HB Senior Theses

Invention Within the Human Mind Points to a Divine Inventor

Thesis: Booth argues that the human capacity for invention — bringing ideas together in novel ways to create something that did not previously exist — constitutes evidence for the existence of a divine Creator. He contends that the prerequisites for invention collectively point to God as their source.

Arguments: The paper identifies three prerequisites for invention: consciousness, an understanding of mathematics, and an understanding of the physical world through science. Booth traces the history of human invention from 10,000 BC through the modern era to demonstrate the uniqueness and scope of human creative ability compared to all other creatures. He argues that consciousness cannot be adequately explained through purely materialist or evolutionary frameworks, citing its irreducible complexity and the inability of science to locate its origin. Mathematics, he contends, reflects immutable, universal laws that imply a divine law-giver — drawing on Vern Poythress's argument that mathematical truths are a reflection of God's nature. Science itself, built upon mathematical principles and reliant on the regularity of natural laws, also presupposes a sustaining intelligence behind the universe.

Conclusions: Booth concludes that every element of human invention — consciousness, mathematical understanding, and scientific knowledge — points to a divine inventor. He argues that those who use their inventive capacities to deny God's existence engage in a self-refuting exercise, since the very tools they use (language, logic, science) presuppose the God they deny. The paper closes with Romans 1:20-25, asserting that God's invisible attributes are clearly seen through what has been made.

You Don't NEED College: The American Concept of University Is a Business Scam

Thesis: Clarke argues that the American concept of attending university functions as a type of business scam. He does not argue that education is useless, but that college and university are not the only — or necessarily the best — paths to learning and career success.

Arguments: The paper presents three lines of evidence. First, university requires life-altering financial decisions: tuition costs are enormous, student loan debt cannot be discharged even in bankruptcy, and many students take on this debt at a vulnerable time in life without stable income. Drawing on Charlie Kirk's work, Clarke highlights the predatory nature of student lending. Second, career networking and relationship building are not exclusive to the university experience — people can make connections and build professional relationships in any environment, making college's social benefits non-unique. Third, students reap only limited usefulness from university, since much of what is taught replicates high school material. Clarke cites statistics showing that only 62% of undergraduates complete their degrees within six years, and notes the decline of placement testing, which means students of varying skill levels are mixed into general education courses covering material they have already learned.

Conclusions: Clarke concludes that while college can be a useful tool, the substantial financial risks, the availability of networking opportunities elsewhere, and the diminishing educational value make modern universities far less necessary than society suggests. With the internet and AI providing accessible and affordable alternatives, the overpriced degree no longer carries the weight it once did.

More Than a Gesture: The Science and Psychology of Human Touch

Thesis: Deason argues that physical touch should be recognized as a relational mechanism, a powerful tool, and a therapeutic method that plays an important role in human health, development, and regulation of body and mind.

Arguments: The paper establishes that physical touch — defined as intentional human contact such as hugs, hand-holding, and gentle physical reassurance — triggers the release of oxytocin and dopamine, which promote feelings of calm, happiness, and emotional bonding, while also lowering cortisol (the primary stress hormone). Deason traces touch as "the most ancient language," present in ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Indian, and biblical healing traditions. She presents three core claims: first, that physical touch strengthens emotional connections between parents and children, with research on skin-to-skin contact (kangaroo care) demonstrating measurable benefits for infant development; second, that touch helps regulate sensory-seeking behaviors in individuals with ADHD, with studies showing tactile massage can reduce hyperactivity and improve focus; and third, that touch alleviates depressive symptoms and lowers anxiety by activating calming neurological and hormonal responses. She also addresses the growing problem of "touch deprivation" in a digitally connected but physically distanced society.

Conclusions: Deason concludes that while valid concerns about boundaries and consent must inform the use of touch, these concerns should encourage responsible practice rather than elimination. In a world of increasing loneliness and emotional disconnection, physical touch remains one of the most natural and essential means of strengthening human connection and supporting emotional well-being.

God's Covenant People: What Is Modern Israel?

Thesis: Dickerson argues that the promises given to Abraham in Scripture were fulfilled in Jesus Christ and are continued through the Church, meaning that the modern nation-state of Israel does not hold special covenantal status before God.

Arguments: The paper contrasts two theological frameworks: Restorationism (the view that national Israel retains unfulfilled divine promises, including land and political restoration) and Fulfillment Theology (the view that Old Testament promises to Israel find their fulfillment in Christ and the Church). Dickerson traces Fulfillment Theology from Justin Martyr and Augustine through the Reformation, noting it was the dominant Christian position until John Nelson Darby introduced dispensationalism in the 19th century. He examines key biblical texts — including Isaiah 49, Hosea 11, Matthew 2, Galatians 3 and 6, and Romans 9-11 — to argue that the term "Israel" often functions representationally rather than strictly nationally, and that New Testament writers consistently apply Israel's promises to Christ and his followers. He addresses the dispensationalist claim that a literal millennial reign in Jerusalem is necessary, arguing it is contextually unlikely given that Christ's return signals final judgment. He also rebuts two counterarguments: that Fulfillment Theology means God has abandoned ethnic Israel (pointing to Romans 11 and the concept of a faithful remnant), and that it leads to antisemitism (arguing that antisemitism predates the theology and contradicts its actual content).

Conclusions: Dickerson concludes that modern Israel is not God's covenant people in the theological sense, that aiding Israel should not be motivated by expectations of divine blessing, and that Christians should separate their personal faith obligations from government foreign policy decisions. He urges fair treatment of all peoples in the region based on standards of justice, not theological favoritism.

A Person's a Person, No Matter How Small: Why In Vitro Fertilization Is Not Morally Justifiable Within a Christian Worldview

Thesis: Ford argues that IVF is not morally justifiable within a Christian worldview because it inherently involves the destruction and dishonoring of human life at its earliest stage.

Arguments: The paper builds on five propositions. First, human life begins at conception, supported by both biological evidence (the formation of a unique organism with complete DNA at fertilization) and Scripture (Psalm 139, Jeremiah 1:5). Second, human dignity begins at conception, meaning embryos possess inherent worth as image-bearers of God. Third, the Bible demands justice for the vulnerable, placing a moral obligation on Christians to defend those who cannot defend themselves. Fourth, IVF destroys human life: each cycle creates multiple embryos, most of which will not survive — roughly 7 out of every 8 fertilized eggs are lost through attrition, failed implantation, genetic screening, or indefinite freezing. Ford notes that approximately 1.5 million embryos sit in frozen storage in the U.S. alone. Fifth, IVF dishonors human dignity by subjecting embryos to grading, selection, genetic screening, commercial transactions, and legal treatment as property rather than persons. Ford also rebuts three common objections: that embryos are merely "potential persons" (citing bioethicists George & Lee), that overcoming infertility justifies any means (arguing the ends don't justify the means), and that IVF is a purely personal decision (countering that endangering human life is never strictly personal).

Conclusions: Ford concludes that IVF cannot be morally justified and points to restorative reproductive medicine (RRM) as a hopeful alternative that treats underlying causes of infertility. She acknowledges the deep pain of infertility but maintains that no one is owed a child, and that injustice cannot be excused by grief. She calls Christians to educate themselves, support organizations advocating for embryonic life, and engage in advocacy.

God's Law in Civil Ethics

Thesis: Gould argues that under the New Covenant, God's law remains valid as the judicial standard of justice for all nations. This position, known as theonomy, holds that God's moral and civil laws — not secular or culturally relative standards — should be the ultimate basis for civil governance.

Arguments: The paper proceeds in two major steps. First, Gould establishes the continued validity of God's law as a whole by examining Matthew 5:17-19, where Jesus states he came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it. Drawing heavily on Greg Bahnsen's theonomic framework, Gould argues that "fulfill" means to confirm and establish, not to terminate. He contends that unless specific Old Testament laws are rescinded or modified by later revelation, they should be presumed to remain morally binding. Second, Gould argues for the universal applicability of Israel's civil laws to all nations. He points to passages such as Leviticus 18:24-28 and Deuteronomy 4:6-8, where pagan nations are judged by the same moral standards as Israel, demonstrating that God's civil justice was never exclusively for one people. He addresses the common objection about separation of church and state, clarifying that theonomy does not seek to merge ecclesiastical and civil authority, but rather insists that both operate under God's moral law. He also explains that applying these laws today requires careful interpretation to distinguish underlying moral principles from their ancient cultural expressions — just as Christians do with New Testament instructions.

Conclusions: Gould concludes that God's law provides the only perfect, holy standard of civil justice, and that Christians must care about civil ethics because laws reflect underlying values. He warns that the Church has compromised by ceding lawmaking to secular frameworks, resulting in the toleration of practices Scripture condemns. He calls Christians to advocate for just policies that reflect God's nature and protect human well-being.

Musical Concentration

Thesis: Legere argues that listening to music provides a meaningful aid to focus and concentration, particularly during schoolwork and similar tasks — provided the right type of music is chosen.

Arguments: The paper presents three mechanisms by which music aids concentration. First, music stimulates the brain: research shows that music activates both hemispheres simultaneously, engaging areas associated with memory (hippocampus) and attention (prefrontal cortex), thereby improving information processing and retention. Legere notes that different brain types (auditory, kinesthetic, neurodivergent) benefit from different genres, and that different types of work call for different musical accompaniment. Second, music boosts morale: studies demonstrate that music elevates mood by reducing cortisol levels and triggering relaxation responses, helping students maintain motivation and push through tedious or stressful tasks. Third, music limits distractions by creating an "audio bubble" that blocks out environmental noise — ambient sounds, conversations, construction — that would otherwise interrupt concentration. He addresses the counterargument that music itself can be distracting, acknowledging that lyrically heavy, variable-tempo, or overly loud music can indeed interfere with focus, but argues this is a matter of selection rather than a fundamental flaw.

Conclusions: Legere concludes that music is a tool for concentration that everyone can benefit from, regardless of age or circumstance. He emphasizes that the key is choosing the right music — slow-tempo instrumental or ambient music — and using dedicated playlists to avoid ads and unwanted interruptions. In a world full of competing demands for attention, music offers a practical, accessible strategy for improving focus.

Movement in the Classroom: A Recovery of the Foundation of Classical Education

Thesis: Lennon argues that intentionally incorporating movement and sensory support strategies within classical education improves students' emotional regulation, attention, and motivation, thereby supporting deeper learning. Far from being a distraction, movement is a vital — and historically rooted — component of learning.

Arguments: The paper draws on the concept of embodied cognition (the idea that learning is shaped by the body's interaction with its environment) and neuroscience research. Lennon first establishes that emotional and sensory regulation are prerequisites for attention: students who cannot manage their emotional and physiological states struggle to engage with instruction. She cites research showing that physical activity stimulates dopamine and serotonin (enhancing mood and focus), reduces cortisol and adrenaline (relieving stress), and supports neuroplasticity (the brain's ability to form new connections). She addresses counterarguments that movement disrupts classroom discipline, that it is only necessary for young children, and that it is incompatible with collegiate rigor. To each, she responds that adults continue to rely on movement for regulation (pacing while thinking, exercising to manage stress), that there is no age at which embodiment "disappears," and that college students already use movement-based strategies (walking between classes, standing desks) as part of their academic routines. Lennon also connects her argument to the historical roots of classical Greek education, which was deeply intertwined with physical movement and the outdoors.

Conclusions: Lennon concludes that true rigor is defined not by enforced stillness but by sustained attention and active participation. She calls for classical education to recover its own historical foundation by recognizing the body as an essential tool in learning, and argues that supporting diverse learners through movement strengthens both academic success and the mission to educate the whole person.

License to Ride: Regulating E-Bikes

Thesis: Van Soelen argues that because current laws do not adequately prepare riders to operate e-bikes safely, a mandatory e-bike licensing system should be implemented to reduce accidents and improve accountability.

Arguments: The paper documents a dramatic rise in e-bike accidents: from 750 reported in 2017 to over 23,000 in 2022, with e-bike incidents increasing 18.6-fold over five years according to California's SWITRS database. Most patients treated for e-bike injuries at Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) are between 14 and 16 years old, and the majority of injuries are preventable and related to lack of helmet use and inexperience. Van Soelen highlights the particular danger of head injuries, noting that only 44% of injured e-bike riders were wearing helmets and that helmet use declined 6% between 2017 and 2022. She explains the three classes of e-bikes (with top assisted speeds ranging from 20 to 37 mph) and details how their greater speed and weight compared to traditional bicycles increase injury severity. The paper draws on medical research regarding traumatic brain injury, noting potential long-term consequences including depression, memory impairment, and cognitive deficits. Van Soelen argues that a licensing system — modeled on existing frameworks for motor vehicles — would ensure riders demonstrate basic competency, safety knowledge, and accountability before operating these powerful machines.

Conclusions: Van Soelen concludes that e-bikes, while convenient and valuable for transportation, pose a growing public health hazard that demands regulatory action. A mandatory licensing system would reduce accidents, particularly among young and inexperienced riders, by requiring demonstrated knowledge of safety practices and traffic rules before riders take to the road.

HELP WANTED: Volunteers Needed

Thesis: Wong argues that the average-aged retired person should participate in volunteer service because it positively impacts a person's sense of purpose, health and wellness, and society as a whole.

Arguments: The paper examines three categories of impact. First, personal impact: volunteering cultivates fulfillment by aligning actions with deeply held values, and it builds reputation by highlighting character traits like work ethic, consistency, and compassion. Wong draws on personal experience volunteering with Civil Air Patrol and cites research showing that the non-material rewards of service — memories, relationships, and satisfaction — often exceed monetary compensation. Second, health impact: volunteering provides measurable physical and mental health benefits for older adults, including reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, lower rates of depression, and what researchers call "helper's high" — the release of endorphins and oxytocin triggered by altruistic activity. She cites longitudinal studies showing that volunteers have lower hypertension risk and better psychological well-being. Third, societal impact: retired volunteers fill critical gaps during disasters (drawing on examples from Team Rubicon, Samaritan's Purse, and the Pasadena Senior Center's response to the Eaton Fire), address skilled worker shortages, and pass on irreplaceable institutional knowledge and mentorship to younger generations. Wong grounds her argument in both secular research and Christian theology, citing Martin Luther King Jr., the philosophy of Jesus, and the biblical call to love others through action (1 John 3:18).

Conclusions: Wong concludes that volunteer service benefits the individual, the community, and society at large, and that if these benefits are available in retirement, the rewards of starting earlier in life are even greater. She frames volunteering as both a practical and spiritual imperative — a tangible expression of love and purpose.