Limits5: Luther Classical & Valpo compared: Accreditation for Lutheran schools

        Luther Classical College  vs.  Concordia University Wisconsin

     This concludes from Part 4 in a series presenting Prof. Franz Pieper's address at the dedication of a new building for Concordia College in Milwaukee in 1901. (Table of Contents in Part 1). — While translating Pieper's address, I received the latest Ad Fontes monthly (September) leaflet from Luther Classical College (LCC).  Some of the aims of this institution are in direct opposition to the aims of Concordia University Wisconsin which "indefinitely suspended" Prof. Gregory Schulz who had a "theological concern" with the university.  The newly appointed Academic Dean for LCC, Dr. Ryan C. MacPherson, wrote an article on the college's plans for accreditation.  It was a most interesting and encouraging read as it showed not only his familiarity with the matter of "accreditation", but also the pitfalls associated with it. I would quote from one of the final paragraphs:

"We believe, teach, and confess..." is a repeated phrase throughout the Formula of Concord. What our supporting congregational members believe, what the faculty teach, and what the administration confesses publicly by its formal affiliations must all accord—not merely with one another but most especially with the Word of God. Accreditation at LCC must fit the framework of our confession; our confession must not be altered or muted to conform to wayward accreditation trends.

Franz Pieper would whole heartedly support Dr. MacPherson's, and the college's, aim to "accord… with the Word of God".  

Valparaiso University 

      However, to speak of adherence to the Word of God and to practice it can be problematic.  How so?  I have an example from nearly 100 years ago in… Valparaiso University in 1926, the year it was established as a Lutheran University, Der Lutheraner reported that Dr. Franz Pieper delivered an address that gave specific counsel to Dr. W. H. T. Dau, the first president, and his new Lutheran university on this matter (Der Lutheraner vol 82, [1926], p. 378: 

"Dr. F. Pieper of St. Louis, in a Latin address, pointed out the right relation between human science and Christian religion. Both should remain in their divinely appointed sphere, and the one should not encroach upon the sphere of the other."

Did Dr. Dau take this to heart? — In 1929, Dr. Pieper, the essayist of the above series that was published 18 years earlier, reported the following news in Lehre und Wehre, vol. 75 (1929), p. 84:

Dr. W. H. T. Dau

From the Synod. The President of Valparaiso University, Dr. [W. H. T.] Dau, informs us that this institution was admitted to membership in the North Central Association on March 15 [1929], and is thus “accredited.” Dr. Dau adds, 

“This removes a great difficulty with which our institution had to wrestle. But the new status of our institution places an exceedingly serious responsibility upon the administration, inasmuch as it is to be a Lutheran institution. God grant us further his grace, that we may get entirely on the right track here!” 

[Pieper:] With this “accreditation” Valparaiso University has been given the certificate that it stands in scientific relation on the same line with the state universities and other publicly recognized universities of the country. Now it is necessary to keep in mind the right of special existence, the differentia specifica, namely, to arrange the teaching in all departments in such a way that the students are not harmed in their Christian faith, but rather strengthened.

Note Dr. Pieper's public counsel (or warning?) is for "all departments" of Valpo. — At its anniversary celebration in 2009, Valpo boasted that 

"Dr. Dau succeeded in getting the University accredited and set it on a course that would establish it as an outstanding academic institution with a strong Lutheran Christian identity."

 

          LCC              —              Valpo

But one searches in vain for this "strong Lutheran Christian identity" in Valparaiso University's materials. Rather one finds that it boasts of practically everything but this, and can report that only 27% of its students are "Lutheran". Thirty years after Dau's accreditation of Valpo, the official organ of Valparaiso University (The Cresset, Jan. 1960) called the literal reading of Genesis 1 and 2 "rationalistic". The reports of the teaching of evolution many decades ago was a clear indication that Dau's accreditation did nothing to keep Valpo "entirely on the right track". From personal experience, I am amazed that one of my older brothers (of 2) did not lose his Christian faith while attending Valpo. My mother grieved when another brother joined a "Greek" fraternity there. I did not go to Valpo because I did not like its "appearance only" Lutheran identity.

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      So what about this talk of holding to the Lutheran Confessions, to the Word of God?  It is only talk until the real issues of Christianity are addressed, the theology, as Prof. Franz Pieper addressed them at the dedication of Concordia College in Milwaukee in 1901, also for Valparaiso University in 1926 and 1929. May Dr. MacPherson avoid the pitfall of Dr. Thomas Korcok [Parts 2 and 3], and that in Pieper's address in Part 4, and, as Pieper stated, let God "rule through His Word, the Holy Scriptures"!  —

      Another address by Pieper was made 8 years later to another Concordia school, Concordia-Bronxville  That will be presented in the future.