Belmont University | FYI


November 14, 2008

BELMONT NEWS


Rogers Provides Insights on Religion and Politics
MRogers.jpgMelissa Rogers, founder and director of Wake Forest University's Center for Religion and Public Affairs, spoke on campus Nov. 5, the day after the historic U.S. election. Rogers examined the major issues of faith and politics that the new president will be dealing with in the next four years.

As Rogers quoted from Barack Obama's election-night acceptance speech about "uniting America," the packed Neely Dining Room broke into spontaneous applause. She went on to discuss how Americans staunchly support the separation of church and state, and yet resoundingly want to participate in conversations about faith and politics. In fact, she noted, "In a country where we ask our candidates if they wear boxers or briefs, it shouldn't be surprising that we'd care about their thoughts on religion."

Still, Rogers believes that media crossed inappropriate lines in this election when it came to coverage of the candidates' faith preferences, finding it particularly troubling when specific churches became political targets and media magnets. Click here for more on this story.

Desmond Child Visits 'Insider's View'
IMG_9306.jpgOn Wed., Oct. 29 chart-topping songwriter Desmond Child appeared on Belmont’s "Insider’s View" stage, hosted by Harry Chapman. Child’s creativity in songwriting has resulted in many No. 1 hits including Ricky Martin’s “Livin’ La Vida Loca,” Bon Jovi’s “You Give Love a Bad Name” and Aerosmith’s “Dude Looks Like a Lady.” His career success includes 70 Top 40 singles and more than 300 million albums sold worldwide as well as his induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Child gave advice to students on songwriting and the music business, saying, “Make work your friend and confidant.” Child also reiterated the importance of staying in the moment and being completely focused while writing songs.

Currently, Child is busy with several projects, which include an animated film with Dreamworks titled Swedish Idol and a Broadway musical. However, his most recent project, “Man Up For Kids,” is a charity organization that is using music to help disabled children. Nashville is the pilot city for this organization.


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