Madelyn Braho<\/a> · Staff Writer<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe college\u2019s proposed statement of faith is not a sign of dedication to freedom or faith, but factionalism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Much of the statement of faith is standard Christian orthodoxy. It takes occasional steps into more Protestant theological interpretations, such as saying Christ died a vicarious and atoning death, which does not line up with Catholic and Orthodox interpretations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, in the statement of faith, one thing stands out. In a document that talks mainly about mission and theology, there is a clause about gender and sexuality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Admittedly, gender and sexuality have become increasingly large parts of the American Christian conversation. As queer representation and rights have increased in the last hundred years, so has conservative Christian backlash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During the AIDS crisis, when gay men were disproportionately dying and the U.S. government was not doing much about it, Jerry Falwell, the founder and leader of the Moral Majority, said \u201cAIDS is not just God\u2019s punishment for homosexuals; it is God\u2019s punishment for the society that tolerates homosexuals.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Especially in the current political landscape, where Attorney General Pam Bondi recently suggested posting cash bounties on people who support \u201cradical gender ideology\u201d (by which means those who support transgender causes, or are trans themselves), Grove City College planting our flag here might not be a wise choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The college is most definitely conservative, and our policies generally line up with that, but requiring professors to sign this statement to keep their jobs is a new level of dogmatism. In the past professors knew the culture of the college they were working for going in, but they did not have to sign a document saying they agreed with all of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite the argument for a unified faculty, having diversity of thought amongst professors makes us a better college, and one that more truly emulates our love of freedom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Choosing to include a gender and marriage clause in the statement of faith is telling. Why do we care more about talking about why a marginalized and vulnerable minority is sinful than talking about caring for the poor and the foreigner amongst us? Why more about premarital sex than about how accumulating wealth is shown to be incompatible with following Christ, as shown with the rich young ruler? Is it because these are all considered political?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Perhaps we are so concerned with appearing right that we aren\u2019t focused on doing right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It may be easy to include this clause as a way to win points with the conservative crowd, but in doing so we are also harming our witness to those outside the camp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Defining ourselves as people who don\u2019t approve of \u201cthose people\u201d is hardly going to make us a friendly presence. If what we want is to hide away within our walls, constantly imagining more and more people besieging us, then the statement of faith is a good way to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paul says that we should \u201c\u2026 stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Placing boundaries on what Christians can believe about gender is definitely an obstacle for many pursuing the faith. Should our ideas about gender become required for a relationship with Christ? Should politics be so closely intertwined with salvation?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If we \u201caspire to love each other and our students the way Christ loves us,\u201d I don\u2019t think the current statement of faith is the way to do so.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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