5/29/2014

Dear brother in Christ:

Many of Jesus' commands are widely disobeyed by this generation. Here is one of them:

If thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican (Matthew 18:15-17).

This method of dealing with personal offenses is the opposite of what is practiced by the world. They prefer whispering and backbiting. And since so many Christians now are living by the world's standards, a man who tries to be open and do all that Jesus said, is often judged in the wrong. In my efforts to help reverse the growing worldliness at Harding University, I have offended some Christians, and some have offended me. Yet as I have tried to obey Jesus' commands which are intended to correct such feelings, I have been widely condemned. Nevertheless, I will obey God rather than men; hoping that I can help persuade some to turn back to God's way of pursuing reconciliation among brothers.

Harding University claims to promote Christ, as illustrated in the opening paragraph from their official catalog:

Harding began as a senior institution of higher education in 1924. As we begin each new year, we remain dedicated to the task of integrating faith into all aspects of learning and living. Our unique mission is to provide a quality education which will lead to an understanding and philosophy of life consistent with Christian ideals. We seek to instill in our students a deep and abiding faith in God along with preparation for excellence in their chosen fields.

But they are not living up to those noble ideals. The seductive allure of worldliness is leading them astray. I am not alone in that assessment. I am alone in openly combating the trend. The many letters and documents that I have reproduced in the links that follow tell of my efforts. I have tried very hard to follow in the steps of the godly men described in the Bible who struggled to promote the right, and defeat the wrong in their generation.

Regarding my accusations against the unrepentant leadership of the University, Jesus said, "tell it unto the church" (notice he said, the church, not a church). Thus, I now present all of the evidence I have against them, and I leave it for you, dear brother, to judge whether any should be treated as "an heathen man and a publican." For justice sake, I will continue to present whatever defense the University leaders are willing to make public. What I offer for you here is all I know.