Bob Jones University

Bob Jones University
Name	Bob Jones University
Established	1927
Founder	Bob Jones Sr.
City	Greenville
State	South Carolina
Country	United States
Type	Private, fundamentalist
Religious affiliation	Nondenominational
President	Steve Pettit
Campus	Suburban, 210 acres
Colors	Scarlet and white

Bob Jones University. Founded in 1927 by evangelist Bob Jones Sr., it is a private, nondenominational fundamentalist university located in Greenville, South Carolina. The institution is known for its conservative Protestant theology, strict code of conduct, and historically separatist stance from broader evangelicalism. It has been a significant and often controversial force in American religious education.

History

The university was established in 1927 in College Point, Florida, by evangelist Bob Jones Sr., shortly after the Scopes Trial highlighted tensions between modernism and fundamentalism. It moved to Cleveland, Tennessee, in 1933, and then to its permanent home in Greenville, South Carolina, in 1947. Under the leadership of Bob Jones Jr., the school expanded its campus and gained prominence for its staunch opposition to ecumenism and theological liberalism. A defining moment in its history was the 1970 revocation of its tax-exempt status by the Internal Revenue Service over its racially discriminatory policies, a case that culminated in the 1983 Supreme Court ruling in Bob Jones University v. United States. The university formally rescinded its ban on interracial dating in 2000.

Academics

The university is organized into several colleges, including the College of Arts and Science, the School of Religion, and the School of Fine Arts and Communication. It is accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools and offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. The curriculum is built upon a biblically literalist worldview, requiring all students to complete extensive coursework in Bible and theology. The Bob Jones University Press is a major publisher of Christian school curricula and textbooks used internationally. Distinctive programs include the annual Classic Players productions of Shakespearean drama and the Museum & Gallery collection of Baroque painting.

Campus

The 210-acre campus in Greenville, South Carolina, features a mix of Georgian and contemporary architecture. Central facilities include the Mack Library, the Founders Memorial Amphitorium used for daily chapel services, and the War Memorial Chapel. The Gustafson Fine Arts Center houses the School of Fine Arts and Communication. The campus is also home to the Museum & Gallery, which contains one of the largest collections of religious art in the Western Hemisphere, featuring works from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The university operates WJBQ, a non-commercial FM radio station.

Religious and cultural positions

The institution holds to a strict separatist philosophy, historically refusing membership in the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability and distancing itself from organizations like the National Association of Evangelicals. Its doctrinal statement emphasizes biblical inerrancy, creationism, and premillennialism. The university has long prohibited practices it deems worldly, including attending movie theaters or listening to contemporary Christian music. While maintaining its fundamentalist identity, some policies have moderated, such as allowing students to watch selected films on campus. It remains a vocal critic of evolution and secular humanism.

Controversies

The university's most publicized controversy was its defense of racial segregation, which led to the landmark 1983 Supreme Court case Bob Jones University v. United States, where the Court upheld the IRS's denial of its tax-exempt status. For decades, it maintained policies against interracial dating and marriage, citing a disputed interpretation of Acts 17:26, before abolishing the rule in 2000. It has also faced criticism for its harsh discipline of sexual assault victims and a perceived culture of spiritual abuse, leading to independent investigations and public apologies from university leadership in the 21st century. Its political influence was noted through the activism of figures like Bob Jones III and its opposition to Catholic politicians.

Notable alumni

Notable alumni include evangelist and author Billy Kim from South Korea; former United States Representative from South Carolina Trey Gowdy; musician and Christian music producer Phil Keaggy; former president of the Gideons International John T. Fornof; and Creation Museum founder Ken Ham. Other alumni have served as missionaries with organizations like New Tribes Mission, presidents of other Christian colleges, and prominent figures in conservative politics.

Category:Universities and colleges in South Carolina Category:Christian fundamentalism Category:Educational institutions established in 1927