by Pieter Crow
CWC alumnus and employee
08/22/2007

As an institution of higher learning, Central Wyoming College bears an obligation to honor religious freedom, first on behalf of the campus community and second on behalf of the public trust. My goal is to encourage religious and non-religious freedom on our campus. Toward that end I offer six practical suggestions:

honor a level playing field
critique respectfully
encourage the search for truth
celebrate unalienable rights
affirm human dignity
build vibrant community

The mission of the college is to “enhance the quality of life through innovation and excellence in education”. These suggestions serve that mission in my estimation, and a multitude of concrete events demonstrate religious freedom in action at CWC.

I write as a believer in Jesus the Messiah, as one who holds to a biblical worldview. Out of that perspective I have a duty and privilege to generate, or attempt to generate blessings for those around me. Part of my perspective involves an earnest invitation for correction wherever I am in error, while at the same time granting freedom for others to disagree with me even as I esteem them as fellow human beings. If there is anything untrue or contrary to college policy in this writing, please bring it to my attention as soon as possible.

Honor a level playing field

Going back to the ancient Greeks, the consideration of all ideas on a given topic has defined the nature of the Academy. It is also the nature of the American Republic and its experiment in democracy. Religious liberty (which includes the freedom for non-religion) is the first freedom of the First Amendment, followed by the protections of speech, press, assembly and redress of grievances. These freedoms are consistent with a level playing field, where all ideas may be expressed and critiqued by each citizen according to his or her own belief system. The extension to the modern college campus follows naturally, based on the tradition of intellectual discourse going back millennia and as grounded more recently in the U.S. Constitution.

Consider for a moment the order of First Amendment freedoms. They begin with religious liberty, a prerequisite for the rest that follow. Without religious freedom first, no one has the freedom to speak and print their beliefs, nor to assemble and seek redress based upon their beliefs. Hence the nature and history of religious liberty is crucial.

When it comes to religious expression, many people hold reservations about proselytizing. This concern should be placed in perspective, for the word itself extends beyond religious conversion:

proselytize: to convert (a person) from one belief, doctrine, cause, or faith to another.

In this wider sense proselytizing is normative at any educational institution. In truth, faculty are hired to proselytize their students into becoming better students. They introduce students to ideas they would not be exposed to at home, on the farm, or in the workplace. The goal is to broaden their thinking, to give opportunity for deepening their understanding of the human condition. Certainly faculty at times try to persuade students to adopt a belief in line with their own beliefs. This may be the case when a professor encourages students to appreciate music and poetry, or presents evidence for the theory of biological evolution, or asks students to consider alternatives to a traditional definition of the family, or teaches economic theories which challenge cultural paradigms, or helps students realize they can become agents of change for the betterment of humanity.

Proselytizing is a normal function of college administrators, whether to persuade alumni to make donations, or the legislature to pass laws favorable to higher education, or the faculty to agree on a new policy. An excellent college official acts as an effective “evangelist” on behalf of the institution.

Note the emphasis here on persuasion, which extends to the expression of ultimate beliefs and worldviews. As a basic humanitarian and biblical principle, no religious viewpoint should be forced upon people, an idea well established at Central Wyoming College. When the institution applied for re-accreditation it affirmed: “...no individual or groups of individuals should be permitted to use means other than due process of law to force its tastes, morality, or beliefs upon even the smallest minority.”

Dissent is also essential on a college campus. Members of an academic community may dissent from long-held teachings or traditions, and in so doing they can rise to a better place -- but not always. The freedom to dissent from dissent merits equal standing, consistent with the positives of a level playing field.

Across history many people have been forced to convert to a faith against their will, including the Christian faith. This reality is cause for profound lament. What must be understood is that coercion goes against the teachings of Christ. The Gospel invites people to place their faith in Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins, but Jesus forced no one. The Gospel represents a good gift offered, and a gift downgraded by coercion will never be an honest one.

Some religions seek converts because the basic tenets of the faith teach it. Among them are historic Methodism, Mormonism, and Islam. I mention these three because, at the time of this writing, they find adherents among the top leadership of Central Wyoming College. True religious freedom means a Methodist, a Mormon, or a Muslim may present reasons and evidence for adopting their particular faith, provided the means are persuasive and not coercive. And the same freedom belongs to all other religious and non-religious traditions. In such an open environment a Methodist is free to convert to Mormonism, a Mormon to Islam, and a Muslim to atheism. When this freedom extends to all possibilities, a level playing field exists upon which to celebrate religious liberty for all people equally.

I am satisfied that a level playing field honors the history of the Academy and generates the greatest religious liberty for people everywhere.

Encourage the Search for Truth

An honest science classroom will commit itself to the search for truth. Consider advances made in our understanding of the physical universe. The earth-centered cosmology of Ptolemy was replaced by the sun-centered cosmology of Copernicus, further refined by Kepler and revolutionized by Newton’s theory of gravitation, to be followed by Einstein’s theory of relativity at the macro level, and the theory of quantum mechanics at the sub-atomic level. Without a commitment to truth in human community these advancements would not have been recognized and accepted.

How then are we to deal with conflicting truth claims made by different belief systems? We can begin by simply acknowledging real conflicts exist. For instance, some of the teachings found in the Quran contradict teachings found in the New Testament. Both scriptures can not be true at the same time.

In an academic environment, in a free society, in a biblically faithful church (and indeed one would hope in all faith communities), every truth claim of whatever sort -- religious, secular, scientific or otherwise -- remains open to questioning and evaluation by the principles of academic freedom, religious liberty and biblical freedom. This is the opposite of a don’t-you-dare-question-it notion of truth.

In the Hebrew Bible, a prophet of God was declared false if the prophet’s words did not come to pass. This defines a rigorous test for falsification and the ethical basis for the scientific method. Jesus lived by this test, asking his detractors to prove him guilty of sin, which if found would falsify his ministry. He also employed a rabbinic method when interacting with disciples and skeptics alike, being hospitable to any question and often answering a question with a question. The worldview of Jesus invited tough questioning.

Jesus’ claims about himself include the words, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Real freedom will permit such a truth claim to be scrutinized thoroughly, as well as allowing its partisans to defend it. Likewise, other belief systems should have opportunity to present their views, at length and in their own words, while allowing for questioning and evaluation.

An institution founded upon academic freedom, religious liberty and scientific inquiry will encourage the search for truth in every situation possible.

Affirm human dignity

Senator Robert A. Peck is generally regarded as the founder of Central Wyoming College. His character may be seen in the following anecdote. At one time there was a controversial project which Mr. Peck supported, and it stirred up significant opposition in the community. One man was particularly cruel in his criticism. For months he denigrated Mr. Peck’s character and business. After the project had fallen through, Mr. Peck went to the airport to pick up a relative. The vicious critic was there, too, holding his family’s newborn baby. Mr. Peck went over and complemented the man on his good fortune. Then he said goodbye and encircled the man with an embrace. Such maturity and wisdom commends itself for emulation by the college community which he founded.

I am convinced much conflict could be avoided by simply acknowledging the humanity of every member of our community and acting accordingly. Each person bears essential dignity that can never be stripped away, no matter what they believe or do. For the biblical believer this notion is grounded in a transcendent reality, that every person bears the image of God. If taken seriously and radically, this means an atheist is to receive the same respect for his person as that granted to a fellow believer. It means actively applying the ethics of Jesus, who taught love of neighbor and enemy.

Critique respectfully

“Every path leads to God.” Some people champion this idea, extolling what they view as an inclusive belief in contrast to the narrow exclusivity of certain other beliefs. Is such a view justified? Hardly, because the phrase makes a truth claim. It is an exclusive claim because it excludes the New Testament words of Jesus concerning who provides the only path to God. A worldview based on “every path leads to God” is exclusive also.

Here’s the point. Any belief system that makes a truth claim critiques competing worldviews by default. The way out is to acknowledge that different belief systems really are different. While common ground always provides a welcome foundation for consensus building, some differences can not be written off. When one viewpoint critiques another, respect for the other person goes a long way toward maintaining human relationships. In this regard the biblical believer is held to a high standard: “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”

Celebrate unalienable rights

The U.S. Constitution, in the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments, provides the legal basis for the civil rights of life, liberty and property.

The Declaration of Independence provides the philosophical basis for the unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, since they are given to all men by their Creator. In its historic and broadest sense, the 18th century language of “men” is understood to include men, women and children.

The Bible in Genesis chapters 1 and 2 provides the theological, ethical and historical basis for blessings given by the Creator. A quick overview entails the following observation

The Creator

gives the gift of life
gives the gift of freedom
gives the gift of relationship

between God and man
between man and woman
between humanity and the earth

providing the basis for
marriage
property stewardship
building community
worship
and the ongoing pursuit of happiness

Consider how the essential elements of these documents line up.

With this understanding we can grasp how the Creator in Genesis gives blessings, which provide the source for unalienable rights, out of which flow the civil rights enumerated by the U.S. Constitution.

Is there any other religious, anthropological or philosophical text where these blessings and unalienable rights can be located, going back to the beginning of the human race and a time untainted by brokenness within the fellowship of the human community?

The Bible provides the greatest impetus I know to affirm human rights for all people equally. Therein we find grounds to oppose discrimination against anyone. There we find the ethical genesis of Wyoming’s motto, “The Equality State”.

Let us celebrate unalienable rights for every member of the CWC community and for all people on planet earth.

Build vibrant community

What benefit does a biblical worldview have to offer a secular academic institution? Let me suggest six ways. These serve the highest aspirations of a vibrant educational community or indeed of any human community to my knowledge.

1. Intrinsic blessing
Intrinsic blessing means giving the best of goodness. This character is exemplified by the Creator, who in the beginning made the world good and very good. Every person has the potential, somehow or in some way, to draw upon intrinsic blessing and bestow its benefits to those around them.

2. Transparency
Transparency means openness within ourselves, before others, and in the sight of our Creator. Transparency seeks after no guile or deception. It seeks forthrightness and honesty in all relationships.

3. Freedom with advance warning
The human spirit delights in freedom and recoils at coercion. This reflects the nature of the Creator, who gave the human race freedom and communicated the boundary that would prevent harm. Freedom without restraint leads to brokenness, but freedom with advance knowledge of boundaries shows us how to live with assured blessings, even as it will not force us to remain within bounds.

4. Questioning
A child asks questions in order to discover the joys of life. A grown-up child asks questions to probe the deeper subtleties and mysteries of the same life. As a gift from the Creator, the spirit of questioning provides a rooted foundation for every human endeavor.

5. Love of friend and foe
The Creator taught us to love one another, even the one who counts us as his enemy. When we love our most determined opponents, we honor their dignity as human beings and draw both of us toward a higher place.

6. Blessing in the face of brokenness
Human history and our own personal journeys know the horror of broken relationships. In the face of this reality, we have opportunity to receive and extend forgiveness, first with our Creator and then with our fellow human beings. In so doing we become vessels of blessing for ourselves and others.

Religious Freedom in Action

Honoring religious freedom is an established tradition at Central Wyoming College. Here are a few examples.

The college recognizes and funds student clubs with a religious focus. Current clubs include Catholics on Campus, Fellowship of College Christians, and the LDS Club (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints).

“Reasoning With Truth,” a non-credit class taught by Kurt Schafli since 1994, presents evidence for biblical creation from the fields of anthropology, archeology, astronomy, biology, history, and philosophy.

“What Is Islam?,” two lectures presented by Dr. Mohammed Waheed, CWC Dean of Students, in response to the events of 9-11. 2001.

“Peace + Hope in Light of 9-11,” lecture presented by Reza Safa, a Muslim convert to Christianity, which included a presentation of the Gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ. 2002.

“Journey Toward a Hate-Free Millennium,” lecture by T.J. Leyden in response to the arrival in Riverton of the World Church of the Creator, which espoused white supremacy. 2003.

“Inherit the Wind,” a play by Jerome Lawrence and Robert Edwin Lee, performed by the CWC Theater Department. Presented a fictionalized version of the 1925 Scopes trial and explored tensions between some religious views and the theory of biological evolution. 2004.

Tribal elders visit campus occasionally to perform a Cedar Smudging Ceremony accompanied by prayer to the Creator in native dialect.

At the 2006 graduation ceremony for Native American students, Marilú Duncan, Director of Student Services, delivered a prayer in her native language of Spanish.

At the dedication of the Wyoming Public Television office building, Bob Connelly, Transmitter Engineer and pastor of a local church, delivered a prayer invoking the name of God; in his remarks he quoted a biblical verse. 2006.

Diversity Week events held annually in February have included persons representing different religious perspectives. A future Diversity Week will be devoted to religious topics according to organizer Marilú Duncan.

“Requiem” composed by K. Lee Scott and performed at Riverton’s United Methodist Church, CWC Professor of Music Bob Hussa directing, with CWC students singing and playing alongside community members. The lyrics quoted biblical and other texts. 2007.

Wyoming Public Television, with offices on the CWC campus, frequently broadcasts programming devoted to religious topics. They include Religion and Ethics Newsweekly.

Conclusion

I have proposed six ways to facilitate religious freedom at CWC:

honor a level playing field
critique respectfully
encourage the search for truth
celebrate unalienable rights
affirm human dignity
build vibrant community

There may be additional or better ways to uphold religious freedom, and with them the power to benefit our beloved educational community. May Central Wyoming College continue to be and become a place of blessing where all may enjoy maximum freedom of belief.

Notes

Honor a Level Playing Field
The definition of “proselytize” is from The American Heritage College Dictionary, Third Edition, Houghton Mifflin, 1993. The quote about CWC re-accreditation is from Self Study 2005, page 171.

Encourage the Search for Truth
“I am the way, the truth and the life...” John 14:6.

Affirm Human Dignity
The anecdote about Robert A. Peck was told by his son, Steven R. Peck, at his father’s memorial service held on the CWC campus on March 12, 2007.

Critique Respectfully
“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory...” Philippians 2:3

Celebrate Unalienable Rights
The identification of basic themes in Genesis 1 and 2 may be found in the writings of Ravi Zacharias, Jesus Among Other Gods: The Absolute Claims of the Christian Message, Word Publishing, 2000, page 171. He draws out four major elements: God as Creator, who designed life for man, who needs companionship, who lives a life of accountability and moral self-determination. In the writings of John C. Rankin the basic themes are distilled down to four all-defining subjects: God, life, choice, and sex. See First the Gospel, Then Politics, TEI Publishing, 1999, page 4. The parallels between Genesis, the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution have been noted in the same work on pages 11-15.

Build Vibrant Community
The six benefits of a biblical worldview represent my own expression of biblical ethics set forth in First the Gospel, Then Politics. John C. Rankin will expand upon the theme of biblical ethics in On Common Ground: Discovering the Six Pillars of Biblical Power, to be published by Regal Books in 2008.