Ethan Walker
Bob Jones University has a history of anti-Catholic statements and policies. In 1965, Bob Jones Jr. condemned Billy Graham's ecumenical evangelism as heretical, noting that Graham shared his platform with Catholic priests and that one could not be a good Catholic and a good, spiritual Christian. In 2000, the university's website referred to Catholicism as a satanic counterfeit, an ecclesiastic tyranny over the souls of men, and the Mother of Harlots. The same year, Bob Jones III drew criticism for reposting a letter on the website that referred to Catholics as members of a cult which calls itself Christian. While the website has since been cleaned up, the university has not issued a statement acknowledging and apologizing for its anti-Catholic prejudice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Anti-Catholic Prejudice | Yes |
| Anti-Catholic Statements | Yes |
| Anti-Catholic Rhetoric | Yes |
| Racist | Yes |
| Interracial Dating Forbidden | Yes |
| Apology Issued | No |
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What You'll Learn
Bob Jones University's anti-Catholic teachings
Bob Jones University has been criticized for its anti-Catholic teachings and rhetoric. The university was founded by Methodist evangelist Bob Jones, whose family had a long history of Christianity. In the 1970s, the university was known for its blatant racism, and while it has since apologized for this, it has also been criticized for its anti-Catholic stance.
The university's website previously referred to Catholicism as a "satanic counterfeit, an ecclesiastic tyranny over the souls of men," and the "Mother of Harlots." In 2000, then-president Bob Jones III referred to Catholics as members of a "cult which calls itself Christian." The university has also been criticized for promoting "false Catholic doctrine" through its art gallery, which contains a large collection of Catholic art.
In addition, the university has been associated with anti-Catholic figures such as Billy Graham, who was criticized by Bob Jones Jr. for his "ecumenical evangelism" and collaboration with Catholic priests. Bob Jones III has continued the anti-Catholic rhetoric, referring to the Catholic Church as a cult in 2003.
While the university's website is currently free of anti-Catholic rhetoric, it is unclear if the underlying hostility towards Catholicism has changed. The university has not issued a public apology or acknowledgment of its anti-Catholic prejudice, and there are concerns that it may still promote anti-Catholic teachings.
The dialogue and discussion are needed to overcome the prejudice of anti-Catholicism and promote understanding and tolerance. It is hoped that through engagement and the example of joyful Catholic lives, progress can be made in bridging the divide between Bob Jones University and the Catholic Church.
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The university's apology for its racist past
Bob Jones University has a long history of racial discrimination and anti-Catholicism. The University's interpretation of Biblical principles regarding interracial dating led to a complete exclusion of Black applicants until 1971. From 1971 to 1975, the University only admitted Black students if they were married. After 1975, unmarried Black applicants were admitted, but the University continued to deny admission to anyone engaged in an interracial marriage or known to advocate for interracial marriage or dating.
In 1970, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) informed the University of its plans to revoke its tax-exempt status due to its racially discriminatory admissions policies. This sparked a series of legal battles between the University and the IRS, culminating in the Supreme Court case Bob Jones University v. United States in 1983. The Supreme Court ruled that the IRS had the authority to deny tax-exempt status to Bob Jones University and other religious schools with similar discriminatory policies.
In 2020, Bob Jones University issued a public apology for its racist past. While the details of the apology statement are not publicly available, it is clear that the University has acknowledged the wrongfulness of its previous racial discrimination. This apology is a significant step towards reconciliation and creating an inclusive environment.
Regarding the University's anti-Catholic stance, there have been several instances of high-profile figures associated with the University making anti-Catholic statements. For example, in 2000, then-president Bob Jones III referred to Catholics as a "cult" on the University's webpage. While there is no record of an official apology from the University specifically for its anti-Catholic sentiments, some graduates and students have actively worked to address and overcome this prejudice through dialogue and engagement with the Catholic Church.
The University's racist and anti-Catholic past has been a source of controversy and legal challenges. While the University has taken steps to address its racist past, it still has work to do in reconciling its relationship with the Catholic Church and other religious groups.
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The Catholic Church's response to the university
Bob Jones University has been accused of being anti-Catholic, with some graduates of the university acknowledging that they were taught that the Catholic Church was the "whore of Babylon" and that the Pope was the "Antichrist". The university's founder, Bob Jones Sr., is said to have criticised the Catholic Church, referring to Catholicism as a “satanic counterfeit, an ecclesiastic tyranny over the souls of men". Bob Jones Jr. and Bob Jones III have also been criticised for their anti-Catholic statements, including referring to Catholicism as "not another Christian denomination".
In response to these accusations, the Catholic Church has engaged in dialogue with Bob Jones University and its followers. Father Dwight Longenecker, a graduate of Bob Jones University and a former Anglican minister, has written about his journey from Evangelicalism to Catholicism. He emphasises the need for understanding, open-mindedness, and careful Catholic apologetics to address the anti-Catholic prejudice present at the university. Longenecker's writings call for a "radiant and joyful example of holy, Spirit-filled Catholic lives" to overcome prejudice and win "everlasting souls".
Another Catholic priest and graduate of Bob Jones University, whose name is not mentioned, has also shared their journey to Catholicism. They highlight the importance of careful reasoning and the realisation that interpreting the Bible is complex. This graduate acknowledges the difficulty in overcoming religious prejudice but commends the Christians at Bob Jones University who have recognised their misinterpretation of Scriptures.
In addition to these individual responses, there have been political responses to Bob Jones University's anti-Catholic stance. During the 2000 Republican primary campaign in South Carolina, the university's anti-Catholicism became an issue. George W. Bush, a candidate for president, spoke at the university but faced criticism for not denouncing its anti-Catholic history. Following this, Bush issued a formal letter of apology to Cardinal John Joseph O'Connor of New York City, expressing regret for his failure to address the university's anti-Catholic statements.
While there has been some engagement and dialogue between the Catholic Church and Bob Jones University, it is unclear if the university has officially responded to the Catholic Church's efforts. The university has, however, issued a public apology for its racist past and acknowledged the need to move away from racism.
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The university's art collection and anti-Catholic stance
Bob Jones University, a fundamentalist college in the Deep South, has long been associated with anti-Catholic sentiments. The university's founder, Methodist evangelist Bob Jones, and his descendants have made several statements against the Catholic Church. In the 1960s, Bob Jones Sr. criticised evangelist Billy Graham for his ""ecumenical evangelism"" and association with Catholic priests, deeming it "heretical". Bob Jones III, the then-president of the university in 2000, referred to Catholics as a "cult" on the university's webpage, and awarded an honorary doctorate to a future British MP who called the Pope a "Roman anti-Christ".
The university's anti-Catholic stance has been a source of controversy, with politicians such as George W. Bush facing criticism for not denouncing it during a visit to the school. Bush later issued an apology to Cardinal John Joseph O'Connor for this oversight. While the university has also been criticised for racism, some commentators note that its anti-Catholic bias may be even more pronounced.
The university's Museum and Gallery is recognised for housing one of the finest collections of European Old Master paintings in America. The collection includes works by renowned artists such as Rubens, Botticelli, Tintoretto, and van Dyck. These paintings, dating from the 14th to the 19th centuries, offer a panoramic view of Western Europe's religious, artistic, and cultural history. The gallery also features period furniture, sculptures, and tapestries, enhancing the overall aesthetic experience.
The art collection at Bob Jones University provides a unique opportunity to appreciate the mastery of Old Masters outside of Europe. The university's gallery showcases a range of artistic mediums, creating a comprehensive and immersive experience for visitors. While the university has faced scrutiny for its anti-Catholic stance, its art collection stands as a testament to the beauty and skill of artistic creations throughout Western Europe's history.
Despite the university's anti-Catholic views, it is important to acknowledge the complexity of religious beliefs and practices. As Father Dwight Longenecker, a graduate of Bob Jones University, notes, his family's faith was characterised by "quiet simplicity and tolerance". While they believed Catholics were "in error", they did not nurture hatred towards them. Overcoming religious prejudice requires dialogue, understanding, and a respectful engagement with diverse perspectives.
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Political ties and anti-Catholic statements
Bob Jones University has long been associated with anti-Catholic sentiments, and its ties to conservative politics have often brought these views into the public eye.
The university was founded by Methodist evangelist Bob Jones, whose family had a long history of Christian faith. Jones Sr. took a hardline stance against what he saw as a betrayal of orthodox Christianity by evangelist Billy Graham in the 1950s. Jones Jr. continued this separatist, fundamentalist approach, criticising Graham for accepting Catholic sponsorship and sharing platforms with Catholic priests. In a 1965 position paper, Jones Jr. condemned Graham's "ecumenical evangelism" as "heretical", stating that one could not "be a good Catholic and a good, spiritual Christian".
The university's anti-Catholic stance continued under the leadership of Bob Jones III, who referred to the Catholic Church as a “cult” in 2000 and 2003. The university's website also labelled Catholicism as a "satanic counterfeit, an ecclesiastic tyranny over the souls of men", a statement which has since been removed. In 2000, then-president George W. Bush faced criticism for speaking at the university and failing to denounce its anti-Catholic history. Bush later issued an apology to Cardinal John Joseph O'Connor of New York City, expressing regret for missing the opportunity to set a more inclusive tone.
The university's art collection, which includes a significant amount of Catholic art, has also been a point of contention. While some view this as a sign of Jones Jr.'s appreciation for art that supersedes sectarian divisions, others argue that the university uses these works to promote "false Catholic doctrine".
Despite some efforts to distance itself from its controversial past, Bob Jones University's anti-Catholic reputation persists. While the website has been cleared of explicit anti-Catholic rhetoric, critics argue that this does not guarantee a change in the underlying attitudes towards Catholicism. The university's political ties continue to draw attention to its religious stance, and it remains a subject of debate among politicians and religious groups alike.
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Frequently asked questions
Bob Jones University has been criticized for its anti-Catholic stance, with some sources claiming that it is even more anti-Catholic than it is racist. The university has been described as having a "prejudiced fundamentalist" religion, with students believing that God's word instructs them to be anti-Catholic.
In 2000, the then-president Bob Jones III referred to Catholics as members of a ""cult which calls itself Christian" on the university's website. The university has also been criticized for promoting "false Catholic doctrine" through its art gallery, which contains a large collection of Catholic art.
Yes, there have been several protests and criticisms of the university's anti-Catholic stance. In 2000, the Catholic League criticized presidential candidate George W. Bush for speaking at the university, and New York Republican Representative Peter King called Bush a "tool of anti-Catholic bigoted forces". Bush later issued a formal apology for failing to denounce the university's anti-Catholic statements.
