Confederate Flag at Jefferson Forest Sparks Outrage

Parents took to social media to protest the display of Confederate flags on school grounds by students. Students and parents at Jefferson Forest High School in Bedford County have expressed outrage over photos posted on social media that showed a group of students brandishing Confederate flags on campus, Monday, Feb. 4. The school’s “Country vs. Country Club” spirit day encouraged students to attend school dressed … Continue reading Confederate Flag at Jefferson Forest Sparks Outrage

The Benefits of Doubt at Liberty University

With many Liberty students experiencing spiritual growth at the school, where do those with doubt go? After spending most of his life in the Southern Baptist church, Mike McHargue found himself struggling to find truth in what he had always been taught about Christianity. This questioning led to a faith transition that resulted in emotional turmoil and the loss of his community. He has continued to use … Continue reading The Benefits of Doubt at Liberty University

Oscar Outcasts: First Reformed

An overview of the religious drama, First Reformed, in context of the church and Christianity. Doubt, heresy and conviction have been some of the most enduring themes throughout film history. Since D.W Griffith’s 1919 silent masterpiece “Intolerance”, the struggle between those who see themselves as carrying out the divine will of God against the oppressive godless masses remains one of the most intriguing struggles in … Continue reading Oscar Outcasts: First Reformed

Renovations Prove Difficult for Student with Disabilities.

Campus construction is significantly slowing down students with disabilities.  Much of the construction at Liberty University has led to inconveniences for students and faculty. These obstacles are heightened for students who are physically disabled, whether temporarily or permanently. LU Senior Moriah Backhaus uses a wheelchair and has found that navigating campus has become more of a challenge since construction increased. “Life on campus has become … Continue reading Renovations Prove Difficult for Student with Disabilities.

A Point in Time: Homelessness in Lynchburg

Care networks take a survey to estimate the numbers on homelessness in Lynchburg. Early morning Jan. 24 before dawn, volunteers wore raincoats and boots to fend off the rain as they gathered in the wet parking lot of Miller Park. They split into groups and chose areas of the city to cover. Amber Teer, Coordinated Homeless Intake and Access Coordinator for Lynchburg, led her group … Continue reading A Point in Time: Homelessness in Lynchburg

A War on Common Sense

An LU student’s perspective on the opioid crisis. The opioid crisis has been a huge problem as of recent years. According to the South China Morning Post over 300,000 people have died in the US since 2000 due to prescription opioid overdoses. These types of opioids are prescribed for seizures, different types of pain and other ailments. Many of these opioids are extremely addictive and … Continue reading A War on Common Sense

Small Business, Big Outreach

Downtown Lynchburg outlets reach out to locals in a variety of ways Small businesses live and die by community. For a small business to be deemed successful, it must find a need in their community and reliably meet that need. Forbes posted a list of what local businesses need to be successful, and for the most part downtown Lynchburg’s host of shops and restaurants fit … Continue reading Small Business, Big Outreach

Opinion: Liberty University’s CIO Needs to Resign

John Gauger has been accused of rigging polls for the 2016 Presidential Election. If Liberty University wants to retain Christian credibility in the academic field, their Chief Information Officer John Gauger needs to resign. On Wednesday, Jan. 17, The Wall Street Journal released a report detailing how former attorney Michael Cohen paid off Gauger to rig poll data in favor of Donald Trump for the … Continue reading Opinion: Liberty University’s CIO Needs to Resign

Women’s March Attracts Crowd in Support of ERA

Local rally draws hundreds for equal rights legislation. The city of Lynchburg held a rally alongside various cities across the United States as a part of a national Women’s March on Jan. 19. Despite the threat of rain, nearly 200 people gathered on the sidewalk near the Lynchburg Community Market for their own Women’s March rally, many wearing pink hats and toting protest signs. Men, … Continue reading Women’s March Attracts Crowd in Support of ERA

Students: Let Your Voice be Heard

The Lynchburg Torch has many opportunities for students of all majors and interests.  Christmastime is here, and with it comes the end to another semester at Liberty. This semester, The Lynchburg Torch has gone from a lofty idea to an established student project. We’ve been enormously blessed by the student interaction we’ve received, and we are enormously thankful for the interest all of you have … Continue reading Students: Let Your Voice be Heard