A Great College Education!

GLBT Safe Place Signs on Campus

Keri and I were visiting Bethel University’s campus recently, and were intrigued by signs posted on certain doors signaling “safe-places” for conversations about same-sex attraction. Is this a growing phenomenon on all university campuses, or unique to Christian institutions where there is more of a stigma against same-sex relationships?

I was therefore very interested when I saw the following letter from my old boss, Dr. David Clark, now Provost of Bethel University.

The following is an open letter that Provost David Clark sent to the Bethel University faculty. What do you think of Dr. Clark’s message?  Agree or disagree? Click below to keep reading…

30th Birthday Reflections: New Anxieties & New Peace

Bethel Campus

On this week of my 30th birthday I am sharing some personal journal entries that provide a window into the trials and triumphs I faced during the decade of my tumultuous 20s.  

I had my share of days where anxiety over the future and insecurities over the person I was becoming brought about short bouts with depression.  I often felt lonely and misunderstood at home during these years, and sought refuge and sanctuary on a walk in the woods or a drive to the bookstore to find a friend in a book.  

Thankfully, I also learned to cast my cares upon the Lord during these times.  I had turned my future over to God in a very real way, and I was learning to wait upon the Lord, hoping and trusting that He would open the right doors at the right time.  

The following journal entry takes me back to my favorite place of refuge — the hollow behind Bethel Seminary under a giant oak tree along the shore of Lake Valentine.  This was a truly great moment with God.  I’m so glad I wrote the following down.  

I hope my words below adequately paint the scene.  Enjoy!

April 1, 2003

Not much fooling around on this April Fools Day.  I awoke in an uneasy spirit of discontentment.  Feeling the purposelessness of my life right now.  I am 23, blessed with an expensive college education, gifted with knowledge and abilities to succeed, but lacking the drive and courage to compete in this rat race world of “survival of the fittest.”  I feel worthless with my huge debt of college loans and no steady income to show for my education.  I am trying to substitute teach but receiving no calls the past few days.  I can’t afford NOT to work.  Flustered and emotionally disheartened by the last conversation with [a girl], I am just not happy.  

Shack Chat with David Clark

More than 900 alumni and friends of Bethel gathered to hear Bethel Seminary Professor of Theology David Clark and Bethel Seminary Associate Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy Steve Sandage engage in a dialogue about the issues raised by the best-selling novel The Shack by William Young.

Click here to access the audio from the evening

So, did you read “The Shack” yet?  Are you wondering what all the hype is about?  Is it theological heresy or good Christian fiction?  I read the book and found it a very provocative and powerful window into the outrageous love and healing grace of God revealed in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  David Clark gives a very thoughtful, balanced critique of this hot-selling, controversial book.  Check it out the discussion by following the links.  

So, what did you think of The Shack?