Commitment to Diversity
Cedarville University transforms lives through excellent education and intentional discipleship in submission to biblical authority. This diversity statement articulates the biblical view on diversity so that Cedarville University fulfills its mission by equipping its faculty, 工作人员, and students to respond biblically to insufficient explanations of diversity as well as Gospel opportunities inherent in a diverse culture.
Biblical Foundations for Diversity
Cedarville University’s approach to diversity is built upon the following biblical themes:
Creation in the Im年龄 of God (成虫一些)
God directly created humanity in His im年龄. 成虫一些 refers to the biblical doctrine that all 人, regardless of race, 性别, degree of physical 能力, or socioeconomic class, are created in the im年龄 of God. A biblical understanding of diversity recognizes the value of all human beings as im年龄-bearers with God-given worth and dignity. 成虫一些 extends to 人 of other faiths, 观点, or beliefs; therefore, all 人 are to be treated with respect and dignity.
(创. 1:26–27; 创. 2:7; 创. 2:21–22; 创. 9:6)
秋天
Sin had ruinous consequences for humankind, casting a shadow over the 成虫一些 and introducing conflict, 不团结, 不公正, 压迫, and a breakdown of human society. Scripture gives abundant evidence that each person is born with an inclination to sin and that sin impacts every aspect of a person and all of creation. We must resist the temptation to sin, oppose any form of 不公正, and work for the benefit of the marginalized in society.
(创. 3; Eph. 2:1–3; Rom. 5:12–21; Jer. 17:9; Micah 6:8; Deut. 10:17–19)
Redemption and Reconciliation
Sin separates all 人 from God and leaves all equally in need of redemption. God offers redemption to all who will repent of their sins and believe in Christ. The ground at the foot of the cross is level for all humanity. 此外, our Savior offered salvation to all equally, making no distinctions based on race, 性别, 种族, 能力, 年龄, or socioeconomic level. 因此, within the body of Christ there is no hierarchy of value based upon these areas of difference. This pattern of redemption, 和解, and equality is evident in the work of Jesus Christ and the life of the early church. Believers share not only a common humanity but also a shared bond in Christ.
(马特. 28:18–20; Luke 24:47; Acts 10:27–28, 34–35; Acts 15; Gal. 2:6–14; Eph. 2:13–19; 1 Cor. 12:12–20)
圣经的爱
Biblical love is one of the defining marks of all true followers of Jesus Christ. It seeks to live out and preserve the boundaries of what God has ordained as holy and good. This ethic calls us to love our neighbors as ourselves, 爱我们的敌人, 陌生人打招呼, 帮助有需要的人, and treat others as we would like to be treated. This means we model and train our students to love every individual or group of 人, including those who disagree with our beliefs.
(Ps. 82:3; Matt. 5:43–48; Luke 10:25–37; John 13:34–35; Eph. 4:1–6; Matt. 22:36–40; 1 Cor. 13:1–4)
福音社区
As a Christian institution focused on discipleship, we require affirmation of the Gospel. A Gospel community at Cedarville is exemplified by our core values of love for God, 对他人的爱, integrity in conduct, and excellence in effort. Part of our understanding of community is that we should be active in seeking the good of those around us as defined by God’s Word.
(Gal 6:10; James 1:27; James 2:1–13; Gal. 3:26–29)
天堂
The future family of God is described as an assembly from every nation, 部落, 人, and langu年龄 worshiping together, united in Jesus Christ. The fact that heaven is repeatedly described in this manner is evidence of the importance that God places on unified worship among diverse 人. Until we reach heaven, we should pursue the biblical values of love, 温柔, 和平, 善良, 自我牺牲, 和自我控制.
(牧师. 5:9–10; Col. 3:11–12; Gal. 5:22–23)