Newspapers / North Carolina Wesleyan University … / Oct. 16, 1964, edition 1 / Page 2
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PAGE TWO THE DECREE EMomk . . . A Realistic Outlook We can all testily that the time has come to take a close look at religion and the religious opportunity here on campus and to attempt to reach some realistic conclusions as to its nature and place here or on any campus. While sitting in Chapel last Thursday some of us (those who were listening) heard Dr. Collins explain that although we were gathered for worship in the same place in which we dined and danced, we must, nevertheless, divorce our minds from these activities and regard ourselves, for the duration of an hour, as being in the house of the Lord, in which we could freely enter faito and share our worship together—spontaneous, conscientious, free worship, wasn’t and isn’t hard to do—God can be worshipped by anyone in almost anyplace. (Though there be those who disagree.) However, there was one fact before us which made a paradox and a mockery of the entire situation, as it always does. This fact was, that before us were small yellow (or pink, or white, or blue) cards which each of us had to sign. We had proved to God that we had gathered in his name—now all we had to do was to turn in the cards and prove to the Chapel Committee, or whatever, that we were there taking part in our “free and spontaneous worship of God.” There are many reasons for stressing student worship in a church affiliated school, and for mandatory Chapel services. Let us name several and take a closer look at them. The first and primary reason is the very nature of a church affiliated school and its beliefs. A Christian education is the object of such an institution. Therefore, reasons the institution, the entire community (yes, the commniiity—read the catalog) should gear itself toward this end. Chapel is a means of fulfilling this goal. It is further argued, whenever Chapel ‘gripes ’ arise, that every student (and we should suppose, faculty member—since they are members of the community) knew this when they were accepted into Weslean and therefore should not complain. Of course, it isn’t explained how a person of the Jewish or Budhist religion can meaning fully benefit from a Christian education since the tenets of their faiths do not stress or include Christ; and yet, these people are accepted into Wesleyan and then “exempted” from Chapel on religious grounds—only to be sent to the library during Chapel period. This seems to place the whole idea of Chapel into a penalty category. It is indeed astounding how these poor souls ever manage to escape the flames withoute college Chapel. A second reason for mandatory Chapel is to provide the “opportunity” for the entire community to unite in meaningful worship. While this concept is noble enough, there are several holes in it. In the first place, the entire “community” does not unite in worship, (note faculty members, non-Christian, special students, and those who simply refuse to join in). In the second place, mandatory Chapel does rK>t provide an opportunity to worship—it makes one. In the third place, how can a service have meaning when punishment (and I don’t mean God’s) will fall upon those who don’t properly utilize this opportunity! A third reason formandatory Chapel is the fact that the Church Conference, school community (in this case. Rocky Mount) and the higher school officials and boards cxpect such a thing. Here we may be closer to the truth that some of us would care to admit. This is based on the narrow-minded and erronious assumption that if everyone is made. to to to Chapel and to gather in the name of the Lord, that the guidance provided will necessarily guide those into the ways of the church. Or, one could say that it looks good. You can lead a horse to water and he may drink—if you don’t force his nose under water. Now, what are the possible reactions to such a set up? Generally, we could say that there are three: 1—Students will ignore the fact that they must go to Chapel, and will unite in worship and benefit anyway. 2—Students will generally detest the fact that they are being forced to come and, while worshipping on Sundays in other places, will refuse to enter into the college service. 3—Students will become confused and irritated at being placed in such a position, and will com pletely turn themselves from any type of worship, whether at school or not. It is a generally known fact that many students resent the present Chapel system to such a degree that they benefit little from it, if at all. Of the reasons given for holding manda tory Chapel, this fact would seem to cancel out all but the last. So, rather than aiding and guiding the students, this form of Chapel would seem to do more harm (spiritually) than good. This leads us to question the moral legitimacy of such a system. Perhaps those who initate this system truly believe it to be for the good of all—at least we hope so! However, such doesn’t seem to be the case. Rather than strengthening, it consufes and destroys. The fact that stduents are forced to attend Chapel and the added insull of requiring them to prove it is really too much of a mockery and sign of distrust for most of us to take seriously. A wholesome attitude cannot be reflected by those who feel that they are being put ujkmi. Our country has thrived on the principle of separation of church and state and when one forces itself upon the other there is bound to be trouble. (Note the word force. This does not mean that the two cannot compliment each other, it simply means that one should not be thrown agaiost the FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1964 m President’s “Poverty Plan” Felt At Wesleyan! Letter To Editor Today Ladybird Johnson visited Rocky Mount. As a result of this, the administration magnani mously announced that box lunch es would be provided for the evening meal so that students could go see Mrs. Johnson. This: despite the fact that a very small portion of the student body cared to make the trip anyway. Students here pay $237 a semester for board. As a gen eral rule, the cafeterlal staff does a fairly good job of pro viding the balanced diet which we expect for our money. How ever, once In a while, we get stuck with such junk as this box lunch deal. This is not only not balanced; it Is not even good to ear. For that we pay $237 a semester? If we accept Mrs. Johnson's visit as the reason, the excuse Is still an exceedingly poor one. However, there Is a theory go ing around campus that this may not be the whole story. It Is a fact that a banquet was being held for high school coun selors on that night. Could this possibly be the real reason for our box lunch? "Tso, this rea son Is even less acceptable. We do not mind such groups meet* Ing here, but it should not be at our expense. Perhaps this is not the reason, but It Is worthwhile to speculate upon It. In conclusion, the only part of the school to benefit from this deal was the snack bar. It was kept exceedingly busy servlnir food to students who had beei gyped out of their evening meal. It Is to be hoped that In the fu ture, a well-balanced diet will once again be the course for our student body. Allen Martin The U.S. In Politics by Ray O’Kelly This Election* A Contradiction? In the presidential election campaign of 1960 John F. Kennedy charged that we were behind in the missle race. Bacause Kennedy discussed the problem many •people feared that his election might bring this country into war (ridiculous)—but did it? We never had a war because John Kennedy had the strength of character to stand behind his decisions; he had the (pardon the ex pression) “guts” to risk war if it was necessary to secure peace. Since Kennedy’s election in 1960 the U.S. has been constantly imder the threat of nuclear war. The troubles In Berlin multiplied during Kennedy’s tendure of office; the Cuban crisis made clear the possibility of war on the mainland of the U.S.—^the reaction on the part of the American people was one of shock. Now as the election of ’64 approaches polsters say that a majority of Americans have, after four years, contradicted their belief in a strong President. Instead of electing an outstanding individual, th'e p>olsters say our country is going to elect an old New Dealer politician. What has caused this about face? other.) Modem education is quite changed from what it used to be and its systems must change to. , . but some haven’t Look at church affiliated schools all over the country—look at the unrest—look at the (unheeded) criticism—ask students at other church supported schools what they think of their Chapel systems and religious concepts— and then you will have to ask: “What is wrong?” The answer is: Times have changed but religious concepts haven’t. These, too, must gear themselves to adapt to society. Perhaps our system could stand a little scrutiny; a few changes, a method to fit the needs. What we need here is a real opportunity to worship without being forced to do so. If there is any disagreement with this suggestion, then it is feared that the real reason for mandatory Chapel wUl stereoscope forth from the dark, in which case our system is a hypocrisry and we are living under a lie. Ripples By Dodle Waters THE INFANTILE CLASS OF ’68 Well, the class of ’68 already made a name for itself. Lots of luck In living it down. The year began with a boom. The red car pet was laid out and the fresh men class received the warmest welcome ever given at Wes leyan. Joe Boling and the Orien tation Committee did a good job - perhaps too good. Maybe we shouldn’t get bean- nies for next years’ frosh—paci fiers may be more appropriate. The freshmen started tiielr re volt rather early., by removing their caps when iMTlag the cam pus. Personally, I’m glad the frosh didn’t wear their beannles In town. I wouldn’t want the townspeople to know that Wes leyan how has a nursery class. Take your thumbs out of your mouths, freshmeni Write your two cents worth down Md let the DECREE hear your side. Now what about the upperclass men? Why the revolt? What went wrong? Some go too far. Then again, some freshmen almost ask for It. Well, we can all take lots of guesses. But I think ril put the blame on that old worn out subject “Wesleyan Spirit." Did the freshmen realize the honor there Is in wearing a Wes leyan beannie? Do the upper classmen? Are the students proud of Wesleyan? If so, show It. If not, wake upl Many students are apt to think that because Wesleyan Is young she doesn’t come up to par. This Is true. She doesn’t come up to par—she surpasses it. Don’t scoff, but take a good long look at the facts. The number of Wesleyan’s faculty who have their doctorate Is equal, if not more, than many other colleges. The SGA has been given freedom, encouragement, time and money. The commis sion budgets have been passed without question. I could go on and on, but you ought to count your blessings yourselves. Wesleyan is growing up. And It’s about time her students started to grow up too. Maybe beannles should be reserved for upperclassmen for It is not only an honor but a responsibility as well. ...just a few words By Melvin Dowdy Salvation, like energy, can -neither be created nor destroy ed, but is the gift of God. It has been discovered that wood Is, potentially, energy. When consumed by an active energy, fire, the wood releases Its potential, radiant heat and light. Man’s potential as a child of God, a discovery of faith, Is ac tivated when consumed by God’s Sacrifice, the active energy of Jesus Christ, Then men must warm and Illuminate. Hebrews 12:29 “For our God Is a c^nsuming fire.”
North Carolina Wesleyan University Student Newspaper
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Oct. 16, 1964, edition 1
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