Torch, Spring/Summer 2012

Think, Talk, Act by William E. Brown, Ph.D. Although Christians don’t always agree, we must not leave important issues to be decided by secular culture. I received a letter from an atheist leader responding to Cedarville’s commitment to Christ. Here is some of what he wrote: As a humanist, I see NO evidence of a god, heaven, hell, devils, angels, or a soul that leaves the body. We do not look for supernatural answers as to why we have thunder or why it rains or why we have tornadoes ... We do not thank Jesus for good fortune because our intelligence knows he has NOTHING to do with it. Best regards. He desired no debate, no dialogue, and no discussion. He just wanted to dump his views and move on. I was not offended, and I certainly was not persuaded. I was actually amused by his screed. My amusement, however, turned to concern when I heard someone mention that this is how many close-minded Christians sound when we engage important issues. Of course this is not true in most cases, but it does bring up the question, how should Christians clearly and passionately speak to today’s culture? For that matter, how should a Christ- centered university do so? The most obvious ways are through evangelism, discipleship, and missions. This is the heart of Cedarville, and we will always enthusiastically carry out the Great Commission. But, couldn’t we also influence our world for Christ by addressing complicated issues from a biblical perspective? Many contemporary issues have taken on so much social and political baggage that meaningful conversations are nearly 2 TORCH | Spring-Summer 2012 OSCAR SCOTELLARO | ISTOCKPHOTO