More Interesting News

First, from Bob Jones University in South Carolina. Bob Jones University is the classic example of a school of higher education that takes conservative (one could even say fundamentalist) Christian principles as its guiding principles. The school's statement of faith and moral code are indicative of how closely it remains true to its roots. For years, BJU refused to admit minority students and, even after relenting on this issue in 1971, prohibited inter-racial dating. Both positions, the school said, were based on clear scriptural principles.

Now, the school has issued a statement saying that it was wrong. You can access the full statement at the school's website, but let me quote just a part:
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.

In so doing, we failed to accurately represent the Lord and to fulfill the commandment to love others as ourselves. For these failures we are profoundly sorry. Though no known antagonism toward minorities or expressions of racism on a personal level have ever been tolerated on our campus, we allowed institutional policies to remain in place that were racially hurtful.

The most telling part of the statement, in my estimation, is the admission that the school conformed to the surrounding culture of racism and prejudice rather than looking seriously at the teachings of scripture. I wonder what other positions taken by churches as scriptural might one day be rejected as cultural instead of scriptural. I know that BJU does not need or care about my support, but I applaud the school for having the moral courage to issue this statement.

The second item comes from Grapevine Texas. Ed Young, the minister of this mega-church, caused quite a stir nationally on November 16 when he told - commanded? - the married couples in the church, including all 5 satellite campuses, to have sexual intercourse every day for a week as a curative for the problems besetting their relationships. Last Sunday, November 23, he told them to continue the plan.

According to a New York Times story about the follow-up to the initial challenge, Pastor Young extolled the benefits of his plan, "But if you make the time to have sex, it will bring you closer to your spouse and to God, he has said. You will perform better at work, leave a loving legacy for your children to follow and may even prevent an extramarital affair."

I am not one to argue for marital abstinence, but I wondered about those couples where there has been spousal abuse or other acts of violence. Is increased sexual intercourse the answer to everything?

What opinions do you have about either of these news items?