Definition and Redefinition
While I think the observations of ut unim sint stand as valid observations on the question of identity, I’m not so sure that I like the idea of a college like Wheaton going out of its way – considering redefining their statement of beliefs – specifically for the purpose of excluding Catholics. It seems to me that then they’re just going out of their way to maintain divisions, which may no longer be necessary. While I don’t want to loose track of the substance of the decision by impugning motives, I can’t help but wonder if economic considerations are really the driving factor. As with Prov, Wheaton’s investors and many potential students are attracted to the school because of an uncompromising maintenance of a position uncritically taken to be orthodox and irrevocable.
Aaron said,
Jan 12, 07:33 #
Is it economic or simply because their students come to learn one thing and not another? If you have a chemistry teacher who decides that from now on he’s only going to talk about physics, you have a problem. Obviously it’s an extreme example, but it makes the point. If people come to learn Protestant theology and their teaches teaches them Catholic, that’s not what they came to learn. It might not be a bad thing and you could argue (strongly) that it would be good to introduce the students to other schools of thought, but I think most people go to school to be taught something conclusive and not conflicting. Then again, I find it a lot more conclusive to be introduced to alternative points of view, but I think I’m in a minority in that regard. And I’m just going to talk in circles.
If you have someone who’s supposed to teach one thing and he teaches another, it really could go either way.
Tristan said,
Jan 12, 12:15 #
I see what your saying, and I think whether you look at it as economic or doctrinal has a lot to do with what POV you’re looking from. I was thinking along the lines of educated academics seeking after true doctrine and right living. From that perspective, it seems to me desirable to have the Catholic professor stay, especially if it’s possible for him to sign the statement of beliefs. But from the bureaucratic standpoint any school must consider, this could, as you say, exclude those who want a uniform education. From the perspective of those who want clean, uniform schooling (on the grounds of truth, of course), then, it’s not an economic decision, but a doctrinal one. But from the perspective of the academics who know that it’s better to have a number of views represented, the reason has to be economic since they would view it as doctrinally/theologically superior to have the Catholic prof. For the school as a whole, all of these elements must play a role in the decision, and, I’m sure, others as well.