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Trustees at Shorter University, a Baptist institution in Rome, Georgia, have voted to add a “personal lifestyle statement” for all employees.
According to an article by Lydia Senn in the Rome News-Tribune:
Shorter’s statement of faith is accompanied by a lifestyle agreement, in which faculty and staff, including adjunct faculty, agree to… be loyal to the mission of Shorter University, do not engage in the use and sale of illegal drugs, do not view premarital sex, adultery and homosexuality “as acceptable.”
“It has been made clear if they do not abide by (the lifestyle statement) they may be subject to termination,” [President Donald] Dowless said.
Employees are also expected to be active members of a local church. The lifestyle statement explains that the institution “will hire persons who are committed Bible believing Christians, who are dedicated to integrating biblical faith in their classes.”
The college will, however, continue to encourage students to finance their educations using interest-based student loans (which is arguably prohibited, and certainly discouraged, by Deuteronomy 23:19-20, Exodus 22:25, and Luke 6:34-38).
It’s not clear yet if there will be any punishments for wearing clothing made of mixed fibers (which is prohibited in Deuteronomy 22:11) or sending email on Sundays (which is probably not allowed by both Exodus 31:13-15 and Leviticus 23:3).
Faculty and staff must also “refrain from the use of alcohol in the presence of students and in public,” though this particular exclusion is nowhere to be found in the Bible.
Since 2008 Shorter has had a policy of hiring only Christians.
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Greg on October 30, 2011 3:38 PM:
Shouldn't there be some attempt to understand a decision before criticizing it?
1) Is it really that weird for a faith-based institution to specify agreed-upon standards of faith and practice?
2) Did you consider that there may be good reasons why a church or faith-based institution would not apply the Bible verses that you quoted from Exodus and Leviticus while still requiring other behavioral norms?
3) Can you imagine any legitimate reasons for outlawing alcohol use in a setting populated by young adults who are still growing in wisdom and discretion in their life choices?
wotm on October 30, 2011 3:48 PM:
Shorter is a Christian based college funded primarily by the southern Baptist association. They have a right to create policies regarding who they want teaching their students. It is no different than any other/secular school that prohibits the teachings of the Bible. Show me where Jesus says homosexuality is accepted by God. Its not there. This is being blown way out if proportion because of the insecurities of those who are homosexual.
reidmc on October 30, 2011 11:01 PM:
"other/secular school that prohibits the teachings of the Bible." You mean in Saudi Arabia or somewhere? No US school prohibits the teachings of the Bible.
I love the quote about "premarital sex, adultery and homosexuality." Unless there is some additional detail, it apparently does not bar being involved with these things as long as you don't view them as acceptable.
Anonymous on May 15, 2012 8:19 AM:
Why does faith trump human rights? And religious folks wonder why it's in a decline.
There needs to be a law prohibiting all descrimination by all groups, and an end to ANY public funding for religion and religious institutions.
Things like this belong in countries like Saudi Arabia, not the so called 'land of the free'.
I don't remember Christ speaking out against homosexuality as he travelled around with his 12 male companions, and I do believe he also drank some wine in public .*gasp*
This is bigotry and bullying, pure and simple. Shame on you. Read your new testament.