1The Charter of Bob Jones College [University]. Bob Jones Universitys board and administration are making the tough strategic decisions that are necessary in todays rapidly changing higher education environment, said Tim Hofferth, the chair of the S.C. Commission on Higher Education, the states college oversight body. The report was released in 2014 by the organization Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment, or GRACE. "We failed to accurately represent the Lord and to fulfill the commandment to love others as ourselves. Jack Heart Conversations From The Porch. 3:9). These texts reveal Christs atonement to be sufficient for all men (Heb. Bob Jones University lost its tax-exempt status in 1970 for refusing to admit African-Americans. Located in South Carolina, which is a city setting in South Carolina, the campus itself is Urban. 20:11; 31:17). The angel of the LORD twice instructed his mother to keep the Nazarite vow of abstinence from wine or strong drink and the unclean thing lest she defile the person in her womb to whom the vow actually applied (Jud. 16:9; 84:2; 150). Pettits current contract ends at the end of the 2022-23 academic year, on May 5, 2023. In my first job after BJU in government, I was surrounded by colleagues from top schools and over time, I realized my education was seriously lacking. I began reading and studying to get caught up, all the while becoming frustrated that so much emphasis in my college years was spent on rules such as walking on the grass instead of preparing me spiritually and educationally for the world. I was never taught to think, to debate, or defend my positions. Page referred to the cuts as reallocating resources to growth potential, Page said. 5:9). We also believe that we are called to speak Gods truth in love (Eph. 30:5; Matt. In my opinion, this will not happen if we turn back the clock. Past leadership did not understand this. This commitment is essentially confirmed by BJUs commitment to stand for the truths articulated in the University Creed. 3:17), and Jesus Himself (Matt. IE 11 is not supported. The institution has the right to attempt a change in worldview, and to distance itself from that past. Therefore, within the bounds of historical biblical orthodoxy we accord others the same charitable grace to hold their views in obedience to their own consciences as we wish from them toward us (1 Tim. Conor Hughes contributed to this report. 2:10). 23:22). And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good (Gen. 1:31). Filed Under: Way of Improvement Tagged With: Bob Jones III, Bob Jones University, Christian colleges, fundamentalism, Trump says evangelicals who have yet to back his 2024 candidacy are disloyal. The prophet Jeremiah speaks of God forming, knowing, and sanctifying him in his mothers womb. Some board members have also blamed Pettit for firing some of the schools most conservative professors during a time of budget cuts. 18:20). 14:15). BJU has identified itself with the movement and has played a major role in its leadership. A. Report: Bob Jones University shamed victims of sexual assault For decades, Bob Jones University, a self-described fundamentalist Christian college, has urged sexual abuse victims not to. 8:2939). 1 Quoting the ESV for clarity. When human embryos are implanted into surrogate mothers wombs, they receive no new genetic information from the surrogate mother. 12:23; Phil. The Supreme Court determined in Bob Jones University v. United States, 461 U.S. 574 (1983), that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) may deny tax-exempt status to institutions, such as BJU, whose policies are "contrary to established public policy," even if those policies are based on religious beliefs. 6:1519), and will be completed when we stand before God in our resurrection bodies (Heb. Finally, consider that the world you so desperately speak evil of is watching and further laughing and mocking Christianity. "If the allegations of sexual abuse were made, it is unclear if Bob Jones University, once alerted to the allegations, informed law enforcement," California detective Aleina Smith told Fox. Biblical preaching focused on the accurate proclamation of Gods Word appropriately applied to life. The intentional, loving practice of church discipline aimed at restoring willfully disobedient believers, as commanded by Scripture. God offers this salvation freely to all men who are willing to repent and turn from their sins (Acts 3:19, 17:30) and place their full faith and trust in the atonement Christ made by His finished work on the Cross (Luke 24:4648, Heb. 8:29). I cannot express how it feels to read those words after 15 years," Clark's email said. . Here are the starting salaries for new teachers, Board candidacy of 5 longtime USC trustees will move forward following panel vote. BJU in recent years, has been on a course to correct past wrongs and focus on the gospel. We believe God intended heterosexual marriage for the propagation of the human race and the loving expression of healthy relational and sexual intimacy, and to picture the covenant relationship He has with all believers (Eph. Therefore, we oppose the practice of abortion on the grounds that it involves the intentional, purposeful, and direct ending of a human life that began at conception. The legacy of the past teaches us that. 20:1; Prov. Its hard to not want to support or even identify with your alma mater because you know the reaction that often comes with that admission, and while sometimes exacerbated or one-sided, is largely deserved due to the former structure and heart (or should I say lack thereof) of the institution. From all over the country the Board received pleas from graduates, and others, to look into these matters fearing that the University had veered in its direction, and unique distinctives without which it would become irrelevant. a report the university commissioned to investigate its handling of sexual abuse allegations, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. In my day, BJU preached strongly against compromise. There is an amazing role BJU can have in influencing the world for Christ. God values human life. The prophet also indicates that death in the womb is possible, implying that while in the womb he was a living person. To watch an administration stop and train leadership (from the top down) to help the student body live as authentic Christians changed me. Growing up in fundamental schools and then attending BJU, I realized I was ignorant in American government history and processes. I cant see the devil passing up an opportunity to take advantage of mans prideful tendency to cling to the law instead of grace. Education. 9:28; 1 John 3:23). The bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ is the first act in Gods restoration of the whole creation to its original pre-fallen condition (Isa. 1:57). The campus is beautiful and quiet. Jan 15, 2022. For these failures we are profoundly sorry. by. Rate this book. This is one of the most significant issues that Christians must wrestle with today, particularly in the university setting. "She was the victim of a large scale campaign of abuse by a shepherd who preyed on his sheep," the report said. 2:45); and when such men exercise faith in Christ alone for salvation, they are born again by the ministry of the Holy Spirit and become children of God forever (John 3:38; 1 John 5:1, 13; 2 Cor. Whether composing an instrumental work, creating a new setting for an ancient hymn text, singing in gathered worship, performing in a recital, attending a concert, or building a playlist for recreational listening, we will seek to make musical choices that are marked by virtue, appropriateness, expediency, and artistry. The challenge is starker at Bob Jones University, the bastion of American fundamentalism for nearly a century. Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old (Prov. Bob Jones University founded in 1927 in South Carolina said its rules on race were shaped by culture instead of the Bible, according to a statement posted Thursday on its Web site. We believe in the visible return of the Lord Jesus Christ at His Second Coming (John 14:3; Acts 1:11; 1 Thess. More. 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars. Signing this petition is probably the first thing Ive done In support of my alma mater since graduating in the late 90s. Creation fell in the first Adam; in the second Adam (Jesus) creation is restored (Romans 5:1217). The KJV reads, For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mothers womb. The conservative, Christian university in Greenville said it spent more than expected because of increased health care costs and a larger demand for student scholarships, according to an emailed statement from university spokesman Randy Page. A normative reading of the Old Testament texts, Jesus own revelation in the gospels, and the rest of the New Testament establish that Jesus will physically and visibly return again in Glory for His peopleat which time He will restore to the nation of Israel the kingdom that was lost to them because of their sinful rejection of Messiah at His first coming (Titus 2:1213; Rev. The News does not typically identify people who report sexual assault, but Clark said she was willing to be named. In my first year I was able to experience what many would consider the traditional BJU structure but by year two Steve Pettit was onbaorded and began to transition our school to focus on discipling the students and on the status of our hearts and walk with the Lord rather than simply the appearance of such things. There is now compassion that was at times missing in my day when punishments (albeit necessary) were sometimes excessively harsh. That's kind of a new term in use in the higher ed landscape. 2:37). 15:21). Im shocked that some on the board want to take the University back. 22:2527) but also any consensual sexual activity outside the boundaries of heterosexual marriage (1 Thess. As an orthodox, historic fundamentalist, non-denominational Christian liberal arts university, Bob Jones University has taken a consistent stand for complete abstinence from the use of alcohol since our inception in 1927. But the Bible does not view procreation as occurring independently of Gods ongoing creative work. But on campus, behind the chain-linked, barbed-wire fence, in the cream-colored buildings, where the 6,500 students of Bob Jones University go about the Lord's work, such worldly concerns matter . #1. We desire faculty, staff, and students to seek churches that teach believers to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age (Titus 2:1112). I am encouraged by the Universitys statement. Christs bodily resurrection emphatically reiterates Gods original assessment of His creation. Bob Jones University holds to the verbal, plenary inspiration of the Bible in the original manuscripts and that God has supernaturally preserved His inspired words in the totality of extant manuscript evidence. Bible-believing Christians of all generations face unique cultural pressures. 5:1920, 1 Cor. Acklin . Bob Jones University believes that the Christian is called to a life of growing conformity to the image of Christ and that the improper use, misuse, or abuse of alcohol and other addictive substances hinders this conformity and growth in personal holiness. We will intentionally make time to appreciate and share the expressive experience of music, thereby living into our potential as image bearers (Gen. 1:28, Eph. Bob Jones University has cut 50 jobs after a budget shortfall of $4.5 million. Pettit heretically teaches that "THE RACE" we run as Christians is necessary for salvation. One warrant said the woman was too afraid to report the allegations at the time because Weaver was her pastor. 7:28; Prov. Rather than facilitating the death of the elderly, the Bible instructs the younger to value their wisdom and discretion (Lev. This document suggests guiding principles for applying a biblical musical framework within our institutions various contexts of scholarship, worship, and recreation. All of us are sinners. A fundamentalist Christian University has apologized for racist policies including a one-time ban on interracial dating that wasn't lifted until nine years ago and its unwillingness to admit black students until 1971. This is an improvement over the previous year, when Bob Jones University held the #1,737 spot on the Best Overall Colleges list. 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars. Bob Jones reached peak undergraduate enrollment in 2007 with 3,650 undergraduates. Here are some of the comments on the petition: Being almost forced to attend BJU in 2016, I imagined I was going to a BJU very similar to the one my parents attended in the 1980s emphasising desired Christian lifestyle out-workings above nearly everything else. Corporate worship marked by intentionality, reverence, and joy, including the use of the rich hymnody, ancient and modern, that God entrusts to His Church. Bob Jones University (BJU) and their graduates on Guam are a cult! 5:19; Eph. I did not enter BJU with these doubts. The framework outlined above provides a tool for critique in these cases, which should be approached with care. Your concerns for the future of the University are not unwarranted, he wrote: Over the last year some embarrassing, antithetical things, historically uncharacteristic things, which would have never happened in the past have occurred. He values human life at its beginning. Bob Jones University believes the account of origins in Genesis is a factual narrative of historical events; that is, God created the universe, including all original kinds of living organisms (including man) in six literal days (Exod. God proclaims His intention to create a final creature in our image and after our likeness (Gen. 1:26). And God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good (Gen. 1:31). Those charges are tied to an incident that allegedly occurred in 2001 when Clark was still in high school and on a trip with Weaver and other teenagestudents to Bob Jones University, according to warrants. 14; 1 Cor. About Bob Jones University Founded in 1927, Bob Jones University. The Old Testament begins with the creation of man in Gods image. While I received a good education, I cant say the same in the area of spiritual discipleship. The Bible teaches that God determines the limits of human life. While we recognize that not all believers who desire to obey truth agree with every aspect of complementarianism, the basic tenets of complementarianism articulated here reflect what BJU believes and teaches on this issue. Unfortunately the comments quoted in The Journal article leave room for doubt regarding the sincerity of this attempt. Paul reminds us there will be this kind of diversity in the body of Christ and admonishes us to endeavor to walk in unity (Eph. The report was critical of the expulsion, saying a counselor "without conflicting interests" would have instead found the underlying problem was "this pastor's manipulative and devastating actions.". Jones is whom Todd Bentley looks to as a senior prophet and mentor. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), o r contact The Trevor Project or Trans Lifeline. After conception the only physical requirements necessary to sustain fetal life are the same requirements necessary to sustain adult lifenutrition, water, and oxygen. Historically, Fundamentalism is a movement committed to the confession and propagation of the historic biblical doctrines essential to the Christian faith; the defense of the whole bible as the absolute, inerrant, and authoritative Word of God; the pursuit of holiness; and separation from all forms of apostasy and ungodliness. 22:17) and available to anyone who desires to be saved (John 6:51; 2 Pet. Jesus teaches this principle of carefulness in the Sermon on the Mount when He instructs His followers not only to avoid killing, but to cease from any activity or passion that increases ones proclivity toward murder (Matt 5.21-22). When Shielagh Clark toldBob Jones University officials in 2005 that she had been sexually assaulted by her former pastor, they did not tell her to report it to thepolice. #7 John of Japan, Apr 23, 2008. He took over for his father, also named Bob Jones, in 2005. The chapter concludes with Gods verdict on His creation. God especially values human life. BJUs charter and creed express the beliefs of historic fundamentalists. 19:4; Mark 10:6). Phil and I discuss the final twelve points of National Socialisms Twenty-Five Points. Bob Jones University Exposed: A peek behind the scenes at BJU. BJU affirms that the Scripture limits the office of pastor/elder to spiritually qualified men. 139:1316; Matt. BJU requires leadership that clearly understands the world our young people are entering. Having gone to BJU two years, and having my MA from Maranatha BBC, I beg to differ. But Gods love for humanity is not merely temporal, it is eternal. First and foremost, we require faculty, staff, and students to attend churches whose doctrinal statements and practices fully agree with the following core biblical doctrines set forth in the Scripture and those articulated in the BJU Creed. The Scriptures teach that God created man and woman in His image (Gen. 1:2728), brought them together in the life-long covenant relationship of marriage and blessed this union (Gen. 1:28). The resultant effects on the student body, faculty, staff, and countless others is a true testament to godly leadership.This already is a huge blow to the school, and if this continues, I do not see this school lasting long. One year before he became involved with the famous Scopes trial, which was a showdown between evolutionists and creationists in 1925 over teaching evolution in public schools, the former United States . Furthermore, they are accompanied with commitments to promote the unity of the Body (John 17:2023; Eph. This biblical teaching, with clear application to addictive substances, coupled with the reality that alcohol and drug-related problems pose a major threat to college students, calls us to exercise care and wisdom. 63. Design by Meldel. Administrators called victims liars and sinners. A persons entire genome (full complement of chromosomes) exists in the zygotethe single cell formed by the union of the male sperm and female ovum. 1:10), polygamy (Matt. "After nearly nine years I am walking out the doors on University Avenue in St. Boston news anchor Alaina Pinto has been fired by station WHDH for appearing in Adam Sandler 's new Netflix Halloween movie, Hubie Halloween. Columbia International University, a Midlands Christian university, saw undergraduate enrollment decline 22 percent in the same period. We desire to do so in ways that honor God and point them to Him (1 Pet. 36:2; I Chron. However, the Bible restricts all forms of consensual sexual activity to within the boundaries of the marriage relationship (1 Cor. "Your concerns for the future of the University are not unwarranted," he wrote: by. And God offers eternal life through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Bob Jones University's view of creation. I knew immediately this was leadership I wanted to learn and serve under. Jonesianism is a bigoted devotion to BJU and the Joneses. Greenville police charged Weaver with assault and battery because that's what the evidence supported, Lt. Alia Paramore said. She is Deneen Lawson. The Scriptures state that God must quicken men (Eph. The increasing freedom I sensed in the faculty to discuss difficult issues and allow me to challenge ideas is what I loved most about my time there as a student. Furthermore the Bible specifically names as sinful and prohibits any form of sexual activity between persons of the same sex (Rom. Randolph said that when Jones became president three years ago, he asked the civil rights leader not to hold the decisions made under his father and grandfather against him. It was founded by Methodist evangelist Bob Jones, Sr. and is now led by former evangelist Steve Pettit, the first president of the college not in the Jones family. However, a few years ago I noticed things began to change. Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee (Jer. Bob Jones, Jr. with student at Bob Jones University (1935; public domain; colorized) There was a little gay drama back in 1953. Accused of giving woman 'slut test,' the president's son now works at a Columbia university, Video of a woman claiming to be USC student, using a racial slur goes viral on TikTok, Trajan Jeffcoats hangup with South Carolina not academic-related, source says, Richland 2 Superintendent Davis resigns after lengthy closed-door board meeting, Gunman arrested after firing shots, barricading self inside West Columbia hotel, police say, Vote for The States boys high school basketball player of the week, Flames shoot through roof as fire damages mall in Columbia, officials say, Richland 1 loses appeal of fiscal watch status after state audit criticized spending, Chaos and dysfunction: Richland 2s CFO is resigning, citing board politics, SC Republicans seek constitutional change to allow funding of private, religious schools, How much do Midlands schools pay? We believe the genealogies recorded in Genesis 5 and 11 indicate a date for the creation week less than ten thousand years ago. We may not understand why God permits indefinite suffering on the part of the dying, or why he allows the elderly to become enduring burdens to their families. 6:23a), that God has displayed immense grace and mercy toward all sinners (Eph. Nov 28, 2021. We want to make clear that we understand each family and each church must make choices with regard to music that they believe are wise, that conform to Scripture, and that allow them to walk obediently and worship acceptably before God. Professors are not only there to teach but guide. 6:9-10; 1 Thess. The statement said the university also is adding new programs such as a French major, a bachelor of music composition degree, a concentration on civil engineering and a Ministry Studies program focusing on church revitalization. VP, Student Development/Ministry Advancement. As an outsider observer, it is apparent that Pettit is trying to bring Bob Jones University into the 21st century. Clark did file a report with the Hyde Park Police Department in 2005 that alleges abuse that she said began when she was 15, according to a copy of thatreport provided to The News by Clark. Though they are both Fundamentalist, Maranatha is strongly Baptist, but BJU is interdenominational, having been founded by a Methodist evangelist. it was amazing 5.00 avg rating 5 ratings published 2003. 4:3.) All rights reserved. Therefore, we believe that life and personhood begin at conception (Psalm 51:5). 7:12; Ex. We live in a world broken by sin and are called to live out our biblical beliefs among those who may disagree with us. Clear rating. "In reviewing the actions taken by the University administration at the time they learned of these assaults, BJU failed to adequately assist the female student by encouraging her to notify law enforcement of the assaults committed against her in South Carolina, BJU's Page said in the statement. Im not entirely surprised this is happening as satan is never happy when people are truly growing in true Biblical grace and knowledge, and it is evident that is what is truly happening under his leadership. As Yeats noted over a hundred years ago: "Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhereThe ceremony of . Bob Jones University is a 73-year-old institution grounded in academic excellence and Biblical doctrine. Christs death reversed the verdict of death that fell upon the human race subsequent to Adams sin. "She needed compassion and grace but received neither. 29:29; Acts 2:2324; 2 Thess. A former Bob Jones University student claims the university was both . The New Testament teaches that the local church is indispensable to the spiritual growth and health of every genuine Christian (1 Pet. If they would rather see it close than support their agenda, then I can equally say that I would rather see it close than regress to its former state.