Canadian Mennonite Bible College - Yearbook (Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada)

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PRESIDENT ' S MESSAGE Unity in Christ Education places at the disposal of its students scientific, theological or philosophical jargon which serves as a mode of expression for the student of any one of these same fields of learning. The Bible college student, thoroughly saturat¬ ed with idioms and words selected from theo¬ logical language, eagerly approaches the biology student and, willing to flaunt his new-found knowledge, says: “Do you hold to the dichotomist or trichotomist viewpoint of man?” The biology student, somewhat taken aback, decides to counter with similar weapons. “Do you think Dobzhansky’s organismic theory is superior to previous interpretations?” Both step back—here is no common ground! One has the theory of the psychical, the other of the physical. “But wait! You must be a Christian,” says the one. “Why yes!” Exclaims the other, and the accom¬ panying exchange of confessions reveals that where before was division there now was unity. If Christianity means similarity of thinking and channelling of all learning along certain lines then it is doubtful, because of present diverse opinions, as to who is the Christian. God is to be thanked that Christianity does not mean uniformity of expression, dress, custom or theory but is based on fellowship with Christ (a fact) and with other Christians. The unity of love which Christ prayed for is the only true basis for restoration of fellowship. Although interactive discussion is necessary for growth, it need not become a theological battleground whereby hatred and strife prevent this true Christian fellowship. With this in mind it would not be out of place to strive for a unification of our own widely diversified Mennonite Church so that we could present a united front to the world and testify as did the early Christians of whom it was said, “see how they love each other.” 29

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STUDENT COUNCIL Joe Neufeld, vice-president George E. Janzen Louise Wiens, secretary Mary Rempel Nick Dick, president Anna Neufeld Rev. I. I. Friesen, faculty adviser Why Have a Student Council? Why have a student council? After all you have a faculty at college—is it not capable of coping with the problems and complications associated with college life? Perhaps some of you have been plagued with a similar interrogation. Yes, we have a faculty, an excellent one too, but we also have a student government, which co-operates with the faculty. Whereas the faculty concerns itself mainly with the scholastic aspect of student life, the primary concern of the council is the life of the student on the campus. It is the task of the council to foster and direct a wholesome, enriching and balanced program of activities for the students. No one needs to be a mental acrobat to realize too that, with a large “College Family” many problems arise. Therefore we need a coun¬ cil to detect these and find feasible solutions for them—solutions which take the total student body into consideration. Excellent training possibilities in administra¬ tion, is another reason for having a council. Here future leaders of our churches receive valuable experience in dealing with matters which may be analogous to those of other in¬ stitutions such as the Church or School. In condensed form, we could say that the student council is the “conscience” of the student body. How this conscience interprets principles or dictates policies for the other organs of the body depends upon the individual council members. The “principles system” of governing the behaviour of the students rather than an explicit system of do’s and dont’s is followed. We feel this is a unique arrangement, in that we are motivated by an inward force which compells to do what is right, proper, and edifying to all. The council attempts to regulate the actions of the students using the principles as a guage. Each student will by co-operation and inter¬ cession be supporting those who are concerned about the welfare of all. 30