Hello all!

First, we just want to say thank you for all the support we've received regarding this letter. All of the kind words are truly appreciated. We ask that you’d remain respectful to all in your discourses about this letter and topics of social justice at large.

Second, since posting this, we have received many questions as to 1) what exactly these 'anti-biblical' theories are, 2) what specific examples we would point to where Northwestern leadership have promoted these ideas, 3) as well as what exactly we are asking the University to do about this issue.

ANTI-BIBLICAL THEORIES

We want to emphasize the fact that these theories and ideologies arise from an incorrect understanding of the world. In our particular discussion, these theories include, but are not limited to: Marxism, Postmodernism, Social Justice Theory, Critical Race Theory (CRT), and Intersectionality. Our reasoning for writing the letter was not necessarily to describe and critique these specific theories, but to instead explain what God’s Word says about these cultural issues. This is why we didn’t go into much detail when describing these ideas.

For a more informed understanding of these theories, we’ve enumerated a list of many articles and podcasts from a variety of biblically-based theologians much wiser than us. For your convenience, here are some of the articles we referenced:
https://answersingenesis.org/racism/critical-race-theory-church/
https://wretched.org/social-justice-vs-biblical-justice/
https://seanmcdowell.org/blog/how-should-christians-think-about-social-justice
https://justthinking.me/ep-102-black-lives-matter/
https://founders.org/2018/12/26/romans-sound-doctrine-and-christian-unity/

EXAMPLES AT UNW

For those unaware, we want to include a brief list of examples of how Northwestern leadership has explicitly or implicitly endorsed ideas of Social Justice and CRT.

• Mandatory bias training for staff, student leaders and others. These trainings are not grounded in a biblical understanding of sin and instead rely on a secular psychology to define humanity. Any biblical language employed is usually either tangential or taken out of context.
• Adding a Diversity and Inclusion Office. This is how a majority of colleges and universities attempt to create a unified campus culture. However, artificial constructions of a diverse community are unfortunately misguided. One cannot manufacture the blood-bought unity we have as brothers and sisters in Christ.
• Affirmative action. In a document entitled, “Strategic Diversity and Inclusion Framework,” Directive 3 states that Northwestern will “increase the diversity [of the institution] through the intentional recruitment, retention, and representation of ethnic minorities.” A directive such as this looks with partiality towards someone’s identity as opposed to their proven character and qualification.
• Campus-wide events promoting ‘reconciliation.’ We outline in the letter how sin is committed by the individual, not by groups. In the same way, reconciliation must also happen between individuals, not groups. Refer to this podcast for a better understanding of this concept:
  https://justthinking.me/ep-092-racial-reconciliation/
• Showings of Jemar Tisby’s Color of Compromise. Tisby’s book — adapted to a video series — is grounded in the ideas of white fragility, white guilt, and systemic oppression. For a more in-depth critique, follow these links:
  https://reformationcharlotte.org/2019/01/24/the-spiritual-blindness-of-marxist-ideology-a-critical-review-of-jemar-tisbys-the-color-of-compromise
  https://founders.org/reviews/book-review-the-color-of-compromise/

WHAT WE ARE ASKING

We want to clarify to all that we are not making demands, pointing fingers, or casting blame. Instead, we humbly ask the following of the leadership, faculty and staff at the University of Northwestern - St. Paul:

• First, please take the time to read the letter in its entirety and prayerfully consider its warnings. We truly believe the things we have written and we are open for productive, respectful conversation with anyone willing.
• Second, please take time to consider the viewpoints and ideological positions of all students, not just those speaking the loudest. We hope those who agree with the letter know that they are not alone in their convictions.
• Third, please ensure that every decision being made is in accordance with a biblically-sound worldview. Hold fast to what is true and it will be a light unto your feet.

Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 

John 17:17