The Cedarville Issue

Yesterday I received an anonymous email warning of Cedarville's supposed departure from the historic faith. Presumably, the email was associated with a group that runs a website called http://www.cedarvillesituation.com.

I have not kept up with the Cedarville issue, though the rumble of this thunder in Ohio can be heard even in furthest regions of northern Michigan. I am not an alumnus of that school, though I do have some connection with the current president Dr. William Brown. I was a student of William Jennings Bryan College (now just 'Bryan College') in Dayton, TN while Dr. Brown served their as president. I found him to be a true believer in Christ, dedicated to the historic faith 'once for all delivered', and a man whose personal and theological life was beyond question.

Frankly, I have no idea if the above group have legitimate concerns. They may well. What disturbs me is the anonymous email that was sent. I find such tactics more in line with the prince of darkness than the Lord of light. Sending out a mass email, without attaching one's name to it, amounts to libel. "Slander" is spoken statements and "libel" generally refers to written or otherwise permanent defamation. Interestingly, libel is also more prone to litigation, which is why the writer of the email covered his/her name.

When we use such tactics---anonymously hide while throwing mud at our opponents---it can only serve to make a mockery of Christ. I suggest, instead, that the individual call and make an appointment with Dr. Brown or another official from the school. Spend an hour together and hear their perspective.

And....don't send me anymore emails.


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Below is the email I received, followed by my response:

Hello,

I am writing you to inform you of an important situation currently taking place at Cedarville University. It is critically important for your Church and potential future students of Cedarville to be aware of the school's current direction. The ramifications of what happens next will surely have an eternal impact and your prayer is greatly needed.

Please visit and notify your colleagues:
http://www.cedarvillesituation.com

Currently there are four articles with in-depth discussion regarding the current theological struggle at the University. The links page contains crucially important material as well, including:

-Content from the student newspaper advocating gay marriage, abortion, the liberal Emerging Church movement, etc.

- Letter from the 'Coalition of the Concerned' detailing concerns over the school's direction and multiple terminations of conservative Bible professors

-Multiple stories from newspapers and magazines detailing the legal aspect of revoked tenure contracts issued to in bad faith

-Legal threats by the school against concerned alumni who post material about the situation

-And much, much more.

Please continually visit the website as many more updates will be coming as the summer unfolds. The University has already released broad statements to calm concerned audiences, yet the fruit clearly indicates a shift quite opposite of that which is publicly shown. The situation is not yet resolved and prayer is currently needed by you and many others.

Please pass this e-mail to other staff members or individuals who would be concerned enough to pray for the future of Cedarville. Again, continue to check for updates this summer as the site will update you on the status of the situation.

Please pray for Cedarville add this to your prayer requests.
May God richly bless you as you continue to serve our Lord Jesus Christ.

In Him,
Anonymous & Concerned

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Dear Anonymous,

While you may have correct concerns about Cedarville, I believe writing such things anonymously is shameful, sinful, and unbecoming a child of God. Sin hides in darkness. I will not listen to any voices that have no name attached to them. Furthermore, I will direct my congregation accordingly.

Pastor Josh Gelatt

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UPDATE:

[Received May 15, 2008]

Pastor Gelatt,
You are more concerned over my method of notification than the substance of that site.
Anonymity exists for the purposes of protection, not slander.
The site author is not anonymous nor are the posted signatures of the concerned faculty.

If you read the material, you would know the proper avenues have been explored to no avail.
In addition, if you do not deem the content on the links page as solid evidence -- including signed statements from Godly men and restatements of already public material -- nothing will convince you.

Have a good day.

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Anonymous,

There is no justification for darkness. I am not contesting your claims. I am rebuking your methods. If you do not model godliness, on what basis do you attack Cedarville's lack of it?

JG