Cedarville Magazine
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Committed
In recent years, many of the faculty members became concerned
with an apparent shift among some of their colleagues. Some
argued that we could not be certain of God’s truth, but only
confident. A few faculty members began to accept theological
positions that would have pushed Cedarville to the far left of
an evangelical movement that was increasingly losing focus on
historic orthodox Christianity. As a few faculty members and
trustees questioned our mission and doctrinal statement, faculty
morale began to erode. Without a painful but essential correction,
the Cedarville University focus on “The Word of God and the
Testimony of Jesus Christ” would be lost.
The necessary correction began in 2013, and a special Board of
Trustees meeting was held that spring. The faculty presented the
trustees with a resolution reading:
We, the faculty of Cedarville University, resolve that:
We believe in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as
verbally inspired by God and inerrant in the original writings,
embracing all matters which the biblical authors address, and
believe that they are of supreme and final authority in faith and
life. This unwavering commitment to the Word of God and the
testimony of Jesus Christ binds together our past and present and
must shape our future so that we might be a beacon for, and not
a pale reflection of, the world around us.
While this resolution was a restatement of the first point in the
doctrinal statement, it was designed to show that the inerrancy and
inspiration of Scripture were not simply a condition of employment,
but a conviction of the heart for every faculty member who voted
for it. The motion received applause and numerous “seconds.”
It was then overwhelmingly approved by the University faculty.
Unfortunately, it was not unanimous, as some abstained.
Who would have imagined a Cedarville where some faculty
would not support the inerrancy and inspiration of Scripture?
The Board of Trustees met and reaffirmed our historical biblical
position. This led to the departure of some faculty members
and trustees, but praise God, today the University stands firmly
committed to its historical doctrinal position.
Expected
As our new PresidentThomas White, came to office in the summer
of 2013, he clearly affirmed that all faculty and staff members were
required to sign and actively support the doctrinal statement in
all classes and activities. He symbolically signed the statement at
his inauguration so that all could see that Cedarville was true to
its theological foundation.
As we look together to the future, expect to see a continued
emphasis for all students and faculty members to have a personal
relationship with God through salvation provided by faith in Jesus
Christ. Expect to see daily chapel remain a vital aspect of our
University culture. Expect to see a faculty and administration
that believe wholeheartedly in our doctrinal statement and in the
integration of Scripture and knowledge.
On the basis of my almost half-century as a part of this
wonderful University, I am happy to say that Cedarville stands
firmly on an unwavering commitment to “The Word of God and
the Testimony of Jesus Christ.”
J. Murray Murdoch
is Senior Professor of History at Cedarville.
He received his master’s degree and Ph.D. from Northwestern
University. He is currently the second-longest-serving professor
at Cedarville, serving since 1965. You may contact him at
In Closing
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