On Wednesday, Feb. 6, Keith Bates, professor of history, delivered the 2019 Founders’ Day chapel address, titled “In Mutual Service: R.G. Lee and the Church-Academy Relationship.” Bates’ speech focused on Lee’s involvement in the history of Union University and how his work displayed commitment to both his pastoral calling and the Christian higher education.
A graduate of Union University himself, Bates first explored the work of R.G. Lee at Lee Library during his senior year.
In his address, Bates noted that the role of the church in serving the university is to keep it focused on its Gospel mission by providing accountability and spiritual guidance.
He examined a controversy that arose at Union University during Lee’s tenure on the Board of Trustees. Throughout the course of resolving the situation, Lee and the other trustees communicated with church leaders as they sought to steer the university according to the foundational beliefs of the church.
Bates also spoke about the service of the university to the church.
“As someone who studies the past and loves the church, I am certain that historians can help leaders of our faith communities think through the complexities of the past,” Bates said. “More than simply an academic exercise, a more thorough examination of the past enables us to ask questions and gain insights that can deepen our understanding of the difficulties that we face at present. And of course, others in the academy can also use their gifts and training in service to the church. This would in turn remind us to think about the world from multiple perspectives.”
“It is important to study the past so that we can learn from their knowledge,” said Rebekah Lisle, a sophomore history and philosophy major. “If we fail to understand the past, we will run the risk of making similar errors.”
Bates ended his address with a reminder of the true purpose of both the church and the university.
“Beyond conversations between scholars and preachers, those of us in the university can serve the church by educating the laity so they can truly live out the command to love God with heart, soul, mind and strength,” Bates said. “In so doing, those of us who make up the church will be able to address real-world problems with biblically informed thoughtfulness.”
Photo Courtesy of Campbell Padgett
