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About The Battalion. (College Station, Tex.) 1893-current | View Entire Issue (June 19, 1974)
— Page 10 THE BATTALION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19,1971 From tent meetings to classrooms School stresses discipline, fundamentalism GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP)-Bob Jones University, which prides itself on taking the revival spirit from tent meetings to the classroom, holds onto a religious fundamentalism that is diminishing in the South. The university strives to train young men and women in its philosophy of life, which includes a literal interpretation of the Bible and a rejection of liberal church doctrine. To that end, the university has created an environment where opera and fine arts are respected, but where smoking, dancing, card-playing and movies are forbidden. It is also a university that boasts a cosmopolitan student body from 20 countries, but where unmarried blacks are not admitted. Because single blacks are excluded, the Justice Department considers the admissions policy racially discrimi natory. Since the university receives no federal funds, lifting its tax exempt status is the government’s only means of forcing change, the department says. On that issue, the U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled in favor of the Internal Revenue Service, a decision which will in effect strip Bob Jones University of its tax exempt status. Learning has a special flavor at Bob Jones, which calls itself “The World’s Most Unusual University.” Liberal arts and sciences are mixed with a heavy dose of old-time religion. Regular attendance at a fundamen talist church, one that adheres to conservative Protestant beliefs and militantly rejects liberalism is expected of every student. Applicants must name their church and pastor on the admissions form. University officials refrain from talking to newsmen, claiming the press has distorted the image of the school over the years. “The press has sometimes compared us to the snake eaters in the mountains, and made fun of our rules,” a spokesman said. “They don’t talk about the positive things. This is a high quality, Christian schooL” According to the student hand book, students are encouraged to refrain from listening to contemporary, pop, rock or country and Western music in favor of classical or church music. To make sure they have access to acceptable music, the school operates an AM-FM radio station, which broad casts opera and other serious music along with conservative political commentary. The school’s racial policy, which set it on the collision course with the federal courts, stems from what it interprets as a Biblical admonition against interracial marriage. According to a spokesman, the university accepts Orientals and married blacks. He did not say whether any blacks are now enrolled. “We will accept Orientals,” he said, “but they must not date out of their race.” Candidates for admission must state their race on the application and, if admitted, must refrain from any involvement in civil rights activity. The rule is stated broadly, and presumably would apply to participation in rallies, marches or any overt activity. The university was founded in 1927 by the Rev. Bob Jones, Sr., a widely known conservative evangelist. In 1933 it was moved from northwestern Florida to Cleveland, Tenn., and in 194 7 to Greenville, a textile manufacturing city in the state’s north west Bible Belt. The founder died in 1968. His son. Bob Jones, Jr., is the chancellor, and his grandson. Dr. Bob Jones, III, is the president The university makes no apologies for its unabashed fundamentalism. “We think the Scripture has not changed and the Christ of the Bible has not changed,” the spokesman said. “So we have not changed.” As a bulwark of fundamentalism, BJU hires only fundamentalists for its faculty. Each year faculty members must sign a statement affirming their belief in the tenets of fundamentalism. These include the absolute authority of the Bible, the divinity of Jesus and the Virgin Birth. About 85 percent of the faculty hold degrees from BJU. The art museum includes som) galleries, filled primarily with ieii^ n 1974 sho paintings from various Italiai jj Dutch schools. Most were donaletli ipposing of friends of the university. The university’s Shaktipaj itherlett er repertoire group, the Gassic Hayeip jii listed by the international Shakesptj ege Survey as one of the country's worthy classic repertoire companis The new (not yet) blue water tower... going up We Style Your Way. Courtea FOR HAIR STYLING 3808 Old College Road Next To Triangle Bowling 823-7217 f Texas A& d could c£ All four st ,en and an i transfe At the clc 3 Miles N. On Tabor Road Saturday Night: Moe Bandy and the Mavericks From 9 - 1 p. m. STAMPEDE Every Thursday Nile (ALL BRANDS BEER 35*) Announcing FRANK E. NOVAK as a 1974 member of the Texas Leaders Round Table i / A h An honor organization recognizing professional life insurance agents demonstrating marketing activity and unselfish service to policyholders. ■ H pent house 1 All Am lowed to t im Hacker lll-America iiring the uha, Net in a string iched by ecorded tb Hacker, Located at Plantation Oaks Apts, above the leasing office. Now has their own disc jockey to play your records by request. LADIES (UNESCORTED)—ALL DRINKS HALF PRICE—ALL OF THE TIME. QUADRAPHONIC SOUND Try Our Specials On Any Occasion Or Occasionally Aggie b has release baseball re< le All-Arr Blin pbell ' Campbell v rpus Chi Robert Christi, att hit .587 th was recent HI ( 1 Cc.v V -'-'' ".3 JUNE SPECIALS Monday All Collins Tuesday All Vodka Drinks Wednesday All Scotch Drinks Thursday AH Bourbon Drinks 75c TRY YOUR LUCK — JOIN US! AUSTIN Conventi the make work. Preside .hopes al through the end i After I to the t and Trai wllwraj man is specia . warn Needlepoint Rugs by Paragon Needlecraft $9.95 to $12.95 Also visit “The Blackboard” where you frame pictures or needlework yourself. Little Red Schoolhouse EM 3737 East 29th St. SPORTS YOUR BAG? Want to get involved in reporting the athletic spectrum of Texas A&M? If you have the ability, you can find yourself with the stars and action of Southwest Conference sports. The Battalion needs a sports editor, assistant sports editor, and writers and photographers. Check Student Publications, Reed McDonald Building, or call 845-2226. K2 and you can have profitable career as a Battalion staff artist. Even if you can only trace, come by the Student Publications Of fice or call 845-2226. R IpV.jI JERRY H. BIRDWELL, .JR. 823-5344 FOR BEST RESULTS TRY BATTALION CLASSIFIED Jerry Birdwell is a specialist in. Optional Retirement Plans and Tax Sheltered Annuity Programs to provide future financial security for faculty and staff. He under stands the problems and opportunities peculiar to your profession and would like the opportunity to be of service to you. 3200 So. College Ave. P. O. Box 3667 Bryan, Texas 77801 jlejhjpsnn $ WELCOME FRESHMEN! $ AVOID THE RUSH - RESERVE YOUR TEXTBOOKS LOU POT S hooks & britches North Gate — Across from the Post Office