Posts by Darren Slade

Leaving Liberty University Behind

In a nutshell, this post is simply my explicit and public disavowal of the ideology and outspoken teachings of Liberty University, particularly the Jerry Falwell dynasty that still controls it. Why such an explicit disavowal of my alma mater?

It’s not because I am disgruntled, opportunistic, or backslidden. On the contrary, my experience with Liberty University (like anything else) was a mixture of wonderful growth through great joy and turbulent hardship. I made some amazing friends and (probably) some enemies, too. Most importantly, I learned a lot about myself and the Christian tribe I once ascribed to (this in spite of Liberty’s teachings, not because of them). I eventually learned what I always knew: I am a man of strong conviction and passionate determination for truth and justice. As such, I learned that I needed to separate myself from the political ideology and prejudicial theology behind Liberty University. Thus, this disavowal comes from a genuine disappointment in choosing to attend Liberty in the first place, as well as a grave concern for what the university symbolizes—religiously, academically, and politically.

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