Biola professor responds to WeblogAs the principle investigator on the project referenced in your Weblog column Monday, I need to clarify some important items as reported in the LA Times and in the column. Let me state unequivocally, the following:
- We do not present with “derision” any group or category of groups in the gallery.
- We do not present any preference for, or hierarchy of, any category/group presented in the gallery over any of the other categories/groups presented.
- We present, insofar as is possible in a visual medium, a typology of four responses to the cultural changes of the past 25-30 years, that are solely comprised of groups and individuals that can only be described as biblically based, and committed to authentic expressions of historical Christianity, as different in expression and emphasis as these groups are.
- We provide cultural and/or socio-historical context to each of the response types presented in the installation (hence the “fact train” for the React section).
- Our task in the larger research project, as well as in the gallery installation, is a descriptive and explanatory task, not a prescriptive or normative task.
- We do not even imply that the way to reach Post-Boomers with the Christian message is “not by emphasizing biblical truth” as your sub-head states.
- We would encourage anyone and everyone, to visit the Art Gallery at Biola University to see and experience the installation, and to make up their own minds about what we’ve presented. The show runs through February 28, 2003.
Richard W. FloryDepartment of Sociology, Biola University La Mirada, California
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