The Coastlander is an ecumenical Christian journal at the University of Southern California. Founded in the summer of 2020, the journal strives to have honest conversations about current issues and how Christians interact with them. At USC, we operate in partnership with the Nova Forum for Catholic Thought.
When mentioned in the Bible, the coastlands (or in other translations, the ‘islands’ or ‘distant lands’) refer to the faraway places where the inhabitants may also feel a spiritual distance from God. Our lives at USC often parallel this experience; not only are we surrounded by the natural beauty of the physical California coastline, but many students can relate to the reality of spiritual distance. However, God never abandons us; regardless of the moments in which we may feel unmoored, unseen, or lost, God cares for us deeply and is always ready for us to call upon Him. Our name reminds us of this important truth, while also hinting towards the wonderful, divine possibilities that await the future of our home if we choose to turn to God. We are the Coastlanders.
The 2024-2025 Editors are Nora Miller and Joseph Wang.