Four new LSU board members

By Shane Hilde

Last May four members of the LSU Board of Trustees were replaced. The four that were replaced are: Lowell Hanks, Shelia Marchall-McLean, Douglas Nies, and Ronald Zane. The new members include: Meredith Jobe, James Kyle, Alvin Kwiram, and Alina Sanchez. Here’s what we know about the new members from the internet:

Meredith Jobe
He is currently a partner at Jobe & Stoterau in Glendale. In addition, he is of counsel to Knapp, Petersen & Clarke. Mr. Jobe received his undergraduate degree from Loma Linda University, and earned his MBA and juris doctor degrees from the University of Southern California. He is also an active member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and is currently on the 13-member board for Adventist Health System/West, which operates 20 hospitals in the states of California, Washington, Oregon, and Hawaii. In addition, he has been a member and vice chairman of the board of trustees of La Sierra University and a member of the executive committee (governing board) of the Southern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

James Kyle
He earned his B.A. in Religion from Loma Linda University; his Master of Divinity from Andrews Theological Seminary in Berrien Springs, Mich.; and his M.D. from the UCLA School of Medicine. Dr. Kyle has been a member of The California Endowment’s Board of Directors since April 2004 and was elected vice chair in April 2010. He is the former Dean of the School of Public Health at Loma Linda University, and is currently vice president of Medical Affairs at St. Mary Medical Center in Apple Valley, Calif. Kyle was also the vice president of the California Market for Schaller Anderson, where he was responsible for business development and statewide operations for the company’s clients, including Children’s Hospital Orange County, St. Joseph’s Medical Center-Orange and Scripps Healthcare, among others.

Alvin Kwiram
Kwiram is Professor Emeritus at the Department of Chemistry, University of Washington. He received his BA in Physics and BS in Chemistry from Walla Walla College in 1958, and completed his doctoral work in Chemistry at the California Institute of Technology in 1962. From 1964 to 1970 he was on the faculty of Harvard University, before joining the University of Washington (UW). In the late ’60s he became president of the newly formed Association of Adventist Forums. In 2007 it become known as Adventist Forums (AF). AF also publishes Spectrum magazine. Kwiram wrote “Can Intellectuals Be at Home in the Church?” in September 1976 for Spectrum magazine. Readers might find this of interest in light of the current controversy with LSU.

Alina Sanchez
Sanchez is the co-founder of marketing consulting firm, Spire Associates LLC. Sanchez, a fourth generation Seventh-day Adventist, graduated from La Sierra University’s School of Business in 1990 with a degree in business administration. In 2003 La Sierra’s business school honored Sanchez with a Rising Star award, selected by faculty for her exemplification of the university motto, “to seek, to know, to serve.” Sanchez’s family has strong roots in the Adventist church system and vegetarian food industry. Sanchez’s father’s grandfather and brothers established the first Spanish-speaking SDA church in the North American Division. Her mother’s father built vegetarian food factories around the world and he and his brothers laid the foundation for the Campus Hill Church in Loma Linda. While at La Sierra, Sanchez formed the first business club on campus and worked with Dr. Charles Teel to establish the Stahl Center for World Service.

New list of LSU Board of Trustees

Ricardo Graham, Chair
(President, Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists)

Judy St. John, Vice Chair
(Certified Public Accountant)

Randal R. Wisbey, Secretary
(President, La Sierra University)

Tony Anobile
(President of the Arizona Conference of Seventh-day Adventist)

Carla Lidner Baum
(Dentist and Community Volunteer)

Theodore Benson
(Treasurer, Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists)

Kelly Bock
(Director of Education, Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists)

Alvaro Bolivar
(Surgeon)

Larry L. Caviness
(President, Southern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists)

Henry Coil, Jr.
(Businessman)

Leonard Darnell
(Businessman)

Karen Hansberger
(Physician)

Meredith Jobe
(Attorney)

Donald Kanen
(Businessman)

James Kyle
(Physician)

Alvin Kwiram
(Academic Administrator)

Gerald McIntosh
(Businessman)

Brad Newton
(Secretary, Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists)

Gerald D. Penick, Sr.
(President, Southeastern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists)

Kathryn Proffitt
(Businesswoman and former U.S. Ambassador to Malta)

Alina Sanchez
(Businesswoman)

Marta Tooma
(Dentist, Philanthropist)

Arnold Trujillo
(Vice President, Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists)

76 thoughts on “Four new LSU board members

  1. One has to wonder, with Sanchez’s experience in marketing, if Wisbey will utilize her experience and expertise in transforming LSU’s image in the Adventist community. That said, I wonder where she stands in regard to the biblical creation. If she’s sympathetic to Wisbey’s beliefs, than it wouldn’t surprise me if there was some sort of joint venture between her and LSU. I wonder how much power Wisbey has in selecting new members. Is it possible he has directly or indirectly hand picked these new board members?

    Be on the lookout for a change in LSU’s marketing. Perhaps nothing will come of it, but I don’t believe it was just a coincidence that she, with her background, was asked to be a board member.

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  2. Here is a bit of good news for Randal Wisbey and Fritz Guy –

    Spectrum will have more of a voice on the LSU board than in the past.

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    Alvin Kwiram
    Kwiram is Professor Emeritus at the Department of Chemistry, University of Washington. He received his BA in Physics and BS in Chemistry from Walla Walla College in 1958, and completed his doctoral work in Chemistry at the California Institute of Technology in 1962. From 1964 to 1970 he was on the faculty of Harvard University, before joining the University of Washington (UW). In the late ’60s he became president of the newly formed Association of Adventist Forums. In 2007 it become known as Adventist Forums (AF). AF also publishes Spectrum magazine. Kwiram wrote “Can Intellectuals Be at Home in the Church?” in September 1976 for Spectrum magazine. Readers might find this of interest in light of the current controversy with LSU.
    =============================

    Notice that at no point does the announcement of LSU board members include the fact that they are good Christians or that they believe in Adventist doctrine or that they have ever taken a decisive stand for the truth against some form of opposition.

    Those qualities “might have been” either an outright requirement or possibly “worth mentioning” in the years surrounding the founding of LLU and LSU – but in the modern PUC and SECC climate – it appears they are not a criteria for selection much less “worth mentioning”.

    Any administration that seeks to take up the reins of the runaway process at LSU has its work cut out for it. Without a miracle or two – that LSU horse will simply “stay outside the barn” while calling for an exodus by even more horses.

    in Christ,

    Bob

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  3. @BobRyan: To my knowledge there was no public announcement regarding the new board members. The information you read above is just copied from bios I found on the internet. All the bios mentioned that they were Seventh-day Adventists. At this point I have little information regarding their faithfulness to Adventist beliefs.

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  4. Elder Graham should step up and open the board meeting for transparency and open representation rather than the closed meetings that Wisbey and the board’s attorney Kent Hansen have run. Existing board members being in trouble, as reported by Educate Truth, for speaking to GC officials shows that they don’t really want to be accountable to the constituents but, as most enlightened ones think, they will provide the constituents as to what they should think! Shades of crimson and purple don’t you think?

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  5. @Ron Stone M.D.: The three board members who were/are being “disciplined” are still on the board. The four board members who were let go of are: Lowell Hanks, Shelia Marshall-McLean, Douglas Nies, Ronald Zane. There is most likely a split in the board, which, if not for outside pressure, could cause this issue to drag on for a while.

    At this time it is my intention to inform as many potential students and parents of the type of education they’ll be getting at LSU. If they still want to send their kids there after being informed, then at least they won’t be doing so deceived.

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  6. @Ron Stone M.D.: The three board members who were/are being “disciplined” are still on the board. The four board members who were let go of are: Lowell Hanks, Shelia Marshall-McLean, Douglas Nies, Ronald Zane. There is most likely a split in the board, which, if not for outside pressure, could cause this issue to drag on for a while.At this time it is my intention to inform as many potential students and parents of the type of education they’ll be getting at LSU. If they still want to send their kids there after being informed, then at least they won’t be doing so deceived.  (Quote)

    Shane, Thank you for the details on the board members. The Board will allow this to “drag on” as we are plainly seeing now. This is why we need someone else who will actually DO something instead of stalling and “adjusting” as Graham been pleading, and as we all see is simply a stalling tactic to avoid DOING anything.

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  7. Shane Hilde says:
    September 10, 2010 @BobRyan: To my knowledge there was no public announcement regarding the new board members. The information you read above is just copied from bios I found on the internet. All the bios mentioned that they were Seventh-day Adventists. At this point I have little information regarding their faithfulness to Adventist beliefs.

    Let us say for one imaginary moment that all of the new board members were Seventh-day Adventists – that believed our 28 Fundamental Beliefs – and were committed to fixing the LSU problem regarding apostasy with respect to FB #6.

    Let us say for another imaginary moment that all of the board members that are under disciplinary censure by the board are strict devotees to evolutionism OR else strictly devoted to protecting and enabling the evolutionist agenda at LSU.

    Certainly that would be an indication that the LSU board of directors was listening to the voice of the denomination that it serves and positioning itself to take “actual action” in the case of LSU.

    Leaves us to speculate about just how far off the mark the reality of the situation on the ground is at LSU relative to the ideal scenario.

    in Christ,

    Bob

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  8. Bob, let’s not forget that LSU still wants to get those government grants. With this in mind, we can guess that at least some board members are more secular in their mind set and less spiritual.

    I would be pleased, shocked, and amazed if the scenario you set forth became a reality. But only if they actually do something dynamic to affirm the historic SDA bible faith.

    People may “believe” many things, but are still not willing to put their convictions on the line. Obviously, the time is coming when we must all eventually stand up, or, kneel down. And it will not be easy for anyone. Ask the three Hebrew boys.

    Bill Sorensen

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  9. Ethan,

    My recollection is that Walla Walla University has at least one representative of the board that is outside of the Union. If I remember correctly, that slot was filled by Dan Matthews while I was a student there. I am guessing that it is common practice to have somebody on the “outside” as a representative.

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  10. Kwiram is disturbing. In essence, in his article he defines intellectuals as those who have higher degrees, who are well read—and who think like he does. I know plenty of highly educated, well-read, open-minded individuals who stand firmly for doctrines identified by Adventists as biblical and true.

    Most “Adventist” doctrines were individually identified as biblical by other churches or individuals over the centuries before Adventists ever came along. Many were “intellectuals” in every sense of the word. Today there are many Christian intellectuals outside the Adventist church who adhere to the biblical doctrine of creation and are intelligently able to defend it with arguments that evolutionists and people like Kwiram never meet head-on. Never. Because they can’t. Instead, they meet arguments with ridicule, sarcasm, intellectual arrogance, tap dancing and Cheshire cat smiles. Never with substance.

    Nevertheless, Adventist church leaders, pastors and teachers must take responsibility for letting this seep into Adventist education and calling it “good.” The evolutionists in our midsts honestly believe what they believe, for whatever reason. Church leaders and administrators have acted with cowardice, allowing themselves to be bullied into submission. It’s nothing but a high school popularity game on steroids. Deep down, evolutionists know they have nothing to lose by being dishonest, underhanded, arrogant and conniving. After all, it’s survival of the fittest. They have cornered well-meaning Adventist leaders because those leaders themselves, though they suspect the truth, are not fully and passionately convicted of it to the point of defending it with grace and dignity—and to the death if need be. Meanwhile, our young people innocently and ignorantly follow after those who sport the biggest smiles.

    I’m not sure which is worse—the wolves among us or the cowardly sheep who have posed as shepherds.

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  11. Although I would hate to see the Michigan Conference lose him, I would love to see the Central California Conference elect Jay Gallimore as their new conference president. That would automatically put him on La Sierra’s board of directors.

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  12. The at-large board members have a six year term.

    Keeping board meetings (not just executive session items) so very secretive and not disseminating minutes of the meetings, as if everything that happens is equivalent to CIA strategic planning, verifies MLB’s statement about Graham, Wisbey and the attorney Kent Hansen’s determination to maintain a shroud of secrecy. “Disciplining” board members for trying to share concerns with the General Conference is one more evidence of their motto of secrecy at all costs.

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  13. Getting closer to Spectrum magazine is a step in the wrong direction if the school wishes to cleanse itself of unBiblical liberalism. An Amazing Facts associate would be a much better board-member choice in the struggle for orthodoxy and Scriptual integrity.

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  14. Although I would hate to see the Michigan Conference lose him, I would love to see the Central California Conference elect Jay Gallimore as their new conference president.That would automatically put him on La Sierra’s board of directors.  

    I second the motion! We need someone out here that has a backbone, as Jerry Page does.

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  15. Bill Sorenson wrote

    Bob, let’s not forget that LSU still wants to get those government grants. With this in mind, we can guess that at least some board members are more secular in their mind set and less spiritual.

    Government grants? These are not an issue. Parochial schools of many flavors get these all the time, and there is no requirement whatsoever to teach evolutionism.

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  16. Getting closer to Spectrum magazine is a step in the wrong direction if the school wishes to cleanse itself of unBiblical liberalism.An Amazing Facts associate would be a much better board-member choice in the struggle for orthodoxy and Scriptual integrity.  

    I don’t know of anyone at Amazing Facts that the Board would even consider. Why would the Board bring someone on who actually believes in God’s Truth and is willing to stand up for it?

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  17. Susie wrote:

    Keeping board meetings (not just executive session items) so very secretive and not disseminating minutes of the meetings, as if everything that happens is equivalent to CIA strategic planning, verifies MLB’s statement about Graham, Wisbey and the attorney Kent Hansen’s determination to maintain a shroud of secrecy.

    I’ve taught at more than a handful of non-SDA colleges and universities and have never seen board minutes posted online or handed out to employees, much less the general public. For that matter, there are thousands of “boards” for various entities (corporations, public utilities, churches, etc.) scattered all across the big ol’ USA, and I’m pretty confident the majority of them maintain minutes internally. Is our country bursting at the seams with CIA-type strategists? Or is it just our dreaded, secrecy-shrouded university that we all love to hate?

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  18. Susie wrote:
    I’ve taught at more than a handful of non-SDA colleges and universities and have never seen board minutes posted online or handed out to employees, much less the general public. For that matter, there are thousands of “boards” for various entities (corporations, public utilities, churches, etc.) scattered all across the big ol’ USA, and I’m pretty confident the majority of them maintain minutes internally. Is our country bursting at the seams with CIA-type strategists? Or is it just our dreaded, secrecy-shrouded university that we all love to hate?  

    The Board meetings are supposed to be “open” to students and staff unless they are “Executive.” (Section 6.8 of LSU Bylaws)

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  19. From my experience of serving on school boards, at least at secondary level, the minutes are always written with brevity and carefully with such phrases as “after discussion, such and such was voted…” The minutes are purposely written as a summary so that the voted actions are available for public access. It was only executive sessions that were kept private. I was not implying that the minutes are posted online or on a bulletin board, only that they are readily accessible if anyone wants to come and look at them. It would be very interesting to know at how many other schools the regular board minutes are categorized as “attorney-client privileged information?” The last constituency meeting at LSU actually had guards at the door, checking I.D.’s so that only those on the approved list could enter. I don’t think it is unfounded to call that what it is—a shroud of secrecy.

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  20. From my experience of serving on school boards, at least at secondary level, the minutes are always written with brevity and carefully with such phrases as “after discussion, such and such was voted…” The minutes are purposely written as a summary so that the voted actions are available for public access. It was only executive sessions that were kept private. I was not implying that the minutes are posted online or on a bulletin board, only that they are readily accessible if anyone wants to come and look at them. It would be very interesting to know at how many other schools the regular board minutes are categorized as “attorney-client privileged information?” The last constituency meeting at LSU actually had guards at the door, checking I.D.’s so that only those on the approved list could enter. I don’t think it is unfounded to call that what it is—a shroud of secrecy.  (Quote)

    Susie, A “Shroud of secrecy” is needed by LSU because they do not want the constituency to know, understand, and evaluate what is going on. Why would they? The more information that is known, the more exposed the Board will be. The “guards” are needed so only those “approved” to hear will be allowed.

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  21. Re CB’s Quotes

    “The evolutionists in our midsts honestly believe what they believe, for whatever reason.”

    “Deep down, evolutionists know they have nothing to lose by being dishonest, underhanded, arrogant and conniving.”

    Dear CB

    Thanks for your comments. I agree with you there are many fine Christian intellectuals. For example, even though I do not agree with Sean Pitman, I think he has an excellent, honest intellect. I have also encountered many other fine, talented, honest folks on this site and am very grateful for their erudition.

    I am having great problem reconciling your above statements. On one hand you seem to be saying that evolutionists honestly believe what they believe but on the other hand you seem to be implying they will be dishonest, underhanded,, arrogant and conniving. How does one be honest and dishonest at the same time?

    Respectfully, as I have stated before on this forum, it is possible for good people to believe different things. This is apparent, even among those of fundamental biblical SDA faith.

    I am an agnostic who thinks evolution is correct, an ‘evolutionist’. However I am trying to understand ‘creation science’ to assess it’s merit and viability on all fronts, in other words keep an open mind. Contrary to your opinion I think I have a great deal to lose by being dishonest, underhanded, arrogant or conniving- my personal integrity and self respect.

    CB,I don’t take your comments personally and I appreciate your honest candour. However, my point is, that generic, negative, stereotyping of groups is usually inaccurate and can lead to intolerance and lack of understanding. Good people exist everywhere irrespective of their particular faith or lack thereof.

    Take care
    your agnostic friend
    Ken

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  22. Bill Sorenson wrote
    Government grants? These are not an issue. Parochial schools of many flavors get these all the time, and there is no requirement whatsoever to teach evolutionism.  

    All this talk about government grants, getting accreditation, and similar smokescreen issues are nothing more than excuses to avoid handling the actual issue. LSU will use ANYTHING to avoid addressing the problem, which is deeply rooted in the secular humanistic philosophies of those in charge of this institution.

    Do you here this “problem” mentioned at other SDA colleges that teach creationism. Does PUC have a problem with accreditation? How about SWAU? Don’t they teach creationism there?

    As I’ve been told by my 3 relatives who attend there, no Darwinian “evolution as fact’ is taught, and I’ve not heard of PUC having accreditation problems. In fact, they have been rated numerous times by U.S. News as being a great school!

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  23. I see. So you are judge. I’m curious where you got that charter? In the event you did get that unique Christian charter you might want to tread carefully. Sin can not be seen or touched so I have no idea how you are equipped to do this yet you feel comfortable lambasting sincere people. Amazing.

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  24. @JImmy: I’m not the judge, but as you’ve demonstrated yourself here, I too can make judgment calls. I’m not interested in who’s Adventist or not on the board though. I was merely pointing out that I know for sure there are at least three dedicated, faithful Seventh-day Adventists on the board. I’m sure there are more.

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  25. Well we can be only sure that each is an Adventist in name. I can not judge hearts and don’t think I can spot a dedicated, faithful SDA. Since our beliefs are not perfect and don’t save us that isn’t relevant. Since outward appearance and words can be totally deceiving. How can one judge?

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  26. Here are some links that may be helpful:

    http://fscsda.org/yearly-meetings/yes-creation/

    http://adventist.org/beliefs/statements/main-stat54.html

    http://adventist.org/beliefs/statements/main-stat55.html

    The first is to Audioverse, where you can listen to the presentations for “Yes, Creation” that were given at the GC session in Atlanta.

    The other two are the statements (affirmations) of the GC Session for creation. It is a wonderful and at the same fearful time to be an Adventist. At the GC session it became very evident that the majority of Adventists are still young earth creationists, but also that a sizable number do not fit into that category. This includes many that are involved in our colleges and universities. We need to continue to work and pray for victory in this area.

    In answer to JImmy: We can only know them by their fruits.

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  27. Well we can be only sure that each is an Adventist in name. I can not judge hearts and don’t think I can spot a dedicated, faithful SDA. Since our beliefs are not perfect and don’t save us that isn’t relevant. Since outward appearance and words can be totally deceiving. How can one judge?  (Quote)

    Well, JImmy, you seem to be labouring under a misconception concerning judgment. The verse referred to so often is regarding judging other peoples’ souls and how they will come out in the final judgment, which is obviously the preogative of the Lord alone. No one on this site has ever done this. To say, however, that we should never judge someone else’s actions is flying in the face of civilization itself.

    That would mean we could have no judges or legal system. How would you like it if serial killers and thieves, for example, were never prosecuted and sent to jail because no human being is allowed to judge another? Besides being utterly ridiculous, such a thing would produce anarchy.

    Do you honestly think that God wants us to live in chaos? God is a God of order. Remember, God had Moses appoint judges in the wilderness when the job was too overwhelming for him, so he obviously approves of this type of judging.

    And the same principle applies to LSU–if we were to listen to the bogus complaint that we can’t judge others while they are blatently teaching the opposite of what the church believes and what they are paid to teach, we are allowing anarchy to reign in the institution and the church. It has been my observation throughout my lifetime that it is always those who are in the wrong that whip out this complaint to justify their wrong actions.

    The Lord gave us good judgment and guidelines to follow so that cases such as this could be dealt with. He expects us to use this judgment and these guidelines, along with our consultation of His will to correct this evil in our institution. It is obviously NOT His will that we teach innocents the doctrines of devils. No matter how you slice it, it is our Christian duty to put a stop to this immediately if not sooner. And this will most likely entail removing people from the positions of trust that they have so dispicably betrayed.

    No, it isn’t a pleasant thing to have to correct this situation–many will be offended along the way. But this has to be done for the greater good of the SDA church. Too bad it was allowed to happen in the first place. If the leaders had been doing their job it wouldn’t have been tolerated for a minute.

    As for spotting a good SDA, listen to what Ruth said above…by their fruits ye shall know them. We can’t always spot someone who secretly does evil, but we can spot those who blatently do. (As in this case.)

    Faith

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  28. The discussion in this thread exemplifies what I dislike about EducateTruth. A number of individuals were quick to vilify four individuals newly elected to the LSU board before we knew much of anything about them. Anyone who reads this discussion will recognize the lack of Christian charity.

    In addition to this, we have the following statement at a related thread (http://tinyurl.com/4bvugks) from one of the more applauded creationists within our Church, a paleobiologist at Southwestern Adventist University:

    Art Chadwick: Having just reviewed the changes made in the LSU Board, it is apparent to me that the Board is being stacked with people who are in sympathy with the errant faculty at La Sierra. I am therefore less hopeful that the resolution of the problem can come from the Board at least until the errant administrators and faculty are no longer able to influence the choice of Board members.

    When my friend, Geanna Dane, objected to Art Chadwick’s accusation, we had this response from another Educate Truth supporter:

    Ron Stone M.D.: Well, Geanna, Dr. Chadwick’s words may seem “unkind, prejudicial, and completely uncalled for” to you. However, they are also completely TRUE, which trumps your predudicial analysis!

    And yet, we recently learned that the LSU board clearly sided against the LSU biologists, and actually manipulated the survey results to make LSU work worse. As T. J. Willey described at Spectrummagazine.com (http://tinyurl.com/3dgfwzd), the Board did what no honest investigator would dare to try: the Board added the “Neutral” option selections with the “Agree” ones, and at other times with the “Disagree,” with the express purpose of augmenting the case against the LSU science teachers.

    This act of dishonesty on the part of the LSU Board should please every supporter of Educate Truth, and confirms that the board members, who were actually attacked by Educate Truth supporters, are actually on their side!

    Are you folks now able to offer any praise for the much-vilified LSU Board which has clearly sided with Educate Truth?

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  29. Professor Kent: And yet, we recently learned that the LSU board clearly sided against the LSU biologists, and actually manipulated the survey results to make LSU work worse. As T. J. Willey described at Spectrummagazine.com (http://tinyurl.com/3dgfwzd), the Board did what no honest investigator would dare to try: the Board added the “Neutral” option selections with the “Agree” ones, and at other times with the “Disagree,” with the express purpose of augmenting the case against the LSU science teachers.

    Q: Did you SDA religion professor explain that praying to the dead is not good Bible doctrine when that subject came up in class? – (which would be the SDA doctrinal position).

    –Yes they did explain that point clearly.

    A. Strongly agree.

    B. Nothing stands out – not a significant point in the class discussion.

    C. Strongly disagree.

    Students that either strongly disagree or that came out of the class clueless as to the SDA answer on that subject – just “might” get lumped into the same “Well then your professor totally flubbed up” category.

    Apparently this idea comes as a huge surprise to some of the folks in the big-left-tent.

    in Christ,

    Bob

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  30. This conflict has gone so far, according to an Adventist Review article, that some believe that the university is teaching the “theory of evolution to biology students as the explanation for the origin of life.” This is an example of conflated polemics that arises when the worlds of science and religion collide and wash over each other.

    Notice the shell game used by the TE group?

    When this issue first came up we got a complaints of the form “How dare you suggest LSU is promoting evolution just by listening to students and seeing the statements to the press, and watching them on video, and seeing the class outline”.

    At the same time we also got complainsts of the form “How dare you suggest that promotion of evolution as the real truth about origins by our LSU profs is wrong. Only a fringe group of SDAs would still cling to creationism in this modern age. Give us science not the Bible”.

    Now that LSU itself has admitted to its blunder (at least at the board level) we get spin doctoring like you see in the paragraph above – so kindly pointed out to us by Kent.

    So many twists and turns to their responses as they try to have it “both ways”.

    in Christ,

    Bob

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  31. @Ron Stone M.D.: The three board members who were/are being “disciplined” are still on the board. The four board members who were let go of are: Lowell Hanks, Shelia Marshall-McLean, Douglas Nies, Ronald Zane. There is most likely a split in the board, which, if not for outside pressure, could cause this issue to drag on for a while.

    At this time it is my intention to inform as many potential students and parents of the type of education they’ll be getting at LSU. If they still want to send their kids there after being informed, then at least they won’t be doing so deceived.

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  32. @BobRyan: To my knowledge there was no public announcement regarding the new board members. The information you read above is just copied from bios I found on the internet. All the bios mentioned that they were Seventh-day Adventists. At this point I have little information regarding their faithfulness to Adventist beliefs.

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  33. One has to wonder, with Sanchez’s experience in marketing, if Wisbey will utilize her experience and expertise in transforming LSU’s image in the Adventist community. That said, I wonder where she stands in regard to the biblical creation. If she’s sympathetic to Wisbey’s beliefs, than it wouldn’t surprise me if there was some sort of joint venture between her and LSU. I wonder how much power Wisbey has in selecting new members. Is it possible he has directly or indirectly hand picked these new board members?

    Be on the lookout for a change in LSU’s marketing. Perhaps nothing will come of it, but I don’t believe it was just a coincidence that she, with her background, was asked to be a board member.

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  34. @Ron Stone M.D.: The three board members who were/are being “disciplined” are still on the board. The four board members who were let go of are: Lowell Hanks, Shelia Marshall-McLean, Douglas Nies, Ronald Zane. There is most likely a split in the board, which, if not for outside pressure, could cause this issue to drag on for a while.At this time it is my intention to inform as many potential students and parents of the type of education they’ll be getting at LSU. If they still want to send their kids there after being informed, then at least they won’t be doing so deceived.  (Quote)

    Shane, Thank you for the details on the board members. The Board will allow this to “drag on” as we are plainly seeing now. This is why we need someone else who will actually DO something instead of stalling and “adjusting” as Graham been pleading, and as we all see is simply a stalling tactic to avoid DOING anything.

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  35. Elder Graham should step up and open the board meeting for transparency and open representation rather than the closed meetings that Wisbey and the board’s attorney Kent Hansen have run. Existing board members being in trouble, as reported by Educate Truth, for speaking to GC officials shows that they don’t really want to be accountable to the constituents but, as most enlightened ones think, they will provide the constituents as to what they should think! Shades of crimson and purple don’t you think?

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  36. I see. So you are judge. I’m curious where you got that charter? In the event you did get that unique Christian charter you might want to tread carefully. Sin can not be seen or touched so I have no idea how you are equipped to do this yet you feel comfortable lambasting sincere people. Amazing.

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  37. @JImmy: I’m not the judge, but as you’ve demonstrated yourself here, I too can make judgment calls. I’m not interested in who’s Adventist or not on the board though. I was merely pointing out that I know for sure there are at least three dedicated, faithful Seventh-day Adventists on the board. I’m sure there are more.

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  38. Here are some links that may be helpful:

    http://fscsda.org/yearly-meetings/yes-creation/

    http://adventist.org/beliefs/statements/main-stat54.html

    http://adventist.org/beliefs/statements/main-stat55.html

    The first is to Audioverse, where you can listen to the presentations for “Yes, Creation” that were given at the GC session in Atlanta.

    The other two are the statements (affirmations) of the GC Session for creation. It is a wonderful and at the same fearful time to be an Adventist. At the GC session it became very evident that the majority of Adventists are still young earth creationists, but also that a sizable number do not fit into that category. This includes many that are involved in our colleges and universities. We need to continue to work and pray for victory in this area.

    In answer to JImmy: We can only know them by their fruits.

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  39. Well we can be only sure that each is an Adventist in name. I can not judge hearts and don’t think I can spot a dedicated, faithful SDA. Since our beliefs are not perfect and don’t save us that isn’t relevant. Since outward appearance and words can be totally deceiving. How can one judge?

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  40. Well we can be only sure that each is an Adventist in name. I can not judge hearts and don’t think I can spot a dedicated, faithful SDA. Since our beliefs are not perfect and don’t save us that isn’t relevant. Since outward appearance and words can be totally deceiving. How can one judge?  (Quote)

    Well, JImmy, you seem to be labouring under a misconception concerning judgment. The verse referred to so often is regarding judging other peoples’ souls and how they will come out in the final judgment, which is obviously the preogative of the Lord alone. No one on this site has ever done this. To say, however, that we should never judge someone else’s actions is flying in the face of civilization itself.

    That would mean we could have no judges or legal system. How would you like it if serial killers and thieves, for example, were never prosecuted and sent to jail because no human being is allowed to judge another? Besides being utterly ridiculous, such a thing would produce anarchy.

    Do you honestly think that God wants us to live in chaos? God is a God of order. Remember, God had Moses appoint judges in the wilderness when the job was too overwhelming for him, so he obviously approves of this type of judging.

    And the same principle applies to LSU–if we were to listen to the bogus complaint that we can’t judge others while they are blatently teaching the opposite of what the church believes and what they are paid to teach, we are allowing anarchy to reign in the institution and the church. It has been my observation throughout my lifetime that it is always those who are in the wrong that whip out this complaint to justify their wrong actions.

    The Lord gave us good judgment and guidelines to follow so that cases such as this could be dealt with. He expects us to use this judgment and these guidelines, along with our consultation of His will to correct this evil in our institution. It is obviously NOT His will that we teach innocents the doctrines of devils. No matter how you slice it, it is our Christian duty to put a stop to this immediately if not sooner. And this will most likely entail removing people from the positions of trust that they have so dispicably betrayed.

    No, it isn’t a pleasant thing to have to correct this situation–many will be offended along the way. But this has to be done for the greater good of the SDA church. Too bad it was allowed to happen in the first place. If the leaders had been doing their job it wouldn’t have been tolerated for a minute.

    As for spotting a good SDA, listen to what Ruth said above…by their fruits ye shall know them. We can’t always spot someone who secretly does evil, but we can spot those who blatently do. (As in this case.)

    Faith

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  41. This conflict has gone so far, according to an Adventist Review article, that some believe that the university is teaching the “theory of evolution to biology students as the explanation for the origin of life.” This is an example of conflated polemics that arises when the worlds of science and religion collide and wash over each other.

    Notice the shell game used by the TE group?

    When this issue first came up we got a complaints of the form “How dare you suggest LSU is promoting evolution just by listening to students and seeing the statements to the press, and watching them on video, and seeing the class outline”.

    At the same time we also got complainsts of the form “How dare you suggest that promotion of evolution as the real truth about origins by our LSU profs is wrong. Only a fringe group of SDAs would still cling to creationism in this modern age. Give us science not the Bible”.

    Now that LSU itself has admitted to its blunder (at least at the board level) we get spin doctoring like you see in the paragraph above – so kindly pointed out to us by Kent.

    So many twists and turns to their responses as they try to have it “both ways”.

    in Christ,

    Bob

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  42. Professor&#032Kent: And yet, we recently learned that the LSU board clearly sided against the LSU biologists, and actually manipulated the survey results to make LSU work worse. As T. J. Willey described at Spectrummagazine.com (http://tinyurl.com/3dgfwzd), the Board did what no honest investigator would dare to try: the Board added the “Neutral” option selections with the “Agree” ones, and at other times with the “Disagree,” with the express purpose of augmenting the case against the LSU science teachers.

    Q: Did you SDA religion professor explain that praying to the dead is not good Bible doctrine when that subject came up in class? – (which would be the SDA doctrinal position).

    –Yes they did explain that point clearly.

    A. Strongly agree.

    B. Nothing stands out – not a significant point in the class discussion.

    C. Strongly disagree.

    Students that either strongly disagree or that came out of the class clueless as to the SDA answer on that subject – just “might” get lumped into the same “Well then your professor totally flubbed up” category.

    Apparently this idea comes as a huge surprise to some of the folks in the big-left-tent.

    in Christ,

    Bob

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  43. Shane Hilde says:
    September 10, 2010 @BobRyan: To my knowledge there was no public announcement regarding the new board members. The information you read above is just copied from bios I found on the internet. All the bios mentioned that they were Seventh-day Adventists. At this point I have little information regarding their faithfulness to Adventist beliefs.

    Let us say for one imaginary moment that all of the new board members were Seventh-day Adventists – that believed our 28 Fundamental Beliefs – and were committed to fixing the LSU problem regarding apostasy with respect to FB #6.

    Let us say for another imaginary moment that all of the board members that are under disciplinary censure by the board are strict devotees to evolutionism OR else strictly devoted to protecting and enabling the evolutionist agenda at LSU.

    Certainly that would be an indication that the LSU board of directors was listening to the voice of the denomination that it serves and positioning itself to take “actual action” in the case of LSU.

    Leaves us to speculate about just how far off the mark the reality of the situation on the ground is at LSU relative to the ideal scenario.

    in Christ,

    Bob

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  44. Kwiram is disturbing. In essence, in his article he defines intellectuals as those who have higher degrees, who are well read—and who think like he does. I know plenty of highly educated, well-read, open-minded individuals who stand firmly for doctrines identified by Adventists as biblical and true.

    Most “Adventist” doctrines were individually identified as biblical by other churches or individuals over the centuries before Adventists ever came along. Many were “intellectuals” in every sense of the word. Today there are many Christian intellectuals outside the Adventist church who adhere to the biblical doctrine of creation and are intelligently able to defend it with arguments that evolutionists and people like Kwiram never meet head-on. Never. Because they can’t. Instead, they meet arguments with ridicule, sarcasm, intellectual arrogance, tap dancing and Cheshire cat smiles. Never with substance.

    Nevertheless, Adventist church leaders, pastors and teachers must take responsibility for letting this seep into Adventist education and calling it “good.” The evolutionists in our midsts honestly believe what they believe, for whatever reason. Church leaders and administrators have acted with cowardice, allowing themselves to be bullied into submission. It’s nothing but a high school popularity game on steroids. Deep down, evolutionists know they have nothing to lose by being dishonest, underhanded, arrogant and conniving. After all, it’s survival of the fittest. They have cornered well-meaning Adventist leaders because those leaders themselves, though they suspect the truth, are not fully and passionately convicted of it to the point of defending it with grace and dignity—and to the death if need be. Meanwhile, our young people innocently and ignorantly follow after those who sport the biggest smiles.

    I’m not sure which is worse—the wolves among us or the cowardly sheep who have posed as shepherds.

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  45. Getting closer to Spectrum magazine is a step in the wrong direction if the school wishes to cleanse itself of unBiblical liberalism. An Amazing Facts associate would be a much better board-member choice in the struggle for orthodoxy and Scriptual integrity.

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  46. Ethan,

    My recollection is that Walla Walla University has at least one representative of the board that is outside of the Union. If I remember correctly, that slot was filled by Dan Matthews while I was a student there. I am guessing that it is common practice to have somebody on the “outside” as a representative.

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  47. Bill Sorenson wrote

    Bob, let’s not forget that LSU still wants to get those government grants. With this in mind, we can guess that at least some board members are more secular in their mind set and less spiritual.

    Government grants? These are not an issue. Parochial schools of many flavors get these all the time, and there is no requirement whatsoever to teach evolutionism.

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  48. The at-large board members have a six year term.

    Keeping board meetings (not just executive session items) so very secretive and not disseminating minutes of the meetings, as if everything that happens is equivalent to CIA strategic planning, verifies MLB’s statement about Graham, Wisbey and the attorney Kent Hansen’s determination to maintain a shroud of secrecy. “Disciplining” board members for trying to share concerns with the General Conference is one more evidence of their motto of secrecy at all costs.

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  49. Although I would hate to see the Michigan Conference lose him, I would love to see the Central California Conference elect Jay Gallimore as their new conference president.That would automatically put him on La Sierra’s board of directors.  

    I second the motion! We need someone out here that has a backbone, as Jerry Page does.

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  50. Susie wrote:

    Keeping board meetings (not just executive session items) so very secretive and not disseminating minutes of the meetings, as if everything that happens is equivalent to CIA strategic planning, verifies MLB’s statement about Graham, Wisbey and the attorney Kent Hansen’s determination to maintain a shroud of secrecy.

    I’ve taught at more than a handful of non-SDA colleges and universities and have never seen board minutes posted online or handed out to employees, much less the general public. For that matter, there are thousands of “boards” for various entities (corporations, public utilities, churches, etc.) scattered all across the big ol’ USA, and I’m pretty confident the majority of them maintain minutes internally. Is our country bursting at the seams with CIA-type strategists? Or is it just our dreaded, secrecy-shrouded university that we all love to hate?

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  51. Although I would hate to see the Michigan Conference lose him, I would love to see the Central California Conference elect Jay Gallimore as their new conference president. That would automatically put him on La Sierra’s board of directors.

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  52. From my experience of serving on school boards, at least at secondary level, the minutes are always written with brevity and carefully with such phrases as “after discussion, such and such was voted…” The minutes are purposely written as a summary so that the voted actions are available for public access. It was only executive sessions that were kept private. I was not implying that the minutes are posted online or on a bulletin board, only that they are readily accessible if anyone wants to come and look at them. It would be very interesting to know at how many other schools the regular board minutes are categorized as “attorney-client privileged information?” The last constituency meeting at LSU actually had guards at the door, checking I.D.’s so that only those on the approved list could enter. I don’t think it is unfounded to call that what it is—a shroud of secrecy.

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  53. Bill Sorenson wrote
    Government grants? These are not an issue. Parochial schools of many flavors get these all the time, and there is no requirement whatsoever to teach evolutionism.  

    All this talk about government grants, getting accreditation, and similar smokescreen issues are nothing more than excuses to avoid handling the actual issue. LSU will use ANYTHING to avoid addressing the problem, which is deeply rooted in the secular humanistic philosophies of those in charge of this institution.

    Do you here this “problem” mentioned at other SDA colleges that teach creationism. Does PUC have a problem with accreditation? How about SWAU? Don’t they teach creationism there?

    As I’ve been told by my 3 relatives who attend there, no Darwinian “evolution as fact’ is taught, and I’ve not heard of PUC having accreditation problems. In fact, they have been rated numerous times by U.S. News as being a great school!

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  54. From my experience of serving on school boards, at least at secondary level, the minutes are always written with brevity and carefully with such phrases as “after discussion, such and such was voted…” The minutes are purposely written as a summary so that the voted actions are available for public access. It was only executive sessions that were kept private. I was not implying that the minutes are posted online or on a bulletin board, only that they are readily accessible if anyone wants to come and look at them. It would be very interesting to know at how many other schools the regular board minutes are categorized as “attorney-client privileged information?” The last constituency meeting at LSU actually had guards at the door, checking I.D.’s so that only those on the approved list could enter. I don’t think it is unfounded to call that what it is—a shroud of secrecy.  (Quote)

    Susie, A “Shroud of secrecy” is needed by LSU because they do not want the constituency to know, understand, and evaluate what is going on. Why would they? The more information that is known, the more exposed the Board will be. The “guards” are needed so only those “approved” to hear will be allowed.

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  55. Susie wrote:
    I’ve taught at more than a handful of non-SDA colleges and universities and have never seen board minutes posted online or handed out to employees, much less the general public. For that matter, there are thousands of “boards” for various entities (corporations, public utilities, churches, etc.) scattered all across the big ol’ USA, and I’m pretty confident the majority of them maintain minutes internally. Is our country bursting at the seams with CIA-type strategists? Or is it just our dreaded, secrecy-shrouded university that we all love to hate?  

    The Board meetings are supposed to be “open” to students and staff unless they are “Executive.” (Section 6.8 of LSU Bylaws)

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  56. Getting closer to Spectrum magazine is a step in the wrong direction if the school wishes to cleanse itself of unBiblical liberalism.An Amazing Facts associate would be a much better board-member choice in the struggle for orthodoxy and Scriptual integrity.  

    I don’t know of anyone at Amazing Facts that the Board would even consider. Why would the Board bring someone on who actually believes in God’s Truth and is willing to stand up for it?

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  57. Here is a bit of good news for Randal Wisbey and Fritz Guy –

    Spectrum will have more of a voice on the LSU board than in the past.

    ================================
    Alvin Kwiram
    Kwiram is Professor Emeritus at the Department of Chemistry, University of Washington. He received his BA in Physics and BS in Chemistry from Walla Walla College in 1958, and completed his doctoral work in Chemistry at the California Institute of Technology in 1962. From 1964 to 1970 he was on the faculty of Harvard University, before joining the University of Washington (UW). In the late ’60s he became president of the newly formed Association of Adventist Forums. In 2007 it become known as Adventist Forums (AF). AF also publishes Spectrum magazine. Kwiram wrote “Can Intellectuals Be at Home in the Church?” in September 1976 for Spectrum magazine. Readers might find this of interest in light of the current controversy with LSU.
    =============================

    Notice that at no point does the announcement of LSU board members include the fact that they are good Christians or that they believe in Adventist doctrine or that they have ever taken a decisive stand for the truth against some form of opposition.

    Those qualities “might have been” either an outright requirement or possibly “worth mentioning” in the years surrounding the founding of LLU and LSU – but in the modern PUC and SECC climate – it appears they are not a criteria for selection much less “worth mentioning”.

    Any administration that seeks to take up the reins of the runaway process at LSU has its work cut out for it. Without a miracle or two – that LSU horse will simply “stay outside the barn” while calling for an exodus by even more horses.

    in Christ,

    Bob

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  58. Bob, let’s not forget that LSU still wants to get those government grants. With this in mind, we can guess that at least some board members are more secular in their mind set and less spiritual.

    I would be pleased, shocked, and amazed if the scenario you set forth became a reality. But only if they actually do something dynamic to affirm the historic SDA bible faith.

    People may “believe” many things, but are still not willing to put their convictions on the line. Obviously, the time is coming when we must all eventually stand up, or, kneel down. And it will not be easy for anyone. Ask the three Hebrew boys.

    Bill Sorensen

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  59. The discussion in this thread exemplifies what I dislike about EducateTruth. A number of individuals were quick to vilify four individuals newly elected to the LSU board before we knew much of anything about them. Anyone who reads this discussion will recognize the lack of Christian charity.

    In addition to this, we have the following statement at a related thread (http://tinyurl.com/4bvugks) from one of the more applauded creationists within our Church, a paleobiologist at Southwestern Adventist University:

    Art&#032Chadwick: Having just reviewed the changes made in the LSU Board, it is apparent to me that the Board is being stacked with people who are in sympathy with the errant faculty at La Sierra. I am therefore less hopeful that the resolution of the problem can come from the Board at least until the errant administrators and faculty are no longer able to influence the choice of Board members.

    When my friend, Geanna Dane, objected to Art Chadwick’s accusation, we had this response from another Educate Truth supporter:

    Ron&#032Stone&#032M&#046D&#046: Well, Geanna, Dr. Chadwick’s words may seem “unkind, prejudicial, and completely uncalled for” to you. However, they are also completely TRUE, which trumps your predudicial analysis!

    And yet, we recently learned that the LSU board clearly sided against the LSU biologists, and actually manipulated the survey results to make LSU work worse. As T. J. Willey described at Spectrummagazine.com (http://tinyurl.com/3dgfwzd), the Board did what no honest investigator would dare to try: the Board added the “Neutral” option selections with the “Agree” ones, and at other times with the “Disagree,” with the express purpose of augmenting the case against the LSU science teachers.

    This act of dishonesty on the part of the LSU Board should please every supporter of Educate Truth, and confirms that the board members, who were actually attacked by Educate Truth supporters, are actually on their side!

    Are you folks now able to offer any praise for the much-vilified LSU Board which has clearly sided with Educate Truth?

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  60. Re CB’s Quotes

    “The evolutionists in our midsts honestly believe what they believe, for whatever reason.”

    “Deep down, evolutionists know they have nothing to lose by being dishonest, underhanded, arrogant and conniving.”

    Dear CB

    Thanks for your comments. I agree with you there are many fine Christian intellectuals. For example, even though I do not agree with Sean Pitman, I think he has an excellent, honest intellect. I have also encountered many other fine, talented, honest folks on this site and am very grateful for their erudition.

    I am having great problem reconciling your above statements. On one hand you seem to be saying that evolutionists honestly believe what they believe but on the other hand you seem to be implying they will be dishonest, underhanded,, arrogant and conniving. How does one be honest and dishonest at the same time?

    Respectfully, as I have stated before on this forum, it is possible for good people to believe different things. This is apparent, even among those of fundamental biblical SDA faith.

    I am an agnostic who thinks evolution is correct, an ‘evolutionist’. However I am trying to understand ‘creation science’ to assess it’s merit and viability on all fronts, in other words keep an open mind. Contrary to your opinion I think I have a great deal to lose by being dishonest, underhanded, arrogant or conniving- my personal integrity and self respect.

    CB,I don’t take your comments personally and I appreciate your honest candour. However, my point is, that generic, negative, stereotyping of groups is usually inaccurate and can lead to intolerance and lack of understanding. Good people exist everywhere irrespective of their particular faith or lack thereof.

    Take care
    your agnostic friend
    Ken

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