A Zion University Part I

 Merrill J. Bateman, former President of Brigham Young University, gave a talk entitled A Zion University.  Over the next few Cougar Fridays, we will review the highlights of this important address delivered on 9 January, 1996.

Apart from or a Part of the Church

"Is  the university apart from or a part of the Church?  Following the announcement of my appointment as president of Brigham Young University, the Salt Lake Tribune carried an article on what it means to have a General Authority as the school's leader.  The major point of the article concerned the university's relationship to the Church.  The news reporter suggested that although some might have assumed prior to the announcement that the university was a secular institution distinct from but reporting to the Church, the call clearly indicates that the university is an integral part of the kingdom.  The article surprised me in that I had never thought of Brigham Young University as separate from the Church.  Prophet after prophet has stated clearly that Brigham Young University is a religious institution with a divine mission, even though secular education is a key part of its purpose.  Given the organizational structure by which the university is governed, it seems paradoxical that some might think that Brigham Young University is not an intergral part of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  The Church itself is an educational institution, and Brigham Young University is one of its key components.  Thus, one might say that this institution is not only a university in Zion but is in the process of becoming a 'Zion university.'" (Merrill J. Bateman.  Learning in the Light of Truth. Deseret Book. 2005. pg 17-18)