A Zion University Part III

 This is our third and final Cougar Friday focusing on a speech given by former BYU President Merrill J. Bateman.  I began my college career at a state university.  There were many things I liked, but something was definitely wrong.  Very shortly after entering my program, I realized, I would be required to compromise my LDS standards, if I wished to continue in my chosen major.  I knew I could get a good education at my state university, but how would my testimony be doing by the time I had my diploma?

Brigham Young University is unique in that it offers a world class education, yet throws the worldly out of the process.  I have worked in my field for almost 30 years and my memories of my education are clean and uncompromising.  BYU provided me with a great foundation to build upon.

President Bateman shared a person testimony moment, at the conclusion of his address, "A Zion University."

A Message to the Students

"May I paraphrase an earlier president of Brigham Young University: 'Our reason for being is to be a university.  But our reason for being a university is the students.'  For more than 120 years this campus has had a distinctive character.  Strangers who visit are struck by the cleanliness and orderliness of the buildings, the grounds, and especially the people. . . .It was so refreshing to return to this campus, to see the clean young people, and to feel the peace that prevails here.

May I share with you a flash of insight given me by the Spirit twenty years ago in which I learned about this university's major role in building the kingdom . 

. . . .I realized that 27,000 students were being prepared to enter the world.  Every year approximately 6,000 would leave Provo, scattering across North America with some going on to Europe, others to Asia, some to Africa, and a number to South America.  Some might even go Down Under.  If the university performed its roles well, deepening spiritual roots and providing a first-class education, in the course of time strong Church families would grow up in hundreds and thousands of communities all over the world.  These BYU families would be waiting when later missionaries arrived.  My earlier experiences in London, Boston, Colorado Springs, High Wycombe, Lancaster, Bedminster, Accra and Lagos had pointed to the importance of just one or two strong families to form a core around which the Lord could build a branch, then a district, and finally a stake.  The BYU families would be good neighbors; have strong relationships with business associates; and, if well-trained, be leaders in their communities.  These strong families, by example and invitation, would open doors for missionaries to enter. 

. . . .This institution will not fail.  As Daniel prophesied, the kingdom will not be left to other people.  Joseph's and Brigham's vision that the spiritual can be combined with the secular without the latter overcoming the former will prove true because of faith and priesthood power.  Brigham Young University will continue to be a light to the world, dispensing truth for the public good and for individual happiness." (Merrill J. Bateman. Learning in the Light of Truth. Deseret Book. 2005 pgs. 24-6)

"A Zion University" Part II

Here it is Courgar Friday and we will continute with a few more words from former BYU President Merrill J. Bateman's address "A Zion University and the Search for Truth."

"The search for truth is part of the divine nature, and I believe there are some secular truths yet to be discovered that have been reserved for the faithful.  We must be contributors to the world's storehouse of knowledge to improve the lives of others.

During the past three decades, creativity in the arts and scientific research have become an integral part of BYU's program.  I use the word integral for a special reason.  My experience at five universities suggests that the best teachers, sacred or secular, are engaged in the discovery process.  The discovery of truth and the creation of beauty are exhausting experiences, but they are also exhilarating ones as new light and energy are unleashed.  Key attributes of a good teacher are knowledge and enthusiasm.  Both are enhanced by the discovery process.

 If Brigham Young University is to be a Zion university described by Presidents John Taylor and Spencer W. Kimball, the search for truth must be an integral part of the BYU experience.  President Taylor said: 'You will see the day that Zion will be as far ahead of the outside world in everything pertaining to learning of every kind as we are to-day in regard to religious matters.'" ( Merrill J. Bateman. Learning in the Light of Truth. Deseret 2005. pg36-7)

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)