The Problem: There have been many concerns expressed about chapel and the scriptural state of DBU for some time now. I am concerned that we, as students, are missing the point all together. It's not just the speakers in chapel that we should be concerned about, but an over-all negative attitude toward many biblical aspects of our faith. There is a problem, also, with students?attitudes toward chapel (I wonder why) as well as the speakers. One might even go as far as to say that there is a problem with Christians as a body today in general. We are increasingly lethargic in our study of the scripture, and attending church services. We raise up churches to "get butts in the seats" so to speak in stead of being intent on preaching (and learning) God's Word. I think we've become a quantity over quality generation. I hear students say all of the time that they either do homework or sleep in church, (I mean chapel), or skip it all together. I see and hear people talking and doing all sorts of things whilst singing and/or listening to the speaker. (As a side note, I think it strange and very sad when the pulpit area is called a stage-- I hear it all of the time now. It saddens me.) Students look at chapel as a chore and as a total drag. I can't blame them, but I'm going to. This is a completely wrong outlook on chapel in the first place. No matter what we are to long to be together as a body learning and worshipping (in its many forms, including singing and scripture reading). We go to be entertained, when we should go to learn and give. Chapel isn't "new and interesting enough" so the administration tries to sing songs and get speakers that will "appeal to the students" so to speak. How wrong we all are, on both counts!

The church as a whole is noticing the decline in membership and is struggling to keep its numbers up, as if that was important or our job. Due to this dearth we have lost the mission. Dare I say it--We have lost the commission, the Great Commission, or at least the point of it. It's sad that we look down upon the traditional churches that are still preaching "hell, fire, and brimstone" and singing hymns like "The Old Rugged Cross" and "Amazing Grace." I might be a very conservative person, but what is wrong with these traditions? Most of these hymns and the "old time religion" messages focus on God, His Glory, and His power. When did how we feel about ourselves become more important than God and His attributes? I say it is our own fault that we have speakers who speak on "seven ways to better your prayer life," and the like. We, as a whole, will listen to nothing else. God forbid we be uncomfortable or challenged, even convicted, of our shortcomings. There are quite a few people, like myself, who want to hear about the Lord and not myself, as if I were innately good or the focus of our faith. And granted, we get a clear picture of who God is by comparing what we know (ourselves) to Him. But to avoid exalting ourselves and seeing Him clearly and lifted up, we must talk about our failings, sin, and depravity. Why is it that no one ever preaches on our utter dependence on God to conform our depravity to His righteousness? Is depravity too big a word for us? I should hope not! We hear about grace all the time, but never judgement or punishment. Therefore, to keep our attention, (as if God Himself isn't enough), DBU acquires speakers who think they know us, and speak (not preach) about the five ways to be a better student?

What is our task? Contrast! (Five ways to be a better Sniper, and presenter of the Truth)

****Disclaimer: These are things I too need to work on.****

~God tells us specifically that we are to uphold each other as Christians and believers in the One True God. Speak out in a respectful and loving, yet determined way, about our concerns. No one will know unless someone says something about these unbiblical realities. We submit to them when we go along and are silent. ~Study, study, study. We are to know God's Word. It is our personal duty and honor. It should be something we WANT to do. It is beneficial for everything and is alive and active. It is the way we recognize the Lord and His Truth. ~"Know before you go"...Or say rather. On many occasions, I have wanted to say something against the chapel speaker and/or the administration here at DBU, but I hadn't prepared to give a thoughtful opinion. So I didn't adequately convey what I thought God wanted to say about the situation. Studying God's Word, more knowledge of what's going on around here, and a little more time/thought will help to alleviate any regrets in this area. ~Pray about the concerns that you have. This is not to say that you do not do this already, but I find that it is hard to pray without Godly motives for someone I'm mad at. So take the time to be thoughtful and prayerful about any arguments. ~Be a continual witness for Christ's attributes. And DO NOT BE CRITICAL of others! Being critical is different from speaking out against unbiblical aspects of our culture here at DBU. I urge you brothers and sisters who are so concerned about the state of our school to avoid being nasty and over-bearing, as these are not attributes of Christ. As the age-old saying goes, "you get more flies with honey than you do vinegar." That's not to say that I am asking readers to be overtly sweet and insincere. I am simply saying that no one will listen if you say what you have to say in a mean or spiteful way. The Lord doesn't treat us this way, and so we are not to treat others this way. Keep in mind that we are to present the true image of God.

****All this to encourage and strengthen you in the Lord and to promote a more biblical DBU.****

PS: I thought this would be funny, but true...so don't hate me for it being in "five ways form"

PPS: I promise I'm not a female preacher, just attempting to encourage you!

Please welcome the Anti-Snipe!