Torch, Summer 1996

C edarville College prizes freedom. We value our freedom to pursue our mission - to offer an education consistent with biblical truth. As an independent college, we are among a handful of institutions that still operate without direct support from tax monies. Because of our institutional commitment to the American free enterprise system, this issue of Cedarville TORCH revisits the topic of economic freedom. The founders of our nation valued freedom, and they knew very well that its attainment would be costly. They declared their freedom by pledging their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor to its pursuit. They designed a government that minimized interference in citizens' lives and maximized their personal opportunities . One of the more curious developments in our world today is the rush to freedom in previously oppressive countries concurrent with the rush to government control in previously free nations. Our own society is rapidly abandoning the notion of 2 Torch - 1ne Vice resident for Development/Editor. Cedarville T arch Cedarville College equal opportunity for all and attempting to replace it with a mandated equal outcome system. After trillions of dollars spent on social experimentation, the problems of poverty (unequal outcomes) persist. The new villain in today's politically correct world is the individual who has worked hard, taken risks, demonstrated initiative, made sacrifices, been faithful to family relationships, and now enjoys the fruit of these labors. Big government wants greater tax penalties on these productive members of our society, thereby penalizing them for their wealth- and job-creating enterprise. As Dr. Dixon's article points out, the private ownership of property is a biblical principle. Likewise, philanthropy and Christian giving are also based on the premise of private ownership of property. One cannot give what one does not own. Masquerading as "compassion," government confiscation and redistribution of wealth is as far from genuine compassion as the east is from the west. This TORCH issue also includes an article featuring Wm. Bolthouse Farms, Inc., a family-owned company that epitomizes the qualities that have made American businesses the envy of the world . In this interview with CEO William Bolthouse, he dispels the widely held myth that successful companies and the American free enterprise philosophy run counter to social responsibility. At Cedarville College, we challenge students to be productive members of their society, thereby making an impact on their world for Jesus Christ. We herald the principles of freedom, and we strive to inculcate a strong work ethic. We understand that wealth, of whatever magnitude, constitutes a sacred stewardship from God, and we challenge students to learn to give - of themselves, their witness, their talent, and their resources. We also recognize that economic freedom is not the ultimate freedom. God's Word says, "If the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed." Freedom of the spirit depends not on economic factors, but on a personal relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ.