris // Graphic by Ben Evans
An annual event in Searcy encouraged White County residents to do spring cleaning and make their community
cleaner. 
SEARCY COMMUNITY PARTICIPATES IN SPRING
CLEANING
written by Guest April 5, 2024
6
The annual “Keep White County Beautiful” county-wide cleanup event was March 28-30 at the White County
fairgrounds. White County residents were asked to bring items to the White County Fairgrounds for easy, free
disposal. 
Citizens were required to show proof of residency in White County to leave their items at the event. The City of
Searcy website listed that items such as “appliances, furniture, and scrap metal” were accepted in the event, while
items such as “tires, batteries, and chemicals” were discouraged. Todd Phillips, superintendent of the Searcy
sanitation department, shared his experience participating in the event.
“[It was a] very busy, beautiful weekend and holiday … one of the busiest I’ve seen in a while,” Phillips said.
He said the event provides a special opportunity for all White County citizens.
“I would think it has more impact on citizens outside the city of Searcy who do not have all the waste service that is
provided to Searcy citizens,” Phillips said.
Mayor Matt Faulkner said he sees the event as a necessary step for the Searcy community. 
“The White County Clean-Up event plays a crucial role in maintaining the cleanliness and aesthetics of our
community and county,” Faulkner said. “This event provides citizens with an opportunity to dispose of large items that
may otherwise accumulate and become an issue in our neighborhoods.”
The event encourages spring cleaning for the county citizens, but there are steps everyone can take to keep the
county beautiful all year, Phillips said. 
“[Be] mindful of disposing according to regulations,” Phillips said. “Please keep loads in trailers or back of pick ups
tarped or tied down to prevent blowing debris on our roads.” 
Faulkner said White County citizens have opportunities throughout the year to clean out their properties and are
supported by the Searcy administration.  
“We always encourage citizens to take an active role in maintaining a clean and aesthetically pleasing community.
Last fall we even started ‘Spruce Up Searcy,’ a community initiative designed to inspire and engage our residents in
enhancing the beauty and vibrancy of our city,” Faulkner said. “I’d encourage citizens to continue to utilize the
services of our sanitation and recycling center. If residents have questions about how to dispose of any items that do
not go in their regular trash or recycling bins, they can contact our Sanitation Department for more information.”
7
Written by Alaina Woolf
As the community is preparing to look up into the sky, Harding students will be guiding our community to also look
into our past. The annual History Faire is a special event coming to Searcy that students will be involved in this
eclipse weekend. April 6, Harding University’s history and political science major students will be helping set up
booths at Pioneer Village that will provide educational and interactive activities from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
These students won’t be alone in creating booths for the community to discover as Phi Alpha Theta is the main
organizer for this event. Students have been helping put on this annual event since 2018, with the break during 2020
and 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions.
HARDING HOSTS ANNUAL HISTORY FAIRE
written by Guest April 5, 2024
8
One of the students who is helping out in a big way this year is junior Jacob Anderson. Anderson is heading up the
team of Harding students and is also a member of the Phi Alpha Theta group. Anderson’s role has been one of
organizational leadership, but he also looks forward to helping set up booths the day of and checking people into this
event, he said. 
“What I am most excited about is the opportunity to teach future generations about history in a fun and interactive
way since many textbooks neglect interesting stories, focusing on dates and names that are unattached to the larger
narrative,” Anderson said. “I am hoping to plant a seed of curiosity for the past in every young mind present.”
Events that reach back into the community surrounding the University allow students to connect in a whole new way.
Anderson expressed how this is a key aspect in the mission that Harding strives for.
“I think events like these help show the Searcy community that Harding’s purpose is not to just get students in and
out with a degree but to give back to the community with the greatest gift of all: the love of Christ,” Anderson said.
Professor of History Dr. Julie Harris has been curating this event since its inception five years ago. Harris expressed
that although they had about 200 people in attendance at last year’s History Faire, the faire will be more limited this
year because of the eclipse weekend events taking place. 
Harris and others that are preparing for the event are hopeful for a good turnout for an event that will spark the minds
of children ages three to 10. Harris explained that many events geared towards young children are athletic-based
and that the History Faire gives children of all abilities and talents the opportunity to learn in a way that can be
exciting for them.
“It’s a really cool event. It shows how hands-on history can be,” Dr. Harris said. “This is a way to show them that
there are other things to do that are lots of fun.”
Another student who is eager for this annual community event is senior Isaac Copeland. Copeland explained how
this is a valuable opportunity for students who choose to volunteer their time towards an educational cause. 
“It allows students to share their love of history with the surrounding community and connects them with people they
would never interact with otherwise,” Copeland said. 
9
Written by Bailey Coffman // Graphic by Ben Evans
As the tennis season comes to its height, the University’s team has showcased team spirit and a winning bond. As
the season progresses, the team continues to face challenges with resilience and determination. 
HARDING TENNIS TEAM CONTINUES SUCCESS
written by Guest April 5, 2024
10
Sophomore Karli Roux expressed her excitement for the team this year compared to previous seasons. 
“I’m very proud of our team this year,” Roux said. “We are doing much better than we did last year, and our team
bond is also stronger than ever, which has led to all our successes.” 
Roux also encouraged fans to come out and show their support as there are only two more home matches left in the
season. 
Freshman Itza Rogel, another key player on the women’s team, emphasized the importance of the friendships on the
team.
“My most recent win was very influenced by the team,” Rogel said. “Having your friends and teammates there giving
you unconditional support helps a lot.”
Rogel highlighted the team’s collective effort and hard work, expressing confidence in their ability to achieve great
things together.
Senior Romane Britt echoed Rogel’s sentiments by contributing the team’s recent success to their dynamic energy. 
“I would say we have really come together as a team in our last few matches, and that has pushed us to be
successful,” Britt said. “It really takes the whole team to win a match. When someone is having an off day, the rest of
the team is able to step up. Our energy has also been a big contributor to our success. While playing, each girl is
encouraging their teammate next to them. It’s so much easier to play when you are being supported by your team.”
Junior Hunter DeMunbrun spoke to the dynamic of the team as a constantly evolving culture. As the culture evolves,
so does the performance. “Our chemistry is better than ever, and we’re learning to work as a team. Our potential is
unmatched,” DeMunbrun said. “When we are able to band together and support each other, we are an incredibly
tough team. Our recent win against Drury gave us a glimpse into what the season could look like in the future. We
got a taste of winning, and we are more determined than ever to keep supporting each other on and off the court.
The win came from taking care of the small things.”
11


English

The Bison, April 5, 2024

The Bison, February 23, 2024

Program for the Harding University Commencement on December 14.
Commencement Speaker: Dr. Jim Marti