Liberty University

[La_Chiara]

Can anyone tell me about Liberty University in Lynchburg VA–specifically what is its religious affiliation? The local Young Life minister is a graduate of Liberty University so I researched Liberty University on the internet (www.liberty.edu) to find out what his religious affiliation is. I find it fascinating that the web site has no discussion of the school’s religious beliefs nor any discussion of how big the school is nor its history. In fact the information on the web site is pretty vague and then you need to log on with a password to get past the public info. Doesn’t seem very upfront to me. And concerns me that if they are not upfront that they are hiding something–anti-Catholic fundamentalist Protestant orientation, perhaps.

 

[aimekuelmc]

La Chiara:

Can anyone tell me about Liberty University in Lynchburg VA–specifically what is its religious affiliation? The local Young Life minister is a graduate of Liberty University so I researched Liberty University on the internet (www.liberty.edu) to find out what his religious affiliation is. I find it fascinating that the web site has no discussion of the school’s religious beliefs nor any discussion of how big the school is nor its history. In fact the information on the web site is pretty vague and then you need to log on with a password to get past the public info. Doesn’t seem very upfront to me. And concerns me that if they are not upfront that they are hiding something–anti-Catholic fundamentalist Protestant orientation, perhaps.

The founder is Jerry Falwell, and the school is affiliated with Thomas Road Baptist Church. Search on either of those two and you’ll find all info needed.

 

[Kevan]

The school itself is a mixed bag, so understanding Falwell or Falwell’s church won’t tell you much at all about the youth minister in question.

 

[aimekuelmc]

Kevan:

The school itself is a mixed bag, so understanding Falwell or Falwell’s church won’t tell you much at all about the youth minister in question.

This is true.

There are students from all over - including Catholics. Each individual brings their own beliefs.
It really depends what the YM took away from the school. If he was a Religion Major with a Youth ministry specialization, he took set courses. liberty.edu/Academics/Religion/ChurchMin/index.cfm?PID=63

BTW, I have nothing against Falwell. He has done a lot of good in the area, with the Elim Home (for men with addictions), and Liberty Godparents (godparent.org/).
He is also the publisher of National Liberty Journal. (nljonline.com/)

However, as Chancellor, J.F. is very involved at LU, and does heavily influence what happens there.
In 2002, Falwell opened the Tim LaHaye School of Prophecy, with Dr. LaHaye as president. (schoolofprophecy.com/) And just this year, he opened the School of Law.

Even though students are no longer required to attend his church, and the school has grown enormously over the past few years, the views of the Chancellor do have an effect on many of the students on Campus.

 

[bengal_fan]

jerry fallwell has a huge influence over that campus, which can be good and bad. he is very anti-abortion, anti-pornography, anti-gay marriage and very pro-family. he has also been (in the past but has since partnered with some catholics on the above issues) quoted as saying certain things against catholicism. i wouldn’t call him “anti-catholic” per se, but he holds and teaches some beliefs that don’t align with catholic teaching (but what protestant doesn’t). he has backed off on forcing these issues on the students of this division I school (meaning it is very large). it is highly accredited in some programs (mostly liberal arts). i just had a friend leave for there. i am nervous for him, but it is very in line with his protestant beliefs (and what mine used to be). it is not a university to worry about (like bob jones university) as they do try to be somewhat ecumenical…even with catholics, but i would never suggest a catholic go there.

 

[aimekuelmc]

bengal_fan:

jerry fallwell has a huge influence over that campus, which can be good and bad. he is very anti-abortion, anti-pornography, anti-gay marriage and very pro-family. he has also been (in the past but has since partnered with some catholics on the above issues) quoted as saying certain things against catholicism. i wouldn’t call him “anti-catholic” per se, but he holds and teaches some beliefs that don’t align with catholic teaching (but what protestant doesn’t). he has backed off on forcing these issues on the students of this division I school (meaning it is very large). it is highly accredited in some programs (mostly liberal arts). i just had a friend leave for there. i am nervous for him, but it is very in line with his protestant beliefs (and what mine used to be). it is not a university to worry about (like bob jones university) as they do try to be somewhat ecumenical…even with catholics, but i would never suggest a catholic go there.

I’m sure your friend won’t have a problem. I don’t consider Falwell anti-catholic, and that is not a focus at his school.

Your friend will probably have more trouble finding a good restaurant to eat at! They have been in a building boom near the University - Logan’s roadhouse, O’Charley’s, Texas roadhouse, Ruby Tuesday, Cracker Barrel, Bob Evans, Charley’s, The Golden Corral, The Ale House, Ryan’s Steakhouse, Fazolli’s, Sonic and one or two others still being built are all on one side of the Campus.
Many, many other restaurants fight for patrons throughout Lynchburg!
Two very good hospitals are not too far up the road, and the Mall is almost right beside the school.

He’ll enjoy the area, as there are plenty of things to do and see. Just not alot of bars and other similar entertainment.

 

[jmm08]

Young Life is Protestant and I don’t think they hide it.

If your child is Catholic, they should seek to belong to a different group (a Catholic youth group).

Jerry Fallwell has always worked hard for the Lord and I admire him for that. He has at times partnered with some unusual people (to fight to preserve freedom of speech). So don’t assume he is not anti-Catholic any more than you should assume he is for pornography. He isn’t anti-Catholic like Jack Chick. But with any Protestant leader, anti-Catholic sentiment is at least subtle.

See what Rev. Fallwell said about Tinky Winky. It was very funny.
liberty.edu/chancellor/nlj/feb99/politics2.htm
He later retracted his warning on Teletubbies.

I’m Baptist and signed up for RCIA / RCIC.