In a news release dated February 23, 2014, Bryan College (in Dayton, TN) announced a "clarification" to the institution's "Statement of Belief," stating "We believe that all humanity is descended from Adam and Eve. They are historical persons created by God in a special formative act, and not from previously existing life forms." About this clarification, the trustees and administration have asserted, “This interpretation of Bryan’s position is in no way a change to the Statement of Belief. It is the current and historical position of Bryan, an institution founded and existing on a strong Creationist position.”
We, the undersigned alumni and friends of Bryan College, see this as, in fact, exactly a change to the institution’s “Statement of Belief.” Furthermore, as this change is being instituted during the time for the renewal of faculty contracts, we are concerned that this de facto change to the “Statement of Belief” puts all faculty members, staff members, trustees, and administrators under a new burden of affirming an understanding of creation which diverges from a number of other understandings still consistent with the historical Christian faith. As such, the clarification jeopardizes the exercise of academic and spiritual inquiry for all members of Bryan College’s academic community.
Therefore, we, the undersigned alumni and friends of Bryan College, call upon the members of Bryan College’s Board of Trustees and of the administration to rescind both this clarification and any planned intent to inquire of any employee’s adherence to its claims.
Updates
February 27, 2014
The administration remains silent but our numbers are making it impossible for them to ignore the dissent brewing among alumni. Email your local alumni chapter representative today and demand they push the Board of Trustees for a transparent public meeting.
February 27, 2014
The momentum we have built proves that the community will not accept this shift in policy without a fight. Post this link on Facebook and email your representative on the Board of Trustees today to demand they rescind this clarification.
Reached 100 supporters
February 27, 2014
150 Comments
as an alumni, one of the great things about bryan was the dialog that happened daily. we were taught what views were out there and the details of each. then we were allowed to form our own understandings with the bible as our guide. this must remain
Class of 2002--Because Jesus wouldn't end the discussion by firing the person who disagreed. That's not what loving your neighbor is about.
posting anonymously, since I don't want to lose my job at BC. Am an alum from within the last 20 years.
Class of 2012. Tragic misstep by the trustees - I hope they correct their mistake swiftly. Alumni, faculty, staff, and current students deserve to have an alma mater they can be proud of.
It's not that I disagree with the substance of the clarification, it's that I would prefer to make it clear that the discussion should be open. Foreclosing a debatable theological point as fact is rather presumptuous in my mind.
Showing th compassion of our Lord, Don't force your best faculty out or put them to the test.
Class of '83
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In a news release dated February 23, 2014, Bryan College (in Dayton, TN) announced a "clarification" to the institution's "Statement of Belief," stating "We believe that all humanity is descended from Adam and Eve. They are historical persons created by God in a special formative act, and not from previously existing life forms." About this clarification, the trustees and administration have asserted, “This interpretation of Bryan’s position is in no way a change to the Statement of Belief. It is the current and historical position of Bryan, an institution founded and existing on a strong Creationist position.”
We, the undersigned alumni and friends of Bryan College, see this as, in fact, exactly a change to the institution’s “Statement of Belief.” Furthermore, as this change is being instituted during the time for the renewal of faculty contracts, we are concerned that this de facto change to the “Statement of Belief” puts all faculty members, staff members, trustees, and administrators under a new burden of affirming an understanding of creation which diverges from a number of other understandings still consistent with the historical Christian faith. As such, the clarification jeopardizes the exercise of academic and spiritual inquiry for all members of Bryan College’s academic community.
Therefore, we, the undersigned alumni and friends of Bryan College, call upon the members of Bryan College’s Board of Trustees and of the administration to rescind both this clarification and any planned intent to inquire of any employee’s adherence to its claims.
Updates
February 27, 2014
The administration remains silent but our numbers are making it impossible for them to ignore the dissent brewing among alumni. Email your local alumni chapter representative today and demand they push the Board of Trustees for a transparent public meeting.
February 27, 2014
The momentum we have built proves that the community will not accept this shift in policy without a fight. Post this link on Facebook and email your representative on the Board of Trustees today to demand they rescind this clarification.
Reached 100 supporters
February 27, 2014
150 Comments
Bryan was the place that helped me find my faith...because faculty actually discussed controversial issues and weren't afraid to look doubt and struggle in the face. They taught me who Jesus is. Please don't close the door on community openness this way. Rescind the clarification.
as an alumni, one of the great things about bryan was the dialog that happened daily. we were taught what views were out there and the details of each. then we were allowed to form our own understandings with the bible as our guide. this must remain
Class of 2002--Because Jesus wouldn't end the discussion by firing the person who disagreed. That's not what loving your neighbor is about.
posting anonymously, since I don't want to lose my job at BC. Am an alum from within the last 20 years.
Class of 2012. Tragic misstep by the trustees - I hope they correct their mistake swiftly. Alumni, faculty, staff, and current students deserve to have an alma mater they can be proud of.
It's not that I disagree with the substance of the clarification, it's that I would prefer to make it clear that the discussion should be open. Foreclosing a debatable theological point as fact is rather presumptuous in my mind.
Showing th compassion of our Lord, Don't force your best faculty out or put them to the test.
Class of '83
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Bryan was the place that helped me find my faith...because faculty actually discussed controversial issues and weren't afraid to look doubt and struggle in the face. They taught me who Jesus is. Please don't close the door on community openness this way. Rescind the clarification.