A cause for concern
I have followed the reports concerning the relationship of the Baptist General Association of Virginia and Averett University and have some concerns.
When the BGAV withheld funding because of the letter written by the head of the religion department and they had Bishop Spong speak to the students, I was encouraged that the BGAV was going to take a stance against heresy. I have been disappointed with their resolution of that situation-the restoration of all the funding.
According to your reports, the school has not taken any action to amend either situation. Instead of obtaining an indication of scriptural integrity, the BGAV is acquiescing to their plea of “academic freedom.” While the school will offer some new programs, there is no indication that the basic situation has been altered. There is no sign that the professor has been admonished and he is still the head of the department. Apparently, guests of Bishop Spong's ilk will still be welcome on campus.
I recently read “The Episcopalian Preference,” an article by Philip Turner, an Anglican theologian. In that article he traces the slippery slope of that church that began in the early 1950s when they would not convict one of their priests of heresy. They didn't want to cause trouble. It has been downhill for them ever since.
Is the plea of academic integrity in this case another move in a downward slide for the BGAV? Other actions could be cited indicating such a trend. This is, in my opinion, cause for much concern.
Edgar W. Brown, Palmyra