In response to the university's Facebook post announcing this decision, I took it upon myself to voice my concerns and objections. I penned a lengthy response, outlining the many reasons why this decision is not only a disgrace but also a prime example of how our nation's biblical history is being disregarded and dismantled piece-by-piece in the name of so-called progress.
In the weeks since then, I have poured my emotions into a poem that I believe captures the gravity of this situation. It is my hope that this poem will stir its readers to contemplate the deeper implications of our actions, both as individuals and as a society.
The founders of the University of Rio Grande were remarkable individuals who held a deep reverence for God and His Holy Bible. The university was established with a firm foundation in the Holy Bible and the principles of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is disheartening to observe how the University of Rio Grande, like numerous other academic institutions throughout America, has strayed from its Bible-based heritage and yielded to secular, ungodly ideologies. The university has veered off its initial mission of imparting education alongside the Holy Bible. Founded by a Baptist preacher, one of the aims the university initially had was to equip men to become exceptional preachers of the gospel of Jesus Christ—that Christ died for your sins, was buried, and resurrected on the 3rd day, ascended to Heaven and intercedes for the sins of all who believe on Christ. It is alarming to witness how the university is allowing an abundance of secularism and ungodly philosophies to permeate its grounds, deviating far from its robust origins.
I understand that university has been grappling with financial difficulties, and it is understandable that the institution would seek ways to address this situation. However, I know indeed that the university could experience blessings far beyond what it can imagine if it were to seek God's assistance. Instead of resorting to desperate measures to alleviate its financial struggles, the university could have directed its resources toward restoring Trinity Baptist Church and finding a God-fearing minister to impart the teachings of the Holy Bible. By prioritizing the restoration of this sacred and historical church building and maintaining its commitment to biblical principles, the university could have witnessed firsthand the profound impact of God's blessings on the institution.
Trinity Baptist Church was a shining beacon of hope, illuminating the secular darkness with God's unyielding conviction. Within its walls, countless powerful men of God have preached the message of Christ, transforming countless lives throughout the many decades. Drunks have been made clean in that church; abusive husbands have walked out loving their families; Sexual perverts have walked free of bondage, and countless lonely college students have found new family and friends while attending the university. The act of tearing down this monument was not only a transgression against our community and country, but also was a slap on God’s face. Though renaming the new dormitory "Trinity" and incorporating remnants of the church's artifacts into its design may offer some consolation to those involved, they will ultimately be held accountable to God. The grounds upon which Trinity stood were sacred, and now they will be defiled by lasciviousness.
As a community, it is imperative that we prioritize the preservation of our history and refrain from allowing it to be demolished in the name of progress, advancement or financial gain. We have a duty to safeguard our heritage and uphold the Bible values and principles that formed the foundation of our nation and, in this case, the University of Rio Grande. By doing so, we ensure that future generations have access to this vital knowledge and can learn from our past. It is our responsibility to protect and maintain these historical treasures, so they remain intact and available for all to appreciate and learn from.
Written with love,
Lawrence Bowman