Inspire, Winter 2006

Biblical Mandates,Institutional Preferences, and a Changing Culture By Dr. Carl Ruby'83 Vice President for Student Life 1 still remember the first time I stepped onto the campus of Cedarville University It was the spring of 1979,and I was a senior in high school already accepted at,and planning to attend,a state university in Michigan.At the last minute, I decided to look at one Christian college and chose to visit Cedarville. I didn't choose Cedarville for its fine academic programs, because at that stage in mylife I had no idea how to compare schools academically.I picked Cedarville because I knew that I needed to grow spiritually,and even as a high school senior,I recognized that there was something special about this campus.My visit to campus convinced me that Cedarville was the right fit for me. I was attracted to Cedarville by a couple ofthings,both ofwhich are hard to measure or define. First of all, there was a spiritual vibrancy here.The students that I interacted with seemed genuinely interested in spiritual growth.Second,there was a balanced approach to student life. There were standards ofconduct within a culture that didn't seem legalistic. During those years(1979-1983),we often talked about the distinction between biblical mandates and institutional preferences. It was this distinction that set Cedarville apartfrom other Christian schools that I was aware ofat the time. Culture changes,and as culture changes so do some ofour preferences ... a quick look at an old photo album (or old college yearbook,The Miracle, 1980,Page 169) provides evidence that over time some ofour tastes change.Those shaded aviator glasses,open-collar silk shirts,and gold chains that were so cool in 1980 aren't quite so popular today.My preferences have changed ... thank goodness! Some ofthe changes that have occurred in our culture are evident on campus today: dress standards are more relaxed,students are much more media-savvy, and technology is everywhere.As I walk across campus and observe these changes, I often find myselfreturning to one ofthe things that initially attracted me to Cedarville ... an emphasis on biblical mandates and a sense ofcourtesy,humility, and deference in areas ofpersonal preference. Asthe vice president for student life,and as a proud member ofthe Class of'83,I feel a sense ofresponsibility for maintaining the things that have always made Cedarville so special: an emphasis on knowing the Bible and allowing it to shape our values and our behavior;a strong chapel program;great ministry opportunities; classes that actively integrate Scripture;and a balanced,redemptive approach to student life. I also recognize the need to study the culture and adapt our approach to student life in areas where biblical mandates are not at stake. Dress,technology,media,and music are examples ofareas where this kind of discernment is needed. Last week I received a call from a Christian school administrator.He told me that his job took him to many Christian college campuses every year and that he went awayfrom a recent visit to our campus impressed with the sense ofspiritual vitality here.He asked me how we create that ethos.I told him that we didn't create it — it's a gift from God,and it is generated for the most part by the type ofstudent that we attract; our goal is not to mess it up.One way that we continue to do that is by attempting to major on majors and minor on minors ... and never forgetting the difference between a biblical mandate and a preference. Please do not hesitate to contact me atanytime with questions atrubyc@cedarville.edu . Inspire 11 Pictured are Dr.CarlRuby '83, VPfor student life, and the residence life staff We anticipate job openings for the position ofresidence director for the 2007-08 school year.We are looking for ministry-minded individuals who would use this position to mentor and disciple the men or women who live on campus.Preference will be given to those with some residence life experience,including the role ofresident assistant,and to those who are pursuing careers in residence life. For more information, contact Kirsten Gibbs'93,dean ofstudents,at gibbsk@cedarville.edu .