BJU Statement on Racism

by Nov 20, 2008ChurchLife, Culture1 comment

I applaud Bob Jones University, my alma mater, for stating this clearly in a statement released today:

Bob Jones University has existed since 1927 as a private Christian institution of higher learning for the purpose of helping young men and women cultivate a biblical worldview, represent Christ and His Gospel to others, and glorify God in every dimension of life. BJU’s history has been chiefly characterized by striving to achieve those goals; but like any human institution, we have failures as well.

For almost two centuries American Christianity, including BJU in its early stages, was characterized by the segregationist ethos of American culture. Consequently, for far too long, we allowed institutional policies regarding race to be shaped more directly by that ethos than by the principles and precepts of the Scriptures. We conformed to the culture rather than provide a clear Christian counterpoint to it.

Praise the Lord for the humility and wisdom of BJU President Stephen Jones. I have prayed for him and the University in the past to do the right thing with regard to this issue, and I prayed for him during the small (Facebook) controversy which gave rise to this statement. My prayers were answered beyond what I expected, and I rejoice.

Read More 

Review: Abigail Favale on the Genesis of Gender

The Genesis of Gender: A Christian Theory by Abigail Rine Favale My rating: 4 of 5 stars Really excellent. Fascinating personal story: So-called “Christian feminism” is, too often, secular feminism with a light Jesus glaze on top, a cherry-picked biblical garnish....

A Few Quotes from The Genesis of Gender by Abigail Favale

The Genesis of Gender: A Christian Theory by Abigail Rine Favale My rating: 4 of 5 stars Well written, provocatively helpful—provocative because she was schooled in evangelicalism (which makes her like me) and in feminist theory (which makes her not like me)—and is...

Answering a Question about Political Philosophy

A friend asked me for my thinking—and my reading recommendations—on Christian political philosophy. I was pretty frank and open. I don't hold myself up as a master of the topic. I welcome input from others here. What should I read? What should my friend read? My...

A Little Help for Your Charitableness from Kevin DeYoung

A Little Help for Your Charitableness from Kevin DeYoung

There are few figures on the national evangelical scene that I like and trust more than Kevin DeYoung. I think he nails the balance between, on the one hand, graciousness and fairness and charity and, on the other (can anything be on the other hand from...

Leave a comment.

1 Comment
  1. wdlowry

    I am so thankful that the university finally admitted being wrong here. Ever since the announcement in 2000 I’ve felt like they never really said that the policies were wrong, but rather that they just changed them so as to not cause problems.

    It takes a lot of humility to say, “We were wrong,” but it’s the right thing to do. The Bible is infallible, but our interpretations of it are not. We can be influenced by our culture to hold an unbiblical position.

    I hope that certain group that like to draw parallels between the issue of racism and their struggle to have their sin accepted doesn’t pick up on this. The Bible is still very, very clear that homosexuality is wrong.