Oklahoma Christian University has been in the headlines, having just announced a policy where campus workers going through a divorce could be fired. After sharp criticism, the policy has already been rescinded.
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Pat Robertson is becoming bizarre. Even for Pat Robertson.
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I just read a chapter on the spiritual discipline of singing in a soon-to-be-released book by Darryl Tippens, the provost of Pepperdine. It is phenomenal. I’ll let you know when the book is out.
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Winner of the Super Bowl? The Colts.
Thanks for the heads-up on Darryl’s book. Haven’t heard of anything on that precice topic. He is such a gifted writer. Cant wait to read it. Right up my alley.
sarah
What was OC thinking? How about offering (free of charge) all OC employees a marriage enrichment retreat weekend on an annual basis? Seems to me that makes a larger pro-marriage statement than it does firing someone whose marriage doesn’t make it. Typical hard-line cofC nonsense.
I was in a customer’s home who had Pat on. He’s pushing a diet/exercise plan now. I never really thought of him for my model for health and fitness. It was amazing how people would email him about other diets and he would usually say that his was better (of course) because the exercise plans wouldn’t cut into prayer time or that the foods weren’t entirely Biblical. Strange!
Can’t wait to see the extensive coverage of this by the Christian Chronicle!
Wow,
Now we know why Divorce Recovery ministries seem to be rare in our churches!
Ron Clark
Pat Robertson is giving us all a bad name. His constant “off the cuff” remarks followed by an apology is getting old.
Go Colts…I observed, at a school this semester, where Dominic Rhodes’ Mother taught. She said she went to his game and he told her after the game that he looked up and she was talking to someone while he was playing.She took him in when he was older and later adopted him. Its a sweet story.
You know, I really don’t think many people pay much attention to what Pat Robertson’s says…I suppose someone could build a case against me as to all the stupid things I have said in my life.
I will pray for Pat Robertson today.
Regarding the extent to which I have said and done more than my share of incredulous, hurtful things, I agree with Beverly. On the other hand, it’s very discouraging when so many of us are trying our best just to do a little good in our corner of the world, and others who have a much louder voice than we do come along and say things like, “If you’re divorced, you’re not good enough to be in our group,” or “God wants (insert your least favorite foreign head of state here) dead.”
Purchased “Gilead” yesterday. If you and John York BOTH tell me to read it, then read it I must.
See you in a week.
Steve
Amen, Lionel! I do so hope the many things I’ve regretted saying are not still lying around in someone’s memory. One I remember repeating after I heard it from someone else, “God blesses America above all other nations”.
I’m an OC alum and supporter…but wow…that was a terrible move on their part. Sounds like something Pat Robertson would approve of…
Noticed I submitted a horrible type o!
“His off the cuff remarks followed by an apology ARE getting old, NOT is!” That was awful! EEEKKKK!
Surely God is merciful on all of us!
I was awakened at 3:00 this morning. I think I was having a dream about the wreck…or at least thinking about it. When I woke up, that was all that consumed my mind and I couldn’t go back to sleep. So I sat on the couch in the darkness for an hour praying and crying and remembering. I just couldn’t go back to sleep until I let you know that I was praying for you and Diane and Chris in particular. I love you
Thanks, Heather. Your love and prayers mean so much to us.
My brother, Mike! Looking forward to sharing some time with you this weekend. Praying for you during this time. Peace to you all.
Do I understand correctly that ACU already has a similar “divorce policy” on the books?
– Erik Tryggestad
This policy sounds like a step backwards in sowing peace and love with those that hurt.
I am sad to hear that Kevin Jacobs was divorced from his wife in 2004. I did not know that until I read the article. He was president for Cascade College when I was there.
Erik -
Where did you read that? I’ve never seen it anyplace or heard of it anyplace.
If this is common, then why did everyone get so upset with OCU?
why doesn’t the church take a stand on divorce? My aunt left my uncle for another man and has been married two times since. She and her third husband attend church where we do. Is she not living in sin?
waters86
I didn’t realize OC could be this conservative. Perhaps the administration should look at it case by case. I’m glad that at least they are taking a strong stand on the issue.
I think the best place to look on the topic of divorce is Matthew 19. The only exception for divorce is sexual immorality. Any other reason isn’t acceptable and remarriage is wrong in those cases.
Did a former OC president get divorced recently?
Mike, I just came across your blog entry about the OC marriage policy on January 14. You and I have been friends a long time, and thus I am surprised you just perpetuated the erroneous message about our policy from the
“Oklahoman” newspaper. This was not a policy aimed at making life more difficult for divorced people, but as you might anticipate, those who disagreed painted the picture the way it would be most sensational. There is a lot more to the story as OC seeks to affirm the sanctity and permanance of marriage, minister to those whose lives have been hurt by the pain of divorce, and maintain a policy that there are a few whose life-style and purpose for divorce disqualifies them from being the kind of role models needed in Christian universities. I love you and know you meant know harm. I hope next time you hear rumors from OC that you will give me a call. Mike O’Neal, OC President
Mike, I just came across your blog entry about the OC marriage policy on January 14. You and I have been friends a long time, and thus I am surprised you just perpetuated the erroneous message about our policy from the
“Oklahoman” newspaper. This was not a policy aimed at making life more difficult for divorced people, but as you might anticipate, those who disagreed painted the picture the way it would be most sensational. There is a lot more to the story as OC seeks to affirm the sanctity and permanance of marriage, minister to those whose lives have been hurt by the pain of divorce, and maintain a policy that there are a few whose life-style and purpose for divorce disqualifies them from being the kind of role models needed in Christian universities. I love you and know you meant know harm. I hope next time you hear rumors from OC that you will give me a call. Mike E. O’Neal, OC President
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