Why Is a College Banning Homosexuality?
Erskine College, a Christian school in South Carolina, barely has 600 students. Last March, Outsports profiled two openly gay Erskine volleyball players. Suddenly, on Feb. 20, the college issued a curious statement:
Erskine recognizes the complexity of current issues regarding sexual morality, marriage, and other expressions of human sexuality such as same-sex attraction, gender identity, and sex outside the covenant of marriage. Therefore, the Erskine community is advised to practice humility and prayerfulness when engaging in any conversations or other actions related to these topics. Erskine’s conduct policies and procedures seek to uphold biblical standards, promote repentance and grace, and point people to Jesus Christ.
We believe the Bible teaches that all sexual activity outside the covenant of marriage is sinful and therefore ultimately destructive to the parties involved. As a Christian academic community, and in light of our institutional mission, members of the Erskine community are expected to follow the teachings of scripture concerning matters of human sexuality and institutional decisions will be made in light of this position.
This week, one of the gay volleyball players, Juan Varona, told Outsports:
"I feel that in the time that we are living right now, where even in the conservative state of South Carolina same-sex marriage is legal, the school took several steps back instead of progressing towards a future where everyone can be treated as an equal, which is a future most of the country is moving towards.
Erskine was created more than 175 years ago, and its intellectual ambitions were apparently expanded after the Civil War. By the late-1800s, the college began admitting women. If Erskine wants to survive, its board should consider new ways to prepare young people to be full participants in the 21st century. College accreditors will certainly be watching. Surely, God’s kingdom includes gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people, right?
Original article from TakePart
