Last year, Bob Jones University asked GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment) to do an independent investigation into alleged shortcomings by BJU in handling reports of sexual abuse. Recently, they terminated their dealings with GRACE and have begun to come under some strong criticism for doing so. Many of us were hopeful with BJU’s initial actions, as it seemed they wanted to move toward greater transparency and change in how they handle allegations of sexual abuse. But now, it appears the university is afraid of what may be found. That’s how it appears, anyway.
I have followed the story loosely, but came across a really good article on this from a blogging friend who is a BJU alumnus: Mathew Sims. His post is worth reading whether or not you are familiar with the details of this case. He applies the gospel to how we should think of allegations of abuse. Here is a link: “Sexual Abuse and the Gospel.”
Another helpful resource is the following “open letter” (actually a Youtube speech to the University) from Pastor Ryan Ferguson, a local pastor in Greenville, SC. His message is clear and shows a concern for the weak and those who have been oppressed. Oh that fundamentalism as a whole would share this pastor’s heart rather than always trying to save face and putting institution above people.
UPDATE: BJU renewed the original contract with GRACE to go forward with the independent investigation GRACE had started, see the links to the press releases in this comment below.
I’ve read little on the controversy as well. I know that BJU as a whole is pretty tight lipped about some things.
From the official statements, it looks as if the termination is something that is temporary and may be picked up in the future. From what we can tell from reading press releases, this could be something as minor as disagreeing about how much the bill was going to be for the services to a difference in approach to how to handle the problems according to the different understandings of God’s Word.
I don’t think it’s in keeping with God’s Word to point fingers and assume the worst of a person or a body of believers. We know people fail. We know institutions fail. We know that no one with human flesh is immune to sin.
However, we do not have all the facts. Best to keep our insinuations to ourselves.
Full disclosure, I’m a BJU grad, from while Bob Jones III was still president.
I don’t think it’s in keeping with God’s Word to point fingers and assume the worst of a person or a body of believers. We know people fail. We know institutions fail. We know that no one with human flesh is immune to sin.
However, we do not have all the facts. Best to keep our insinuations to ourselves.
I agree with MInTheGap on this. I’m totally and completely floored at how many people (who SHOULD know better) are automatically jumping to GRACE’s defense on this, and I’m disappointed, Bob, that you’ve joined their ranks. When you said:
“But now, it appears the university is afraid of what may be found. That’s how it appears, anyway.”
You *completely* undercut any possible defense for terminating GRACE or suspending the investigation until a new President/CEO is found. You and I (and GRACE and BJU) don’t have all the facts yet. The latter two won’t have all the facts until they have their meeting (which I think is next week). So why assume that BJU is covering something up? What if the accusations of a flawed investigation process by ABWE are proven to be right and that the investigation was slanted by an investigator with an agenda? Will you be so quick to slander the University then?
You’re being naive, Bob, and borderline slanderous by adding the disclaimer “that it is how it appears”…as though you know for sure what’s the truth. You play right into the hands of those who want to tear BJU down anyway because they don’t agree with the school (and I’m talking about the very vocal BJU basher club now, not you). You should know better.
Also full disclosure – BJU grad. Haven’t given them a dime or visited since.
Jay: “You’re being naive, Bob, and borderline slanderous by adding the disclaimer “that it is how it appears”…as though you know for sure what’s the truth.”
That isn’t at all what I mean by that. I mean that from the stands, this looks like they are trying to keep the investigation quiet. I sure hope that isn’t what is happening, but you illustrate the point of the post I linked to here, and the main point of the open letter. You are very concerned about BJU and the institution being slandered and attacked. For the record, I am not slandering or attacking it, but linking to some articles that try to bring the gospel to bear for the group you haven’t mentioned in this comment here. What about the oppressed? What about the victims of sexual abuse? What about what they must go through? Where is the outcry for them?
All I am saying is that it appears to be turf-protecting. It may not be, but plenty of the statements coming from BJU belittle the plight of the victim and make much of the misunderstanding around the university and its actions. I wish we cared as much for victims in fundamentalism as we do for institutions. Just a simple point to make, that’s all.
Bob,
You said:
“I mean that from the stands, this looks like they are trying to keep the investigation quiet. I sure hope that isn’t what is happening, but you illustrate the point of the post I linked to here, and the main point of the open letter. You are very concerned about BJU and the institution being slandered and attacked. ”
Why do you even say this? Your argument is automatically assuming that BJU is guilty of ‘oppression’ and ‘belittling the plight of the victim’. You make that statement without evidence and without support. I know you’ve read the letter that was leaked by GRACE, and I know that you’ve seen Stephen Jones’ Friday video lecture. Yet you continually assume that they are being underhanded and sneaky and then say ‘well, we should care for the victims of fundamentalism’. Is that a position that we, as believers, should take towards other believers? And yes, that should go both ways – towards the victims as well.
I’m sure that in an institution the size of BJU, there have been things that were not handled properly. I’m fairly sure that over the course of the eighty plus years in its existence, someone on staff or faculty has done something wrong and illegal. But I do not and can not understand why that means that we must automatically assume guilt on BJU’s part as a means of ‘caring for the victims’.
If you care for a victim who continually lives in the realm of “they offended me” or “they abused me” and does not exhibit any kind of inclination to either move on or forgive – particularly if they have already left the faith and make no bones about that – then are you actually ‘caring for the victim’ by making these statement or are you feeding into a nasty cycle of evil and empowering people who have no serious interest in resolving the situation, either corporately or in their own life?
I am not calling for judgment on victims or more cover-ups. I am saying that I’d be very, very, very careful about whose stories I’m believing, who is really a believer or not, and how much and how culpable BJU is in light of an ongoing (even if temporarily stopped) investigation that they initiated.
I’m not assuming the worse, I’m reporting the story and two positive responses to it. I would love it if all the concerns expressed are invalid, and BJU is looking for the best interests of any of the oppressed (victims). I would love it if the relationship with GRACE is renewed or they go forward as they have since said they plan on doing. There were statements made about going with a different group than GRACE, and having abuse victims talk with a third party. So these responses have the interests of that group (victims of abuse) in mind.
I’m not judging BJU, but hoping that the efforts to ensure she keeps going in the right direction in light of this issue (sexual abuse handling) succeed. I encourage you to read the post I linked to, and listen to the open letter and you’ll see this isn’t an attack on BJU but people raising legitimate concerns.
I agree with Min. I am also a BJU grad. and always find it interesting how the haters always assume the worst. Not that the school is blameless or hasn’t handled this public relations debacle badly. Or for that matter, haven’t “underserved” former victims of abuse. Let me define what that means for Pastor Ryan in the video. The school screwed up, and they handled past complaints badly. But having a little inside info, the problem with GRACE was with the disclosure agreement / confidentiality agreement in the contract. Those terms are or are about to be renegotiated for the best interests of all parties, not the least of which are the folks who were victims of various abuses. Hate to disappoint the haters, but the purpose was never to air another’s dirty laundry, but rather to meet the needs of such people going forward and to put policies in place to prevent such atrocities in the future. You can’t fix the past, Pastor Ryan. You can ask to be forgiven and then take the appropriate steps to change policy to prevent similar heartbreak and disappointment in the future. As I peruse Bob’s blog, I see a lot of hands held high with stones ready to throw. It’s time somebody started writing on the ground. Can I get an “Amen?”
BJU Grad,
I hope your account is true. As I said before, I am no BJU hater. In fact, if you look more closely, you won’t see very many stones around here at all.
One way to fix the past is to admit wrong. BJU did that with the inter-racial dating thing, and I hope they do that with the sexual abuse handling as well (if indeed mistakes were made as you said). I agree with Pastor Ryan that “underserved” is unhelpful. And I agree with you that this is a “public relations debacle.” That being said, can’t BJU just say, sorry we goofed! And then just take the criticism as deserved? Why do they and their fan base have to make it a mission to defend the institution tooth and nail. Why be so uptight if there is nothing really to hide? Truth will out, won’t it?
Bob: Surely You must know the scriptural reference raised in my earlier remarks. In John 8, the woman was caught in the very act of adultery. I’ve looked for any reference in the passage where Jesus required the woman to admit she “goofed” (your word) for her her past indiscretions. Maybe that’s because Jesus isn’t fixated on the “train wreck” Bob. Maybe it’s enough for Him that we “go and sin no more.” The problem with those who take up the offense for others is that they want to be present for the apology. Maybe they would revel in such an apology, without the first thought of whether one was ever owed to them. You don’t need to know the details Bob, neither do you need to hear the apology. Such folks are just like the Pharisees who wanted to see the spectacle. Shame on you for the subterfuge.
BJU Grad,
One brief reply. There is a difference between private and personal sins, and public ones. A university putting forth instruction on how to counsel victims of sexual abuse has more to account for than an individual. Additionally, the sin of the woman in John 8 was not a sin against another person in the same vein as what we are discussing. 1 Tim. 5’s instructions about elders that those who persist in sinning should be rebuked before all that others should fear would more apply than John 8, in this situation. Before I were to send my kids to BJU, I would want some clarity on this matter, too, I might add.
I AM AFRAID THAT YOU BJU GUYS HAVE COMPLETELY MISSED THE POINT!
THE POINT IS THOSE HURTING PEOPLE THAT GOD HAS CALLED US TO LOVE AND CARE FOR. THAT IS WHY RYAN POSTED…DIDN’T YOU HERE IT? HE IS SPEAKING FOR THOSE GOD HAS CALLED HIM TO SHEPHERD THAT HAVE NO VOICE…HE IS STANDING FOR HIS PEOPLE! HE IS NOT ATTACKING BJU, HE IS DEFENDING THE FLOCK THAT HE LOVES.
THE POINT IS ALSO THAT BJU’S WORDS CONVEYED A LACK OF SENSITIVITY TO THOSE HURTING ONES. WHETHER OR NOT THEY MEANT THIS OR THET MEANT
THAT IS NOT THE ISSUE! THE ISSUE IS THAT YOUR WORDS ARE IMPORTANT AND CARRY WEIGHT AND CANNOT BE MERELY DIMISSED WITH AN “OOPS.”
THERE IS NOT A JUDGEMENTAL SPIRIT HERE, RYAN SAID IT AND BOB TRIED CONVEY IT, BUT YOU MISSED IT…SO LET ME TRY AND HELP.
THE CONCERN FROM THEM IS FOR THE PEOPLE…THE PEOPLE WHO ARE HURTING.
THE PEOPLE.
NOT BASHING OR JUDGING BJU OR EVEN NEEDING TO STICK THEIR NOSES IN THE BUSINESS OF THIS INSTITUTION. THE TRUTH IS IMPORTANT BUT THAT IS NOT WHAT IS BEING CALLED FOR HERE…
THE POINT IS THE PEOPLE AND THE LACK OF CONCERN FOR THEM.
THE PHARISEE’S ARE THE ONES WHO DEFENDED THEIR TRADTIONS/INSTITUTIONS OVER GOD’S WORD (MATT 15:1-9) AND WOULD EASILY HAVE DEFENDED THEIR INSTITUTIONS AT THE EXPENSE OF THE HURTING AND NEEDY.
PLEASE DON’T MISS THIS…THE POINT IS THE PEOPLE!
LMJ, Bob, …
Pardon me if I’m missing an important point. From my vantage point and what I’ve read, I see that there are people that have a legitimate issue with the University or what happened to them there. I see that the University took the step to involve GRACE, instituted training for all people on campus, and let an investigation happen on its campus.
No one here, that I have read in the comments, is down playing the rightness of these comments, or saying that people do not need healing or that there are those that are hurting and in need of healing.
What we are reacting to is the fact that many blog posts, including this one, assume continued fault on the part of the University or members of the staff as a given, and jump to that conclusion rather than either letting the parties deal with the issue themselves or by aiding in helping the issue.
Matthew 18 is very clear that if a brother is offended at another one, they are to go to that brother and seek to have reconciliation with them. This includes all people that have problems with staff members or the University as a whole.
It is our Biblical responsibility, as those on the outside, to pray for all parties, and that if we hear that someone has a problem with someone else that we should encourage those two parties to get together and make reconciliation. Our job is not to sit outside in judgement or cast blame.
Sitting in judgement is exactly what happened when the author said, “But now, it appears the university is afraid of what may be found.” This is saying, “I believe that the University is involved in a cover up” rather than just stating the facts. By going further and saying that they are handling it wrong, posting other people’s responses, etc. the author threatens to drive a wedge in the body of Christ and expresses distrust with the official answer.
As someone who has had untrue bile flung his way because things I have written were taken out of context, I’m much quicker to come to the defense of those being maligned than I have in the past. You should be also.
Matt. 18 doesn’t apply in a situation of a public university’s public dealings coming under scrutiny. Matt. 18 applies in the context of a local church.
Due to the PR debacle or whatever, it appears that something is wrong. Posts like this one, seem to demonstrate that errors have been made. I trust they aren’t being made anymore. But errors as those mentioned in that post, are big enough that that the actions that have been publicly reported do appear suspicious.
Look around online and you will see plenty of suspicions. My post is sharing that news and trying to point to some solid ground and help in thinking through the issue. I don’t intend to throw BJU under the bus, but at this point, I don’t know what to believe about BJU’s motives and actions. I do hope that good will come from this and the organization will move toward greater clarity and prize the truth in this case.
[…] Fundamentally Reformed: BJU, GRACE and Gospel Hope For the Oppressed […]
Bob: Please don’t fall into the trap of making convenient dichotomies that allow you to avoid Matthew 18. The failings of Bob Jones are failings of people, not brick and mortar. Institutions don’t fail victims of abuse, people do. Pastor Ryan’s disappointment isn’t with buildings and facilities, his heartache is with people and for people. Wishing away Matthew 18 is a tragic mistake. It certainly does apply here because the poor decisions of how to address such concerns are always made by people, and in this case, by God’s people. Every time you publicly air the failings of believers, you give great occasion for the enemies of God to blaspheme. That’s my problem with Pastor Ryan’s approach, not that there should be any cover up of what may have happened here. The parties involved and their pastors should get in a room together and address the hurt and the healing, but may God help us not to turn Matthew 18 into a spectator sport. Please tell me you agree with that, my brother in Christ.
One little appendage: I see Jesus practicing Matthew 18 in John 8. In the end, it was God and sinful man addressing the problem between them alone. All the spectators were sent home.
UPDATE: I’m happy to report that BJU has announced that they are re-establishing their initial contract with GRACE and allowing the independent investigation GRACE started to be completed.
BJU Press Release: BJU Reengages GRACE To Complete Independent Review
G.R.A.C.E. Press Release: GRACE Independent Investigation – Reinstatement
Will you now retract the statement that they are afraid of what may be found?