I hadn’t even heard of the Bob Jones University before today, so perhaps I shouldn’t be too concerned about the position it holds in our society, but then again, I never back down from a chance to take a shot at the religious right and their hypocritical views. So here we go…
Good ol’ Bob Jones University has a pretty impressive web site and on the surface, their university seems to be pretty straightforward: a South Carolina University that offers “Christian young people the best opportunities for spiritual growth, academic training, and Christian service.” Sounds good, I guess.
But anything beyond a simple search on Bob Jones University digs up some of their gloriously Christian and loving beliefs:
- They are no longer a tax-exempt institution because they will not allow interracial relationships. I guess that leaves me in the cold if, for some reason, I wanted to go back to school and get a Comp Sci degree from them. Incidentally, you can see that they don’t hide this fact on their application for admissions. This is the second time they lost their tax-exempt status — in the 1970’s they did for refusing to admit black applicants.
- They’ve banned gay alumni and threatened to have them arrested if they show up on campus.
- My buddy Bobby Jones called Catholicism and Mormonism the “world’s religious deceptions”. Love that tolerance, Bobby!
The reason BJU is in the news right now (and how I found out about them in the first place) is that it’s a typical location for Republicans to campaign in order to gain the vote of the far right. I don’t necessarily have a problem with Conservative viewpoints, but to actually care what these intolerant, racist nutjobs actually think about you, you must be pretty far to the right yourself. I wouldn’t want to be Alan Keyes (who, incidentally, is coming to the BJU campus) — they might not allow him on campus being that he’s a double-doozy: black AND Catholic (the horror!).
Not much else needs to be said, really. Browse through their site for a laugh and then swing by the recent news articles (from Yahoo!, not the BJU site) for the real deal on this Heavenly institution.
(And by the way, Bob Jones III frightens me. Why is it that the religious right always look so evil?) -ram
Posted in Politics
Jacob October 8, 2006, 2:45 am
The only thing I’ve discerned from reading this ping for the last two and a half hours is that we have some real idiots and some real winners.
Joseph…I don’t know what to say, really. I always liked that old saying that “it takes one to know one”. You have a lot of nasty things goin’ for you if that’s true. I would advise you to learn how to debate…you’re far too eager to personally attack others. You have some good points…points that need answers. Also…you kinda have this little tendency to rattle on for a loooong time about nothing. In short, you’re talking without saying anything. Close your mouth…and let some people try to give you a good answer. You talk too much.
Ben and Richie…you both have made excellent points defending Christianity. I applaud you. It’s only too bad that you haven’t replied lately. The only vice in your statements is your attacks on political parties (Ben specifically). Or party (singular). The parties are irrelevant. The people however, are. You did a superb job defending even the most ridiculous points some people made. Oh yeah, Ben…don’t lose your temper. It’s unbecoming. I am almost ashamed at myself for reading this entire ping…but, nevertheless, a healthy argument is always good as long as you keep it that way.
Ryan…a good topic to debate on. One problem…where are you to debate it? Unless, perhaps, you’ve been proven wrong and now support the “religious right and their hypocrital views” This thing has gotten off subject so much I almost turned the link off. Everyone…please…for the sake of my sanity…STAY ON TOPIC!!!
Whew…ok…here is my personal take on the two issues this ping pertains to ORIGINALLY…I think that each thing has been answered…but let’s review, class. First, Bob Jones University has every right to ban gay alumni if they so choose. They receive no federal funding, are a private school, and therefore may dictate such a ban. State funding is another thing…but federal…no. Secondly, it has been quite eloquently stated by the youngest person to comment that we are discussing a university’s HISTORY, not its present state of mind. Interracial dating is allowed. BJU is accredited. Racism is not encouraged or tolerated. All of these issues have been resolved by the university itself!! Perhaps that they have all been dealt with, maybe some of the posters against this institution should have a second look, or even a visit. Granted, some people just don’t like BJU…even Christians that go there (as our 10 and 12 year residers showed us). But you have to decide for yourself…after you know the people which make up BJU today. BJU is only what the people who attend it make it.
*Note to Joseph*- I pretty much stopped reading your comments when you and GC started arguing. But, since you weren’t even discussing the main topics…I don’t think I missed much. I read what you had…or tried…to say about the actual discussion, so I know what I’m talking about, never fear. Don’t expect to draw me into this though…I’m a bystander only. For the present, at least.
Ben Adams October 28, 2006, 2:41 am
Wow. It has been so long since I’ve thought about this ping. Oh the memories!
Just a quick personal update: I’ve transferred out of Bob Jones and now attend Furman University. Same major (political science). I’m competing on the Mock Trial team (against my former teammates at Bob Jones, no less). My creed is still the same as are my views (for the most part) on the University and it’s policies.
Now a relevant update: Dr. Bob Jones III is no longer the Pres. of BJU. His son, Stephen, took over. I’m sure everyone knows this by now, but in my cursory re-reading of this *very* long ping, I didn’t see it written anywhere. So anyway, it’s relevant because it’s part of the topic title.
Jacob- I’m terribly sorry that it appears I lost my temper. To be honest, I don’t remember ever being upset, but as I read some of my posts again, the tone is certainly strident. I agree that it is unbecoming and, I shall endeavor to do my best to reign in my sarcasm in the future.
Well, I’ll be checking this topic more often now as it seems to have been rediscovered recently.
Best,
-Ben
ANDY June 14, 2008, 12:59 am
I ATTENDED THAT UNIVERISYT AND HEARD THEIRS HATRATED MESSAGE AGAINST CATOLICS AND MORMONS,
THEY CAN BRAIN WASH YOUR CHILD IF YOU ARE NOT FROM THAT SUBCULT-TURE, MANY BUSNESS OWNERS AND PEOPLE IN COMMUNITY DON’T LIKE BJU, THEY TEACH SUCH PIOLOSOPHY THAT YOU MAY KILL YOUR SELF AND STILL GO TO HEAVEN, THIS WHAT THAT CULT TEACHES IN CLOSED DOORS.
AFTER THAT UNIVERSITY IT WOULD BE NICE TO GO INTO PORNOGRAPGY BE A SUPER STAR,
Joseph February 24, 2010, 5:41 pm
Whatever, Jacob.
Whatever.
I’d respect your opinion much more if you actually had weighed in thoughtfully instead of being the head cheerleader in the peanut gallery.
“First, Bob Jones University has every right to ban gay alumni if they so choose. They receive no federal funding, are a private school, and therefore may dictate such a ban.”
What about the hypocrisy of it?
“State funding is another thing…but federal…no”
Why is State funding another thing? It’s still taxpayer money. It’s still PUBLIC money.
“Secondly, it has been quite eloquently stated by the youngest person to comment that we are discussing a university’s HISTORY, not its present state of mind.”
Because people here were still defending the policy with BJU’s present philosophies. To me, it’s like Tiger Woods apologizing for his sexual addiction. He doesn’t really believe he’s a sex addict, he just wants to retain public favor and keep his endorsements. BJU wants to attract federal money and appear to be a “real” academic institution. What goes on behind closed doors is another thing, though. Did BJU actually repudiate the policy and say it was wrong or did it just go underground?
“All of these issues have been resolved by the university itself!! Perhaps that they have all been dealt with, maybe some of the posters against this institution should have a second look, or even a visit. Granted, some people just don’t like BJU…even Christians that go there (as our 10 and 12 year residers showed us). But you have to decide for yourself…after you know the people which make up BJU today. BJU is only what the people who attend it make it.”
Are you really that naive?
Really?