Categories: uncategorized
Date: 24 November 2006 21:12:14
Fineline , Farli and Dave's Cartoon Blog have all taken up the current debate on Christian Unions so I've decided, for what it's probably not worth, I'd put my bit in aswell.
First off - I believe that this story is linked to the very real rise in secular fundamentalism in this country but also the equally real persecution complex that certain sections of the evangelical community in this country have developed.
Historically UCCF has encouraged fairly hardcore evangelicalism (which is not surprising bearing in mind they formed and organised to stop the liberal rot in universities). Lord of the Years by Geriant Fielder is well worth a read if you want to understand the history of this. Over recent decades, as with many other sections of evangelicalism in this country, they have organised well and become the main ( and often only protestant) face of Christianity in many uni's.
At the same time the NUS has encouraged fairly hardcore political correctness in many cases.
Every so often this causes a clash, (does anybody else remember the hoo har a few years ago over the fact the NUS constitution supports a woman's right to choice and UCCF is firmly anti-termination). The traditional line has been that a certain amount of grumbling has occurred but a way to live together has been found (and some of us have found it possible to be on SU execs and be active members of the CU).
I think the current situtaion has occured because there is a growing hardening on both sides in society and SU constitutions & clubs and societies are an easy battleground, full of over enthusiastic young people who don't actually understand the concept of compromise, being young and idealistic and prepared to believe in absolutes. This is something the hard left and evangelical right have both sought to exploit over the years (and it seems are seeking to again).
Both sides, though, are actually amongst the most hypocritical organisations in the country. The NUS promotes equality and freedom of speech (as long as you agree with their political agenda) and UCCF promotes the equality of all before God (but sexual preferences and activity apparently make some more equal than others).
Anyway the upshot is not that we need toleration as I have heard said (because toleration just means putting up with) rather what is needed is a mutual respect. Now I am certainly not dumb enough to think this is easy, at times their postitions are apparently conflicting. This is where I think that those Christians stuck in the middle need to stand up and be supported.
UCCF needs to re-examine its understanding of what item c of its's doctrinal basis actually means when it says: "The Bible, as originally given, is the inspired and infallible Word of God. It is the supreme authority in all matters of belief and behaviour" and decide if they really mean it or not or if this statement needs more clearly defining. If they do mean it as it stands there are some serious issues involved in terms of biblical behaviour. I believe it is possible to do this and still hold on to integrity, whilst moving on from a position which damages people.
At the same time the NUS needs to understand that Christian and students of other faiths are becoming a persecuted minority whose rights needs to be protected amid the tide of secular extremism which is flooding our universities and so perhaps should think about actually welcoming religious representatives onto their committees to explain the issues involved and represent those students.
Within this, abortion and LGB issues are likely to remain problematic, but these problems could be reduced if each side were prepared to be more honest. The NUS has long had members and officers (at all levels) who have disagreed on these issues (just as they have members who disagree over Palastine) and CUs (whether they are prepared to acknowledge it or not) have had Lesbian and/ or Gay and / or Bisexual members and straight members who have been engaged in sex outside of marriage. If these people could stand up and be supported and openly acknowledged (with the tag line we respect your right to have your view even if we disagree with it) without fear of persecution then I believe more bridges could be built.