Theological Dialogue
The issues that were part of the theological landscape are outlined and explained below. The alternative positions for each issue are given. In each case, the view that has come under attack is given first. Selected Bible references are listed with that view to demonstrate its compatibility with biblical truth. You will note that both views fit within the bounds of conservative evangelical thought and are well-within Cedarville's doctrinal statement.
» Sanctification
Everyone at CU believes in some form of progressive sanctification. Faculty members differ over when that progress begins.
- All believers will make progress in sanctification. In other words, the best evidence of faith is obedience. Cf. 1 Cor. 15:2; Col. 1: 22–23; James 2:14-26.
- Only believers who have experienced a work of grace subsequent to salvation (e.g., making Christ Lord of one's life, being filled with the Spirit, etc.) will make progress in sanctification. In other words, believers may not necessarily behave any differently from unbelievers.
» Eschatology
Everyone at CU believes that Christ will physically return to the earth to set up His kingdom. Faculty members differ over the nature of the existence of His kingdom today.
- Christ's kingdom exists today in some form spiritually. Cf. Matt. 12:28; Col. 1:13.
- Every reference to Christ's or God's kingdom in the Bible is to Christ's future physical kingdom or to a general rule of God over all creation.
» Justification and Imputation
Everyone at CU believes that the believer is reckoned righteous because of the possession of the righteousness of Christ. Faculty members differ over the mode of imputed righteousness.
- Christ's passive obedience that He performed through His death and resurrection is imputed to the believer. Rom. 5:18–19.
- Christ's active obedience that He performed through His perfectly obedient life is imputed to the believer.
» Justification and Its Timing
Everyone at CU believes that every believer is justified at the moment of belief. Faculty members differ on the future nature of justification.
- Justification is both accomplished in the past and will be vindicated/revealed in the future. "By faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness (translated "justification" elsewhere in Scripture) for which we hope" (Gal. 5:5). "By your words you will be acquitted (translated "justified" elsewhere in Scripture), and by your words you will be condemned" (Matt. 12:37).
- Justification is accomplished in the past only.
» Certainty
Everyone at CU believes that the Bible can be known with certainty. Faculty members differ on the nature of that certainty.
- Certainty should be defined in the same way that it is defined in the Truth and Certainty Statement: assurance, confidence, firm confidence.
- Certainty should be defined as a state in which it is impossible to doubt, i.e., absolute or philosophical/metaphysical certainty.
Understanding the Issues
The following perspectives provide additional information and clarification regarding our School of Biblical and Theological Studies and recent personnel actions.
First and foremost, recent events do not involve issues of doctrinal deviation:
We affirm that the doctrinal statement and the truth & certainty statement form the boundaries for our theological discussions. Understanding these parameters, there will still always be differences of opinion among faculty. However, these differences are now, and must always be, within these boundaries.
We also affirm that when theological differences exist within these boundaries, mutual respect and gracious interactions will be the rule. This also has been our heritage and will be our pattern for the future. This is the beauty of a Christ-centered institution that stands firmly for Truth while fostering a spirit of collegiality and academic freedom.
As a Christ-centered learning community, Cedarville University maintains high expectations and clear performance standards for all faculty members. Faculty members agree to abide by the University's Community Covenant and General Workplace Standards as well as the Faculty Handbook, which includes clear guidelines related to collegiality and academic freedom.
Sadly, these standards were not uniformly practiced. In some cases, honest dialogue about differences in theological interpretations (again, all well within the bounds of Cedarville's doctrinal statement) had been replaced with labeling, misrepresentation, and negative communication among faculty colleagues.
The University was forced to make very difficult and painful personnel decisions to return the School of Biblical and Theological Studies to its heritage of collegiality and academic dialogue within the bounds of biblical truth. These personnel actions were not the result of theological deviations; rather, they were the result of conduct toward the University, faculty colleagues, and students that violated guidelines found within the Faculty Handbook.
