I was reading through the 'Institutional Distinctives' of a prominent and distinctively IFB college. About halfway down the second distinctive this stunned me:Students who wish to be accepted at ______ _____ _______ College must come from a church of like faith and practice. We want to make it very clear to all of our students where we stand; therefore, we will not be able to accept charismatic, "Bible" church, "Christian" church, non-denominational, or inter-denominational students.
I cannot help but wonder what the goal of the college is. I'm sure they are wonderful people who desire to be pure and holy and right, but it just got me thinking. Does it not seem that the whole point is to take people who believe exactly as they believe and take 4-6 years to make sure that they come out with cap and gown believing the exact same thing and grounded in such a way that they never dare change (i.e. grow or mature or think or innovate etc.).
The most telling thing about this whole system is the fact that they simply cannot accept students from a charismatic church, 'Bible' church, 'Christian' church, non-denominational church, or inter-denominational church. I'm not trying to hate or spew venom, but in light of passages such as Mark 8:38-41, John 17, Ephesians 4:1-16, etc. this is extremely sad and, I'm afraid, a very clear commentary on the state of this movement. The saddest part of this distinctive is the beautiful, glorious, global, charismatic, Christian, Bible, non and inter-denominational Body from which they are distinguishing themselves. It's not surprising, but it is heart-breaking.
A sad distinctive indeed.
Think. Love. Live
Trevor
The most telling thing about this whole system is the fact that they simply cannot accept students from a charismatic church, 'Bible' church, 'Christian' church, non-denominational church, or inter-denominational church. I'm not trying to hate or spew venom, but in light of passages such as Mark 8:38-41, John 17, Ephesians 4:1-16, etc. this is extremely sad and, I'm afraid, a very clear commentary on the state of this movement. The saddest part of this distinctive is the beautiful, glorious, global, charismatic, Christian, Bible, non and inter-denominational Body from which they are distinguishing themselves. It's not surprising, but it is heart-breaking.
A sad distinctive indeed.
Think. Love. Live
Trevor
8 comments:
Why would a school have to deny students from enrollment if the student knows what he's getting himself into should he apply there?
I agree with the point in the post. But to deny "Bible" churches seems even more egregious, as I've seen many fundamentalist "Bible" churches, which are as Baptistic as you could possibly want. Just their history or past lineage came through some different lines.
I also find your observation very true. These schools aim to take independent fundamentalists and make sure they are even more firmly independent and fundamentalist when they get out. Most such schools, do want to make fundamentalists out of those who are weak or new to Christianity, though. But the longer I live on the other side of the door of my former college, the more aware I am of how narrow and poor was the education I received there.
It's sad to me that this is how they "make it very clear to all of [their] students where [they] stand".
Shouldn't a written statement of faith suffice? Assemblies where these things are discussed could do the trick. Oh, here's a thought, teach it in the classroom. Assuming they are talking about theological views differentiating them from charismatic/Bible/community churches, it seems like the classroom is the perfect place to "make it very clear." But, to just not let them in, it seems like this college is doing exactly what I know many fundamentalist institutions are doing. Rather than confronting doctrinal issues presented by other positions, they are plugging their students ears hoping that they don't hear anything more convincing.
We had similar situations at the Bible college from which I graduated (another IFB'er). To my knowledge they never out and out stated that students from other denominations would not be accepted, but there was little toleration for differing views. I remember that the guys who honestly had questions (myself included), where seen as being subversive or seditious when they asked their questions in the classroom.
It just seems to me like that is the one place where you want students to ask questions, where an able teacher can give a Biblically sound answer. Unless of course, there aren't able teachers available. But that's another discussion altogether.
I just wanted to make sure to leave my url, because you Free From the Box guys know where I am coming from a bit more specifically.
This distinctive boldly declares that anyone other than IFBXers are not welcomed. This almost sounds like the Baptist Bride doctrine which opens up another "can of worms". IFBXers with all their insecurities (who wouldn't be insecure, when most of their convictions are actually preferences, and where most of their "Bible Doctrines" or "ministry philosophies" are really man made traditions.
IFBXers proud themselves as the closest group of Christians that model the first century believers in the book of Acts. What a joke! Rather than to really look at the Bible, they exclude others with different points of views (non IFBX) which could and sometimes are ACTUALLY more scriptural than theirs', they misapply the verses on biblical separation. Since when are we suppose to separate from a fellow believer? There are scriptural basis for this, but this IFBX college "stance" is not one of them.
This college wants to keep the young, naive teens growing up from IFBX youth groups brainwashed, silenced, tithing and serving their "cause". After all, most of these IFBX Bible college grads, get paid close to minimum wage when they get their first IFBX ministry offer, while that CEO pastor gets to live comfortably on his salary $$$ (1 Timothy 6:10). Please note that I used IFBX, and not IFB. There IS a BIG DIFFERENCE between them!!! ;)
btw... the closest group of Christians that model the book of Acts, in which the Holy Spirit had Paul praise, where the Bereans (Acts 17:11), and not a bunch of "yes man(s)". Even the apostle Paul didn't demand blind fOllowship. He was opened to friendly discussions, if someone felt his teaching and preaching was off. This is NOT the spiritual mentality in IFBX camps. It's usually, "It's OUR WAY or the highway!" Or in this case, "You are either already one of us, or you are considered by us a castaway who is not worthy to be trained by us". That's okay, it was said of our Lord, that He is our chief corner stone, which the builders refused (Psalm 118:22). No shame in being Christlike in this area.
Wow, this is the most negative blog I have ever read.
The OP may not have intended to 'spew venom' but the commentors took care of that
Welcome, anonymous friend. God bless you!
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