Virtue Magazine

In conservative Christian circles, especially homeschooled ones, the name Patrick Henry College is about as well-known as Homeschool Legal Defense Association. But those outside of said circles now see Patrick Henry College (PHC) in the news. For a fairly low key college, one destined to raise students as the next generation in a biblical way, what could they have done to end up in shambles? Are they even in shambles?

The facts of what happened are simple. Professors are not allowed to violate the statement of faith. The current president of the college (soon to be replaced by Dr. Graham Walker), Dr. Michael Farris, determines what violates the statement of faith. He felt it was violated recently, and so took action to stop it. Whether or not he was right is another story.

Many people are familiar with the “lifeboat” scenario. This scenario was used briefly in class by Dr. Eric Root, and he told a student that her answer of “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (1) was too simplistic. It is not necessarily that the answer is wrong, per se, but rather that it is not an answer that can be explained rationally to those who are not Christian.

Yet according to Dr. Farris, this violated the statement of faith. And the usage of this example in class, along with an article supporting St. Augustine being a saint was enough to have Dr. Farris “temporarily withdraw” Dr. Root’s contract. (2)

In March, Dr. David Noe and Dr. Kevin Culberson released a joint essay in the school newspaper. This essay prompted a response from the chaplain that was endorsed by Dr. Farris, a response that declared the essay “diminishes the importance of Scripture.” (2)

After the release of this response, Dr. Noe, Dr. Root, Dr. Culberson, Dr. Robert Stacey, and Dr. Todd Bates turned in letters stating they would not return the next year. When several of the professors were approached by Virtue Magazine, however, they declined to comment on the situation and their reasons for leaving.

Dr. Farris declined to comment as well, as did several students.

The main question that is left, though, is whether this will prove to be the demise of PHC. With at least five professors not returning next year, and a number of students leaving, will this college be able to survive for long? What does it say about her if she is divided over what falls under academic freedom?

Is the Christian Harvard in shambles?

Sources:

1 John 15:13, King James Version
2 http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2006/120/12.0.html