A thought on the passing scene...

Rider College of Business Dean Cynthia Newman resigned from her position as Dean in response to the New Jersey university banning Chick-fil-A from campus, despite it being the student body’s top pick. The university said in an email to students in November 2018 that the chain restaurant’s “corporate values have not sufficiently progressed enough to align with those of Rider.”

            We are seeing more and more of this push for Christianity to “progress” with the rest of the culture around us. We are being called to relax our adherence to orthodox Christian truths and practices and instead join with the world in what it declares is valuable and true. 

            What I really admired in Dean Newman’s response was the way in which she was not vindictive. Instead, she gives a reasoned and gracious summary of her stand:         

“I felt like I was punched in the stomach when I read that statement because I’m a very committed Christian and Chick-fil-A’s values, their corporate purpose statement is to glorify God in and to be faithful stewards in all that is entrusted to them and to have a positive influence on everyone who comes into contact with themand that mirrors my personal beliefs perfectly,” Newman told Campus Reform.

I’d have to believe that the phrase “have a positive influence on everyone who comes into contact” is the key. The Body of Christ is not called to hate anyone. We are called to love one another and to seek what’s best for one another in that love. Such love does not mean a tolerance of “anything goes.” It’s a love that is willing to sacrifice for another’s ultimate well-being. And that example was set perfectly for us by the Savior Who holds us accountable, Who offered Himself on the cross to forgive us, and Who furthermore sent the Spirit to call us to faith and lead us in life.