ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
August 13, 2022
Today is the first Saturday after the start of school. I have very specific memories of this day as it changed from elementary school to middle school and then to high school. As a younger kid, after being “forced” to wake up early for a few days that first week after summer break, there was something wonderful about that first reprieve. Of course, later in the school year, that first Saturday was packed with sports, marching band, and other activities, leaving little time to sleep. This morning, I pray for all the students and teachers who might be getting a little extra rest today for the good work that lies ahead.
In recent weeks, I have been focusing a lot on our denomination’s history, including our support and passion for education. We currently have fifteen undergraduate colleges and universities associated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and another seven graduate theological institutions. It’s interesting, because there is both support and independence. What I mean by independence is that we financially support these educational schools without dictating what has to be taught. This independence stretches back to 1917, when the College of the Bible in Lexington (now known as Lexington Theological Seminary where Mariah received her seminary degree) was confronted by those in the denomination who wanted control over the curriculum and theological teachings. There was a call for trustees to investigate potential “liberal ideas” being discussed in the classroom and to root out any professors who were too accepting of modern thought, including modern methods of Biblical interpretation. This was a key moment in our denomination’s history, yet in the end, most of the schools maintained their independence and a more progressive approach to education. Of course, some did not. Those institutions of higher learning moved to what became known as the Independent Christian Church and the Church of Christ.
Today, I am thankful for institutions like TCU, Barton College, Culver Stockton College, Bethany College, Lexington Theological Seminary, Jarvis Christian College, Brite Divinity School, and many others who are providing education where tough and important conversations happen and young people are prepared to live in a complicated and ever-changing world.
O God who celebrates both the mind and spirit within us, allow our faith be guided by both heart and head. We desire to be inspired, informed and engaged by scripture, science, experience and the arts. May the way we follow Jesus be authentic and relevant. Amen.
