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CHARLOTTE COLLEGIAN
April 21, 1953
CHARLOTTE COLLEGIAN
Published monthly throughout the school year by the students
of CHARLOTTE COLLEGE, Charlotte, North Carolina.
Staff
Editor Bill Palmer
Associate Editor Martha Stcgner
Business Manager Wellene Hodge
Faculty Advisor Miss Mary Denny
REPORTERS
Marilyn Daly Velma Kay
Robert Hirkey Hay Renegar
KEN WILSON
MAN... A UNIQUE ANIMAL
Some philosophers ( ?) maintain that the only factor which
distinguishes man from other animals is that he is . . . the
only featherless biped with long fingernails”. By observation,
both in the mirror and in others, we find much in favor with
this school of thought which narrowly distinguishes us—even
we of the SiSi clan—from the other animals.
However, we do resent this “fact” as being the only dis
tinguishing factor, and will stand up to be coimted as contend
ing that man IS unique, but to let it be known on what basis!
It’s true that man is featherless, that he is biped—having
two legs, and that he has long fingernails; but, in addition
to these, we contend that he is different because of his triune
being—possession of Body, Mind, and Soul.
On the first count, we must agree that other animals have
bodies, and are subject to and conscious of the five senses—
touch, taste, smell, hearing and seeing. Unquestionably true!
On the second count, we must still be agreeable and admit
that other animals have minds, and are able to think. GRANT
ED ! And, in spite of one psychologist’s statement that man is
the only “reasoning” animal, we must throw-in-the-towel and
concede that many “fellow-members” of the animal kingdom
do have “reasoning” minds, which they sometimes use to a
degree shameful to their “featherless biped” brothers.
So, if we were to end our line of thought at this point,
there would be little to substantiate our claims that “Man is
Unique”, and then the artist’s conception of that “animal”
might have been satisfactory to all concerned.
However, we maintain that man’s one distinguishing
characteristic is that he is a Spirit, possessing spiritual ca
pacities and desires—indicating the existence of what Webster
termed “the soul”.
It was many years ago that the Philosopher Plato as
tounded the thinkers of his day when he claimed that there
was more to life than body and mind. He claimed that the body,
with its five senses, and the mind, with its reasoning capacities,
were not “ends” in themselves, not something to be developed
and enjoyed in this world alone, but that . . . “All of the visible
is but a shadow of the invisible—that which we can see, feel,
hear, smell and taste are but signs of greater things—things
of the spirit”.
Plato, in this conviction, was not stating an original
thought, but a truth much older than himself. For, the Philos
opher Moses had stated in Genesis 2:27 that man was created
“in the image of GOD”, and possesses “Body, Mind, and Soul”
(Gen. 2:7).
By scientific approach we can OBSERVE man—watch his
movements, his habits, his desires, etc.—and note a peculiar
attribute . . . the desire to worship—whether materialistic,
pleasure, or spiritual things. Therefore, we might state as an
HYPOTHESIS that man is a Spirit—possessing desires and
capacities unknown to other creatures.
But finally, it is only by personal, individual EXPERI
MENTATION that we can find “whether these things be so”!
This is the point and purpose of this Editorial.
Here at C.C., we are intent (?) upon the pursuit of de
veloping our minds through educational means; we are inter
ested, while somewhat limited, in developing our bodies—thus
our cithletic activities and social fraternities—but, we believe
that there is a need, and a place, for spiritual emphasis, or a
means of “soul development” as well.
The Bible makes unqualified statements of promises and
blessings that are in store for those who will “seek first the
kingdom of GOD” (St. Luke 12:31). Knowing of the desire
of many, and the need of all of us to be reminded of “these
things”, we wonder if now isn’t THE TIME to begin such a
program ?
Jesus, who was Truth, promised that if you know the
truth . . . “the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32), there
fore, we are proposing the establishment of a work which has
as its goal: seeking first the “kingdom of GOD”, endeavoring
to make TRUTH known, and the furthering of spiritual life
at C.C.!
If you are, or desire to be, a Christian and are willing to
participate sacrificially toward establishing such a program
of Bible Study and Christian emphasis, please contact either
the office or the writer.
Yes! It’s true that man may be . . . “a featherless biped
with long fingernails”, but, being created in the image of God
gives him high goals and a life-time task of seeking and living
TRUTH! Let’s determine to develop the “whole” man—Body,
Mind, and Soul.
“Man’s conception of GOD will determine the
whole trend of his life” . . . P. B. Hill.
JIM GUNNELLS
STUDENT GOVERNMENT PROBLEMS
When our faithful former president, Arthur Farley, com
pleted his studies at Charlotte College last quarter, he left
behind a vacancy in the top Student Council office. Unwit
tingly, Farley also left behind a confused and befuddled Stu
dent Council, student government, and student body.
According to the Constitution, if a vacancy occurs in the
office of president the vice-president automatically assumes
the office and duties of the president. Actually this should
have been a simple matter, but complications arose. Charles
V^ess, who was holding down the office of vice-president, be
came ineligible for any Student Council post when he was
unable to get suitable courses for the Spring Quarter. The
Constitution plainly states that each Student Council officer
shall maintain two courses throughout his term of office. The
results: Vess could not continue as vice-president; nor could
he fill in the vacancy left by Farley. The offices of president
and vice-president, both of them, will remain empty until
newly-elected officers are installed, or until some change in
the Constitution has been approved by seventy-five per cent
of the student body. The Constitution contains no provision
for replacement of disqualified student leaders. There is reason
to believe that some changes for the better are forthcoming.
On April 8 an Amendment Committee reviewed, studied, and
discussed possible changes in the constitution. This committee
will soon present to the student body its recommendations for
several needed revisions. Their proposals will probably include
changes in superlative selections, office-holding qualifications,
and honor system enforcement. With some luck and a good
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