Dr. Bill Reames, Professor of English
Erskine Holds Formal Opening
Erskine students, faculty and staff gathered in Lesesne Auditorium today for the formal opening of the 165th year of Erskine College and the 167th year of Erskine Theological Seminary, highlighted by President John L. Carson's address, "A Gastronomic View of Christian Higher Education."
Looking at the relationship between Christianity and higher education, Carson cited H. Richard Niebuhr's five models of faith and society in Christ and Culture, describing each in terms of food. For example, Carson said Niebuhr's paradigm "Christ above culture" might imply that Christianity tops off the pursuit of education in much the same way that whipped cream and cherries top off a hot fudge sundae. A prayer offered at a ball game might acknowledge the Christian faith while academic life remains largely unaffected by it.
Niebuhr's fourth model, "Christ transforming culture," most closely describes his own view, Carson said, in which the right amount of Christianity in the preparation of an academic subject produces the desired result. Comparing the professor to an expert cook, Carson said, "You need to get the seasoning right. Salt is not the enemy of green beans — it brings out their flavor.
"Come up with your own model of Christianity and higher education," Carson urged students. "We're in desperate need of people to identify themselves with Christ and make a difference in the world around them. Where can you make a difference for
Christ?"
Erskine Vice President and Dean of the College Dr. Donald Weatherman introduced six new college faculty members. "One of the things that brought me to Erskine is the strength of the faculty here," he said. "President Carson told me when I came here that my job was to continue that strength."
Neely Gaston, Vice President of Erskine Theological Seminary, brought greetings from the seminary and introduced this year's new faculty member. "Erskine Seminary has welcomed 100 new students this fall, continuing its record growth," he said.
Erskine College Student Government Association president Caroline Culp welcomed new and returning students. "The Lord is already using students in wonderful ways," she said. "And in the short time we've been on campus this fall, we've seen some great new things — we have a climbing wall on campus now and soon we'll have Java City, a coffee and dessert bar."
Seminary Student Body president Todd Davis said he understood the apprehension some students might be feeling as they face the beginning of the school year. "I came to Erskine Seminary in the fall of 2001 after being out of school for 10 years," he said. "It's easy to allow daily demands to take our focus off God, who offers each of us who turn to Him in prayer a time of refreshing."
Erskine Admissions Director Bart Walker offered a brief profile of the Class of 2007, noting that two thirds of Erskine's entering freshmen graduated in the top 25 percent of their high school class.
"These students are leaders — student government and student council presidents, club officers, athletes — who have taken time to assist others in their communities," said Walker. "We look forward to the impact this class will have on Erskine College."
Prayers were offered by the Rev. Paul Patrick, Erskine College and Seminary chaplain, and Dr. John Warren led the singing of the Alma Mater. The Emerald City Brass provided music.
