JACKSON — Amidst cultural debates on human identity, Union University trustees have approved a comprehensive statement on biblical anthropology that defines what it means to be human.
The document was unanimously passed during the board’s spring meeting on campus last April and will guide the institution’s approach to teaching and scholarship.
“In today’s world, foundational questions about who we are as human beings are more contested than ever,” said Union president Samuel W. “Dub” Oliver in a press release from the university.
The statement emerged from a two-year collaborative process involving faculty across multiple disciplines and represents a key achievement in the university’s strategic plan, Protinus, which aims to strengthen Christ-centered higher education.
Tackling the profound questions about humanity, the new framework draws directly from Scripture to provide clarity in an increasingly confused cultural landscape.
“That’s why this statement matters: it draws a clear line, rooted in Scripture, about what it means to be created in God’s image, to be male and female, and to live with dignity and purpose,” said Oliver.
The statement contains ten sections affirming several fundamentals, stating humans:
– Are created by God
– Bear God’s image
– Exist as both physical and spiritual beings
– Are created male and female
– Are designed for procreation
– Have dominion over the earth
– Are made for communion with God
– Are created as individuals for community
– Are fallen and are restored in Christ
“The document was generated because we see that most of the big issues confronting Christians today are rooted in the question of what it means to be human and what it means for humans to flourish,” said Ray Van Neste, Dean and Professor of Biblical Studies who led the task team that created the document. “Dr. Oliver wanted us to produce a statement which summarized the Bible’s teaching on this in order to serve as a guiding statement for Union and as a resource for churches and other universities.”
After the initial draft was completed, the statement underwent refinement through consultation with Union’s Executive Council, the task team, trustees, and with input from all university employees.
The document has already attracted interest beyond the university community. “Some pastors asked if their church could adopt the statement for their church. Others asked about using it for a teaching series. We are happy for it to be used in any way that is helpful,” Van Neste noted.
Van Neste believes this may be the first document of its kind and scope produced by a Christian college addressing this topic, marking it as “a significant event” that “speaks to a significant need of the day.”
The complete biblical anthropology statement is available on the university’s website at www.uu.edu/about/framework-for-biblical-anthropology.cfm.
Budget increase
In other matters, the budget trustees approved is an increase of about $4.2 million, or 4.4 percent, from this year’s budget.
“As trustees, we are deeply grateful for the Lord’s continued provision and faithfulness to Union University,” said Jeff Perkins, chairman of the Board of Trustees. “The financial strength reflected in this year’s budget is a testament not only to wise stewardship by our administration, but also to the generosity of our supporters and God’s sustaining hand over this institution. Union’s solid financial footing enables us to invest in our mission, serve our students with excellence and look confidently to the future as we continue to advance Christ-centered higher education.”
In his report to the trustees, Oliver updated them on the repairs taking place to the Penick Academic Complex after an April 3 storm caused heavy flooding and significant damage to part of the facility. Restoration of the water-damaged areas is progressing, and drywall is going up, Oliver said, with repairs expected to be finished by the end of June.
The university also plans to demolish the Blasingame Academic Complex after the spring semester ends, as was previously planned in the campus master plan.
Tenure, promotions granted
Trustees promoted seven professors: Karen Martin and Bobby Rogers in the Department of Languages, Literature and Writing and Chris Blair in the Department of Communication Arts were promoted to university professor. Anita Langston in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Tammy Patton in the School of Social Work and Jacob Shatzer in the School of Theology and Missions were promoted to professor. Betsy Caceres in the Department of Chemistry was promoted to associate professor.
Trustees also approved tenure for nine professors: Jinni Leigh Blalack, associate professor of psychology; Kyle Butler, professor of education; Austin Camp, associate professor of pharmacy practice; Andrew Courtner, associate professor of education; Jason Cox, associate professor of social work; Anita Langston, professor of nursing; Taylor Mathis, associate professor of pharmacy practice; Megan Pittman, associate professor of nursing; and Rebekah Whitaker, associate professor of communication arts.
Editor’s note: This article was updated to include quotes from Ray Van Neste.