Cedarville Magazine, Fall 2014

Why “Bereans @ The Gate”? Jeff Haymond (JH) – We took it from the Bereans in Acts 17 who were seeking the Scriptures daily to see if what Paul was saying was true. Plus, we’re playing on this idea of barbarians at the gate. Also, there’s the scriptural reference to “the gates of hell will not prevail against you” (Matt. 16:18). The Gospel is on the offensive, not the defensive. As we’re presenting this truth, we’re trying to confront a culture that does not think scripturally in most areas. Why a blog? JH – We’d had a series of lunches over the previous year, looking for ways to collaborate. I think it was Mark Smith’s idea because he’s the technology guy, so we’re blaming him. Mark Caleb Smith (MCS) – Compared to you, I’m the technology guy (laughing). It’s a good tool for us to work together in virtual space to reach people who might not otherwise be reached. Tom Mach (TM) – We wanted to show the connection between what God’s Word teaches and important issues of the day, be they political, social, cultural, or economic. We wanted Cedarville to be seen as an institution where we take Scripture seriously. Marc Clauson (MC) – I think the whole idea of Christian worldview has declined over the last 20 years. People don’t talk about it as much at Christian universities, and it’s our desire to bring back an examination of what we do, how we think, and the way we should think from an explicitly biblical perspective. Bert Wheeler (BW) – For the University as a whole, we wanted to make a statement as individual faculty that this is the way we think about these issues. In addition to being biblical, it’s very conservative in its outlook. We wanted to reach a larger constituency and say, “Yes, this is what Cedarville is, that’s where we’ve been historically and where we’ll be in future.” MCS – That’s what makes [the blog] so countercultural. If you look at the culture at large, there’s precious little evidence that it cares for the Bible. We’re arguing that biblical truth is relevant in a variety of areas, not just simply in theology. BW – There’s clearly a downgrade away from biblical values in our culture. We think this way, this is the right way to think, and this is the solution to some of the issues facing the broader culture. Those solutions are embedded in the Word of God. Bereans at the Gate Cedarville Professors Peacefully Storm Internet With Biblical Worldview In the spring of 2013, five Cedarville University political science, history, and economic professors — Dr. Marc Clauson, Dr. Jeff Haymond, Dr. TomMach, Dr. Mark Caleb Smith, and Dr. Bert Wheeler (see their bios inset) —made the bold decision to storm the gates of online media with their blog, “Bereans @The Gate” (bereansatthegate.com) . They address politics, economics, theology, history, law, and culture, even writing the occasional movie review. As their “About” page explains: “We hope to use the insights we find to peacefully storm the gates that surround our fallen culture.” Cedarville Magazine sat down with the Berean bloggers this fall to learn about the purpose for the website, reactions they’ve received, their hopes for its future, why they’re Bereans, and how they’re going on the offensive without offending. Bert Wheeler is a Professor of Economics and Berry Chair of Free Enterprise at Cedarville. He earned his Ph.D. in economics from the University of Tennessee. Jeff Haymond is an Associate Professor of Economics and Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs in the School of Business Administration at Cedarville. He received his Ph.D. in economics from George Mason University. 18 | Cedarville Magazine