
#403 Evidence Against Point Loma Nazarene University (Part 2) | Noah and Ashley Shaw
The Alisa Childers PodcastSummary
Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) faces scrutiny over its theological direction, as alumni Noah and Ashley Shaw present evidence suggesting a drift from traditional Christian teachings. The Shaws highlight institutional support for progressive works, such as the book "Queering Wesley, Queering the Church," which they argue undermines biblical sexuality. They also reference academic work from faculty that expands definitions of motherhood to include transgender identities, raising concerns about the university's commitment to orthodox Christian doctrine.
The discussion includes specific examples of faculty members and their affiliations with progressive theological ideas, including connections to the Normal Heights United Methodist Church, known for its LGBTQ+ affirming stance. The Shaws emphasize the importance of accountability within the university, urging students and the broader Nazarene Church to recognize the implications of these teachings on students' spiritual well-being. They call for action from faculty and church leadership to address these issues, asserting that the current trajectory could lead to spiritual harm for students.
In their plea to students, the Shaws encourage them to contend for their faith and not be intimidated by potential backlash. They highlight the necessity of standing firm in biblical truth, even in the face of misunderstanding or criticism. The conversation underscores the urgency for the Nazarene Church to take a stand against what they perceive as a drift from core Christian values at PLNU, advocating for a return to a clear and orthodox understanding of the gospel.
Show Notes
In Part 1, former Point Loma Nazarene University students Noah and Ashley Shaw shared their firsthand experiences with progressive Christianity on campus. In Part 2, we bring the receipts. We examine what PLNU publicly claims to believe and compare it with what professors are actually teaching, publishing, promoting, and platforming.
From PLNU connections to Queering Wesley, Queering the Church, to professors contributing to a book arguing that the Nazarene Church should become fully LGBTQ+ affirming, to academic work incorporating transgender identities and abortion into discussions of motherhood, the evidence raises serious questions about how deep the theological drift goes. And because every PLNU student is required to take multiple theology courses, Noah and Ashley argue that these influences aren't confined to some obscure corner of campus.
We also investigate progressive churches connected to PLNU faculty, controversial chapel speakers, process theology, and what happens when Christian leaders refuse to confront false teaching.
If you're a Christian parent considering PLNU, a current student, or anyone concerned about theological drift in Christian institutions, this is an episode you don't want to miss.
Links:
Professor Stephanie Smith-Matthews’ dissertation: https://irbe.library.vanderbilt.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/c859c543-a780-44bc-81c6-87a4d1e96313/content
PLNU Professors sermons from Normal Heights United Methodist Church:
https://nhunited.org/podcast/guest-preacher-dr-stephanie-smith-matthews/ https://nhunited.org/podcast/guest-preacher-dr-stephanie-matthews/ https://nhunited.org/podcast/guest-preacher-rev-dr-montague-williams/
Former PLNU Professors contributed chapters to "Why the Church of the Nazarene Should Be Fully LGBTQ+ Affirming" https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948609940?lv=shuf&bestFormat=true&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_KXF7X3K5943WDX4ZVY6S&channelId=704&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_KXF7X3K5943WDX4ZVY6S&plpRedirect=mhFallback
Professor Jennifer Guerra-Aldana showcasing Friere’s Pedagogy of the Oppressed https://www.instagram.com/p/C1FqdW4SlMs/
Normal Heights United Methodist Church: https://www.google.com/url?q=http://nhunited.org&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1788670911469458&usg=AOvVaw1mPi42U1uFGQcBWsAJI4NC
Song added to NHUMC for Pride season: https://nhunited.org/news/new-song-added-to-worship-this-pride-season/
Noah Shaw, "The Apostasy of Normal Heights United Methodist Church: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49TBuVUSL8E
Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdWw1SSOVt8&feature=youtu.be
Catherine Keller for Wiley Lectures: https://lomabeat.com/catherine-keller-explores-intersection-of-faith-and-creation-at-wiley-lectures/
Dean of Students Jason Cha's dissertation, "The Raging Waters of Whiteness: Addressing White Evangelical Racism in Higher Education" https://www.proquest.com/docview/2851748156/fulltextPDF?%20Theses&parentSessionId=Z1WICa5WdtrbTyM38ZAL2L5fwHrHZXkopllLyBqupdo%3D&pq-origsite=primo&sourcetype=Dissertations%20
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