BJU Officially Supports Phelps

Bob Jones University just released a statement defending Chuck Phelps and his position on the school’s Cooperating Board.

We believe that the biblical way to approach this information is to get all the facts before judging Dr. Phelps or his actions, including going directly to him for answers to questions.

Did BJU go to Tina Anderson? If not, by their own stated standards (getting all the facts), they cannot judge the veracity of Phelps’ claims.

Yes, I know that when one of your buddies is accused of something horrific that you don’t want to believe it.

Yes, I know that it is normal to be relieved when you ask him about it and he explains that it is all a misunderstanding.

Yes, I know that it is very, very tempting to leave it there and begin defending your buddy.

But is that Doing Right? Is that pursuing justice for the weak?

Or is that how the powerful help their friends retain their power?

Marshall Franklin needs to call Tina Anderson. He should also ask himself if “the critics” are insisting that Phelps be a perfect person (as is suggested in the link and by the statement he read today). Did Chuck Phelps do anything that warrants repentance and an apology to Tina?

If Phelps would “do things differently today” then he must feel that he erred (on some level) 13 years ago. None of us is perfect, but if love is guiding us then we must acknowledge our wrongs and apologize for them. THAT IS WHAT IS BEING DEMANDED. Repent, apologize, and accept the consequences of doing wrong.

This is not a witch hunt. This is not persecution. This is reading the Bible and applying it to our lives and the lives of those who profess to know Christ.