Comments for Pensees

Comment on Northland, “we have been here before.” by Dale

Dale — Wed, 15 May 2013 06:14:19 +0000

Thanks, John — good stuff and good perspective — grateful to be an alum of NIU!

Comment on On Northland’s Confession by terryriegel

terryriegel — Wed, 15 May 2013 03:43:40 +0000

Bond,

I agree.

We are agreed that northland has not shifted doctrinally.

And so the issue really is about a “worship band”

Now that’s just silly.

Thank you for being honest about what the issues really is.

By the way if you don’t like the band idea that’s fine, I have no problem with that. But it is a leap to get from ‘I don’t like it’ to ‘it is sinful’.

Comment on Northland, “we have been here before.” by Bill Halladay

Bill Halladay — Wed, 15 May 2013 01:08:06 +0000

Wonder how many Southern Baptists we can talk into going to the land of ice and snow, Scott Linnerud?

Comment on Northland, “we have been here before.” by Scott Linnerud

Scott Linnerud — Tue, 14 May 2013 22:41:20 +0000

John,

Thanks for the words for which many of us alumni were looking. Both Barb (Class of ’80, under the leadership of Dr. Wooster) and myself ( Class of ’84, under the leadership of the admin) have appreciated the journey that Northland taken. We too have a renewed interest to come alongside NIU.

Grace & Peace,
Scott

Comment on Northland, “we have been here before.” by Deanna Doctor

Deanna Doctor — Tue, 14 May 2013 22:15:41 +0000

Thanks, John! Appreciated your words and agree with your perspective.

Comment on Northland, “we have been here before.” by G. A. Dietrich

G. A. Dietrich — Tue, 14 May 2013 20:33:10 +0000

There is a Northland Alumni FB page as well, https://www.facebook.com/northlandualumni.

Comment on Northland, “we have been here before.” by Mark Holley

Mark Holley — Tue, 14 May 2013 19:43:10 +0000

Thanks John, well said.

Comment on On Northland’s Confession by Bond

Bond — Tue, 14 May 2013 18:25:10 +0000

terryriegel,

About the “worship band,” what other name would you call it – a Praise Symphony, a Divine Chamber Orchestra? I think everyone on both sides of this issue would have to admit this band (or whatever you want to call it) is at least definitely not in line with NIU’s historical practices. NIU is over 30 years old and this is the first music group of its kind in NIU’s history. Right?

I happen to disagree with the band idea. I think saying you aren’t going to separate over music and then starting a band are related, but also very different. But that is apart of a larger conversation than this comment here alone. Feel free to disagree with me if you like.

Again, my point was simply that I don’t think the main issue with the critics has to do with doctrine nearly as much as it has to do with practice. The practice is where the most controversy lies. People aren’t bickering over the doctrine of salvation, they are arguing over standards and rules. Correct?

Having a confession is only a small part of the overall questions about NIU in the minds of many.

Comment on Northland, “we have been here before.” by Bill Provenzano

Bill Provenzano — Tue, 14 May 2013 17:49:29 +0000

As I was reading this, my mind went to Romans 15: 1-7, in particular verses 5-7.

“5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”

Comment on My Take on Northland by Bill Provenzano

Bill Provenzano — Tue, 14 May 2013 17:26:38 +0000

Thanks Amy, that’s helpful. When I was there I was a graduate assistant and didn’t have to pay tuition. I netted a heavy $50 dollars a week, I think. But I didn’t have to think about tuition. Back then there were about 6-700 students, but I might not be remembering well. I recently heard they were down to about 350.

It sure is good to hear they are still debt free and I had forgotten that they actually “subsidize” the tuition of many students. The old adage rings somewhat true. “No good deed goes unpunished.”

With that said, I have no doubt they are committing their ways to the Lord. He will establish their path.

If I recall, in the late ’90s I think there was talk about moving the college to Denver and they were actually exploring that possibility. While I know “What if” is one of the dumber questions one can ask about history in light of God’s providence, I nonetheless wonder.

Thanks for the response.

Godspeed!