Theoblogy
Dear Students of Bethel University, Crossroads College, Crown College, North Central University, Northwestern College, and Oak Hills Christian College,
A year from now, we in Minnesota will be voting on an amendment to our state constitution. If passed, that amendment will define “marriage” as exclusively between a man and a woman.
There are many problems with this proposed amendment, but that’s not the point of this letter.
Christians are divided on this issue. Honest, earnest, Bible-believing Christians disagree on whether a monogamous, Christ-centered, same-gendered relationship can be pleasing to God. I’m on one side of this issue, while many Christians whom I trust and respect are on the other side.
The point is this: there are many students and faculty at your schools who oppose this amendment; indeed, there are many students and faculty at your college who support gay marriage. Believe it or not, there are even gay students at your school.
Surveys show that your generation is very positive about gay rights and gay equality.
But I fear that, in spite of stated commitments to academic freedom, the administrations of your colleges will not facilitate an environment on campus where you or your professors can speak freely about your opposition to the amendment, nor your support for gay civil union and/or marriage. I fear that the threat of reprisals against students and faculty are too great, and that you will be condemned to silence.
I am trying to find a way to facilitate conversations among evangelical college students and faculty in Minnesota who are against the amendment, or who are undecided. If you are interested in such a conversation, please email me. I promise that your identity will be protected and will remain secret, unless you choose to reveal it. When you write me, please send me any suggestions you might have on how we can have this conversation over the next year.
You are not alone,
Tony Jones
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