Cheri Stutzman | The Echo
David Blevins, Irish journalist for Sky News, spoke to a number of students on Wednesday Oct. 10, on the history and the hope of Ireland.
Taylor was one of several colleges Blevins was visiting to give his talk, titled "How Protestants and Catholics stopped killing each other."
Alan Blanchard, associate professor of journalism and communication department co-chair, explained the topics that Blevins covered.
"They included but were not limited to the waning influence of the Catholic church upon Irish society, the passage of legalized abortion and same gender marriage referendum votes in Ireland and a very interesting interview he conducted with the prime minister of Ireland regarding the latter's absence of a religious faith," Blanchard said.
Blevins informed the audience what life is like in Ireland. He also addressed how journalism has influenced its history along with how journalism has impacted his own life.
Blevins' theme throughout his talk focused on the history and hope of Ireland and how they come together and rhyme.
"We had a history, but we also had a hope, and in the words of one of our favorite poets, we made our hope and history rhyme," Blevins said "Those three concepts, hope, history and rhyme, have really become the touchstones of our story and the touchstones of my own personal story."
Blevins covered Ireland's history of conflict in a few short minutes. He said many people thought there could be no end to the conflict and fighting but, even though it took several years or decades even, Ireland has seen peace in the past few years.
He encouraged the audience that even though it may seem impossible, many of the problems in the U.S., such as racism, can be eliminated some day.
Sophomore Aleigha Henn, who was among those who attended the talk, said this was one of the points that stuck out to her from the talk.
"I liked that he connected the issues that Northern Ireland had with the issues that America faces," Henn said.
Blevins also spoke on how journalism created a rhyme between his history and his hope.
As a Christian journalist in a profession that is mainly secular, Blevins found that he is able to minister through his writing by reporting truth as accurately and effectively as possible.
"When people say to me 'you're a Christian journalist, aren't you?' I will always reply 'no, I'm not. I'm a journalist who happens to be a Christian,'" Blevins said. "And I believe what God calls me to is to do a professional job that is fair and accurate and balanced in every sense."
He stated that often times as a Christian, he can see a side some leftist reporters may not understand, and chase after stories they might not be able to. His ministry as a Christian is to bring truth to the public.
Blanchard, who was in the journalism field for several years, agrees with Blevins' point.
"For Christians who possess Truth with a capital "T", I agree that journalists like Blevins can via their factual story-telling shine light in a world where much darkness exists." Blanchard said.
Henn, a professional writing major, stated this was an inspiration for her.
Even though she may not pursue a field such as journalism, she realized how she can still speak truth even in a secular field.
"I can use my profession to glorify God and do the best that I can do in that profession at the same time," Henn said.
