The interracial dating controversy wasn't An Issue of Black and White

Controversy, in itsmany shapes and forms, isnothing that anyone asks for or desires. However, it's a part of every one'slife.

People at Liberty were no different and the year had its share ofcontroversy The student newspaper argued both sidesofthe issuesduring the year One ofthe year's prominent campus issues was that of interracial dating Students' feelings varied; some students strongly opposed it, even admitting they were prejudiced against anyone who was not of the same race.

"The question iswrong," said a sophomore from Ohio. "So isthe act. I feel that people who are interracially dating are missing out on what God has for them."

On the other side were individuals who did not feelinterracially dating was wrong "I don't know why everyone is so upset,"said a white student She said she had many black friends and would not have a problem dating one.

The majority ofstudents fellinto a gray area between the two extremes. A senior finance major,said, "I don't know if it is wrong or not For me,it is I won't condemn those who choose to date interracially It is their decision."

Dr Harold Willmington, Bible professor,addressed his New Testament class on the issue Many students did not know which side was right or wrong

"I am going to tell you what the Bible says about interracial dating in the next minute," he said The class of more than 500 students came to a dead silence Willmington also remained silent for one minute.

Then he said,"The Bible says nothing about interracial dating Itis a gray area of the Christian life."

He continued by giving basic principles to guide students in gray areas of their lives Gray areas he defined as those things that are morally indifferent and not addressed by the Bible,the authority of the Christian faith

One: Will the activity, interracial dating in this case,cause a weaker brother to stumble or fallin hisChristian life?This isPaul's principle of letting love voluntarily regulate one's personal liberty

Two: Will the activity, not morally wrong in itself,lead you into sin?

Three: Will the activity hinder your individual ministry to others? Will the people who see you on a regular basis Christians or not,respect the stand that you have made for Christ?