Spring Issue 1 Editorial - Melody Hwang
“When Jesus comes back, I’m going to be in the shower.” This remark was made by my friend. Everyone standing nearby laughed awkwardly at the embarrassing situation. But I’m sure we all, well at least I did, secretly wonder what if that did happen to us…
I was first introduced to Harold Camping by my mother, of all people. Traumatized by the “trash” streaming through radio stations, my mother found solitude in Camping’s conservative Christian station. Playing her favorite hymns and reading Scripture, the sounds coming from 94.7 radiated through the sunny kitchen every morning. My first impression of Camping was his sonorous voice on his “Open Forum” loudly proclaiming Jesus’s imminent return.
My parents’ eyes widened and they listened with growing alarm. The last straw came when Camping declared there was absolutely no purpose in attending church. After that, 94.7 in the Hwang household was limited to quiet music and Scripture reading and switched off as soon Camping’s program came on air.
But now, Camping is back with a new claim: "the world will end on May 21, 2011." Billboards, trucks and radio broadcasts across NJ amplify this hypothesis. Are we really going to be standing in front of Jesus the evening of May 21st? Everyone at one point probably does wonder if we will all be in heaven May 21st.
In her article, “Is it the End of the World?” Danah Lassiter takes on this issue. Her hilarious opening anecdote made me crack up the first time she spoke about in class. After reading it, I’m sure you’ll recall a similar panicky experience. Teachers like Mr. Landis and Mr. Simmons give their appreciated opinions. Lassiter also gathers a wide range of sources to showcase various perspectives on Jesus’ return.
But if Jesus doesn’t come back on May 21, we still have our lives to continue living. Seniors and juniors have the Junior/Senior Banquet to look forward to. Chrissy Guglielmon gives information on how prom dresses can be used to aid a charitable cause. As for everyone else, I guess we will have to find entertainment in Youtube videos.
We’ve all cringed at Rebecca Black’s Friday and Sabrina Solorzano understands. Sharing with us her commentary on Black and her video, she offers her own witty opinion and other students’ viewpoints. On a more serious note, Alison Rabideau tackles a controversial topic soon to be facing graduating seniors.
This issue holds together a variety of different topics all streamlined into making productive use of our time. From donating prom dresses to choosing entertainment, miniscule decisions impact a grander picture. If Jesus does choose to return May 21st, what will He find us doing?