Vanderbilt Baptist Ministry to decline registered status

Even though Baptist Collegiate Ministry was approved as a recognized student organization on the campus of Vanderbilt University, the BCM will decline that status.

Randy C. Davis, executive director of the Tennessee Baptist Convention, informed members of the TBC Executive Board of the decision to not accept the recognized status in a letter e-mailed to them Monday (May 7).

Originally, the Vanderbilt BCM planned to seek the recognized status and remain a registered organization on campus though many other religious organizations said they would not seek to be registered on campus after the policy was announced.

The issue surrounds the decision announced by Vanderbilt earlier this year that the university intends to enforce its non-discrimination policy and a new all-comers policy. The all-comer policy means that any student at Vanderbilt is entitled to become a member and to seek a leadership position in any registered student organization on campus.

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Patriot

Guess Vanderbilt would be off my family's list of colleges/universities to consider attending. Sad situation when values of one group can be undermined by allowing, read FORCING, non-believers in those values be admitted to the clubs. This is anti Religious Freedom and is violating the First Amendment. We have freedom OF religion – not freedom from religion.
- Edwin
  
  Well stated
- Evermyrtle
  
  I believe that our biggest problem is the fact that we are not willing to stand with the standards that are only GOD given standards, and are allowing the world to come in and to have it's say. We should not worry about what others are saying and doing, continue to follow the SAVIOR AND HIS CROSS. That is where all that is important rest, in the ONE who died on that cross for us.We do not answer to the world but GOD AND HIS SON JESUS CHRIST. The only thing "the world" can do for us is to lead us astray.
- Mark
  
  There are only 8-10 colleges/universities in the country worthy of attending these days without becoming indoctrinated.
  http://www.yaf.org/innerpagetemplate.aspx?id=3368
  
  The Top Conservative College list includes Christendom College, College of the Ozarks, Franciscan University, Grove City College, Harding University, Hillsdale College, The King's College, Liberty University, Patrick Henry College, Regent University, Saint Vincent College, Thomas Aquinas College, Thomas More College, and Wisconsin Lutheran College.
  - http://apprivers.com John Griffin
    
    Mark, Don't forget Covenant College, North Greenville University
  - Linda Simmons
    
    You forgot to add Oral Roberts University here in Tulsa, Ok . It is one of the finest.
    - Evermyrtle
      
      You are right.! One that seems to follow GOD and not caring about following the crowd.
  - Janet
    
    I would add Global University to that list.
- Linda F.
  
  I agree.
  
  This entire incident is silly. What's next? Will Governor Haslam announce that atheist and agnostic clubs must allow non-atheists and non-agnostics to join their clubs?
  
  The fact of the matter is: club members have the right to determine who they will and will not allow to join their ranks. That's one of the freedoms we enjoy in this country.
  - daves
    
    Doesn't that mean the the College has a right to determine who can join their club of registered organizations?
    - M Green
      
      If it's private, sure it does. They seemed to already have done that with this new policy, however. SO, we devout Christians will simply allow them their right and we will maintain ours.
- Gordon
  
  Take note Vandy!
- Pogo del Nuit
  
  The freedoms we once enjoyed freely are now being challenged by the administration and the devil at every turn. It is a straight shot from the hip to infiltrate the religious organizations by force and then bring a change from within while being protected by law and edict from organizations like Vanderbilt. This is no doubt in response to the number of anti-religous groups that have formed to strike a blow against organized religion for the devil. I would say Thank You to the Baptist Convention for telling Vanderbilt to stuff it.
momagram

SPLIT INFINITIVE

…Executive Board of the decision "to not" accept the recognized status in a letter e-mailed to them Monday (May 7).
- Rick Townsend
  
  Grammar Nazi, Vanderbilt graduate? Loved by all.
  - momagram
    
    No, not a Grammar Nazi (I don't claim Nazi in any sense of the word), but a true grammarian and have planned curriculum. Not a Vanderbilt graduate either. I also know French and Spanish and have translated for a large international company.
    
    I am not sure I can detect the tone of your message. However, I thought you would like to know.
- GreenEyedMare
  
  Hey Momagram,
  I get many an 'eeek' in my head when reading posts and articles on the net. I imagine that the pathetic grammar in use nowadays has many of our English teachers/profs are rolling over in their graves. Another result of the dumbing down of all levels our educational system.
  - momagram
    
    You are certainly correct. I have heard that the language declines as a culture declines. Years ago, even on TV, our language did not have all of the grammatical errors as it does today, including news anchors.
cbjr

With the illogical implementation of the all-comers policy, I hope to see someone protest by having a young man join the women's softball club, seek a leadership position, and move to convert the club to a men's basketball organization.
- Janet
  
  It would stand to reason, but after implementing such a policy, is it even possible to revert back again? That's where the big problem lies.
bull

Christans NOW is the TIME TO STAND UP. GOD WILL BACK US
- daves
  
  Have you been sitting down too long?
Tom

More Political Correctness gone haywire. Do not support P.C. in any fashion. P.C. is a Freedom Killer and is all about control. Control the language and control the debate. P.C. is a socialist – communist TOOL. Clubs are EXCLUSIVE by their nature and should remain so. Wasn't it Will Rogers that said, " I would not be in a club that would have me as a member " ? According to Allen West, there are 70 – 80 members of Congress that ARE Communists. To be a member of Congress one must take an oath and swear to GOD to support, protect and defend the Constitution. A Communist could not honestly take that oath and should automatically be excluded from Congress.
msjallen

The best thing we can do is pray. Nothing is going to change in this country for the better until more people turn back to God, learn His ways and apply them to our daily living. If we don’t use God’s plan for our life, we think our problems are greater than what God can provide.
Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
- Wordman
  
  Yes, let us pray: Father, we confess that this act of oppression is to a large degre the result of us, Your people, not being the effectual witness to the world that we should be. We have dishonored You by choosing which parts of Your Word we will obey and which parts we will cast behind our backs. We have failed to uphold faithfulness in marraige, failed to uphold faithfulness in sexual purity, and failed in countless ways to live up to the holy standards that you have set. "Righteousness belongs to Thee, O Lord, but to us open shame, as it is this day." We pray that you forgive our sins and renew a right spirit within us. Teach us obedience and faithfulness to Your word in all things. We pray that Your holy name would be glorified in our land. We pray this in the holy name of Your Son, Jesus Christ.
  - Janet
    
    In Jesus name, Amen! and Amen!
  - Debbie
    
    Thank you, Wordman. A very wise and eloquent prayer. This should be our hearts desire.
    - Wordman
      
      Hi Debbie. Blessings. Sometimes we forget that we ARE the salt and light of the world. It seems to follow (at least to me) that If it's dark out there, it's because we haven't been as bright or as savory as we should. And it should sober us to remember what our Lord said would happen to us if we lose our savor. Perhaps that is what is occuring. Fortunately, by God's grace through faith, we can change that. But judgement and reformation always begin with the household of faith, The Church. I'm an action guy, but our greatest need is to be praying, confessing, and seeking God's face.
- Sylvia
  
  I pray every day (sometimes many times a day) that our Lord will help us with the mess our great country is in. I know that all things are possible through God.
Dan Lacich

When Christianity is outside the mainstream it functions best and has the greatest impact. When we look for approval from within the organized mainstream, in this case the university administration, we either submit to its standards or we seek to take over the mainstream and function just like it. Christian organizations have no need to be registered for approval from any institution. After all what does it get them? Permission to meet in a school facility? Some funding from a student activity account? Trifles! You don't need their facilities or funding to be a vibrant community of Christ-followers who change the entire campus by being humble servants, loving your enemies and sharing the Gospel in word and deed. This is the best thing that could have happened to them. They are not like every other student organization. They are those called out by Christ to be his people, a light to the world.
Dan Lacich http://provocativechristian.com
- daves
  
  Amen!
wattsupstupid

I love the saying, "get down on your knees and pray as if it all depends on God and then get up and do all you can to make it work". Also "God has no hands but our hands". We must pray daily for Gods help and he will guide us to do what we need to make make His will work. Listen to that still small voice that guides you. God save America
- Wordman
  
  Yes. Faith without works… But before we run off half cocked, we'd better start with some serious prayer. Without Him, we can do nothing.
Phil

Add Hardin-Simmons University, Abilene, Texas to the list of acceptable colleges/universities.
Gdrakeramscorp

One by one Jesus very words are coming true. "even the Elect will be deceived". That a Baptist University would cave to these communists is appalling.

Breaks my heart!
- iheartagw
  
  No, He said, "If possible".
  
  It is not possible to deceive the elect of God. Not after God the Spirit converts and instructs them.
  
  Those who remain deceived are not elect, no matter how much they name the name of Jesus Christ.
Kalev

Wise move by BCM.
willy

I would remove myself out of their midst & boycott them totally.
anon

Does it go both ways? I mean, can Christians be appointed as leaders in the Atheist and Agnostic clubs? Muslim clubs that meet on-campus? Just curious…. does anyone know the ruling on that?
- petroskhan1262
  
  "The all-comer policy means that any student at Vanderbilt is entitled to become a member and to seek a leadership position in any registered student organization on campus."
  
  Sounds like it.
  - Ruth Walker
    
    I cannot imagine any atheist group that would discriminate against anyone joining. They would likely welcome the diversity. For several years UNIFI at the University of Northern Iowa co-sponsored open mic events with a bible-believing Christian group. Members of each group made friends from the other.
    
    I am puzzled as to why anyone would suspect otherwise.
    - petroskhan1262
      
      I am puzzled as to why anyone would want to. The purpose of these (and most other) campus groups is for people of like minds to come together and enjoy socializing with those of similar viewpoints, and discuss the subject around which the group was formed, in this case, religion.
      
      What is the point of having an atheist join a religious group, or vice versa? What purpose is served? In neither case would the groups founding purpose be furthered, and only dissent and friction will result. To carry this to a conclusion from a literal reading of the statement, will male students be allowed to join sororities? Will females be joining fraternities?
      
      It's an idiotic policy, which is clearly nothing more than pandering to one sector of the student population, while discriminating against another, in the name of "political correctness."
- Pogo del Nuit
  
  Why not? Is it not logical that the pendulum swings in both directions? It should be used as a tool and not as a Get Even Gimmick. Use their tool against them and let the members of BC join the atheist groups and demand to be leaders.
Dntmkmecomovrther

"The all-comer policy means that any student at Vanderbilt is entitled to become a member and to seek a leadership position in any registered student organization on campus."

What an incredibly insane policy! Let's apply this to a couple of scenarios: Men join the women's groups. Christians join the Muslims..and then apply for leadership roles. Really? On what basis? Can I join the Vanderbilt Football team and demand to be Quarterback? Or a lineman? And, if I am denied, can I scream discrimination? Just because I'm over 50 and overweight and can't play football worth a dam, I still have my rights…right? Perhaps we can see just how absurd this policy is when it's actually inflicted on the students and the faculty…and this is an 'institution of higher learning'…sure it is.
Andy Miller

It may help if we would support a true Constitutional and Christian President! We have forgotten the Bible truth as the leader goes so go the people! Isaiah 9:16
For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.
I have seen my Christian brethren Violate the Constitution to do something good but in a bad way. I think everyone should accept Jesus Christ as Savior, so why not just have an executive order that states (Jesus is the way, the Truth and the Life and we will have no other) sounds good but violates the Constitution! Same thing with Man and Woman make a Marriage! There are some thing that are moral and you can not legislate Morality! We have a man running for President that is a Christian, has reflected those values for all of his adult life, defends the Constitution rigorously, has never changed his values or positions in all the years he has served the public! Now we have people that call themselves Christians voting for a non Christian NWO person, because the Christian man will not support there Christian Values with an unconstitutional law! I think us Christians in America have become about as self serving as the Communist Party of America wanting everyone to be controlled by an unconstitutional law to our way of thinking! Folks Jesus doesn't want legislated Christianity any more then us Christians want Legislated Communism! So why don't we all vote for the man best suited for the Presidency, that has moral values, Christian principles, and and unwavering support for the Constitution of the United states of America, Dr. Ron Paul!
- bighoss
  
  Oh, bullfeathers! Dragging the name and office of the President into this dispute is just plain silly and irrelevant.
petroskhan1262

I still maintain that all students of each Christian organization should sue the school individually. If there are roughly 200 Christian students (just to use a nice round number), that would be 200 lawsuits that the school would have to contend with. (Yes, I ended that sentence with a preposition. Sorry)

It doesn't matter if the students all win or not. All it would take is ONE suit to win. And if/when one student wins, they all win. The university would be faced with an enormous cost, which they would not be willing to bear, fighting against 200 lawsuits. If we assume that an attorney would charge around $300 per hour, and would require only 50 hours, that would be $15000 per lawsuit. Multiply that by 200 and you've got $3,000,000 to fight against something which they know is wrong in the first place, using money that could be spent on something more important.

Even if the students were then forced to pay the legal costs of the school, all they have to do is file for bankruptcy, and again the school has to foot the bill.

Either way, it's a win for the students, with no downside.
- bighoss
  
  Silly. A court finding itself burdened with 300 similar lawsuits would CONSOLIDATE them into one for the legitimate purpose of achieving efficiency in the court. Your strategy is puerile.
  - petroskhan1262
    
    Stagger them over a period of months, have each religious group file on its own, or even modify each one just enough to raise separate issues. My guess would be that other campus groups, formed for non-religious purposes, would also wish to fight this. Political groups, for example, wouldn't want leadership to fall to those of differing political beliefs. I'm sure there are other ways to keep them separate. Even if it could NOT be done, and the court did consolidate them, there is still the issue of the cost to the university.
    
    And look, if you don't like my idea, I'm fine with that. No need to get insulting.
    - KYFAN
      
      Bighoss doesn't know any other way to comunicate. He talks to fellow Christians on here as if they were dirt. I cannot imagine anyone being converted by anything he says.
Buck

ALL but a very few couragious educational institutions are involved in the social destruction of America and one of their favorite weapons is the total distortion of the word tolerance . Everything evil is acceptable but anything good must be thoroughly scrutinized and then rendered impotent by unacceptable regulation .
NavyBugchaser

I think that if the Vandy policy is that all inclusion must be accepted by those organizations that the school recognizes, then I think this is a great time for Christians to join those clubs and groups who are hostile to the Christian faith and, in fact, seek leadership positions in that group. Now those groups will have to put up or shut up, because by the rules, they can't stop this from happening and if they do, then the students can bring some kind of legal actions against that group for going against the Vandy policy. This is where the rubber meets the roan. Will those hostile groups finally show their true colors and hypocrisy to the world or will they abide by the policy. My bet is the former will take place.
Marilyn Smith

To be a Christ-follower is to be a part of an exclusive club–people who follow Christ. Any who faithfully follow are welcome. Those who don't, can't be. Persecution is going to happen. It's a part of the job-description. No, all are not going to be happy. All usually aren't. But the faithful will be joyful. They will overcome. I'm with Mr. Lacich. If you're mainstream you can't be walking the narrow path toward Truth.
Steve03

It's a simple choice — if you want to use the university's facilities and receive monetary support from it, you have to play by the university's rules. Why did it take the Baptists so long to figure that out?
Note, too, that the policy doesn't require a Christian group to elect and atheist or Moslem as an officer. It only dictates that it not forbid them from running for the office. Surely, any truly Christian group would welcome non-believers: did not our Lord wecome prostitutes and tax collectors to his table? By the way, in one Virginia high school, a white guy was just elected president of the Black Student Union, and the world hasn't ended yet.
De Palmer

I am a Baptist. Too many of the religious organizations are giving in to the worldly things that are coming down the pike these days. They just want to join the crowd looks like and not stand up for religious rights. If I have my way my grands will not be attending Vanderbilt and we live very close by.
Evermyrtle

You are right!! People forget what they are supposed and get caught up in the trend and forget all about taking a stand for JESUS CHRIST and start following the crown in which they have decided to go with. We as a whole will NOT STAND FIRM ON THE FATHER,LORD JESUS CHRIST AND THE HOLY SPIRIT.
madmemere

Stop and think – -this is a "good decision" on the part of the BCM; by doing this, they can hold their meeting "off campus" and they do NOT have to accept the "university's mandate" that they must "accept all comers". They will still have the "ability and the right" to "accept, or reject" anyone!
- LouiseCA
  
  Don't be too sure..today, it's on-campus clubs..tomorrow, off-campus clubs..the next day, churches and synagogues..
HadEnuf

I guess the communists have found that there is more than one way to skin a cat: If they can't do it through their communist judges, we'll do an end around and remove Christianity in this matter. Every Christian ought to choose another school to attend, rather than appease these bastards!