Note: If you would like to listen to the blog on KWON or KYFM radio go to http://www.bartlesvilleradio.com/caffeine/uploads/files/ON%20Demand/Ideas%20Matter/Ideas%20Matter%203-17_1.mp3 . If you would like a copy of Dr. Piper’s new book Why I Am a “Liberal” and Other Conservative Ideas go to www.whyiamaliberal.com or www.everettpiper.com .
This past week Brigham Young University announced a decision that made headlines across the nation. They suspended Brandon Davies, a starting player on their nationally ranked basketball team, for the rest of the season. The reason for the discipline: Brandon Davies admitted to having sex with his girlfriend, which is a violation of the university’s honor code—a code that calls for all students attending BYU to live a “chaste and virtuous” life.
As you can imagine, this decision has caused quite a stir. Some pundits have suggested that a rule against premarital sex is “archaic” and out of line with the rest of culture. Others have implied that it is none of the university’s business what students do or don’t do in the privacy of their bedrooms. Some on the left have predictably said Brigham Young’s policies are “inane” and “ridiculous.” Still others have commented that it is too bad the university’s success in the upcoming NCAA basketball tournament might be compromised because of the loss of Davies from the team.
Well, here’s what I have to say to BYU: Good for you!
While I may not agree with Mormon theology, I can applaud Mormon morality and, specifically in this case, I say “amen” to the BYU’s honor code and their willingness to enforce it.
There was a day when nearly all colleges considered it their obligation to model “chastity and virtue,” where education was first and foremost for training up a moral and virtuous society. It’s a sad commentary that BYU now stands nearly alone in this effort.
One more thing: It is equally sad that many “evangelical Christian” colleges would not have demonstrated the same integrity that BYU just did. Shame on us and, again, I say: Good for you, BYU!