Inspire, Summer 2003

Inspire 9 C edarville University’s forensics and debate teams recently joined forces to compete against 21 other Christian colleges and universities at the National Christian College Forensics Invitational in San Diego, California. The debate team took second place in the debate division, and, in the combined debate/forensics sweepstakes, Cedarville University took first place overall, becoming national champion for the second year in a row. At the Ohio Forensics Association’s State Championship, Cedarville’s novice and varsity forensics teams won the state championship for the second year in a row. They topped 14 other teams, including schools such as Bowling Green State University, Ohio University, The Ohio State University, and Miami University. During Easter weekend, the forensics team competed in the National Forensics Association tournament. This was the first time they had competed in this tournament as a team. The forensics team is coached by Matthew Moore ’92, assistant professor of communication arts, and assistant coach Derrick Green ’97, instructor of communication arts. Matt is also the president of the Ohio Forensics Association. The debate team is coached by Jeffrey Motter ’99. Forensics and Debate Teams Win Competitions Did You Know? Social work major Mary Lyle ’03 was recently selected as Student of the Year for the Regional Ohio Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). Mary is the first Cedarville University student ever to win this award from this premier professional organization. Did You Know? O ne of the most remarkable events in church history has been the resurgence of Conservativism within the Southern Baptist Convention. Southern Baptists who held to historical, orthodox Christian doctrine, most notably biblical inerrancy, have struggled to regain and maintain control of the denomination over liberals and modernists, who reject biblical authority. “I wonder how many people understand just what has happened in the SBC over the past two decades in terms of doctrinal issues,” Dr. Paul Dixon ’94H said. “It really is epic, miraculous, and critical. It is a true watershed event.” For 50 years Dr. James T. Jeremiah and Dr. Paul Dixon have emphasized relationships with a number of Baptist and conservative evangelical groups. Some of the University’s more prominent relationships include the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches (GARBC) and the Fundamental Baptist Fellowship Association (FBFA). At the annual meeting of the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio, in November 2002, a resolution was approved to recommend Cedarville University to Ohio convention churches and to “all Southern Baptists as an accredited, quality, four-year university that embraces Southern Baptists.” Baptist leaders from across the country quickly hailed the relationship. Dr. David Jeremiah ’63, pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church in El Cajon, California, and son of the late Dr. James T. Jeremiah, said, “My father was a leader in the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches, but he knew there were many fellow believers among the Southern Baptists, and he longed to embrace them and to have them embrace Cedarville. I am excited about what this relationship will mean for both the institution I love for its steadfast testimony and the convention I admire for its ability to reshape itself.” Dr. Paige Patterson, who served as SBC president from 1998-2000 and currently serves on the Cedarville University Board of Trustees, voiced similar sentiment over the announcement. “I am impressed by the quality of Cedarville University’s graduates as well as their faculty and programs,” he said. “I believe Cedarville is one of the finest Christian universities in the nation. Because of its required Bible minor, Cedarville is a model of what every Christian liberal arts institution ought to be.” “We’re thrilled with the alliance with Cedarville,” related Dr. Jack Kwok, executive director of the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio. “Cedarville is a quality Baptist school. A significant number of our pastors are Cedarville graduates. We would recommend Cedarville not only to Ohio Baptists but all Southern Baptists.” Dr. Dixon was equally delighted. “This announcement by the Ohio Southern Baptists should be met with great anticipation for the future. Ohio Southern Baptists and Cedarville University continued on page 13