Torch, Fall 2006

because we cannot agree on common standards of truth and falsehood, or even good and evil. Our recent past and near future may seem bleak, but as believers, we cannot succumb to our times. Christians can speak truth in love in the hope of leading our fellow citizens to a better future. Our nation is in dire need of moral clarity as it attempts to define the roots of terrorism. At the same time, our values, both religious and political, ought to point us toward a proper and measured response. Perhaps most critically, Christians must help Americans keep politics and terrorism in their proper perspective. No candidate’s victory or defeat has ever saved or lost a soul. Crafting the right policies will not revive a culture. Put differently, politics is not life and death, but terrorism could be. There is seemingly no limit to what terrorists might do to inflict harm on their victims. Instead of cowering in the fear of what might happen, Christians must rest in the sovereignty of God and take comfort and courage in the fact that His justice is eternal. Dr. Mark Caleb Smith is assistant professor of political science at Cedarville University and director of the University’s Center for Political Studies (www.cedarville.edu/cps ). He holds degrees from Bryan College, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and the University of Georgia. His primary research interests are in religion and American politics. Fall 2006 / TORCH 19 A Clear Commitment to Truth C edarville University exists to educate students through the presentation of a distinctly biblical worldview. Education in all the disciplines is permeated with a commitment to viewing Scripture as the ultimate guide in the pursuit of truth. In our culture, however, both the truth of Scripture and objective truth in general are being questioned. Society is sometimes skeptical of the ability to know anything about the world or the Bible. These issues have risen to such a level that they cannot be ignored, prompting us as a university to clarify our position on truth and to what degree it may be known. The University has produced a statement that affirms the following: • Objective truth exists apart from its recognition by humans. • The Bible, God’s Word, is truth — inspired, infallible, and inerrant. • Believers can know the meaning of the Bible with understanding adequate to • be assured of their salvation • live by faith in obedience to God, and • affirm the conclusions essential to the Christian faith, which we hold as non-negotiable and upon which we unswervingly base our hope. If you would like to read the complete statement, go to www.cedarville.edu/truthdoc . Seeking Public Comment C edarville University is seeking comments from the public about the University in preparation for its periodic evaluation by its regional accrediting agency. The University will undergo a comprehensive evaluation visit March 19-21, 2007, by a team representing the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Cedarville University has been accredited by the commission since 1975. The team will review the institution’s ongoing ability to meet the commission’s criteria for accreditation and general institutional requirements. The public is invited to submit comments regarding the University. Comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of the institution or its academic programs. Comments must be in writing and signed; comments cannot be treated as confidential. All comments must be received by February 19, 2007. Send comments to: Public Comment on Cedarville University The Higher Learning Commission North Central Association of Colleges and Schools 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400 Chicago, IL 60602 Note: Individuals with a specific dispute or grievance with an institution should request the separate Policy on Complaints document from the commission office. The Higher Learning Commission cannot settle disputes between institutions and individuals. Complaints will not be considered third-party comment. T From the President’s Office