Bob Jones University Apologizes

Bob Jones University has just posted a statement about race that contains the following confession:

For almost two centuries American Christianity, including BJU in its early stages, was characterized by the segregationist ethos of American culture. Consequently, for far too long, we allowed institutional policies regarding race to be shaped more directly by that ethos than by the principles and precepts of the Scriptures. We conformed to the culture rather than provide a clear Christian counterpoint to it.

In so doing, we failed to accurately represent the Lord and to fulfill the commandment to love others as ourselves. For these failures we are profoundly sorry.

Words like that are not easy to write, especially when it means breaking with a longstanding tradition that you now admit had no basis in Scripture. Those who do not know Bob Jones University may not fully appreciate what this means. 

It’s always easy to make excuses for the past. It is much harder to say, “We failed.” Not many people do that, not many institutions do that. For many reasons I am very glad about this statement, and I think it will bring healing and hope to many people.