Inspire, Spring 2010

pres ident ’s perspect i ve Charles Malik, former president of the United Nations General Assembly, said the most important question educators must ask is, “What does Jesus Christ think of our school?” Not U.S.News & World Report , not The Princeton Review , not Forbes — but Jesus. So, what would Jesus think of Cedarville? And what would He ask of us? No doubt He would expect us to equip students for passionate, holy living and, at the same time, to engage people with the truth of the Gospel. He and the apostles certainly modeled this proactive life for us. Living out such a vision means that we intentionally invest in students by broadening and deepening their ability to make a difference. The most obvious way we do this is by helping them know the living God. This process begins with Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul’s passion was “to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings” (Phil. 3:10). The goal is not merely to know about God but to have an intimate, growing relationship with Him. Too many people are merely fans of Jesus. They pour over all the data and absorb every detail about Him — but they do not know Him. Like a star-struck fanatic, they confuse information with relationship. This does not mean that biblical knowledge is not important. In fact, it is vital. We must ensure that our students know and love God’s Word. Biblical and theological knowledge is crucial to personal growth and cultural engagement. Words of sound doctrine nourish our souls. Not only that, but Paul also reminds his readers to “watch your life and doctrine closely” (1 Tim. 4:16). We are driven to pursue truth so that we might know God’s world. God has organized the entire world “so that men would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him” (Acts 17:27). Around the world and across time, humanity has used literature, art, music, and entertainment to express their attempt to make sense of life. Just as Paul quoted Epimenides and Aratus to the Athenians, we also have the opportunity to engage God’s world by confronting the prophets and poets of our day. In following Paul’s example, we study culture not solely to demonstrate its distinction from biblical truth but also to, at times, point out the parallels. When an acquaintance asked Oswald Chambers if he needed to study other subjects beyond the Bible, Chambers encouraged his friend to “soak, soak, soak” in these academic disciplines so that he could better understand and communicate God’s Word. A Cedarville education deepens the heart and broadens the mind to understand the world as Christ does. With no compromise in doctrinal commitments, we enthusiastically interpret the world to Christians and interpret the truth of Christ to the world. Charles Malik not only wants us to consider what Christ thinks of Cedarville, but he goes on to challenge us to make certain that we “redeem the mind as well as the soul.” This is the unique and exciting challenge of a Christ-centered education. With humility and a determined spirit, we are up to the challenge. What Would Jesus Think? by Dr. William E. Brown Dr. Brown’s Top Picks ■ Book Counterfeit Gods by Timothy Keller The subtitle says it all: “The Empty Promises of Money, Sex, and Power, and the Only Hope That Matters.” This is another powerful book by one of today’s most articulate apologists. ■ Website www.wn.com The World News Network is the website for news links from around the world. ■ Podcast www.greatdetectives.net/detectives Listen to “The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio,” from Sherlock Holmes to Dragnet. These detective stories from the 1930s and ’40s were the best radio dramas of their time. ■ Movie Vitus Nominated in 2006 for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Film, this poignant and funny movie chronicles a child prodigy who wants to grow up normal. 44 SPRING 2010