Cedarville University

This year we are working on two major events for the Critical Concern Series.  On October 28, 2009 we will host Dr. Stanton Jones for a discussion about the possibility of helping people reorient their sexual attraction.   Dr. Jones was cited in major news stories following an announcement by the American Psychological Association which was critical of efforts to help people change their sexual orientation.  Jones has been a key evangelical voice on this issue for the past 20 years.

On March 11, 2010 we will host a moderated discussion between Marvin Olasky and Jim Wallis on the topic of Christian approaches to poverty.  Each speaker will have an opportunity to present his position, and then both will come together for a discussion to be moderated by Christianity Today contributing editor, Rob Moll.

March 11, 2010, Cedarville University

Exact Time and Location TBA

Marvin Olasky, founder and Editor in Chief of World Magazine has been called “compassionate conservatism’s leading thinker” by George W. Bush.  Olasky’s book, The Tragedy of American Compassion made such a deep impression on Newt Gingrich that he sent a copy to every Republican in the House of Representatives during the “Republican Take-Over” of 1994.  Olasky was instrumental in articulating the philosophy of charity and service that led to the creation of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives.  Olasky’s conservative credentials are impeccable and he cares deeply about a Biblical approach to poverty.

Jim Wallis, founder and Editor in Chief of Sojourners Magazine has been called America’s leading progressive evangelical by The Washington Post.  Wallis’ book, God’s Politics: Why the Right Gets it Wrong and the Left Doesn’t Get it spent 15 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list.  Wallis was picked by Time Magazine as one of the “50 Voices for America’s Future.”  He is known as perhaps the leading figure and spokesperson for the “religious left.”  Wallis currently serves on Barak Obama’s Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Initiatives.  Like Olasky, Wallis identifies himself as an evangelical and he has built a reputation as a Christian advocate for the poor.

The Critical Concern Series will bring both of these individuals together on our campus for a serious discussion about the responsibility that Christians have to be stewards of the

resources that we control, using those resources wisely to care for those in need.  The session will be moderated by Rob Moll, Contributing Editor for Christianity Today, and the 2006 Cedarville University Young Alumnus of the Year.  Moll currently serves at Opportunity International, a Christian organization that uses microfinance to address needs related to poverty around the world.   

“I am very enthusiastic about bringing two speakers of national stature to our campus. Marvin Olasky and Jim Wallis represent the Christian right and the Christian left, respectively. They are both passionate advocates for Christian justice and concern for the poor and the disadvantaged, but they approach these values from two different perspectives.  Our students will benefit greatly from hearing separate presentations by these articulate spokesmen, followed by a discussion moderated by Rob Moll. Such an event will garner widespread local interest and will do much to educate our students. This will be a win-win situation for the academic growth of our institution.”

Dennis M. Sullivan, MD, MA (Ethics)
Professor of Biology
Director, Center for Bioethics

Both Jim Wallis and Marvin Olasky offer arguments for greater involvement by God’s people on behalf of the poor.  But the approaches they recommend to address poverty are strikingly different as the above quotes suggest–the former advocating increased government involvement; the latter, advocating “compassionate conservatism” (a phrase which he coined) and limited government involvement.  Olasky’s testimony and insights are particularly instructive, having graduated from Yale and become an activist in far-left movements before his conversion to Christianity.  Wallis, on the other hand remains an advocate for a liberal approach to liberating the oppressed from poverty and injustice.  These two articulate advocates will individually challenge our students, faculty, and community; whereas, a subsequent exchange between Olasky and Wallis, moderated by Rob Moll, will help us to analyze their positions from a biblical worldview.

John Silvius, Ph.D.

Senior Professor of Biological Science

Orlando, FL- Psychologists Stanton L. Jones and Mark A. Yarhouse announced the newest results of a study showing that sexual orientation change is not only possible, but sustainable at a symposium today at the American Psychological Association’s annual convention in Toronto. The findings directly contradict commonly expressed views of the mental health establishment that say this option is impossible and that the attempt to change is likely to produce harm. Two former APA presidents, Dr. Nicholas Cummings and Dr. Frank Farley, were present to discuss these findings.

The new report builds upon original research conducted by Drs. Jones and Yarhouse published in the 2007 book, Ex-Gays? A Longitudinal Study of Religiously Mediated Change in Sexual Orientation. It was the first longitudinal study of its kind to scientifically examine the lives of men and women seeking sexual orientation change through involvement in a variety of Christian ministries associated with Exodus International. The research found that sexual orientation change was possible and not likely to cause harm.  

The research findings announced today extend these findings out to between six and seven years for the subjects in the study and showed continued and sustainable long-term change. The continuity found in the results reiterate the fact that these individuals are critical to the ongoing scientific dialogue over sexuality, orientation and faith.  

While Drs. Jones and Yarhouse acknowledge that this study does not prove that everyone or anyone can change, it quantifies through data that some can. As such, the study suggests that all should respect the integrity and autonomy of those seeking this option for moral, religious or other reasons, just as those who desire to affirm and embrace a gay life are respected. 

“It is gratifying to see research that honestly reflects my experience as well as that of thousands of others,” said Randy Thomas, Executive Vice President for Exodus International. “This study not only gives credence to our lives, but positively contributes to the ongoing cultural dialogue over sexual and gender identity as well.” Thomas, who attended the Toronto symposium where these findings were announced, added, “We hope that future research efforts will make room for our experiences so that personal autonomy and religious diversity are respected both in the field of science and in the public arena.”

Knowing how to respond to the issues of same-sex attraction continues to be one of the most challenging ethical issues for today’s generation of college students. During last year’s Critical Concern Series, author Gabe Lyons (UnChristian) touched on this troubling topic. We will continue to struggle in this area, Lyons contended, as long as non-believers perceive evangelicals as hostile to homosexuals.

Efforts to help people change their sexual orientation or, at least, manage the temptation not only add to this perception, but stand as a particularly vexing issue for the gay community. While we see it as living in a manner that is consistent with personal holiness and sanctification, they see it as intolerant bullying.

For this reason, we’ve invited Dr. Stanton Jones to discuss homosexuality during the next Critical Concern Series forum at Cedarville University in October. A solid evangelical and noted scholar, Jones has done  groundbreaking research in this area for nearly 20 years. His presentation will include fresh data from a major study on efforts by Christian organizations to help individuals who experience same-sex attraction.

Merton Strommen said, “This study is a groundbreaking classic — scientifically erudite and clearly presented … it invites an open forum where scientific evidence and rational thinking are allowed to dominate discussion of the subject.”

Commenting on Jones’ work, Dr. Warren Throckmorton, Cedarville University graduate and Professor of Psychology and Fellow for Public Policy and Psychology at Grove City College wrote, “Can some motivated people alter aspects of their sexuality through religious ministry? With the publication of Ex-Gays?Stanton Jones and Mark Yarhouse have produced the most rigorous study to date to address this question. Knowing their results would generate controversy, the authors have thoroughly described the rationale for their procedures. While the authors fully acknowledge that change in sexual attractions did not occur for some individuals, they offer cogent and compelling reasons to believe that participation in religious ministry resulted in durable changes for others. The Jones and Yarhouse study will set the standard for all future work in this field and demands a serious reading from social scientists. For anyone interested in the study of sexuality, values and human change, this book is a must-read.”

Jones’ lecture will include a conversation on what change tends to look like, the success rates of attempts to help people alter or control same-sex attraction, and practical suggestions for how we should respond as the body of Christ.  Dr. Jones will also reflect on criticisms of his report, the experience of testifying before the American Psychological Association, and offer suggestions on how the Christian community should respond to this issue.