Editor’s Note: This represents a continuation of Part III of Mr. Hunter’s article.

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Objection 3: These students should not be going to the ARP Synod about this. They should be going personally to those they disagree with to dialogue. What about Matthew 18 and Christian unity?

I certainly agree that students should be in dialogue with other students, faculty, and administration about these issues. All of us probably need to do more of that. I also would like to say that I do not necessarily agree with all that is said on SAFE or the manner in which it is said. However, I would like to point out that this is not primarily about personal issues—a small group of students discontented about how they were personally treated at Erskine—these are institutional issues. These are deep and urgent concerns about the direction Erskine as an institution is heading. As the petition letter points out, Erskine has mandates from the ARP church in its “A.R.P Philosophy of Christian Higher Education” and “Institutional Mission and Commitment” that many students believe Erskine is not being faithful to. It is appropriate that these students appeal to the leaders of the ARP church for help in seeing Erskine be faithful to the mandates given by the denomination that funds and supports the college. I understand that many will disagree with my vision for Erskine and Christian liberal arts. That is perfectly fine, but the primarily issue is not what kind of Erskine you, me, or anyone else personally wants to see. The issue is what kind of institution is Erskine College commissioned to be?

I also believe with all my heart that if Erskine was truly faithful to its mission as institution there would be Christian unity on campus like has never been seen before. There would be love for non-Christians like has never been seen before. If in everything Christ had the supremacy, if Scripture was taken seriously, Christ would be gloriously present on campus, transforming hearts, minds, and relationships for His glory. May He be praised!

Will Hunter
Class of 2008