Written by Joshua Little
Dear Bison,
I’m confused. The Harding University mission statement says, “The University community seeks to provide an environment that both supports students and challenges them to realize their full potential” and “the promotion of citizenship within a global perspective — developing a Christian understanding of and respect for other cultures through an emphasis on liberty and justice.”
According to the Dec. 4 issue of The Bison, the upcoming Peace by Piece Conference is “intended to create opportunity for theological dialogue on how Christians can engage with society in creative and collective ways.” Yet, this university pulled its support for this conference because it might “contradict the core values and mission of the school.”
Is it just me, or do the intentions of the conference go hand-in-hand with the school’s core values and mission? Where does the contradiction lie?
I’m still confused. A Christ-focused conference cannot be held here, yet musicians with some questionable lyrics and movies, though edited, that display questionable messages can be shown here. I’m sorry, Harding University, could you please clarify this for me?
You say that you are trying to teach us how to go out into the world with a Christ-centered attitude in everything we do, yet when a group wants to aid you, you say no. No, there has to be another reason.
Peter Rollins, a scheduled speaker, is attending the conference. When I research him, it appears he’s a Christ follower, just not part of the Church of Christ movement. The same goes for Chris Haw, co-author of “Jesus for President.”
Michael Wright, an alumnus from here is attending; he sings and writes songs, and from what I can see a lot of his songs deal with Jesus. Could this be the reason? I haven’t even said anything yet about the women who are planned to speak.
I’ve read the mission statement several times, and I do not see where you get the idea that this conference “contradicts” the core values and mission of this institution. It’s designed to open doors to people so they can use their God given talents out in this world of darkness.
Aren’t we supposed to be lights for Christ? That’s what the Bible says. But there are infinite amounts of ways I can do that. Before every production on stage or film I’ve been a part of, in church or school, we say we’re doing this for Christ and his glory. I’ve heard people say that in sports, art, health, etc. In fact, as you even say in the mission statement, that’s what you push in your education. How is this event any different?
I’m a sinner who has been baptized and believes in the one true God’s only son, Jesus Christ. I must admit that I do not associate myself as a “Church of Christ” member. That being said, you’re only tainting the way outsiders and the rest of the Christian community view you.
There comes a point when you have to break through that wall that’s been holding you back. There comes a point when you have to accept the way things are moving. It’s hard, I know. But ultimately God’s in control and he won’t let you fall, as long as we are looking to him. I’m not saying drop the affiliation; just accept people. Heaven won’t be sectioned off with Church of Christers here, plain Christians there and Methodists and Baptists in the back. We’ll all be together as one.
Please Harding, this conference is meant to strengthen us as believers and help us spread God’s story to all ends of the earth, just like Acts 1:8 tells us to.
Sincerely, Joshua Little
