The 2025 spring issue of Olivet the Magazine is now available. View it electronically here.
Take a look at these thoughts from the Editorial Team:
Dear Friends,
In a world that often bombards us with negativity and uncertainty, the wisdom found in the Apostle Paul’s final thought to the Philippians offers a timeless invitation: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).
In a message at College Church on the campus of Olivet Nazarene University several years ago now, Dr. Dennis Kinlaw expounded on this text. He invited us to step away from more trivial pursuits and become enamored with the ways, thoughts and character of our excellent God — to allow the Holy Spirit to assist us in “raising the level of our inner dialogue.”
This spring, we’ve chosen “Think on These Things” as the theme for our issue, not merely as a pleasant suggestion but as a transformative practice for our community. What we choose to dwell on shapes who we become. So much of our spiritual, emotional and intellectual development during the collegiate experience happens by a kind of ideological and behavioral osmosis. When we focus our attention on truth, nobility, righteousness, purity, loveliness and admirable things, we cultivate minds and hearts that reflect these very qualities.
Throughout these pages, you’ll find stories of Olivet students, faculty, alumni and friends who embody the essence of this Scripture in remarkable ways. From service initiatives bringing hope to local communities to academic achievements pushing the boundaries of excellence to artistic expressions capturing beauty in unexpected places — these stories remind us that we have countless reasons to celebrate what is good.
As you journey through this issue, we invite you to pause and reflect. How might your own thoughts be redirected toward what is excellent and praiseworthy? How might our Olivet community collectively shine as a beacon of what is noble and true in a world hungry for authentic goodness? As a reminder, our mission is to provide high-quality academic instruction for the purpose of personal development, career and professional readiness, and the preparation of individuals for lives of service to God and humanity. In the words of our 1915 University Catalog, “We seek the strongest scholarship and the deepest piety, knowing that they are thoroughly compatible (and) … a Christian environment … where not only knowledge but character is sought.”
The practice of “thinking on these things” doesn’t ignore life’s challenges; rather, it equips us to face them with grace, insight and hope. In this spirit, we present this spring issue as both inspiration and invitation — to renew our minds, to encourage one another and to live out the calling placed upon this Christ-centered community. There is one impeccable example who stands at the center of human history for all that is good and right: Jesus Christ!
With gratitude for all who contribute to making Olivet a place where truth and beauty flourish,
The Editorial Team
