The University
Congratulations to those of you who correctly guessed the name of my proposed New England university. I opted for a hyphenated name: Pitino-Mohler University. Thanks to all who guessed.
Actually, the name I thought of was indeed Edwards University, which no less than three or four people guessed (not counting sarcastic answers, that is). I guess that one was a little obvious. But seriously, who better than Edwards to name a Reformed university that seeks to meld academic excellence with living orthodoxy? Edwards was briefly the President of the institution that became Princeton. It's time for a school that not only namechecks him but holds him up as lighthouse for the saints.
In a world of crazy ideas, this one ranks high, but I can't shake it. Growing up in New England, I would have loved a Wheaton-like school in New England to attend. There was Gordon College, which has many features to commend it, but there is no school that carries both exacting standards and Reformed theology. New England Theological Seminary was mentioned in the comments, but it's not really aspiring at this point to be a college and seminary--it's more of a ministry training program. Edwards University could have a strong undergraduate college offering students excellent instruction through a traditional liberal arts curriculum as well as a seminary to train pastors and missionaries. I'm not in any way seeking to subvert my own seminary, Southern Seminary, but not everyone can move to Louisville to attend school. The possibilities afforded by such an institution are exciting--and vast.
New England, once the brightest light of the country's regions, has seen that light die. There are a faithful few ministering in the Northeast, but not enough, and the quality of Christian education for both undergraduates and would-be ministers is lacking. Pray with me that, whether this crazy idea comes to fruition or not, the region that sleeps would once more awaken to the gospel.
Actually, the name I thought of was indeed Edwards University, which no less than three or four people guessed (not counting sarcastic answers, that is). I guess that one was a little obvious. But seriously, who better than Edwards to name a Reformed university that seeks to meld academic excellence with living orthodoxy? Edwards was briefly the President of the institution that became Princeton. It's time for a school that not only namechecks him but holds him up as lighthouse for the saints.
In a world of crazy ideas, this one ranks high, but I can't shake it. Growing up in New England, I would have loved a Wheaton-like school in New England to attend. There was Gordon College, which has many features to commend it, but there is no school that carries both exacting standards and Reformed theology. New England Theological Seminary was mentioned in the comments, but it's not really aspiring at this point to be a college and seminary--it's more of a ministry training program. Edwards University could have a strong undergraduate college offering students excellent instruction through a traditional liberal arts curriculum as well as a seminary to train pastors and missionaries. I'm not in any way seeking to subvert my own seminary, Southern Seminary, but not everyone can move to Louisville to attend school. The possibilities afforded by such an institution are exciting--and vast.
New England, once the brightest light of the country's regions, has seen that light die. There are a faithful few ministering in the Northeast, but not enough, and the quality of Christian education for both undergraduates and would-be ministers is lacking. Pray with me that, whether this crazy idea comes to fruition or not, the region that sleeps would once more awaken to the gospel.
posted by Owen at 6:23 AM
2 Comments:
Any interest in starting an academically rigorous Reformed secondary school in New England? I'm sure that some exist, but another one would be helpful to the region.
Hope that you and Bethany are doing well!
It IS a great idea. However, that's a tough area. I had a pastor from the area (attended Harvard and Gordon-Conwell), and at his ordination council he stated that Jesus Christ is the ONLY way to salvation. The council reacted in surprise- and after confirming him, told him he was the most conservative pastor they'd ever ordained! Good luck on an excellent project, though.
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