Nlnews.org: Fighting for the values of honesty, fairness and the free pursuit of truth in journalism, at North Central University (NCU) and beyond (formerly representing North Central's student newspaper, the Northern Light)

Fighting for the values of honesty, fairness and the free pursuit of truth
in journalism, at North Central University and beyond

Letters from readers

Organized by date, from newest to oldest

Friday, April 21, 2006

As a 1999 graduate of North Central University, I read with interest the story regarding the NCU administration's decision to censor the Northern Light newspaper.

It is distressing to me that institutions such as North Central seem so beholden to donors that a negative comment by one of them causes the leadership of that organization to make decisions that they may not have otherwise made.

I also read with interest the opinion piece: Tongues doctrine alienates many. Having spent a fair bit of time studying this issue, I have come to a view that is counter to the Assembly of God doctrine. I have since resigned my credential with the AG and have moved to being licensed in the Baptist General Conference.

I still value the work of the Holy Spirit; I see him at work everyday in my work at Minnesota Teen Challenge. I do not believe that my questions make me any less of a believer, and I feel the same way toward the student who wrote the editorial on tongues.

As an alum of NCU, I encourage the administration to reconsider their position on the Northern Light and allow them real editorial independence.

-- Greg Woodard

Thursday, April 13, 2006

As a former staff member of the Northern Light and still a journalist, I'm dismayed but not surprised by what happened. When I was on the Northern Light, we were able to get away with a lot of scrutiny toward the school. We had three different advisers in that time frame and many went to bat for us.

But, look at the facts:
1. No journalism or communications major.
2. No money coming in to support journalism.
3. Increased focus on "church related" occupations.
4. No adviser to stand by the staff that really understands.
5. They got rid of the radio station too.

Guess what? No place in the world is perfect. Guess what? The administration's actions just make North Central a place that can't see its faults as well and thus can't fix them as well.

All respect and prayers for sticking to your guns.

In the beginning was the word and the word was with God and then North Central decided to restrict the word. Sounds like somebody might have a God complex, huh?

-- Jason Schmock, class of 2000

Hats off to Chuck and Hope Bahr, the ex-top editors at the North Central University campus paper.

The Bahrs -- husband and wife -- were dismissed from their posts after refusing to submit to censorship by university officials. Specifically, the Christian university required the paper "to only publish things that cast North Central in a positive light."

While a quality college newspaper should cover the many good things that happen on campus, tomorrow's editors and reporters can't be expected to compromise journalistic integrity to satisfy every whim of their university.

Would officials at North Central, which is owned by the Assemblies of God, expect Hope and Chuck, as professional journalists, to only cover the positive aspects of a President Hillary Clinton?

Being a good Christian and a good journalist aren't incompatible. Ideally, being good at one should make someone better at the other in some respects.

While North Central continues to publish a paper that will produce the Fox News-style journalists of tomorrow, I hope a credible news outlet will look kindly on Hope and Chuck when they start sending out resumes.

In a time where the divide between the official line, bottom line and journalistic line is narrowing quickly, it's encouraging to see student journalists taking a stand. The pros could learn from their example.

-- Christopher
Reprinted with permission from Great Plains View weblog.

Wednesday, April 12, 2006

A response to Kristen Leapaldt:

Let's extrapolate out Leapaldt's logic: If you have ever complained or disagreed with a teacher, instructor or professor, why did you continue to go to class? If you have ever complained or disagreed with your parents, why do you continue to associate with your family? If you have ever complained or disagreed with state or federal government, why are you still a citizen of the state or the country? Have you ever had a fight or disagreement with God? And, since every healthy believer has, why are you still a Christian?

The fact is thoughtful, rational people can appreciate authority while disagreeing with them, we can agree with people we do not appreciate, we can disagree with people we respect and agree with people we disrespect. The fallacy of Leapaldt's argument is that to disagree with someone is to offend or degrade that person. The greater fallacy inherent in the mindset of North Central University is that if you don't like the way things are, you can leave.

We do not disrespect the administration at North Central, we strongly disagree with their decision and actions, as they are an embarrassment to higher education and hurt the reputation of thoughtful Christians everywhere. Why the Bahrs continue to be enrolled at North Central has nothing to do with whether or not they agree or disagree with the administration. They are there to get an education and a corresponding degree, and part of that educational process is being deprived by the adminstration's move to restrict journalistic freedom.

To disagree with someone's decision or course of action is not to hate them; after all, are we as representatives of Christ not to love the sinner and hate the sin? Finally, if you disagree and complain about The Northern Light, why do you still read?

-- B. Elias Sirvio, former Northern Light staff member/editor (2000-2003)
Visit Mr. Sirvio on the web at e8s.blogspot.com.

Tuesday, April 11, 2006

As I have read Chuck and Hope's many articles written in the Northern Light over the past 3 years that I have attended North Central, and as I have watched this entire situation with the "censorship" issue unfold, it has become more and more clear to me that neither of them have ever appreciated, respected, or agreed with the administration and authority that has been put in place at NCU. So my question is quite simple: If you are always complaining and disagreeing with the administration, why do you attend North Central University?

-- Kristen M. Leapaldt

Dear NL News:

I found your website via a story on Media Bistro's Daily News Feed. I imagine by now thousands more like me have found it as well.

As a professional journalist with 20 years' experience -- and as a mentor to elementary school students producing their own newspaper at my daughter's school -- I salute you and your principled stand against censorship. We desperately need more journalists like you.

I read the stories in question. The mainstream media should produce stories as balanced in reporting and well reasoned as you have. Your university should be proud of you. Instead, you've been shunned. Not terribly surprising in the Bush era, where news is viewed as just another tool for manipulating public opinion.

The story that alerted me to your site -- from Inside Higher Ed (http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2006/04/11/newspaper) -- contains the following passage:

"Anderson said that, as members of a private institutional community, the paper has an obligation to act in the interest of the community. He said that mainstream newspapers would not publish articles criticizing the company that owns them."

Actually, an ethical mainstream paper would criticize its parent company. For example, the New York Times now publishes articles occasionally critical of its practices in its Public Editor column. Isn't the teaching of ethics part of North Central University's charter? Isn't that acting "in the interest of the community"?

Please keep publishing on the web. It is one of the few places left where freedom really does reign.

-- Daniel Tynan, Tynanwood Omnimedia

Mr. Bahr,

You and the staff who worked on the paper are terrific writers. And, insightful.

It appears to me North Central University is providing a better education to some of its journalism students than it wants. The big donors objected to the opinion article and you and your wife get the ax. Is North Central accredited? Should it remain so? And, where does God fit in the education pattern?

The problem goes deeper than you can imagine. Start with The Tyranny of Good Intentions by Paul Craig Roberts to get the big picture. Then see the discussion of the individuals involved in the decisions by David Horowitz in The Professors: The 101 Most Dangerous Academics in America. The professors who removed you and your wife as editors of the newspaper are as dangerous as any listed by Mr. Horowitz.

You have nerve to start your website while you are still enrolled at the Univ. But keep at it.

-- William Sumner Scott, J.D.; Executive Director, Judicial Equality Foundation, Incorporated

Dear Sir,

Today I read in our local newspaper and on the web of the crisis of your newspaper's controversy with the leadership of North Central University in Minneapolis. Congrats, you made the wire service and possibly even NEWSWEEK! [Editor's note: nlnews.org has no knowledge of coverage by Newsweek.] My question is, "What good purpose will all of this serve you, the university or the Christian Faith?"

First of all, let me explain that I am not from the Assemblies of God but I am familiar with them. I graduated from a similiar institution as is North Central University but of a different denomination. In reading of your complaints against the adminstration, it reminded me of some of my fellow students and myself a few years back. We, too, were involved in challenging the rules and regulations of our private religious college and were concerned that our free speech and rights were being violated. I remember calling a number of lawyers and checking our legal status to see if we had become victims and had been treated unfairly by the administration on a variety of issues. From time to time, I had the administration on the run and from time to time they suspended me from school for breaking, I thought, their narrowminded rules. I was fortunate to graduate after four years but admittedly I was mumbling and grumbling all of the way out the door as I carried my sheepskin.

Secondly, I humbly submit to you that your article questioning tongues being the evidence for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit was poorly written. Talk about one sided, after reading the article, I agree with the administration that they should proofread your articles and make constructive comments before they are published. I'm not even from your university or denomination but as I read it I was embarrassed with your statements, attacks on your denomination and lack of evidence for your premise. Sorry, but you didn't help your cause with that article and deserved the outcry.

Thirdly, please put all of this uproar into perspective! You are making a mountain out of a mole hill. I just returned this evening from meeting with a family down by the local river. The fire department was just concluding the third day of searching for the body of their son Travis, who drowned in the swollen river. They'll be back tomorrow and hopes and fears are, they'll find his body. I submit to you and ask you to put your controversy with your private Christian University into perspective.

I conclude with asking you to graciously contact President Gordon Anderson and respectively ask for a meeting to resolve this controversy. No arguing, no pointing fingers. It is possible, to allow God to turn, as the Old Testament Joseph stated, "what was meant for evil into something good." This could be an example to the wire service and to those who are watching, that Christians can come together, reason together and forgive each other. You may even ask to pray with President Anderson and for him and his family. You may even request that he pray for you.

It could happen this week! A miracle could happen by Easter! Just think! What you thought to be a personal crucifixion upon you and your role in the newspaper could transpire into a life-changing resurrection experience in your life and also the life of the university.

May You Have An Incredible Easter! I'll Be praying!

-- Jeff Hayes

Monday, April 10, 2006

Gordon [Anderson] has been heard saying "most of the parents who send their kids to North Central don't really care if they can think critically or not."

This is a tragedy that the Premier of North Central University is willing to accept that pyridine rather than attempt to change that fact. Dr. Anderson is an extremely well educated man. One would think that a man of his stature and influence would not be content with allowing his graduates' intellect be nothing more than a festering quagmire of vacuity.

But it appears not. And this is the sad affair of things. Because the Northern Light has challenged this system that has been in place, it's editors were removed from their duties, the Communications chair been put on notice, and NCU mistakenly thought that there would be no retribution for these egregious actions.

Legally they have the right to do so as they wish, but what kind of moral precedent has been set? When prospective students hear about what happened here whom will be disgusted? Will NCU then become a place filled with only like-minded automatons readily accepting the commands inputted by their professors? Why does NCU believe that they are safe from those who demand change in their system?

It is unfortunate that it has come to this, but revolution is never easy. In response to Caleb Bartholomew's opinion, which he is of course entitled to: it IS the job of a Christian to "buck spiritual authority" when said authority has become as political as the Pharisees Jesus battled with his whole ministry. Spiritual authority back in the "Great Awakening" at the turn of the 20th century said that those people speaking in tongues were influenced by the devil, but through that "bucking of spiritual authority" came the AG and many other Pentecostal denominations. To submit to this authority would not just be "inconvenient" as Bartholomew put it, but it would also be submission to a group who would rid us all of any spiritual freedom and critical thinking.

Respectfully submitted,
--Jeff Howell, former Northern Light managing editor and editor-in-chief (2001-2003)

This is a catastrophe with a dangerous precedent set: Christian colleges and universities are above the Constitutional rights of its students. Not only is this a definitively fascist tactic with fascist ends and desires, but it is decidedly unChristlike. Christ earned the respect of the people to whom he ministered, either through outwitting them, performing miracles or extraordinary love. He silenced his critics and detractors with insight, analytical or supernatural.

Gordon Anderson, the Board of Regents and presumably the General Council, have earned no one's respect and quashed their critics--in this case, the well-intentioned Northern Light--forcibly and with impunity. And what do the guilty parties have to fear? The truth is something to be upheld and defended, it is something that is above reproach and questioning only brings greater clarity. That said, their actions betray not a willingness to cleave to truth, but to belief, which is a far more dangerous proposition.

Fundamentalists unwilling to negotiate any portion of their belief set are dangerous in both their reticence to dialogue and their often-belligerent assertions of the absolute veracity of their belief set. I wrote many columns, many incendiary, some poorly constructed, all sincerely concerned with the state of affairs at North Central. I never touched the cardinal doctrines. Fletcher did--and as I have said elsewhere, I believe his argument to be shortsighted--and I expected a severe reaction, but not one that violates the guaranteed rights of the press. The issue of tongues will set off a firestorm at an imminent General Council meeting, this is what prompted the reaction. Soulforce is a convenient subconclusion, but questioning tongues is tantamount to the depiction of Muhammed riots in recent months, only instead of violence, North Central (with the endorsement of higher-ups, don't think for a moment this is just an in-house issue) severely restricts the freedom of speech of a student publication and student organization. Fundamentalism is fundamentalism, regardless of religion, because religion has nothing to do with fundamentalism. Control, on the other hand, has everything to do with this.

Legally, what they have done is untouchable prima facie, but ethically, it is a gross injustice and an obvious breach of academic freedom. The pathetic part of the story is that North Central, like many politicians, fails to see their unethical move as such because it breaks no laws and causes the school no immediate or obvious harm. How intellectually and spiritually lazy is that? Arthur Holmes rings true all the more: Christian colleges do not exist to educate, but to indoctrinate...and he was a Wheaton professor to boot!

Christians and Christian institutions should have nothing to fear from journalism, critics and those who question, sometimes all three can be found in one place. No one ever was hurt by meaningful dialogue, nothing that is truthful can be touched in honest discourse, for the pursuit of truth is, in essence, the pursuit of God. To question belief either reaffirms our faith in belief or requires us to rethink it, and there is no shame in either. To deny both questions and the opportunity to rethink, however, promotes ignorance and shelters sincere believers from the often-painful rigors of developing faith and Christlikeness. Instead, it creates thoughtless monsters, clones uniform and dutiful in their thoughts and actions.

Dr. Michael Rakes, an administrator at Southeastern, the Floridian counterpart to North Central, said this in a conference I attended a few weeks ago: "We sell thoughts to students for four years." If this is the case, I am even more happy I decided to transfer from North Central when I did: it was only then that I truly received an education and was able to take the profitable teaching from my time in Minneapolis and put it to good use. It was one course here at UW-Stevens Point, an elementary logic course, that turned the light bulb on inside my head, and instead of anger and bitterness (what I had when I left NCU), I had reasons for my angst and a calculated argument for what was wrong with the system.

What is wrong is their (and many, many other Bible colleges and Christian universities around the country) unwillingness to uphold the liberal arts by offering a basic logic course or anything substantial within the Trivium. A former North Central professor likened it to a technical college, and I'm sorry, but I shudder to think that those who are entrusted to deliver a weekly message, as well as mentor and counsel during the week have the educational status of a diesel mechanic. Nothing against diesel mechanics, but the role of a minister demands a sharper, more nuanced mind than the ability to perform certain tasks a certain way ad infinitum.

What does this have to do with the Northern Light? Everything, for in the scandal that is taking place in downtown Minneapolis, a school dedicated to "Preparing Pentecostal Leaders" is breaking face to stop a small fry medium from asking questions. If they do it to a small newspaper, the movement it sustains certainly is doing it to millions of people around the world. There is no Holy Spirit equivalent to being able to think, God does not think for us. The Pentecostal way is not to turn off our brains and use "missionary tongues", we've tried that before and it burned the movement badly. But we cannot discern what that Pentecostal way may be if we are disallowed our right and duty to ask question and challenge convention. We cannot be Pentecostal leaders if we are not allowed to ask where we are leading the movement and humanity, either "in the church and in the world".

The Northern Light has, in its moment of greatest defeat, shown the world the truth... In reality, this may be its greatest victory.

--B. Elias Sirvio, former Northern Light staff member/editor (2000-2003)
Visit Mr. Sirvio on the web at e8s.blogspot.com.

Friday, April 7, 2006

I read your article on the internet and I am in full support of your cause. They may be able to threaten you with discipline even if you are within your legal rights because they are a private institution. But if they are truly attempting to raise up leaders (pentecostal or otherwise) then they need to be open to all aspects of American life (including the supposed freedom of the press).

--Mike Burgher, former student

I've been informed of the actions taken against the editorial staff of the Northern Light by the administration of North Central University. I'm still reeling -- yet I should not be surprised. Dr. Anderson's administration has a long history of bullying the Northern Light. I felt it when I was leading this fine newspaper, and others before and after me have as well.

Know that I stand ready to lend support as needed. Also know that I am praying for you. You will need wisdom and courage in the time ahead. You will also need to operate with a high level of ethics and morality, so as to prove that you are unimpeachable if need be. I pray that for you as well.

You have my support; I can tell you from first-hand knowledge that you have the support of others as well. This is a rocky road, but you are not walking it alone.

--Douglas Terrell, former NL editorial staff (1995-97)

Just wanted to let you know that I've skimmed your letter to administration, and I'm upset that they have given the newspaper so much grief. It's a student newspaper, not a newsletter from the authorities at school -- it's supposed to reflect individuals' views at the current time. If we didn't question or at least know the foundation of our beliefs, than what kind of education would we be getting? Are we supposed to just swallow everything we've been fed? I think if you're clear about an article being an opinion, and that the views don't necessarily reflect the school or board, it should be fine (which you already do). I think the (NL) staff does a good job at [self-]censorship anyways. There isn't swearing or otherwise offensive material. You're not glorifying anything that's controversial....

I need to pray about this before I write administration. I know it took guts to take a stand, but if that's where God is leading you, stand firm.

--Erin Polzin, alumna (2004)

To all Northern Light editoral staff:

I found out about what happened to you this morning, and my thoughts and prayers are with you. The administration has always been resisitant to the newspaper as an open forum for the free exchange of ideas, happenings and opinion concerning the constituency and readership of that medium, but never went this far. What they have done is irresponsible, hurtful and distinctively despotic, and those who support this measure should be held accountable in public for their plainly wrong stance.

The more distressing truth coming from this is that North Central trumpets their passion for "Preparing Pentecostal Leaders." Is it not part of becoming a mature Christian, or even a mature human being, to develop abstract, higher-level thought processes (which North Central does not)? Is it antithetical to our movement to sincerely question what we hold as conventional assertion (which, by this course of action, shows North Central responding 'yes')? By the administration's bully tactics and under-the-table censorship, we see that it is not an institution that upholds truth or educates minds, but places conformity and submissiveness at the fore of their scholastic philosophy. For that, they should be ashamed and must be held accountable.

Keep fighting the good fight, and you have an army of former NL editors and staff members at your side. You have nothing to lose, the truth is on your side.

--B. Elias Sirvio, former Northern Light staff member/editor (2000-2003)

P.S. I did read that tongues column, and couldn't disagree more. It could have been a better treatment of the topic than it was. Even so, it should not merit censorship.

[I] completely and utterly agree with the adminitration's stance on not allowing certain topics to be printed. I feel that it is the duty of the administration to protect the credibility of North Central University while providing and maintaining a level of order through the use of discretion.

If the administration had done any less, it would have opened the door to an array of different genres of literature. Gossip, hate, and literature of ill-repute could have easily entangled our pages.

I believe that the failure to comply with the administration is failure to submit to spiritual authority. Watchman Nee, in his book entitled "Spiritual Authority," says that the fall of Satan and his angels was due to failure to submit to the spiritual authority of God himself and it continued down the line from Adam to Seth to this very day.

I believe that the administration was completely right to make their decision. Even if it was not the right decision it was still the administration's decision to make. In addition, even those who have dissenting opinions in opposition to the administration have a duty to comply quietly and peacefully because they are under authority ordained by God. If the decision was wrong, the duty remains.

David found himself in opposition to Saul and Saul was seriously in the wrong, but when the opportunity arose, David did not lash out against Saul. At the end of 1 Samuel, Saul fell on his own sword. The story continues in 2 Samuel when a servant claims to have been the one who killed Saul. David was grieved and had the servant put to death because no man had any right to touch the Lord's anointed even if the annointed had wronged them.

God protected David and honored David for his faithfulness to God and his submission to Saul's anointing. God dealt with Saul in His own time and in His own wisdom and if God's annointed has wronged anyone, God will ensure justice. In contrast, if God's anointed has not wronged anyone then God will be with him. Even then, God is always open to reconciliation.

It is not the duty of a Christian to buck spiritual authority, but to submit to it however hard or inconvenient it may be.

I applaud the administration for their willingness to stand firm and to take a bold stand in that regard. I have a renewed respect for the administration. Consistency is the mark of excellence.

--Caleb J. Bartholomew, student