By Lewis Loflin
This article, originally by Laurence M. Vance (November 16, 2004, LewRockwell.com), critiques Bob Jones III’s congratulatory letter to George W. Bush after his 2004 re-election. It reflects BJU’s stance during Jones III’s presidency (1971–2005). As of 10:00 PM EDT, March 31, 2025, BJU’s mission (https://www.bju.edu/) remains focused on Biblical authority, with no notable shifts. My Deist lens questions the blend of faith and politics here.
Originally published November 16, 2004, Copyright © 2004 LewRockwell.com
Bob Jones University (BJU) in Greenville, South Carolina, with its 5,000 students and 120 undergraduate and 65 graduate programs, is likely the largest conservative Christian institution of the "fundamentalist" type. The university "stands without apology for the old-time religion and the absolute authority of the Bible."
The president of BJU, Bob Jones III, recently issued a "Congratulatory Letter to President George W. Bush," posted on the BJU website. Although Bush did not speak at the university before the 2004 election, he did so on February 2, 2000. After his speech, where he said, "I look forward to publicly defending our conservative philosophy," Bush faced criticism from Catholics due to the school’s stance on Catholicism and from Black communities over its ban on interracial dating (later rescinded, as announced by Bob Jones III on Larry King Live a month after Bush’s visit). Bush then expressed "deep regret" for appearing at BJU and sent an apology to Cardinal John O’Connor, Archbishop of New York, stating, "I should have been more clear in disassociating myself from anti-Catholic sentiments and racial prejudice."
Why, then, did the president of BJU issue this congratulatory letter to Bush? Without knowing his motives, I won’t speculate, but I will note that Bob Jones III does not speak for all conservative Christians. As a conservative Christian of the "fundamentalist" persuasion, I don’t need Jones to represent me or my small circle of like-minded individuals.
Jones begins by congratulating Bush on receiving "the largest number of popular votes of any president in America’s history." This could be said after nearly every election, as the U.S. population grows every four years. Similarly, John Kerry’s 57,123,038 losing votes outnumber those of any prior presidential candidate.
Jones then states, "In your re-election, God has graciously granted America—though she doesn’t deserve it—a reprieve from the agenda of paganism." Who does Jones think has been in office the past four years? Who has controlled Congress since 1994? Wasn’t Bush’s 2000 election already a reprieve from the "paganism" of the Clinton years? As Lew Rockwell has argued, "There is no reason to believe that a Kerry victory would necessarily result in something worse than a Bush victory."
Jones believes Bush has a "mandate." Winning 51 percent to 48 percent hardly qualifies as a mandate. Every Christian I’ve spoken to who voted for Bush admitted they chose him as the lesser of two evils, willing to support any Republican over John Kerry.
Jones claims to speak for the nation: "We the people expect your voice to be like the clear and certain sound of a trumpet." Most, however, anticipate Bush’s faltering speech will yield more "Bushisms."
Jones asserts that "we who know the Lord will follow that kind of voice eagerly" because Bush supposedly seeks "the Lord daily." Should those who "know the Lord" follow Bush’s example when he reportedly called The Wall Street Journal’s Al Hunt a "f---ing son of a bitch" or a New York Times reporter a "major-league a--hole"? Can we follow a voice that has consistently misled the public about the need for war in Iraq?
Jones writes, "The liberals despise you because they despise your Christ." What about conservatives and libertarians who oppose Bush? Do they despise Christ too? Does opposing Bush mean one isn’t Christian? This twists Christ’s words to his disciples: "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you" (John 15:18).
Jones notes Bush’s "opportunity to appoint many conservative judges." True, but past Republican judicial appointments have been inconsistent.
He also claims Bush can "exercise forceful leadership with the Congress in passing legislation that is defined by biblical norm regarding the family, sexuality, sanctity of life, religious freedom, freedom of speech, and limited government." On family, consider Kitty Kelley’s book The Family about the Bush dynasty. Sexuality? Bush invited a homosexual Republican congressman to speak at the 2000 Republican National Convention and congratulated the Metropolitan Community Churches (a homosexual denomination) on its 35th anniversary after endorsing "Marriage Protection Week." Sanctity of life? Bush is neither fully anti-abortion nor pro-life. Freedom of religion and speech? His administration has challenged the Bill of Rights. Limited government? Bush increased non-military spending at over twice Bill Clinton’s rate.
Jones tells Bush he has "four years—a brief time only—to leave an imprint for righteousness upon this nation that brings with it the blessings of Almighty God." What about the prior four years? Where is this "imprint of righteousness" after Bush and a Republican Congress? Why expect change now? The notion that God blesses a nation due to a politician’s righteousness seems outdated.
Jones urges Bush to shed "weaklings" who don’t share his "biblical values." Which values? BJU’s philosophy emphasizes integrating "biblical values" throughout education. Are lying, deception, or causing innocent deaths biblical values? Is sending soldiers to die unnecessarily or violating the Constitution a biblical value?
In a postscript, Jones notes he "read this letter to the students in Chapel. They applauded loudly their approval." Naturally—dissent at BJU is rare. It’s unfortunate that conservatives see the Republican Party as "theirs," despite its history of big government and compromise.
Jones nearly ends negatively, admitting "Christians have not agreed" with some of Bush’s first-term actions, but he doesn’t specify. He concludes, "Nonetheless, we could not be more thankful that God has given you four more years to serve Him in the White House." Many things warrant thanks, but for a fundamentalist to claim unmatched gratitude for a politician who mixes Christian rhetoric with deceit, constitutional breaches, and responsibility for thousands of deaths—civilian and military—reflects questionable judgment.
2004 Bob Jones University
Within the cultural and academic soil of liberal arts education, Bob Jones University exists to grow Christlike character that is scripturally disciplined, others-serving, God-loving, Christ-proclaiming, and focused above.
Bob Jones University serves as a training center for Christians worldwide. The administration, faculty, and staff aim to equip students for a lifetime of service to Christ. While many graduates enter Christian ministries, others pursue careers in fields like higher education, medicine, law, and business. Regardless of their path, students are taught to center their lives on Christ. Biblical values are woven into every classroom and aspect of the educational process.
The university emphasizes studies in Bible, church administration, missions, pastoral training, theology, history, education, ancient and modern languages, public speaking, drama, music, and literature. Every student takes a Bible course each semester, reflecting BJU’s belief in the Bible as the sole source of faith and Christian practice. Christian professors and staff encourage students, by teaching and example, to commit to learning, teaching, and living spiritual truths. The founder’s vision—that BJU teaches not just how to make a living, but how to live—remains central.
Bob Jones University maintains high academic standards, a focus on culture, and a practical Christian philosophy that is orthodox and fervent in its evangelistic spirit. Relying on God’s strength, BJU strives to be the best it can, to the honor and glory of Christ.
Visit Bob Jones University.
Acknowledgment: I’d like to thank Grok, an AI by xAI, for helping me draft and refine this article. The final edits and perspective are my own.
