By Jeff Campa
Interim President
Calvary University
The mission of Calvary University is to “Prepare Christians to live and serve in the church and in the world according to the Biblical worldview.” Our faculty and staff are committed to teaching and demonstrating this in the classroom and beyond as God gives us opportunity.
Our nation (and our church!) is grappling with the upheaval brought about by the tragic death of George Floyd and equally tragic violent protests born out of anger and frustration. As we seek to regain our personal and national equilibrium, I encourage us to do so considering the Biblical worldview.
The Biblical worldview condemns racism.
The Biblical worldview condemns abuse of power.
The Biblical worldview condemns injustice.
The Biblical worldview condemns unlawfulness.
Unfortunately, it is painfully obvious that in this fallen world racism, brutal abuse of power, and injustices of every kind are daily realities. If we care to learn, history will teach us another unfortunate lesson: those of us who have not personally experienced racism, abuse, and injustice come to believe they are not daily realities in the lives of others. How does the Biblical worldview teach us to navigate such disparity in experience and understanding?
The Biblical worldview demonstrates love.
The Biblical worldview demonstrates grace.
The Biblical worldview demonstrates patience.
The Biblical worldview demonstrates mercy.
During personal and cultural turmoil related to the destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman Empire the Biblical author Jude teaches us to demonstrate compassion toward those who are uncertain (Jude 22). Whether we question that a problem actually exists or that change is a real possibility, we are uncertain. What is compassion’s role in this dynamic? Compassion listens so it can understand, not just respond. Compassion speaks so it can provide hope, not just prove a point. And when compassion does speak, it speaks the truth in love not pride.
As we emerge out of social distancing restrictions and can resume “going to church” may we all be more excited about “being the church” by demonstrating love, grace, patience, and mercy. Let us lead through these uncertain times with compassion.
Jeff Campa
Interim President
Calvary University