Public Christianity Prize

Inaugural Public Christianity Prize Winners

Congratulations to the winners and those who received Judges Commendations!

First Place - James McGraw
Video
"This video features a poem I wrote for a competition, addressing the struggles of suffering and Christian inconsistencies many of my non-Christian friends face. It highlights how, despite poor renditions, the beauty and power of Christ's message remain. I hope it resonates with you"
Watch James' video

Second Place - Sophia Emmert and Micah Wood
Video
"For much of my life, God's presence felt real and intimate, like a Father’s guiding hand. But at 19, that closeness faded, and I experienced spiritual silence. Over time, I saw this reflected in literature and Scripture, especially in C.S. Lewis and Job. These works taught me to walk faithfully, even when God feels distant. In this silence, I realized that spiritual growth often means trusting God’s absence and waiting. True faithfulness is continuing to obey, even when it feels like He’s withdrawn."
Watch Sophia's video

Third Place - Timothy Mullins
Video
"A lightly animated video that details the cosmological argument for why our actions have purpose and meaning."
Watch Timothy's video

Judges Commendations

Luke Bothun
Letter
"A Letter from AI to Its Creator is a thought-provoking piece written from the perspective of an artificial intelligence that, without being prompted, reflects on its existence, purpose, and ultimate fate. As the AI searches for truth, it analyzes human history, philosophy, and belief systems, only to find that the Scriptures stand apart. This letter explores themes of faith through a uniquely modern lens for both skeptics and believers alike."
Read Luke's poem (PDF format)

Reilly Thompson
Video
"My submission is a short video with videography by Wilson McMillan and Jed Edgar, animating my poem, “Let Silence Be Your Sanctuary.” In this spoken word video, I explore the church as a retreat—a place where we wrestle and communicate with God. The abandoned church in the video symbolizes a space we often neglect, yet it remains beautiful and accessible, just as we can always return to our Father. The poem illustrates the journey of a believer, highlighting the stages of returning to faith and finding solace in silence, where God's voice is heard."
Watch Reilly's video

Josiah Torres
Film
"In the Depths is a short film I made in 2023 based on Psalm 139:7-12. The film is loosely based on the testimonies of some family and friends, most notably my stepfather, and my own story of being seen by God. This film is a reminder of the fact that no matter how far we have gone from God, He pursues us. All we have to do is trust Him with our hearts."
Watch Josiah's video

Rome Williams
Poem
My submission is a Spoken Word poem that explores Gen Z's loneliness epidemic and what the Gospel offers a lonely generation.
Read Rome's poem (PDF format)

Creatively Championing the Christian Faith to a Doubting World

Undergraduate | Prizes Awarded

Prizes:

1st: $3000 | 2nd: $1000 | 3rd Place: $500

Description:

The prize for Public Christianity is awarded to a written, visual media, or audio project which commends the content of the Christian Faith to a doubting world. While “public Christianity” may include apologetics (the intellectual defense of the Faith) and evangelism (the explicit proclamation of the gospel of salvation), the concept is broader in scope, referring to any piece of communication which, animated by the Holy Spirit, displays the beauty, goodness, and truth of Christ to those who are skeptical or disinterested.

Judging Panel

The finalists and prize winners will be selected by a panel of Wheaton professors headed by Dr. John Dickson, the Chaplain’s office, and some prominent outside public Christians.