Bob Jones U. Apologizes For Racism

S.C. School Says Culture Rather Than Biblical Teachings Led To Institutional Racist Policies

(CBS/AP)  Bob Jones University is apologizing for racist policies that included a one-time ban on interracial dating and its unwillingness to admit black students until 1971.

In a statement posted Thursday on its Web site, the fundamentalist Christian school founded in 1927 in northwestern South Carolina says its rules on race were shaped by culture instead of the Bible.

The university says president Stephen Jones decided to issue the apology because he still receives questions about the school's views on race.

In the statement, BJU said that it was founded to help young men and women cultivate a Biblical worldview, and to represent Christ and his teachings to others, "in every dimension of life.

"BJU’s history has been chiefly characterized by striving to achieve those goals; but like any human institution, we have failures as well. 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. Though no known antagonism toward minorities or expressions of racism on a personal level have ever been tolerated on our campus, we allowed institutional policies to remain in place that were racially hurtful."

The school, which has about 5,000 students, banned interracial dating until 2000.

President George W. Bush was criticized in 2000 for a campaign speech at the school while the interracial dating ban was in place.

[dgpsr]

Yes, JESUS did ask for forgiveness: "Father, forgive THEM for THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO."

Seems like that fits not only the ignorant comments made, but all of us. Have YOU been to CALVARY yet
?

[evian_ycnan]

Even Jesus asked for Forgiveness.

Posted by caldwellptr at 03:16 PM : Nov 23, 2008

Yep, and his wasn`t tied to receiving funds from the President`s faith-based initiative. Gee, lookie there. A black fellow wins the election and they apologize. It would have carried more weight had they done so while endorsing McCain.

[caldwellptr]

Even Jesus asked for Forgiveness.

[caldwellptr]

No need to apologize. Christianity does not rest on asking and receiving forgiveness.

Sincere Apology = Gracious Acceptance

[cwbyht]

I will never apologize for nothing. Even when the Obama wackos send us to re education camps.

[cwbyht]

I will never apologize for nothing. Even when the Obama wackos send us to re education camps.

[denn034]

If the Bible opposed interracial dating, then, Jehovah wouldn''t have sided with Moses after Moses was criticized for marrying an Ethiopian woman. Race wasn''t the issue, interfaith marriages that could lead them away from the true God was but, that Ethiopian woman was a believer in Jehovah. 1 Corinthians 7:14 and 16 gives the Christian the option of staying with an unbeliever or not. Nowhere does the Bible oppose interracial marriages.

[timothyone-2009]

It''ll take another 300 years for the racist b*st*rds to actually stop hating. For now they''ll continue doing what is politically expedient, allowing them to get government loan, grant, and other monies. These racists are idiots, but they''re not stupid.

[ritad7]

Do these religious people who claim to love Jesus Christ, believe what he commanded them to do" LOVE THY NEIGHBOR AS THY SELF" In the end, what will they say to God when he tells them how they broke his commandment, I wonder. There are going to be a lot of shocked souls in the hereafter I betcha. People who claim to love God, but in truth they love their own personal opinions more.

[ritad7]

Do these religious people who claim to love Jesus Christ, believe what he commanded them to do" LOVE THY NEIGHBOR AS THY SELF" In the end, what will they say to God when he tells them how they broke his commandment, I wonder. There are going to be a lot of shocked souls in the hereafter I betcha. People who claim to love God, but in truth they love their own personal opinions more.