Can a century-old university survive by rejecting the modern world's secular influence?
In short: Established in 1927, Bob Jones University remains a bastion of conservative Christian fundamentalism. While many institutions adapted to secular modernity, this South Carolina liberal arts college built its identity on the literal inerrancy of the Bible and a doctrine of separation from a world it views as spiritually corrupt.
Founded by evangelist Bob Jones, Sr., the university was born from a desire to counter the secularization of higher education. Its early philosophy was deeply rooted in the Fundamentalist-Modernist controversy of the early 20th century, where proponents of biblical inerrancy opposed theological modernism—the attempt to reconcile traditional faith with modern science and historiography. For decades, this commitment manifested as a doctrine of separation, where students and faculty were encouraged to remain distinct from the impure, non-Christian world.
This separatist stance often extended to the political arena. For much of the 20th century, many fundamentalists avoided politics, viewing it as a domain controlled by non-believers. This apolitical attitude was frequently linked to premillennial eschatology—the belief that the world is doomed until Jesus Christ returns to initiate a thousand-year period of peace. In this framework, attempting to reform society was often dismissed with the adage, 'Why polish the brass on a sinking ship?'
Today, the university continues to emphasize a Christ-centered education, preparing students to pursue what it describes as a higher calling. While the institution has evolved—navigating leadership transitions and achieving modern academic accreditation—it maintains its focus on biblical truth. By fostering a community that views professional roles as ministries, the university seeks to preserve its conservative legacy, ensuring that its mission remains consistent with the principles established by its founder nearly one hundred years ago.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Bob Jones University (BJU) | History, Enrollment, Christian Fundamentalism, Student Life, & Facts | Britannica
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