Spiritual Distinctives
SPIRITUAL DISTINCTIVES
Hampden DuBose Academy recognizes there are theological differences between genuinely Christian churches. Therefore, we feel compelled to make the following comment and commitment.
HDA is committed to endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph. 4:3). It is committed to "Children, obey your parents in the Lord" (Eph. 6:1). It is committed to "Obey your leaders and submit to them for they watch for your souls," (Heb. 13:12).
We will not attempt to proselytize your children, that is, we will not attempt to use the school to build up any one church's attendance. It is the school board's desire to provide the highest quality Christian education possible, to foster an atmosphere for unity yet allow for diversity. It is not the policy of this school to indoctrinate or to encourage one type of theology/methodology over another. Every effort will be made to encourage personal thinking, self government and a sense of loyalty to God, parents and the local church.
To be candid, we believe that it is an impossibility to be non-denominational in the fullest sense. Every statement or action of any teacher rests upon a system of theological thought. Unavoidably, that system of thought will be reflected by the teachers' terminology, emphasis, practice or even voice tone and facial expression. Our teachers' systems of theological thought will reflect and emphasize common, historic essentials of the Christian Church. Our teachers will accept and practice the truth that all believers are in the process of growing in their knowledge of the Scriptures and are to be engaged in helping each other grow. Such a growth process assumes differences at any given time in understanding terminology, emphasis and/or practice in matters non-essential to salvation through Jesus Christ.
Our teachers are to comply with this philosophy; and in areas where differences exist, the following procedures will be observed:
The teacher will acknowledge that the issue has different sides and not attempt to teach, instruct or indoctrinate one side over the other.
The teacher may share his/her personal views or the views of his/her church, stating to the class that his/her views may not be held by all Christian churches. In no way will remarks be made that would indicate that a person is more or less of a Christian by holding or not holding to this view.
The teacher will encourage all the class to ask both their parents and their pastors concerning their personal and their own church's stand on the issue in question.
The teacher could ask for volunteers to present the different views in order to give the class oral and/or written reports on an understanding of the complexity of the issue.
We pledge to you that we will do all we can to promote the unity of the body of Christ. We pledge to you that while we do not intend to force our teachers to be inconsistent with their own beliefs, we will do the utmost to foster the honor and respect of parents and submission to your spiritual oversight.
The following represents the theological distinctives that we, as an institution, respectively maintain:
The Holy Spirit
We acknowledge that there exist varying views concerning the activity of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. It is clear in scripture that every believer is "born again" by the Spirit (Jn. 3:5-6), that the Spirit indwells the life of the believer (Rom. 8:9-11, 16, 23), and that the command has been given for the believer to be filled with the Holy Spirit (Eph. 5:18). Differences exist within the church in the area of interpretation, definition, and methodology. These areas should in no way divide the body of Christ but cause it to seek more fully the truth for personal and corporate expressions of faith. Areas that bring concern are the questions concerning terminology: baptism in/of the Holy Spirit, being full of the Holy Spirit or being filled with the Holy Spirit; the evidence and characteristics of this experience in the life of the believer; and the operation and character of the gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:8-10), the gifts of Christ (Eph. 4:11-12), the gifts of God's grace (Rom. 12:6-8) and divine appointments or placements (1 Cor. 12:27-30). It must be stated clearly that although prophecy is a viable gift of the Holy Spirit, no gift should take the place of importance above the Scriptures (2 Tim. 3: 16-17). All too often stress or emphasis has been placed on an experience or operation rather than on the reality and character of the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, we call faculty, teachers, parents and students to exercise the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23) in respecting one another's privilege, right and responsibility in serving God to the utmost.
Eschatology
The study of eschatology or last things, end-times, is a complex study. There exist many views concerning Christ's return. As stated in our Statement of Faith, this school holds to the belief that Christ will return to the Church. Some of the differing views deal with the millennium and the tribulation, i.e. Postmillennialism, Amillennialism, Premillennialism, Pretribulationism and Posttribulationism. It is in these areas that we believe that the church is receiving progressive understanding. As we study the word of God, the events concerning the last days will become clearer. Again, this school will not attempt to indoctrinate its students in one of these areas, but challenge the student to seek further an understanding of Scriptures, traditional views and their pastors’ and parents' beliefs.
Abortion, Euthanasia, Infanticide
Believing that human life begins at conception, our teachers will advocate the sanctity of life position that prohibits the taking of a human life in any case except capital punishment, self-defense and/or a just war. The quality of life ethic so prevalent today is unbiblical and will not be supported. Notwithstanding the above, we acknowledge that questions in specific cases of medical ethics may be extremely complex in our high tech society.
Teachers will be free to discuss these issues but only in the context of respect for the position of parents, students and other church leaders.
Alcohol
We believe the Scripture clearly teaches that drunkenness is sin and that our bodies, as the temple of the Holy Spirit, are to be properly cared for by the avoidance of the abuse of alcoholic beverages or any other substance.
We believe the orthodox church has had divided opinion as to the scriptural use of alcoholic beverages in moderation.
We believe the Scripture clearly teaches that we are to obey the lawful authority of the state which, in this issue, has ruled the use of alcoholic beverages by minors illegal. We will prohibit the use of alcohol by our students on the basis of its illegality.
Our teachers will be free to share their opinions as to the use of alcohol in moderation by adults, but only in the context of respect for the opinion of the students' parents and of church leaders. Our teachers will set forth the spiritual, physical, mental and socio-economic dangers associated with the use of alcohol and other drugs and offer the practical wisdom of abstinence.
Students will be referred to their parents and church leaders for guidance on problematic texts that lead to varied opinions.
The use of alcoholic beverages on school property or at school functions will be prohibited.
Marriage, Divorce, Remarriage and Sexuality
God has ordained marriage for the mutual help of husband and wife; for the increase of mankind with legitimate children and of the Church with a holy seed for the prevention of uncleanness and as a picture of the mystical union of Christ and the Church.
While it is lawful for all sorts of people to marry yet, it is the duty of Christians to marry only in the Lord.
Marriage is a covenant made before the Lord which must not be torn asunder for any causes other than sexual immorality or willful desertion as can no way be remedied by the Church or civil magistrate.
Inasmuch as God has permitted divorce in two cases, considering the departed spouse as dead, and, inasmuch as Paul encourages younger widows to remarry, it appears that remarriage is permissible in these cases.
Scripture is silent in the case of a divorcee who subsequently comes to faith in Christ. Out of the extension of the grace that "all things become new" in Christ one might allow remarriage to a believer.
We believe that God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as male or female. These two distinct, complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God. (Gen 1:26-27.)
We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to occur only between a man and a woman who are married to each other. (1 Cor 6:18; 7:2-5; Heb 13:4.)
We believe that any form of sexual immorality is sinful and offensive to God. (Matt 15:18-20; 1 Cor 6:9-10.) We believe that God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking His mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. (Acts 3:19-21; Rom 10:9-10; 1 Cor 6:9-11.)
We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity. (Mark 12:28-31; Luke 6:31.) Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with Scripture nor the doctrines of Hampden DuBose Academy.
Music
The gospel has put a "new song", a "melody" in our hearts and given us reason, as well as the charge, to teach and admonish one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. Further, the Lord has commanded us to praise Him with instruments. Our students will be encouraged to glorify and enjoy the Lord through the use of music.
We acknowledge there are several factors that enter into deciding what is an appropriate use of music - instruments, styles, lyrics, etc. Inasmuch as the Psalms speak of instruments used to the praise of the Lord and that not necessarily accompanied by lyrics; we will encourage the development of the instrumental arts. Further, since Scripture does not limit the instruments used, we will not limit the possibilities of instrumentation.
We acknowledge that Scripture does not contain specific guidance as to many of the elements of the music itself; for instance, there are no tunes, scales, rhythms, time signatures, voices or harmonies. Thus we must allow for cultural and personal liberty as to the style of music, be it classical, pop, country, rock, jazz, etc.
We acknowledge that lyrics, no matter the musical style, must clearly reflect a Biblical worldview or theme in a clearly Biblical application as it is to glorify God and edify His people. Thus, Christian music, for example, may deal with the struggles of our Christian walk, as well as the exaltations of the full glory of our heavenly Father. Also, the lyrics must be clearly audible and understandable.
We acknowledge that much of our culture's music, no less than any other area of life, does not reflect a Biblical worldview; nor does it foster a walk worthy of our high calling in Christ. Such music should not be part of our students' lifestyle, no matter the musical style be it rock, country or classical. We will assist our students in evaluating this area of life and discourage that which does not honor their Lord.
Music is a sensitive issue with our students and many of their parents. Our teachers must be careful not to impose non-biblical positions on them. Our teachers will have the freedom to share their own personal application but only in a context of respect for the students' parents and their church's position. The students will be encouraged to discuss this issue with their parents and their church leaders.
Acknowledgement: We want to thank Pastor Donald Mountain from New Life Church in Clermont, Florida for his invaluable contribution of diligently searching the Scriptures and coordinating with fellow pastors in the preparation of this document.