Amazing. First America elects an African American president, and now Bob Jones University releases a statement to apologize for its racist past. It’s cold here in Chicago. Are the temperatures dropping in Hades, too?
Okay. I’m just joking. I apologize for sounding cynical, because I’m not. My bumbling sense of humor often doesn’t translate well in the blogosphere. I’m actually thrilled to hear about this development, and I thank BJU alumnae Joy McCarnan and Camille Lewis for bringing it to my attention.
This is no small occurrence. Bob Jones University’s infamous history has long been viewed as emblematic of the bigotry and narrow-mindedness of Christian fundamentalism and, by extension, American evangelicalism as a whole. But now, BJU is repenting of its past. I was particularly struck by this portion of the statement:
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.
Recently, many of BJU’s students and alums have implored their school to issue this kind of public declaration, and I believe a major campaign was underway to publicly challenge the school to acknowledge its past sins and take a stand for racial reconciliation. (I’d welcome some folks more knowledgeable than I on this matter to chime in.) Camille Lewis, who was a part of this reconciliation effort, says she and others were thankful for, but genuinely stunned by, this development.
A few of you have asked my opinion of the statement, particularly whether it seems a little too strategic and convenient. Is it genuine or just a stunt to counteract the unwanted controversy of that alumni campaign? I have no idea, though I would hope this gesture is just the beginning of a greater, ongoing effort by the school to pursue racial and cultural diversity and model the kind of Christian unity mentioned in the statement. I think the school has now obliged itself to become a leader in this regard.
Though some call me naïve, I’ve generally tried to take a “give them the benefit of the doubt” approach to things like this. I want to assume the best from BJU’s leadership. I have no right to judge their motives. Instead, I want to rejoice in the potential for reconciliation that’s happening here. I hope that this noteworthy act will cause an outbreak of grace and unity throughout the church, which still struggles with sins of segregation and intolerance that extend way beyond Bob Jones University.
Hi, Ed. I am not sure how best to “chime in,” so forgive me if I ramble a bit.
I’m not so much “stunned” at the responsiveness of BJU’s leadership–Stephen Jones is a gracious and humble man devoted to theology that is (as it literally should be) God-focused. The timing was a little weird, but the main point is that the university published a long-overdue acknowledgment not just of outdated policies but of apology-worthy racist policies and actions, and that the university clearly declared in a publicly-accessible venue its current (corrected) theological perspective and official position on “race” (which both are far removed from those of the BJU of the past).
I would emphasize that the [campaign] was alumni-driven, and about 92% alumni-carried. There was no desire to introduce disproportionate pressure from media and others who’ve not got much background with the univ. Most of the alumni who expressed concern also expressed deep gratitude for all that God had used BJU to do in their own lives, and that they felt a statement of apology and resolve toward racial reconciliation in the future would be only in keeping with the best reflection of God’s glory and Christ’s Gospel, and in keeping with the best interests of all of God’s people.
If I had not learned by example a sect-/denomination-crossing breadth of gracious love and unity in spite of diversity during my years at BJU in other aspects of faith and practice, I would probably not be nearly so passionate today as I am about seeing issues of racial discrimination rectified in the Church.
I appreciate too that you resist the temptation to “think evil of” the timing or manner of the statement’s publication. I don’t view it as a stunt or even a half-hearted conciliatory gesture to take off heat. Knowing what I know of the people at BJU (i.e., that they’re human and therefore sinners), I’m sure there are flaws in the statement and perhaps even flaws in the motivation behind its posting. At the very least, there may be nuances in the statement that indicate not everybody’s quite on the same page to the same degree. But the author(s) is no more perfect than you or I would claim to be.
It is impossible to make amends across the board, and none of us would ever expect a mere statement of penitence and resolve to achieve adequate reparations and reconciliation. But I think that we believers who exult in seeing the Gospel (and its far-deep-supernaturally reaching ramifications) magnified in our lives ought to rejoice to see BJU take a step toward making things right in such a way that points out the Gospel as paramount. After all–your word “amazing” applies much more faithfully to the concept of God’s ultimate act of reconciliation than to this insignificant attempt to reflect it. Reconciling, redemptive Grace come down in flesh and blood and love to bridge our hopeless gaps–THAT is what we all can call “AMAZING.”
While my intent is to not be bitter or angry with regards to Bob Jones, I’m not sure I’m entirely successful. My first reaction to this statement is “too little too late.” I’m the first to recognize the lack of forgiveness reflected in this statement (kudos to Ed for his ability to exercise grace), but in the spirit of all honesty, I simply don’t trust them, given their immense influence of both racism and legalism on American Christians.
It feels a bit like an repeatedly unfaithful spouse repenting for wayward acts – welcomed, grateful, hopeful, but I’ll believe it when I see it. There are VERY hard questions to address when a university (especially a Christian one) seeks to practice reconciliation. BJU’s statement is a great ‘introduction’, but what will the follow up be? How does this statement affect the campus ethos regarding race? Recruiting practices? Theological demands? Student relations? Faculty perspectives? Course offerings?
As we know from scripture, saying words are one thing. Practicing them is a completely different story.
I’d love to hear from others how to get over the hurdle of anger toward such institutions (or people) who have been a hindrance to the gospel of reconciliation. If you can’t tell, it’s an issue that remains very unresolved for me.
I think this is phenomenal. It clearly shows the truth of the principle that when evil breaks out in unprecedented ways, so does the glory of God-praise His Holy Name!!!
(I had to get that out 🙂 )
To thelinkbetween, the best suggestion I have for dealing with your anger is to take your focus off BJU, and let it rest on Jesus. When you discipline your heart to let Him be your focus, everything else takes on a different perspective. You will see His humility, His strength, His power. His humility reminds us that we don’t always get it right. Our apologies can come too late, too vague, and too lacking in sincerity. His strength can enable us to bear our own crosses of anger, bitterness, shame, resentment, and woundedness. His power can overcome our and others’ fears and inadequacies, and make us willing to wait on Him to make everything right. Maybe this sounds too abstract to you, but I can tell you from experience that if you allow Him to work this out in you, you will be stronger and a little more like Him when all is said and done. And I’m assuming that deep down, that’s your heart’s desire.
As an African-American woman who has attended a Christian graduate university, I saw and heard things there that took me through a wide range of emotions. Sometimes I felt meltdown-angry, other times I marveled at God’s work inside all our hearts. We always expect more from Christians, as I did, and in some ways, we should. But at the end of the day, we’re all still moving through this life in complete dependence on Christ.
None of what I’m saying negates the need for BJU to diligently move forward from their public apology to private practice of the theology they say they have now embraced. Similarly, the larger Christian community is not relieved of its responsiblility to surround this situation with prayer, peace, and love. Sometimes it’s so hard to love. BJU has hurt many people over many years. And as time progresses, we may all find ourselves wrestling with varying emotions. But let’s commit to one another that we will stick together through thick (what we have now) and thin (what we might have later).
Hope that helps even a little.
Chandra
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While I talked to my husband just the other night about BJU’s stance on racial issues (without having any idea THIS was coming…) and VERY MUCH agree that an apology needed to be made, I am stunned by the responses to BJU’s statement here.
Perhaps we should take note of the courage and conviction it took for Stephen to go down this road. This was a HUGE thing for him to do. He is having to “renounce” things that his grandfather and others in administration have said/done. I wonder if I (or you?) would have had this same boldness and courage to make a very public statement against what our grandparents have done. I find the responses here to have the sound of those who are unforgiving or who will not be pleased no matter what is done to take care of the past. The past cannot be changed. What more do you think Stephen and the current adminisration should do?
I am not on staff at BJU, but I have had some close contact with the University in the last few years. I have been blessed and moved to the point of tears in the last few years as I have seen Stephen change policies AND especially take the time to communicate well why some policies that are strict are being kept. I have seen a leader who wants to reach the heart of the students (and faculty) with true Godliness not a form of religious behavior.
Forgiveness is a HARD thing, but it is what God requires of us. I trust others that read here will consider carefully living to the standards of character for themselves that they require of Bob Jones University. Let’s grow together!
I’ve been digesting this all day. It hasn’t sunken in. I am thankful. If it’s political, if it’s financial, if it’s pressured . . . it was said. It’s a start. They listened.
The best way I can describe my reaction is how I have felt after getting a positive pregnancy test. After having six pregnancies with only two children I’ve actually heard cry, I get very, very anxious when I get that first positive. It scares me to death. I wonder if it’s safe for me to be happy. Will I look like a fool? Can I relax now? Are good things to come?
I decided awhile ago that it doesn’t matter. All pregnancies start here. It has to start somewhere. I’ll deal with the sad or the greater bliss tomorrow. This is here and now.
This feels like a positive pregnancy test. Shakey perhaps. We don’t know if it’s viable until we see the heart beat of this reconciliation. But I will agree with Ed — I’ll take it at face value.
And rejoice that God forgives us all.
Oh, and thanks for mentioning it, Ed! 🙂
Thanks to Camille and others for being honest yet discerning in their initial responses to this apology.
While the statement is honorable, especially seeing it requires a public, humble confession to the mistakes of the past, BJU needs to demonstrate the love it speaks of. What is the spirit on campus between brothers of different races? Where does the rubber meet the road?
As a current student at BJU, I can attest to a clear emphasis on love for all brothers and sisters in Christ. Dr. Jones preached from 1 John last school year on the need for reflecting God’s love, and he has demonstrated at many times a genuine, sincere desire to reflect his Lord well. If you would like an accurate perspective of the spirit on campus, a visit would be more than worth your time.
The facts:
– African-Americans active in the student body council (President, ’06-’07; Senior Class Rep ’08-’09)
– Vibrant community outreaches to neighborhoods of various ethnicities; I personally traveled over a half hour multiple times a week to help a church in a predominantly black community in nearby Anderson (not a tribute to me, but to the opportunities available for all students)
– Students from every state and almost 50 countries
– A number of interracial dating couples
Most importantly, a constantly fresh understanding of the Gospel encourages us Christians (familiar or not with BJU) to look at all men, regardless of race, as equally loved by our Savior and equally desired to be reconciled to Him.
I certainly appreciate the responses and perspectives expressed here, especially ba4life’s (thank you!). Like I previously stated, I recognize the lack of forgiveness in my perspective. It is something I do indeed see as a shortcoming in my own character, I apologize for this defect. (Upon further reflection, I also admit it’s influenced a moment of “meltdown anger” toward racism stemming from Christian institutions.)
That being said, I have found that when I am too quick to appear polished and ‘Christian’ in my response, true healing remains elusive. I know it’s ugly. I know it’s stunning. But it’s also what trips us all (myself as well as BJU) in the process of reconciliation. If we cannot be honest about our sin (whatever side of the issue we fall on) with each other, with whom will be share it?
If I have learned anything about reconciliation, it is that it is not cheap, and comes most authentically through brutal honesty and very difficult conversations. In order for true healing and reconciliation to occur, some tough things need to laid out on the table in order for true healing and reconciliation – this is the ultimate spirit in which I speak.
I do commend the president for his courage to stand up to generations of sin. I desperately hope, however, that there are more people who are currently at BJU (in addition to the alumni who drove this statement) who are also authentically (not just superficially) supportive of his statement.
While I can (and will) direct my heart toward hope and pray for further healing, I also cannot happily pretend that everything is going to be ok now just because some words were said.
I’m all for awkward, transparent, and human admissions of guilt. I have my own. In fact, as I think about it thelinkbetween, you may be inspiring me toward the next chapter in my ongoing analysis of BJU’s separatist rhetoric. I know Andrew’s words quite well; I would have spoken them myself just over a year ago.
But it’s not about image. It’s not about looking beautiful. It’s Christ that makes us beautiful, not our well-honed, carefully-crafted press release. And you’re exactly right. That’s what this means. Less crafting and more Christ. Let’s see the warts. It’s okay. Because His Love makes us beautiful.
I appreciate Stephen Jones’ heart for God.
Also, Ed, I think you would like Bob Jones IV. Good guy.
Wow, it would be great to see this done other places. I spent time today in Reconciliation Blues and Emerson’s book Against All Odds (on the racial integration of evangelical institutions) preparing for a discussion I am leading tomorrow.
All of this leads me to consider another large white institution close to my heart. I imagine this institution issuing such a statement and wonder what all of my black friends who’ve been at the school would say remains undone. I wonder about all the black professors and handful of non-white VP’s in the schools past would say. I think the “remains undone” list would be long.
I think that there are likely black folk close to BJU that will simply stand back, patiently, somewhat incredulous and wait to see what happens. There are a thousand subtle moments that will tell more about where the institution is then all the pontificating, handwringing and public tears. (Not that these have no value but that they don’t reveal the heart of the matter — all of the above can be publicly staged).
I also had a discussion recently with Russ Knight and he explained to me how the movement in these institutions to make the changes is often done with serious missteps (to be kind) and how these mistakes are often personally very costly to the African American’s who are involved, rather than the whites or the institutions. So even in this process of “reconciliation” or repentance its fairly predictable that injury will occur and this injury will be disproportionately dispersed.
Reconciliation and repentance are messy and done with and by people and institutions who (alas!) continue to sin while attempting them.
So while I think its a great step it has the feeling of something more like a shift in the right direction than a triumph.
I’m glad to hear they took this step.
[…] their sisters and brothers (in Christ) at the ball don’t see it as a new dress. They see it as an entirely new […]
I have to chime in on this one because believe it or not I went to BJU (as a biracial man) my first semester of Bible College. A pastor took me under his wing after 20 years of living for myself and offered to pay for college. The idea of being the first person in my family to attend college brought me great joy and I jumped at the opportunity not knowing what was in store for me as a man of color (more than one!).
For the sake of time I will briefly share my first day there…
During freshman orientation (100’s of students present) the dean asked those of us who were of mixed race to raise our hands… I was the only one who raised my hand. That was awkward!
Afterwards I met with him and he began to go through the Bible (starting with the tower of Babel) explaining why the Bible doesn’t encourage mixed race relationships. The last one being that the mixing of the races is actually promoting the “one world church” and the ushering in of the Anti Christ (Book of Revelations).
After telling me this he then asked me to choose (white or black) which girls I would like to date. By this time it was almost laughable so I just asked him to pick for me because if people actually believe this down here then I don’t want any part of the dating scene. Respectfully I suggested this I must add.
He then left and came back with two other faculty and shared with me again why they as an institution believe this. He then asked me again to choose and I told him the same as before.
They all left and came back and told me that they had made their decision. I was to date Latino’s/Hispanics
Continued…
For the sake of space and too big of a comment 🙂
I haven’t any Latino or Hispanic blood in me! But because I was brown skinned, or hi yella as my grandmother used to call me 🙂 I was to better matched with those “folks.”
This is exactly what happened and I have to say that this was a shock to me as a new believer. But in the midst of this I got over the racial part (after raising hell for about a month) and became more concerned about their hermeneutics and biblical interpretation. It was amazing to me how white southern culture has so influenced their views of scripture that it was almost heretical. I don’t use that word loosely.
But I learned a valuable lesson while there (for just one semester)… To some degree we all do this. We all view the scriptures through our own cultural lenses and I was just as guilty as them in a lot of ways.
All this to say that all though BJU wasn’t for me I did become zealous in my pursuit to understand the Bible’s meaning and to be careful not to allow my own cultural “baggage” to creep in. So for this I am thankful and now that I look back I realize that there were many there who didn’t hold to the schools racial hermeneutics.
It doesn’t suprise me at all that this movement was led by alumni. It was clear to me that this wasn’t the most popular subject there and it was only a matter of time before someone had the courage to challenge their racial institutionalism.
At the end of the day I met some great people there and still remember some of the illustrations from my bible classess there and how that many of the faculty there loved the Lord and were passionate about evangelism.
Yes it was some of the darkest months of my life but it was good for me in a lot of ways and I personally believe that there is some genuiness to their apology.
Steve Jones is a good dude for sure and I was glad that he took the mantle when he did and I think change will eventually happen at even a larger scale at not only BJU but other schools like it (Pensacola, Maranatha, etc.)
Just my two cents… Build bridges yall!
Aaron,
Whew! That’s an unbelievable story. I mean, I believe you 🙂 ; it’s just such an incredible story. What year were you there?
I appreciate your honest, humble, and grace-filled sharing of this experience. It makes me want to praise God even more for the remarkable changes happening down there now.
Peace,
Ed G.
[…] were racially hurtful.” God is truly good. You can read Edward Gilbraith’s post at https://edwardg.wordpress.com/2008/11/20/bob-jones-universitys-statement-on-race/, where you can link onto the entire […]
Edward,
I wanted to take a moment and let you know how much I appreciate you and your blog! Earlier this year I read your book, “Reconciliation Blues”. I saw myself written in those pages and in so much of your own personal story, and it was nice knowing I was not alone. I found strength at a time when I truly needed it. Thank you for having the courage and wisdom to address the issue with such grace.
I also noticed that I mispelled your last name the last time I linked to your site, and I corrected it on my end. Sorry about that. God bless, and keep writing!
Aaron,
Your story of BJU is tragic and absurd. Praise God you came out with your faith intact as a young believer.
Having only spent a little over a week of my life in The South, those stories are still hard to believe. I grew up with my share of racists, but I didn’t know anyone with well developed theology against race mixing.
Crazy stuff.
Ed,
Yeah it is unbelievable to me when I re tell the story. I just smile now:)
Anyway I too am excited about the potential change down there. For some reason after all that stuff I still have a soft spot in my heart for those folks.
Judy,
Yeah its absurb but the bad racial theology has been a part of this country since its inception.
Lord help all of us to read scripture with a proper lense!
Aaron,
I’m so sorry. I’m also very thankful that God was carrying you *through* all that. I’m so very sorry.
Camille
Wow Aaron!! In all the sharing of Bass, Partagus and choppin’ it up I NEVER HEARD THAT>>>>> I’m at the Woodlawn Tap and everyone just looked at me cuz I burst out laughing at the absurdity of it!!!!! Wow. I love you and miss you brother. I’m ordering another just for you.
Joel,
I thought for sure you and I had talked about that. But now that I think about it I haven’t told that story in a while. When it happend and a few years after it was my “icebreaker” story! 🙂
Are you sure you and I haven’t talked about that before?
As a 1968 grad of BJU who has had no contact with the school since I left and went to Trinity Evangelical Div School, I can only say that I was stunned by the announcement but grateful for the changes that have taken place.
As I initially broke out of the BJU orb, I grew very bitter about the hypocrisy and pride that I had witnesses among the administration. But as the years have gone by, my anger has turned to sadness for the school’s lost potential. In many ways it was a wonderful place to go to school and its influence continues to affect me. But it had continue to see itself as “God’s last bastion of truth.” I pray that this latest admission may be another step in the school’s re-integrating itself into the larger Christian community.
[…] 2. Julie Clawson’s entry in the Missional conversation 3. 3:12:120 4. Bob Jones University makes statement on racial policies 5. Christmas and idolatry 6. Christmas book recommendations from Scot McKnight 7. A review of […]
I just want to commend thelinkbetween – because you are ON POINT.
I am all about authenticity and I know that our Lord is as well. One of my biggest trip ups with the Christian community is best stated by Bono upon replying to a question about his faith from Bill Hybels at the WCA Leadership Summit 2006,
“I’m in love with Christ, it’s the Christians I could do without.”
That stated – I am active in Willow Creek Church and I love my brothers and sisters in Christ and do my best to stay focused on Him because people (and institutions) will always fail us.
Further – I agree with completely with your statement
“That being said, I have found that when I am too quick to appear polished and ‘Christian’ in my response, true healing remains elusive. I know it’s ugly. I know it’s stunning. But it’s also what trips us all (myself as well as BJU) in the process of reconciliation. If we cannot be honest about our sin (whatever side of the issue we fall on) with each other, with whom will be share it? ”
You are correct and sometimes people cannot handle the truth – although we must still operate in truth – I have found that only Jesus himself is my best confidant. I do have other folks here on earth that I am accountable too – but somethings need to be told only to Him and start the healing process before we involve others. He will enlighten us on when it is good to share our deepest thoughts and often that is when he has started to repair our souls.
Thanks again thelinkbetween for your honest and authenticity.
For the record, I am a son of BJU grads, all my siblings are BJU grads…I was the only one who refused to go to BJU…specifically for what I saw as hypocrisy around the race issue.
I have one question: Is it just me or does BJU’s “apology” seem to lay the blame on American culture instead of just admitting they were wrong?
For close to 60, years BJU constantly preached their racist policies as being scriptural…the whole “God meant the races to be separate” idea. How then can they apologize for letting their policy be “shaped more directly by that ethos than by the principles and precepts of the Scriptures.”?
Uh…Which one is it? Oops, we were swept up by the culture and not Scripture –OR– we just twisted Scripture for 60+ years to justify our racism?
And what does this say about all the other policies? I mean, if they allowed the culture instead of Scripture to dictate race policy, what other “policies” were influenced by the culture (or their twisting of Scripture)? Music? Dress Codes? Theology?
I think what Stephen did was a good thing, but there is still too much “CYA”. To me a simple, “My great-granpa, grandpa and pa were just racist jerks, and they were wrong, please forgive us” would have been much more sincere than trying to justify or excuse it.
In America there are those who worship Christ, those who dont worship Christ, and those who worship their white skin color and future preservation of white skin (reverse of Asian ancestor worship) while they are pagans claiming to worship Christ. Bob Jones University, Bob Jones Academy and most southern whites belong to the final cateogory.
I graduated from that place in the early 90’s and it has much deeper problems than just racial issues. I hope to never set foot on that property again. And as a side note to “Geoge”: You are an idiot.
Six years later you are an diot too Trevor.