################################################################## The Student Voice Issue 7, Number 2 4.25.1997 ################################################################## 439+ Readers - some agree, some disagree, others don't care ################################################################## A mind is a terrible thing to waste. . . . ################################################################## Who We Are: The Student Voice is a bi-weekly, on-line commentary and editorial page put out by PCC alumni about the problems that are prevalent at Pensacola Christian College. As an institution that considers itself at the pinnacle of true Christianity, PCC ought to be willing to defend its practices with Scripture and common sense, but unfortunately, when one compares the "system" and the "spirit" of PCC with true Christianity, PCC falls far short. Our purpose is three-fold: (1) To provide public exposure regarding the practices at PCC; (2) To compare PCC dogma with Scriptural principle, generally accepted societal behavior, and the law of reason; (3) By bringing about this exposure, to see PCC make some positive changes in the areas of discipline, communication with parents and students, church practice, ethical behavior, and educational philosophy. Acts 17:11 "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." ################################################################## QUOTES OF THE WEEK "It takes two to speak the truth, -- One to speak, and another to hear." - Henry David Thoreau, from "Wednesday" "We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are." - Anais Nin "Truth is always exciting. Speak it then. Life is boring without it." - Pearl S. Buck "We do not promote nor tolerate bureaucratic empires within our organization." - Dr. Arlin Hortin, PCC President and Founder, 95/96 PERSONNEL HANDBOOK ################################################################## TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 1. I. Voice Announcements II. Some Thoughts from William Barclay III. Essays A. "The Heart of PCC," guest essay by Ram Rod B. "Dr. Horton, Rebellion, and Submission," guest essay by Theresa Avalon IV. Things You "Won't" Do at PCC Page 2. V. A Note on the Voice Billboard VI. Your Comments VII. Food For Thought ################################################################## I. VOICE ANNOUNCEMENTS >>> We want to extend an invitation to anyone who wants to write an essay in opposition to anything The Voice has written, and if anyone is interested in a "point/counterpoint" type of debate with The Voice, contact us for more information. >>> If you do not wish to receive The Student Voice, please drop us an e-mail and let us know. If you know of someone else who would be interested in receiving The Student Voice, let us know. ################################################################## II. SOME THOUGHTS FROM WILLIAM BARCLAY An excerpt from A SPIRITUAL AUTOBIOGRAPHY "In teaching, my first desire has always been to interest the listener; if I don't interest him, he will soon stop being a listener. But I have never been eager that he should think as I think, but only that he should think. I hope that he will agree with me, but, if he does not, I shall be well content if he will examine his own beliefs in the light of what I say. The only kind of person who really 'offends' me, to use Somerset Maugham's word, is the person with the shut mind who refuses even to think about what is said to him, the person who deliberately misunderstands, the person who substitutes parrot cries for thought, and, worst of all, the person who criticises a writer without ever having read a word of his books. I hope that I have always taught in order to stimulate and to awaken, and never to indoctrinate and stifle." ################################################################## III. ESSAYS [The Newsletter Editor is currently deeply engrossed in final exams and is therefore unable to contribute anything for this week's issue.] ---------------------------- "The Heart of PCC" Guest Essay by Ram Rod The heart of the matter surrounding the controversies brewing at Pensacola Christian College is really a matter of the heart. Huh? What I'm trying to say is that when you look for the heart of the problems at PCC you should look no further than the condition of its heart. It's easy to say that the school is heartless judging from some recent episodes, but that wouldn't be totally accurate. A heart is there. It's just not the kind of heart needed for the mission the school claims to be carrying out. There are several areas of the heart where PCC and its staff have been found lacking in recent years. First, they lack an educator's heart. It didn't take me long to learn the difference between training and education. I see a lot of training going on at PCC and similar-minded institutions but very little education. Training provides the trainees stimulus in order to condition them to make response A for situation A in very black-and-white terms. What happens when it's an A-B situation? That's where an education comes in. Educated people can acquire wisdom by analyzing and using their abilities to reason and intelligently work their way through everyday situations. However, in order to develop these skills, students must have a chance to think for themselves and to voice their opinions to a certain degree. In an Orwellian institution like PCC, these opportunities simply don't exist. Faculty members, many of whom have only a little more learning than their students, lack the ability and the security to let their students stretch just a little bit. After all, they may learn too much. And, if you're the average PCC faculty member, you know there's not that many other places you can go (at least where you can go home without smelling like French fries) with your background, education and work experience. You're stuck while you unwittingly reproduce people just like you. Secondly, they lack a father's heart. It's probably common knowledge that Arlin and Beka Horton do not have any children. Had they been so blessed, the king and queen of PCC would have learned something which is sorely lacking on campus these days, flexibility and compassion. I've only been a father a few months, and I'm learning how to be more flexible every day. While my daughter, even in her infancy, has standards I expect her to follow, I'm learning to be flexible when she doesn't quite live up to what I'm after. I love her all the same, and it hurts me to deprive her of things when I know it will make her cry. I am dreading the day when I will have to spank her because this child is a part of me and I would die for her. When she does transgress, I won't throw her out on the street with no explanation which seems to be modus operandi at PCC. I've learned that a parent forgives and embraces the child. He doesn't condone the wrongdoing, but corrects it with a loving, sorrowful heart hoping all along the child will go the right way and come away from the experience that much wiser. He certainly doesn't sit behind some desk and quote regulations before slamming the door. Nor does he take a seemingly gleeful approach to lowering the boom which by all accounts Ohman, Goddard and company seem to do when they're ending someone's academic career. I really have to wonder about these guys' home life. Becoming a parent, I've totally redefined compassion. When you look down into that little face and see that she's totally dependent on you for her very life, it changes you. You don't get mad about getting up at 2:30 in the morning. You don't fret over changing nasty diapers. You're not uptight that your house isn't as immaculate as it used to be. You realize here is a gift from God placed in your care. This little soul is the one thing from this earth that you can take to Heaven with you, and you shudder when you realize you'll stand before the Creator of the Universe and give an account for the way you raised this brand new person. Not being in the parental mode may explain why PCC seems to have no conscience about doing some of the things they do to their students. (Had the Hortons been parents, they also might not insist that faculty members' wives with small children be required to work in the various "ministries." I'm digressing, but that needs to be addressed.) Thirdly, there is no one on campus that I've seen who possesses a pastor's heart. Yes, I'm an instigator. I like talking about Jim Schettler to PCC loyalists. It's a red-hot button that I just love to push. In their heart of hearts, most PCC lovers know that Jim Schettler is no pastor and they also know the role to which he is confined is impotent and unbiblical. His position isn't really that different from when he was a member of the college yard detail. Oh, he gets paid more and has more of a prominent position, but he still beckons to the Hortons' every whim. He knows that if he were step into a matter involving a student (technically a member of his flock) and the school that he would be out on the street in a heartbeat. He's just another employee. Yet, how many churches who support PCC and send their students there have pastors who beat up us Southern Baptist folks for having "deacon-run churches" and "church government by committee." I'm here to tell you even the wimpiest Southern Baptist pastor has more power in his pulpit and the workings of the church than does Pastor Schettler. I have heard it said numerous times that Mrs. Horton regularly critiques his sermons. (He told this to a source of mine who was so embarrassed for Pastor Schettler because it didn't seem to bother him to tell this to a small group of fundamental ministers. It's no secret that Pastor Schettler is not in great demand as a speaker, even in churches that support PCC.) These students, as do all Christians, need a pastor to instruct, encourage and, yes, discipline them. A pastor should be able to jerk you upside of the head one moment and then console you the next. This man needs to be answerable only to God (but he should make himself accountable before any man) and have the power to affect change. Pastor Schettler has none of that power. Thus, these Campus Church attendees have no one to meet their needs. Of course, it goes without saying that the Campus Church does in no way, shape or form bear any resemblance to the New Testament church alluded to in scripture. I really like some of the lines that have been tossed my way in recent years. "The Campus Church is moving toward autonomy," and if my grandmother had wheels, she'd be a wagon. My favorite is the analogy of Horton as Moses and Schettler as Aaron. Funny, neither of them look Jewish to me. Lastly, and most importantly, the institution totally lacks the heart of Christ. Even one of the school's supporters told me, "the bottom line at PCC is the bottom line." Let's look at I Corinthians 13. "Love is patient ..." (Hard to remember while security guards stand over a student who has been given 90 minutes to leave campus upon his expulsion.) "Love is kind ..." (A tearful student pleads with an administrator to tell him why he is being expelled and this cold-faced brute gives him no answer, only a lack of respect.) "It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud ..." ("If you're really sincere about serving God, PCC is the only place for you." A bit of sarcasm after watching the new "Catch the Spirit" recruitment video.) "Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth ..." ("Unauthorized newsletters" are added to offenses which can earn students expulsion under new guidelines issued to incoming students.) "It always protects ..." (You're outta here, we don't care what happens to you once we've ruined your academic reputation.) "Always trusts ..." (We'll take the word of an anonymous stranger over a longtime student.) "Always hopes ..." ("5 demerits for borrowing." "Borrowing what," I wonder.) "Always preseveres." (Unless you're accused of "thought crimes.") "Love never fails." (Tell that to the citizens of Pensacola who are witnessing this aberration being done in Christ's name.) You can put several incidents alongside these verses. I challenge everyone to read this passage and then think about what's being perpetrated at PCC. It doesn't add up. It's indeed easy to understand that many of the problems at PCC are problems of the heart. Only a change in heart (as in getting their hearts right with God) is going to change anything at PCC. That's really the heart of the matter. --------------------------------- "Dr. Horton, Rebellion, and Submission" Guest essay by Theresa Avalon Upon reading several issues of "The Student Voice," I am struck by how often the word "rebellion" comes up in reference to those who are responsible for this publication. The way I see it, rebellion *against* authority can be manifested in several ways. Dr. Horton, in my opinion, has committed a much more subtle, but ever-so-apparent form of such. To be perfectly honest, the one thing that amazes me about this whole Student Voice thing is the idea that Dr. Horton and the administration are above criticism. Since when? When you set yourself up as a leader, expect some criticism. And no, its not all bad. "Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge, but he that hateth reproof is brutish," (Proverbs 12:1). Brute: adj. 1. of or typical of beasts 2. unreasoning. No, I do not think the first definition applies in this case, but the second one certainly does. Let's face it, for the past twenty-five (or so) years, Dr. Horton has ruled over PCC virtually unchecked. In effect, he has answered to NO ONE. Just look at the Board of Directors. He may garner advice from them, but as for the day-to-day running of the place, that is stricly up to Dr. Horton. The others, quite frankly, have their own ministries to worry about, or, in Mrs. Horton's case, stands to lose too much if she disagrees, so she says nothing. May I pose this one question: To whom, on this earth, does Dr. Horton answer? We all answer to God, so that doesn't count. What *temperal* authority holds Dr. Horton accountable for his actions? The only correct answer is NONE. NO ONE. We'll go through the list: The Campus Church is a non-denominational church, so Horton answers to no church board. The school is not accredited, so he answers to no accredidation board. He accepts no government money, so (until recently) he's been able to keep the state and federal governments out of his way. He brings too much revenue into the city for the local government to tell him much. And, to top it all off, he signs the paychecks of his own pastor and lavishes gifts on him and his family (with much fanfare), so his own pastor does not dare speak against him at the risk of killing the golden egg-laying goose. The only two entities that have dared to question him are the Pensacola News Journal and the Student Voice. What did Horton proceed to do with both of them? Eliminated student access to them. Granted, you can buy the News-Journal off campus and bring it on, I'm sure, with no problems. I'm sure that hard copies of the Student Voice have been brought on campus and read by current students. But my point is, you can't obtain them on campus anymore. Why? Because Dr. Horton won't tolerate ANYONE questioning him. Why does he think it is perfectly all right to set up this little cocoon of power without ANYONE to check it? Lord Acton said, "Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." Why is Dr. Horton any different? Because he runs a ministry? God forbid, then he should be ALL THE MORE accountable for what he does with the school. It is NOT unreasonable for a college president to be held accountable by the college's alumni society. Yes, PCC has an alumni society, but have we EVER had a meeting with Dr. Horton to address things that we see from a former student's point of view? No, of course not. (As other alumni have stated before, the only thing I've been asked to do is select officers.) Just look on the inside of the latest "Update." Nearly all the officers are people that are still there, so Dr. Horton signs their paychecks, too. To be honest, the alumni elections seem to me to be quite a bit like every other PCC election. Certain people were nominated because they fit the image. I know what's been said before; if a student does not like it, they can leave. But what about those of us who chose to stick it out and now would like to offer a few suggestions? Only now can we do so without fear of recrimination. Have we no avenue for expressing our concerns? Are we just supposed to go there, stay four years, graduate, and say nothing afterward? Obviously not, or why would they bother with even a "puppet" alumni organization? It would be one thing if just a few of us alumni had a problem with how the school is run. But the response to this publication indicates that Paul, his group of editors and myself are not alone in our desire for some changes at PCC. Like the old expression goes, when that many people tell you you are dead, it's time to lie down. Assuming that not all PCC graduates have Internet access, it still behooves Dr. Horton to pay heed to what we say. For this many people to tell Dr. Horton that he's wrong and needs to change things just for him to turn around and say, no, *we* are wrong and *we* need to see that, is the ultimate act of both stupidiy (see the verse I quoted above) and arrogance. Instead of Dr. Horton being rebellious against authority, he has just removed all temperal authority from above him. How is this any less an act of rebellion? Because he can afford it? Perish the thought. This is not a "root of bitterness" talking here, and the sooner Dr. Horton realizes this, the better off everyone will be. We can't all be bitter, and if we are, then something really IS wrong. Sure, we could've all left if we didn't like it. But that still leaves Dr. Horton master of all he surveys and accountable to no one. Must be nice. ################################################################## IV. THINGS YOU "WON'T" DO AT PCC Compiled by lupos [Since so many of you wish to keep focusing on rules, rather than the philosophy behind them, we will be glad to enter into the fray. Our problem here at The Student Voice is not the rules per se, for we recognize the need for them. Our problem, however, is the reasons behind them. You see, rules are only the effects of a particular cause, and without understanding the cause, you will never understand the effect. Likewise, without addressing the cause, you can talk and complain all you want to about the effect, and guess what? The effect remains the same.] Rules, rules: Yes, there are many, and quite a few are things you shouldn't be doing anyway, but to put things in perspective, and shed light on what PCC's "standards" really prohibit, check out the following compilation. Please submit your own poignant additions. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- You won't... o Stay up all night in a heated discussion about theology. o Take a moonlight walk on the beach. o Get together with a bunch of friends (girls and guys) for a barbecue. o Go to the county fair. o Research any controversial authors. o Hold a meaningful student government position. o Work on a campus newsletter. o Get up before 5:30. o Have a spring break. o Wear shorts to the beach. o Spend Thanksgiving at home. o Make a free local call. o Form a band. o Get a job at the Gap (girls). o Rent a video. o Own a fish. o See the end of the Monday Night Football game. o Sit on the steps outside your dorm and play a harmonica. o Have a three-day weekend. o Open the window on a nice day. o Have Pizza delivered. o Lock your door. o Have a water-fight. o Pick at the guitar while sitting on your bed. o Go to a church with less than 4000 people. o Listen to Rich Mullins. o Go to the drive-in. o Take a girl out to eat. o Read a Superman comic. o Laugh too loud. o Check the answering machine. o Turn up your stereo. o Wear Birkenstocks. o Go on a road trip. o Surf the internet. o Be given the benefit of the doubt. ############################################################### V. A NOTE ON THE VOICE BILLBOARD [This is from the individual who took care of the billboard for The Voice - eds.] I just wanted to let everyone know that even though the board had to come down, PCC never bought the space. Because of a lease trade with Lamar, I was pressured to take it down. The Drunk Driving campaign that replaced the board was technically donated by The Student Voice and NOT PCC. We legally had the space for another 2 weeks, so I choose to put this copy up. PCC should get NO credit for any community service. Thanks, Steve Gammel ############################################################### VI. YOUR COMMENTS ************************ The opinions, ideas, and facts stated in this section do not necessarily represent those of The Student Voice. We make our best efforts to be fair and to verify factual statements. ************************ Comments Regarding Last Week's Issue (Issue 7, No. 1) ------------------------------ Really enjoyed the article [guest essay by Pete Gage] in the last Student Voice! Fantastic. I especially liked the line "dressing as a clown and telling children about hell." I laughed so hard. It really hits the assanine, stupid stunts that many fundamentalists use to try to preach the gospel. It's one of the reasons so many Americans can recite the sinner's prayer, yet don't have enough sense not to vote for Bill Clinton. This article coupled with Paul's review of the burial article in PCC Update (wasn't that the craziest thing you've ever seen?) really helped make this an outstanding issue. Good work! ------------------------------ Dear Voice, Excellent article [about cremation]. I only hope that those who read will see the relevance of it since it has extreme importance philosophically. Most of those who picked up the article may have thought, "Why in the world is he writing about cremation?” Well to answer, one must ask Mutsch why he would decide to write on the subject. I think I may have the answer, or at least a direction one could go to find the answer. When I went to PCC I worked on the stage crew. I think it was about a year ago that I was working back stage during one of the "preacher boys" class and I heard Mutsch preaching about cremation. Many of my thoughts were the same as yours. What in the world is he doing having a class about this, and my other thoughts were that what he was saying didn't sound right. Your essay helped clear things up because since that time I've tried to put the discussion out of my mind. So here he is again and his message is in print. Why? Is this a major crisis within Christendom? No, probably the charismatic movement is, or is it the KJV only scandal, or is it women wearing pants, or the movies, or new Christian music(CCM)? (There, I've successfully dealt with most of the issues your not allowed to have offending discussions on at PCC.) Does anyone ever get a chance to disagree or do individuals like Mutsch just come up with these ideas and go unchallenged. I know were not the only two who could have cringed when we heard this message. It's funny to me that this issue he has chosen to add to this newsletter would be so much on the forefront of his mind that he would think to put it into a publication that is sent out to thousands of people. Maybe someone thinks that this is a deep spiritual truth. If it is, can we move on? This type of teaching/preaching as you mentioned is a particular problem with those who use (and waste) the word fundamentalist to describe themselves. (it should be fundaimwriteyourwrongamentalist) I've seen it time and time again. They pick a particular issue, out of who knows where, and begin to preach on it. It's always something you should not be doing, and because it sounds good, if your not thinking and searching, you can be duped. Whole organizations have been founded on this type of teaching and preaching. People who tell you what not to do, what not to eat and where not to go, when the Bible specifically forbids this type of teaching. (Doesn’t everyone claim to know what the Bible teaches? That’s why I like your verse at the front of the Voice) These kind of things sound good but only lead to spiritual pride and death. Timothy was told that being a good preacher required freeing Christians up from these kind of people and rules. Some don't give thought to modern day Pharisee’s, but they do exist. Wanting to follow God they set up these rules but they miss who God really is. On the outside they appear to be earnest but there hearts are so far from the freedom He gives. Cloaked in self righteousness they trick new or immature believers into carrying on this torch of dead Christianity and they make there new converts worse than themselves. They teach there own brand of following God and they deny His existence and His work outside there own circles just as the Jews did before us. When will this kind of preaching stop? I hope it ends here as we pray God's kingdom takes control. I have much more I would like to say particularly things from the last issue but I haven't made the time yet, so it will have to wait. Keep up the good work. yours, B---- ------------------------------ I believe that an article regarding cremation in the Update is not inappropriate. A few thoughts: - Let us not loose sight of the fact that God cares enough about our physical bodies to raise them. - Often the choice of cremation is simply an economic one: cremation being cheaper than a ground burial. [Actually, cremation is almost always more expensive than burial - eds.] - Some anti-religious people will use cremation as a way to challenge God's power. In an attempt to make it difficult for Him to raise them after their ashes are scattered at sea (or the like). So a ground burial can be used to differentiate ourselves in a community or family that is of this ilk. ------------------------------ Dear Voice, Interesting conclusions on the topic of Cremation. When I read that article I wondered some of the same things...like "What is this doing in the PCC Update?" I've never read something like that in the BJU Review. Anyways, I do agree section E of the Cremation article. Once we are dead our bodies are useless to us. Hey, when I die I don't really care what happens to my shell. I'll be with the Lord in my new perfect glorified body. Amen. Besides, isn't cremation cheaper? [No - eds.] (Not that it matters too much...but some families might not be able to afford the high costs of a regular funeral. And we want to be good stewards of our money right?) Oh, another thing. Is being an organ donor bad? When you die and some doctor takes out half your body parts to help someone else live is that desecrating our temple? I don't think so. Looks like you did your research. Until the next voice appears, A--- ------------------------------ I would like to applaud Jeremy Piontek for his response to the "right to be shadowed" guy. What you wrote was exactly the way I feel and I think it's wrong to punish and humilate any person this way. I know how it feels afterwards - I was shadowed and didn't get shipped. L--- ************************ Comments in General ------------------------------ To Whom it May Concern, I will not speculate on your spiritual attitude, as you requested, you've done that for me. You need to look at any college handbook, Christian or state, before you list all the things you have listed. Many of the rules are laws of the land, i.e. plagiarism, stealing, computer piracy, etc. It sounds like sour grapes from someone who cannot learn what submission is all about. I did not dig into your site, nor will I waste the time, but it sounds as if you almost are accusing PCC of being a cult? I attended, graduated, and promote the ministry of PCC. What ministry do you promote? Yes, there are rules, there must be rules, for without rules anarachy rules. (Or is that your style?) If you do not like the college, fine. Just find something that you feel the Lord will be glorified with. Just think what you could have accomplished for God in the amount of time you have spend on this project! I would give you specific reasons why I agree with the rules established at PCC, but it would do no good. Just as me, your mind is made up. I guess you would not like working at McDonalds, they have a dress code and a language code and point system for keeping your job or getting ahead. How about fortune 500 companies, many of which tell their employees what they can and cannot do while they are at work. I honesty feel sorry for you. I hope that the Lord will help you find something profitable to do with your life beyond this site. I'm sorry I failed to ask one question: Are you a saved person? If not please let me help. If you claim to be, then, I will simply pray for you. Sincerly, S--- ------------------------------ This whole idea of PCC's supporters that the Voice shouldn't be criticizing a Christian institution, that it is all wasted time is ludicrous!! Have none of them read Galatians 2 where Paul rebukes Peter for not eating with the Gentiles. Let's look at that situation: Two Christians. Two apostles. Two men who had seen the risen Jesus. And yet Paul claims that Peter did something wrong!! How dare he waste time criticizing another Christian, another APOSTLE, the one who founded the church on the day of Pentecost, a man who had been a Christian longer than Paul had, a man who had spent at least three years with Jesus during his earthly ministry) How dare he not spend that time saving souls. Just a thought, J--- ------------------------------ Dear Voice, Just curious, do you not have anything better to do with yourself than to knock on a school? Did you get expelled, or do you just enjoy picking on people you don't agree with? I have no association with PCC, I've never even seen it. I do, however go to Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC (I'm sure you've heard of it). Maybe you could start an "alternative" paper for us after you're done with PCC's. Get a life, D--- ------------------------------ Cool Website Didn't see the rule NO CRACKING OF COMMUNION CUPS J---- ------------------------------ what is wrong with pcc just because doctor horton wants to be sure he is not at falt for his students fall (so he makes rules to be sure and on the far side of right i think you should back off and find somthing better to do with your time i can see you have some bitterness in your heart and you should make it right with GOD before that bitterness takes over your life you know a little leaven leavens the whole lump pcc is not your school and you are in no way responsible for the students there so you should allow GOD to keep working in pcc and stop allowing satan to work in your life in Christ w--- ------------------------------ [This is, ironically enough, an e-mail we received from a random individual. We agree. - eds.] If there is any way that you nice young people can get out of there while you still have functioning minds, please, I beg of you to do it! You don't have to tolerate that sort of abuse - and abuse it is. What you are describing is manipulative, abusive mind control. Leave now, even if you have to flip burgers on the night shift to pay for your education elsewhere. It's not worth your lives and your minds to stay. May God have mercy on you all. ------------------------------ Although your name implies that it is the voice of the students at PCC, I do know that it does not speak for the VAST MAJORITY of students, so you may want to consider changing your name. You may also want to consider including your real name on all email broadcasts, so at least the recipient will know whose opinions are represented. I did visit your website, and found it mildly interesting. I did not find it interesting enough to view more than a couple of pages, however. You claim to speak the truth. It seems that you can quote the rules correctly (at least, what I read). I'm sure any prospective student could easily get a copy of the Student handbook from PCC without visiting your website. What I noticed most from your website is that you seem to have quite a rebellious attitude toward authority. I would venture a guess that you were unable to persevere for 4 years at PCC to get your diploma. Most PCC graduates are mature enough to understand the reasons for the rules -- maybe one day you'll reach that level. I've seen God work greatly at PCC, and it disturbs me to see someone who claims to be a Christian hosting a website like yours. I'm not saying you don't have a right to a different opinion. However, your attitude and language on the website do not help your cause at all. God's plan for "criticism" among saints is to speak the truth IN LOVE. I sensed none of that on your site. I'll keep you in my prayers. -- D--- ------------------------------ I've seen alot of comments about the apparent loss of rights at PCC being compared with the loss of rights for members in the military. While these may be similar in many respects, there is one huge difference. Military members are subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). But the UCMJ contains more than just rules and regulations for the individual military member. It also contains certain rights and privileges that are afforded to the military member that cannot be taken away by the Military hierarchy. Such things as Wrongful Appropriation apply to the command as well as the individual. Pensacola Christian College, also has a document, but it is completley unlike the UCMJ. The student handbook provides a list of some small portion of the rules and regulations of attending PCC. Most of those rules and the punishments are subjective and/or arbitrary. The difference is that the student handbook lacks a significant provision that is contained in the UCMJ. And herein lies the difference: a student at PCC has absolutely no guartanteed rights that they can expect will never be infringed. The PCC adminstration can make whatever rules it pleases, and the student has no rights -- not even the right to privacy or to worship how and when they please. There is no provision in the PCC student handbook that protects the rights of the students. I spent a year at PCC and four years in the military. It was easier to follow the strict guidelnes of the military for two reasons: 1) I was always treated as an adult. 2) I always knew the rules and regulations, but I also knew my RIGHTS. S--- ------------------------------ Dear Student V, I received you invitation to visit your website. I have seen it once and do not wish to visit again. I am a staff member here at the college and enjoy working here very much. I think something that you forget to put emphasis on is that the people who run this college are human just like you and do make mistakes that they realize and do ajust to. I think the Bible tells us of a way to deal with people we have fault with and I do not see anywhere in the Bible where it says that we should try ruining there reputation in front of the whole world. [But see Matt. 18:17. - eds.] The Lord is blessing this ministry inspite of the faults of the administration because I think they are trying their best to do what is right. If a student does not want to follow the guides set he does not have to go to school here. I know we are all praying for you and hope you do not have to keep feeling like you need to try to tear down this college for whatever reason you have. Sincerly, Staff Member PCC ------------------------------ Great web page! Great StudentV! Keep it up we are praying continually for you!! N-- and Wife ############################################################### VII. FOOD FOR THOUGHT In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features save for the one wall covered with small indexcard files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endlessly in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read "Girls I Have Liked". I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching. A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I Have Betrayed". The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. "Books I Have Read", "Lies I Have Told", "Comfort I Have Given", "Jokes I Have Laughed At". Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've Yelled at My Brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done in My Anger", "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents". I never ceased to be surprised by the contents. Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my 20 years to write each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature. When I pulled out the file marked "Songs I Have Listened To", I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of music, but more by the vast amount of time I knew that file represented. When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts", I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: "No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!" In an insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it. Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh. And then I saw it. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel With". The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands.. I could count the cards it contained on one hand. And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that the hurt started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried.. I cried out of shame, from the overwheming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him. No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me. Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. "No!" I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished." I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written. ############################################################### The Student Voice is: Paul S. Perdue (93): Newsletter Editor lupos (96): Web Page Editor The Brain Trust: 8 advisors to the editors Web Page Please feel free to voice your thoughts, stories, and opinions. Thank you for reading The Voice! ############################################################### THE STUDENT VOICE, PCC's alternative newsletter