Exloring Life Eternal

Recently there has been a controversy @ UND regarding the balance of Academic Freedom & Catholic Character. Basically, the University was realizing a need to respond more biblically to very perverse performances & presentations on the campus under semi-sponsorship. Actually, having worked in the Hesburgh Library, I could have told you that changes were needed. When a university which professes to be Christian of some sort regularly invites & subscribes to materials which actively promote sexual perversion, there is a problem. There is likewise a problem when that university encourages "reform" in worship being led by those practicing sin condemned as "abomination" in the Bible. So I am glad that some steps are being taken in a right direction.

Below is my letter.

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"The position I am inviting you to consider, then, is that an event which has the implicit or explicit sponsorship of the university as a whole, one of its units, or a university recognized organization, and which either is or appears to be in name or content clearly and egregiously contrary to or inconsistent with the fundamental values of a Catholic university, should not be allowed at Notre Dame. "

First, I should clearly state that I am not a Roman Catholic who has pledged allegiance to Pope John Paul II or his successor.

Second, I believe that your position is a definite step in the right direction. Actually, it was because such a position was not firmly held & enforced (for lack of a better word) that I chose to terminate my studies after receiving a Masters degree there. I deeply believe that there were many others who were in the theology department M.A. program at the time who agreed with that.

Third, my prayer is that the Lord Jesus will continue to use you & give you wisdom & direction. Having studied the Bible, service to the poor, and the History of spirituality at UND, I can say with a clear conscience that the mission of the university is best served when the Lordship of Jesus is kept central. This is why the first universities were formed (to equip people to carry out the work & ministry of Jesus) & all universities which truly flourish & are more than brick & mortar maintain a deep understanding that freedom is really only enjoyed when joined to the Truth.

May God give wisdom & courage to you & all in leadership at the university as you fix your eyes on Jesus. (Hebrews 12:1-2) In these days when many are wandering from the faith, obedience to our King requires much courage. Do not waver or be fainthearted.

In Hope,
Merton J. Hershberger, A.K.A.
M.A. Theology
(Biblical Studies - Ancient Languages) 1999