What a busy day of blogging! Breaking news -
Dr. Chuck Phelps resigns from BJU Cooperating Board
At a regularly scheduled meeting of the Bob Jones University Board of Trustees, Dec. 2, 2011, Board Chairman, Dr. Bob Jones III, read a letter from Dr. Chuck Phelps in which Dr. Phelps voluntarily tendered his resignation from the Cooperating Board effective immediately. In submitting his resignation, Dr. Phelps expressed that he did not want anything to distract BJU from its mission.
“We are grateful to Dr. Phelps for his many years of loyal service to his alma mater as a member of the Board of Trustees,” says Dr. Jones III.
This may be the most honorable thing that the man has done thus far.
For several days, I've been considering what example from Scripture might best apply to the relationship and circumstances between Phelps and Tina Anderson. I can only think of two.
First, I thought of how Phelps contends that he acted in the best interest of the church and concealed information from the congregation concerning Ernest Willis because it might put the church at legal risk from several perspectives. In the sense of things secular and from a purely legal perspective, it was probably wise to note that it was a possibility. But how does that compare to Scripture?
I can think of only one example.
Matthew 18: 10-14 (NIV)
The Parable of the Wandering Sheep
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.
“What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.
And is there another example that parallels Phelps relationship with Tina and his behavior with her? I can think of only one other example, that of the woman caught in adultery.
Phelps is all to ready with the stones, carrying out the law.
So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
Sad. If you had been raped or what if you weren't, and you went to this man for help... Would you willingly go to him, knowing what you know about how he behaved with Tina and at least one other young woman? (Read the open letter to Phelps from the other young woman's uncle.)
Would you want to be the lost one or one of the ninety nine under this pastor's care? God forbid you should be found sinning or abandoned and abused. Stones weigh more than grace does with some folks.
God have mercy on us all.
