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Bryan College Embroiled in Controversy Following Creation Contract

Bryan College Embroiled in Controversy Following Creation Contract

The Tennessee Christian school Bryan College is currently embroiled in an internal controversy that recently came to a head because of the administration’s new official stance on creation. Since the school’s president Stephen Livesay green-lit the new stance—which staff and students must sign saying that they affirm—the faculty passed a vote of no confidence in Livesay, a trustee has stepped down and alumni and students are now speaking out. As part of the revised statement of belief, college attendees and staff must confirm that they believe Adam and Eve “are historical persons created by God in a special formative act, and not from previously existing life forms.” According to this story in Chattanooga’s Time Free Press, “That change will potentially force out some faculty members, who have more nuanced views on human origins, those who have reconciled Biblical creationism with natural processes like evolution.”

But, some faculty say that the statement of faith revisions are part of a pattern of issues they have with Livesay. The minutes from the faculty meeting revealed that professors also complained about a “lack of institutional control, budget was secret, decreases in enrollment, top heavy in administration, neglect for body, poor financial management” and other problems. Despite the outcry, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees is sticking by Livesay. In a statement, he said, “Bryan College’s desire is to stimulate critical thinking, educating students within the framework of a biblical world and life view. The board of trustees is confident that under Dr. Livesay’s leadership we are achieving that objective. Therefore, the board stands fully behind President Livesay” …

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