The chapel series “Picture This: Love, Justice, and Jesus” highlighted the controversy over the “Jesus Mural” and prompted campus-wide contemplation. Should the mural stay or go?

I find nothing wrong with the mural itself and think it should stay, but if students continue to disapprove of it, it may need to go.

I believe the mural is beautifully crafted and represents the core of what Biola is about: the Word of God. Kent Twitchell explained in Monday’s chapel that his intent in painting the mural was to create an allusion to Christ that showed that “the center of this campus is the Bible, and the center of this campus is the Word, and the center of this campus is Christ. They are the same.”

I look at the mural and smile, happy that even in our campus artwork we are blatantly stating we are a Christ-focused school. The Jesus depicted should be a symbol or signpost to remind us to look to the real Word of God, our Savior who delights in the unity and love of his children.

If we are truly to live out what this mural says about us, though, our actions need to reflect our Christ-centeredness. We need to be aware of the struggles and hurt fellow students are experiencing. President Corey explained that this chapel series is all about “listening to the other.”

If we find that our brothers and sisters in Christ still believe the mural to be oppressive or unethical after hearing the author’s intent and positive views of the mural, we should honor their conscience and remove the cause of division.

I feel it would be a shame to blot out the mural, but if it is the only way to exemplify Christ’s love for others, it must be done. I need to take on the attitude of Paul in 1 Corinthians 10:31-33, looking to the good of others and keeping unity with the believers. If our student body retains this attitude, we will become a living “Jesus mural,” a mix of colors and shapes working together to point to Christ.