Spiritual Discernment - A Philosophy of Christian Decision-Making


INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT

Christian liberty in conduct is a special possession of all believers. Every individual has been given freedom by God to make individual moral and ethical choices. Helping students to develop this important responsibility is a primary purpose of Cornerstone University . Development of discernment guided by the Word of God is a crucial goal of Christian education.

When conflicts develop between a student and another individual, every attempt should be made to resolve that problem privately. Willingness to forgive and a desire for reconciliation must characterize one's behavior toward others.

Students must monitor their behavior. If one's activity, even in areas of personal freedom, becomes a tempting example in a less mature believer's life, one's freedom should be limited. In like manner, a student should be careful to represent Christ and the university well in the presence of non-Christians who are prone to misinterpret our commitment and cause.

In order to be a positive influence in the maturing process of fellow students, a consistent Christian lifestyle is necessary. This lifestyle must be a characteristic of one's behavior both on and off campus.

All students are required to sign a statement indicating their commitment to uphold the policies and standards of the University as provided in the student handbook.

All students are required to respond immediately to any official request from a Cornerstone University employee. This includes requests for interviews or meetings, identification, responses to letters, and other reasonable directives by a Cornerstone University official or faculty member in the authorized performance of his/her duties. In addition, it is unacceptable to lie, provide false information, or refuse to cooperate with a Cornerstone University official.

LIFESTYLE STATEMENT

Cornerstone University is committed to each student's development as a whole person for the fulfillment of God's will, focusing not only upon the discovery and development of abilities and gifts, but also upon growth in spiritual maturity. The Cornerstone University community consists of students, faculty, staff, and administration. The privilege of belonging to this community includes adherence to certain rules of procedure and conduct that are designed for the best interest of everyone involved. At Cornerstone University , some of these are based on clear biblical imperatives, some are drawn from biblical principles and others are part of the institutional distinctives that make us special. As a minimum requirement, each community member is obliged:

  1. To be a good steward of time by engaging in careful study, service to the community, active participation in a local church, and attendance at university chapel services.
  2. To exercise wise biblical discernment in all areas of life.
  3. To avoid every form of immorality, including immoral sexual behavior, homosexuality, lying, stealing and cheating.
  4. To abstain from possession and use of illegal drugs.
  5. To abstain from activities that may cause personal spiritual harm or may show insensitivity regarding how one's behavior affects other members of the community. Some of these prohibited activities include gambling, possession or use of alcohol or tobacco.

Some of these community expectations are matters of Christian liberty for which each student alone will be responsible when they are no longer a student at the university. It is expected that students will temporarily set aside that freedom in these areas for the benefit of the entire community.

Students' voluntary enrollment at the university attests to the fact that they agree to live within the framework of the university's community expectations as stated in the student handbook and academic catalog. Students are obligated to honorable adherence to the community expectations while enrolled at the university, including fall, Thanksgiving, spring and Easter breaks.

Behavior, either on campus or away, that indicates a student has disregard for the spirit of the university community expectations may be sufficient reason to ask a student to withdraw from the university.

EXERCISING BIBLICAL DISCERNMENT

Worldview Statement

One of the strategic goals of Cornerstone University is to help students develop a Christian worldview that will enable them to apply the Word of God to all of life. Believers are to glorify God in whatever they say, think, or do (I Corinthians 10:31 ). This means that every aspect of life should be evaluated on the basis of whether or not it is faithful to its intended direction as revealed in the biblical story and ultimately brings honor, praise, and glory to God.

Creation

Our story begins with God lovingly creating the universe and then filling it with stars, planets, plants, animals, and humans. All of creation was made with a specific direction in mind and separated within a structure where it was most fitting and pleasing to Him; He declared this to be very good (Genesis 1:31). Since creation is the good work of God, we are not only permitted, we are also encouraged to enjoy it. God is pleased when His children participate in this beautiful world that He has given to them. He wants us to celebrate in its goodness wherever we find it.

But God not only wants us to enjoy this world, He also commands us to take care of it (Gen. 1:28, 2:15 ). He calls us to participate in His ongoing work of creation, developing responsibly the raw materials of the earth for maximum benefit. This command to create culture gives spiritual significance to every human task, and should be offered to the Lord with the excellence He deserves (Col. 3:17, 23).

Fall

However, humanity directed their love away from God and chose to disobey His commands, resulting in the breaking of His established structure and purpose for all of creation. Humanity's disobedience negatively transformed each human being's nature, intellectual capability, actions and values, as well as a breaking of shalom throughout all of creation. What a human being does “normally” in this sinful state does not match what he/she “ought” to be and do according to the Scriptures. Due to this universal presence of sin, Christians must balance enjoyment of this world with a healthy caution toward the evil that lurks there. We must guard our hearts and minds as we live in this sinful age, ready to flee at the first sign of temptation so that we might become holy children of our heavenly Father.

Redemption

Praise be to God, our story does not end in despair. The final movement in the biblical story explains how God so loved our world that He sent his one and only Son to redeem it. Having conquered sin through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God now calls us to join his efforts to root out evil and establish righteousness in every aspect of culture (Col. 1:20).

At Cornerstone University , we believe it is our Christian duty to evaluate every facet of culture from this biblical perspective. We run every thought, statement, and activity through the grid of creation, fall, and redemption. We ask, 'What created goodness is present?', 'What fallen aspects are here?', and 'How might we reclaim this area for the glory of God?' As redeemed creatures of God, it is our purpose and goal to live consistently with God's purposed directions and structures as have been revealed in Scripture.

Discernment is the act of thinking clearly, distinguishing or differentiating between two or more things. Biblically, discernment means to distinguish between good and evil, and also to choose that which is best (Phil. 1:9-11).

Therefore, it is the goal of this discernment policy and other efforts of the campus to equip and assist students to discern what direction we will use God's structures so we don't perpetuate the damage of the fall.

Discernment

To help us achieve this goal, the following principles from Scripture should be helpful in guiding our life choices:

1. We will be better equipped to make good choices as we become mature in our understanding of God's Word. Hebrews 5:11 -14 talks about the elementary truths of God's Word (compared to milk) and the teaching about righteousness (compared to solid food). Verse 14 concludes, “But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” It is the careful study and teaching of the Word of God that will equip believers to make entertainment choices that will please and honor God. Since that is our desire in this Christian community, the study of the Word must be a high priority.

2. We will make good choices when we carefully consider responsible stewardship of time and money. Ephesians 5:15-16 says, “be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise, but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” In addition, several parables of Christ address the issue of stewardship of financial resources. For example, choices regarding entertainment will certainly involve the content, but as believers we must also consider the time and money we will invest in entertainment. While there is a legitimate place for leisure in the life of the believer, entertainment should not be viewed as the means to fill all discretionary time. In our culture, the opportunities and time available for leisure and entertainment are unprecedented in history. Believers must strive for balance in their daily lives and plan for those needed breaks in the daily routine to relax and experience enjoyment. The believer must also choose entertainment that is worthwhile and beneficial and avoid that which would represent a misuse or waste of time or money.

3. We will make good choices when we seek that which promotes Biblical values. Philippians 4:8 instructs us to think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable. James 1:21 says, “Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent.” The psalmist resolves, “I will set no wicked thing before my eyes.” and “I will have nothing to do with evil” (Psalm 101:3-4). The goal of the Christian life should be beautiful character adorned with moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love (II Peter 1:5-7). The committed believer will have a desire to focus on righteousness and avoid evil of every form. This hatred and avoidance of evil will have a profound impact on entertainment choices. Entertainment must be avoided that promotes immorality, profanity, occult activity, pornography, lewd and indecent humor, excessive violence or in any other way seeks to undermine and attack Christian values. A partial list of examples would include entertainment that promotes dishonesty, racism, materialism, sexism, drunkenness, homosexuality or other violations of Biblical morality and a Christian worldview.

4. We will make good choices when we consider the potential effect our choices may have on others. Cornerstone University is a community of Christians whose purpose it is to please God. Other Christians may well be encouraged to sin (Romans 14:21 ) and the witness of believers to unbelievers may be hindered (I Peter 2:11 -12) by unwise choices in the areas of music, print, television, video and movies. In light of the New Testament commands to love your neighbor (Matthew 22:39 ), and to build up, care for, be devoted to, honor and encourage one another, clearly we do share responsibility for others in the body of Christ. This responsibility must be reflected in entertainment choices that encourage one another in personal righteousness. “Everything is permissible”—but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible”—but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others (I Corinthians 10:23 -24).

5. We will make good choices when we understand that Christians are in a spiritual battle. The Scriptures are very clear that our battle is not against “flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12 ). In fact, Peter warns, “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (I Peter 5:8). James commands Christians to “resist the devil” and promises that “he will flee from you” (James 4:7). We are given responsibility to make choices, but we must be alert and realize that the enemy is crafty and would desire us to make poor choices in the area of media and entertainment.

6. We will make good choices when we heed the counsel and guidance of mature believers. Proverbs 12:15 says, “The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.” When entertainment decisions are being considered, the discerning Christian will carefully consider the viewpoints of those whom God has given him/her for spiritual guidance. In the family, this would include parents who are to raise their children in the training and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4), and whom children are to regard with honor (Exodus 20:12 ). In the church, this would include the pastor who is the shepherd of the flock (I Peter 5:2), and other mature believers who are commanded to teach younger believers in the faith (Titus 2:4-8). At a Christian university the advice and counsel of spiritually mature faculty and staff members should also be sought.

Discernment Questions

These principles can be simplified by restating them as questions. These questions should be considered whenever choices are made regarding media and entertainment.

  1. Have I made the study of the Word of God a high priority so that I am equipped to make wise choices?
  2. Will this entertainment violate the revealed will of God?
  3. Will this entertainment demonstrate good stewardship of time and resources?
  4. Will this entertainment positively affect my growth in Christian character?
  5. Will this entertainment lead to the edification of my brothers and sisters?
  6. Will this entertainment provide an opportunity for the enemy to get a stronghold in an area of my life?
  7. Will this entertainment meet the expectations of my parents, pastor and other mature believers?

These guidelines for making Biblically sound choices must be carefully and thoughtfully applied in each medium of entertainment listed below. In addition, the following specific policies must also be observed.

For more information regarding “Core Beliefs” at Cornerstone University , including a statement on Christian Worldview, please go to the Cornerstone University home page at www.cornerstone.edu and select the “Core Beliefs” link.

Music

While music is a beautiful gift of God with many positive benefits for the Christian, it has often been used by sinful man to promote negative purposes. Therefore, choices in music must be carefully governed by the guidelines listed above. Since preferences regarding style of music are widely varied, it is essential that sensitivity to others in the community be observed. Certain styles of music are more widely accepted and are therefore preferable in public and worship settings. There are other styles that are not as widely accepted and therefore must be listened to at a low volume in private or with the use of headphones. Music selection should provide a positive, encouraging influence and not infringe on the rights and personal tastes of others. In the residence halls, music that can be heard in the hallway or another room may be considered too loud.

Dance

Dance is a part of God's good creation and expresses His creative nature. While it is clear that there are negative aspects of dance and certain types of dancing do not honor and glorify God, we believe that dance is an important aspect of God's good creation and can be used as an expression of joy, happiness and worship. Key issues for students to consider as they approach dance include the context of dance and forms of dance.

Context

It is virtually impossible to write a policy that consistently and correctly defines all modes of dance and potential venues. One reason for this is due to the fact that a venue might be used for a dance club one night and a concert hall the next. So a blanket prohibition on “dance club” becomes impractical, and hence, confusing and meaningless.

Forms

Similarly, the form of dance is constantly changing. Clearly some forms of dance are inappropriate, and others are beautiful and celebrative. To attempt to define all of those in the student handbook becomes onerous, impractical, and once again, confusing.

Instead, in response to questions about context and form, we have chosen to continue to raise important scriptural principles and exhort our community members to follow them closely as they engage in dance – and all other choices. Several questions can be posed to guide in this decision making process, which include:

  • Is the location of the dance congruent with the discernment principles and questions?
  • Is the music congruent with the discernment principles and questions?
  • Are the activities surrounding the dance congruent with the discernment principles and questions?

Also, while dancing, all students should avoid engaging in any biblically inappropriate activities or behavior including immodesty, eroticism, or violence.

Television

Students are to exercise discernment in television viewing based on the above guidelines. Beyond considerations regarding the content of a program, the discerning believer must also consider the point of view or judgments that are made regarding certain issues. Subjects like racism or homosexuality may be portrayed in a program, but consideration should be given as to whether the subject is ultimately celebrated or condemned. For example, a documentary on one of these issues may be appropriate, while a sitcom would likely be inappropriate. Because of the many suggestive and inappropriate themes, Cornerstone University deems certain television viewing unacceptable. Due to the very public nature of television viewing on our campus, it is expected that students will accept responsibility for their program choices and not impose inappropriate viewing on others.

Movies/Videos

Students of Cornerstone University prior to making the decision to view any given movie must carefully, prayerfully and thoughtfully evaluate all movies. Due to the prevalence of immorality, suggestive themes, profanity and non-Christian lifestyles, Cornerstone University deems most of the Hollywood product to be unacceptable. The general guidelines above as well as the paragraph regarding television should also be applied to movies. All NC-17 (X) rated entertainment is prohibited. In most cases, movies with an R rating must also be avoided. Exceptions to this would include movies selected for their educational and historical perspectives when careful judgment is applied. Movies rated G, PG, PG13 or not rated, must also be carefully evaluated as often the philosophy and content violate the Christian values listed above. Videocassettes and DVDs, other than for educational purposes, cannot be shown in lounges or other public areas within the residence halls. “The Federal Copyright Act (Title 17 of the United States Code) governs how copyrighted material, such as movies, may be used. Neither the rental nor purchase of a videocassette or DVD carries with it the right to show the tape outside of the home.”

Print/Art

While art and print can provide beautiful expressions of aspects of God's creation, students must apply Scriptural values to the materials they choose. It is a violation of biblical principles to view pornographic materials because it degrades the human body, exploits men, women and children and circumvents God's design for human sexual fulfillment. Inappropriate album covers, posters, CDs or cassettes, sexually suggestive or explicit photographs, lyrics or pictures on clothing would also be in violation with the values presented in Scripture and therefore are unacceptable for Cornerstone students.

Computers

The development of computer technology has resulted in many positive benefits in today's society. Some of these benefits include the opportunity to relax and have fun playing computer games, and the ability to communicate efficiently. Computer use at Cornerstone University exists primarily to support learning. However, with these benefits come the potential for abuse. It is very important that careful evaluation be given to the stewardship of one's time, and that these tools be used in moderation and not be allowed to dominate one's life. In addition, discernment must be exercised regarding the content one chooses to access, since pornography and other inappropriate material have become increasingly available via computer networks.

Accountability

Students are encouraged to discuss questions about their discernment decisions with each other, a member of the student development staff, and/or a faculty member. In addition, there are resources available in the student development office that may prove helpful in these decisions. When it is known that a student is making entertainment choices that are inconsistent with this policy, members of the Student Development staff will follow up on discernment issues and will challenge students to think through the rationale behind them. When the policy is blatantly disregarded, counsel will be followed by disciplinary action. The staff reserves the right to temporarily remove items deemed to fall outside of the discernment policy until the student can make arrangements for their permanent removal. It is expected that students will be cooperative and understanding when approached by staff members on these issues.