A University of Reconciliation

A further distinguishing mark of a Christian university, along with truth and compassion (see earlier blogs) is reconciliation. So many people in the world remain unreconciled. I think sadly about the ongoing unreconciled conflicts of Israelis and Palestinians, and the seemingly intractable division and hostility of North and South Korea. Inherent in every conflict and divide is sin. The greatest divide in human history due to our sinful nature is that between God and mankind. We need reconciliation, but reconciliation brings with it the requisite willingness to pay the price.

Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross not only paid the price for the sin of the world and thereby bridged the divide between God and man cause by sin. What was a broken relationship was bridged. What was separation and death became reconciliation, reunion, and life. What was made possible between God and man is possible between mankind with each other. The Christian university teaches the importance of reconciliation and is the catalyst for the transformation and impact that can be found when and where there is truth and reconciliation.

The university teaches reconciliation when it sponsors and conducts programs of interfaith dialogue, when it brings students and faculties together from a great diversity of nations and ethnic groups, and when it sponsors discourse and common ground for persons of differing political views and convictions. The university teaches reconciliation when its faculty and staff model ways and means by which disagreement and disparate views may be moved to productive resolution and consensus on the essentials. The university teaches reconciliation when it brings together in worship and practice people from a diversity of faith communities and denominations, including Baptists, Mennonites, Pentecostals, Catholics, Lutherans, Anglicans, Salvationists, and Alliance.

To paraphrase Jesus with a focus on the Christian university, it is a city set on a hill, and in the darkness of unreconciled conflict, hostility, and mistrust it serves as an exemplary reminder that reconciliation is possible and its greatest possibility is found in Jesus Christ.