Jerry Falwell, BIH

Jerry Falwell is dead. The news reports reminded me that besides the Moral Majority, he also founded a Christian madrassa called Liberty University. There are in fact scores of Christian madrassas in America, often with thousands of students enrolled. The big difference is that they are wealthier than their Islamic counterparts, market themselves more slickly, and have a lot more political power. I paused to glean some information from their websites -- an act of masochism you might say -- but for you, dear reader, no trouble is large enough. (Statutory warning: Text below might make you laugh and cry at the same time.)
 
Liberty University
"[The] world’s largest evangelical university, with over 20,000 students ... [providing] the highest quality education in a distinctly Christian environment.... Liberty’s professors integrate a Christian worldview into every subject area. This biblical foundation is the cornerstone upon which we build academic excellence. Our faculty hold degrees from more than 400 colleges and universities. They join Liberty only after completing a rigorous interview process that confirms a born-again relationship with Christ ... and a commitment to teaching excellence."
 
Bob Jones University
"[BJU] exists to grow Christlike character that is Scripturally disciplined; others-serving; God-loving; Christ-proclaiming; and focused Above.... Whatever field of study our students choose, they are taught the importance of having Christ at the center of their lives.... This emphasis is rooted in the University’s adherence to the Bible as mankind’s only source of faith ... [BJU] continuously strives to be the best school it can be, to the honor and glory of Christ."
 
Wheaton College
"A four year, residential, academically rigorous ... college whose historic motto is “For Christ and His Kingdom".... Committed to the principle that truth is revealed by God through Christ in Whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge... We believe that God directly created Adam and Eve, the historical parents of the entire human race; and that they were created in His own image, distinct from all other creatures... [Our Physics program gives] students a fuller awareness of the structure and principles characteristic of the created universe... [we produce the] best science graduates in the nation [who] have a high tendency to earn Ph.D.s and enter scientific careers."
 
Evangel University 
"The mission of Evangel's Department of Science and Technology is to provide a solid understanding of science, yet temper it with an appreciation for the majesty of God as revealed in the beauty and order of His creation.... Our faculty and staff are dedicated to helping our students fulfill their God-given potential. Most important of all, we want our students to know the Truth."
 
Regent University
"[An] institution of higher learning that exists to bring glory to God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit. Our mission is ... education from a global, biblical perspective in pivotal professions to equip Christian leaders to change the world, and to be a leading center of Christian thought and action.... Our students, faculty and administrators share a calling, founded on biblical principles ... Our vision ... is to provide Christian leadership in transforming society by affirming and teaching principles of truth, justice and love as described in the Holy Scriptures, embodied in the person of Jesus Christ and enabled through the power of the Holy Spirit. Soli Deo Gloria.
 
American Evangelical Christian University
"AECU believes that every God called person should have the opportunity to pursue a quality education at an affordable price. No matter what course of study you pursue, it is our goal to have you emerge as a disciple of Christ with a deeper ... appreciation of the Christian faith." 

Comments

[Ruchira Paul]

What does BIH stand for?

[Shunya (Namit)]

Clue: the fate he claimed awaited all Jews and Muslims (and people like me).

[Ruchira Paul]

Okay, I get it. That was my first guess. But Mulla Pat (Robertson) and others live and are energetically expanding their flock. They are the reason I don't mind the shrill and repetitive voices of Sam Harris, Richard Dawkins and now the more interesting but equally unforgiving Christopher Hitchens.

[Shunya (Namit)]

I bet you didn't believe I could have meant that. See what happens when I start hanging around A.B.! :-)

[Ruchira Paul]

I can't believe that my innocuous blog is being blamed for the corruption of the youth !!

[Sujatha]

Oop, my bad! For a moment I read the BIH as PBUH. Time for an eye exam, I guess.

[Ruchira Paul]

Shunya:
Since you don't own a TV, please watch Christopher Hitchens on "You Tube" and rejoice. The great thing about what Hitch does is that not only does he pulverize the dead Falwell but includes the living hucksters as well in his indictment. And the funny thing is that after this, CNN had Billy Graham Jr. on (he or his father was named by Hitchens) to give the "other" side of the story.

Sujatha, that was a wickedly funny joke. But I don't blame you, given that Shunya and I made references to madrassas and mullas. :-)

[Shunya (Namit)]

Hitchens was on the money this time. Sujatha's 'misreading' was funny indeed! I considered replacing mine with it; still considering it in fact.

[carl duke]

like,whats your point?would ya rather they were islamic?they dont teach kids to blow themselves up!