By Lindsey Williams
Writing Specialist
This week, Mississippi College celebrated 200 years of Christ-centered education. The long-beloved institution invited Shawn Parker, Executive Director-Treasurer of the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board, to speak in chapel Jan. 22.
Evan Lenow, Chair of Christian Studies at Mississippi College, introduced Parker, along with Bill Sones, Chairman of the Mississippi College Board of Trustees.
In honor of both the bicentennial celebration and the 175 years that Mississippi College has been affiliated with the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board, Parker presented a resolution on behalf of the 100 Member Board representing over 2,000 Mississippi Baptist churches expressing appreciation for the university’s commitment to excellence in the pursuit of Christ in higher education.
To the current students, Parker spoke on Colossians 2:8-15, in which Paul warns against pursuing worldly wisdom and exhorts the church at Colossae to recognize and pursue the wisdom of God.
“The false teaching was giving the impression that something needed to be added to the Gospel for it to be complete and full,” Parker explained. “Paul’s presupposition in writing this letter to the Colossians is this: Christ is enough. The simplicity of the Gospel is sufficient.
“It sounds as if Paul is dismissing philosophy and all the teachings of the world that might be part of educational pursuit, but that is far from the truth. The fact of the matter is we should pursue an understanding of philosophy and any discipline that allows us to discover the truth of God. That’s what higher education is all about.”
The world, explained Parker, pursues truth devoid of God, leading to a false wisdom that is shallow and meaningless.
“We ought to ensure that every pursuit of truth that we engage in has Christ at its core and God as the objective. When we do this, then we are pursuing genuine wisdom.”
Parker then addressed the wisdom in faithful “foolishness,” which is the Gospel, “the truth of salvation that is extended to us by virtue of what Christ did,” that worldly wisdom cannot understand or accept.
“The pursuit of truth outside of Christ is a foolish endeavor, and may we as an educational institution, and may we as disciples of Jesus Christ, never think that we can arrive at truth from a perspective other than the perspective of Christ as the core,” said Parker.
“In your time here in Mississippi College and in your time as a disciple of Jesus Christ, be aware of the dangers of worldly wisdom and pursue with all the gusto and enthusiasm you can muster, the wisdom that comes from the foolishness of the message of Jesus Christ, who defeated death, dissolved our debt, and disarmed the devil.”
A RESOLUTION CELEBRATING THE BICENTENNIAL OF MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE
WHEREAS, Mississippi College, founded in 1826, stands as the oldest institution of higher learning in the state of Mississippi and the second-oldest Baptist-affiliated institution of higher learning in the nation; and
WHEREAS, Mississippi College has been affiliated with the Mississippi Baptist Convention since 1850; and
WHEREAS, Mississippi College has seen steady enrollment growth over these 200 years, with over 4,100 students currently enrolled from 43 states and 43 countries; and
WHEREAS, Mississippi College has consistently upheld its mission of fostering intellectual growth with course offerings that have grown to 85 undergraduate majors, 50 master’s programs, and doctorates of jurisprudence, educational leadership, and professional counseling with university faculty and staff providing outstanding academic instruction and support, grounded in faith and service, preparing generations of students for lives of leadership, integrity, and purpose; and
WHEREAS, Over 60,000 alumni have made immeasurable contributions to the advancement of education, the enrichment of communities, and the strengthening of churches, professions, and public service throughout Mississippi, the nation, and the world; and
WHEREAS, Mississippi College continues to make significant economic impact in the central Mississippi region as the city of Clinton’s largest employer; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Mississippi Baptist Convention extends heartfelt congratulations and deepest appreciation to Mississippi College on the occasion of its Bicentennial Anniversary; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Mississippi Baptist Convention commends Mississippi College for 200 years of faithful service in higher education, celebrates its legacy of academic excellence and commitment to the cause of Christ, and expresses confidence in its continued impact for future generations; and be it finally
RESOLVED, That the Mississippi Baptist Convention will continue to support Mississippi College in prayer as it embarks on a new century of service to the Lord.
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