Creationist Students Allegedly Bullied by Profs at Furman University

The idea of a creation-evolution debate proposed by a student group was mocked by some professors.

A student group at Furman University in S. Carolina known as Conservative Students for a Better Tomorrow (CSBT) had a great idea. Why not arrange a creationism event on campus patterned after the Ken Ham-Bill Nye debate? So, they invited professors at the school to participate in the debate along with Dr. Terry Mortenson, a creationist lecturer who has a PhD in the history of geology and who is associated with Answers in Genesis. After all, the motto of the university is “For Christ and Learning.”

The profs not only refused the invitation, but CSBT claims some professors began mocking and bullying the students. A student reported that a professor threatened the group via email after allegations of bullying were raised. 

Apparently one professor, Bryan Bibb, might have been considering participating. But religion professor Roger Sneed warned him via Facebook, "They're seeking you to give legitimacy to a completely [expletive laden rant redacted] load of foolishness." And English professor Margaret Oakes added, "Don't dignify the stupidity by acknowledging it."

Lauren Cooley, a CSBT advisor, responded. "The comments on Facebook were definitely bullying," Cooley said. "It's really inappropriate and unprofessional. ... We want to expose the fact that we're being ridiculed.”

Despite the attacks, Mortenson was able to address a group of 96 students from the 2,700-student university. However, some atheists attended the lecture in order to disrupt the event and to ridicule creationist beliefs. About the atheists Cooley commented, "Hopefully they'll keep their minds open. They show up to laugh, but they also hear a different opinion." None of the professors who mocked the event attended the lecture. Although Furman students have gotten credit for attending other lectures including those by a drag queen and a political cartoonist, they were denied credit for attending Mortenson’s speech.

Being mocked for their beliefs is certainly nothing new for Christians in general and creationists in particular. Often creationist scientists are described as being something less than legitimate scientists. So, it was somewhat amusing that the two Furman professors attacking the debate who were quoted in this story were a religion professor and an English instructor. Just as was the case prior to the Ham-Nye debate, many evolutionists apparently feel it is easier and more effective just to mock their opponents than to engage in a reasonable scientific discussion.

When we Christians are insulted for our beliefs, it might be of some comfort to remember that Jesus Himself willingly put up with ridicule in His life, such as with people in His hometown (Luke 4:23-24), the chief priests and teachers of the law (Mark 15:31), and the soldiers at His crucifixion (Luke 23:36). But God cannot be mocked (Galatians 6:7), at least by anyone who values his immortal soul.

When we base our beliefs on the Bible, we are on solid ground. “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17). And when we base our hopes for eternal life on the Bible, we are on solid ground. “He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time” (2 Timothy 1:9).

Reference: Tyler O’Neil, “Professors ‘Bully’ Student Group on Facebook for Creationism Event,” The Christian Post.

(Photo of Furman University library from Wikipedia, by Greengrass090)

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What are probiotics?

Also known as “good bacteria,” probiotics are live microorganisms similar to those found in the body. Probiotics can be found in 50% of the yogurt sold in the U.S. as well as in dietary supplements. 

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