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Spiritually Seamless: ORU's Theology Remains Intact

By Jadell Forman 90

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Chancellor Oral Roberts said, 'As the seminary goes, so goes the university.' Dr. Mathew reports that the Board of Trustees not only allows the School of Theology and Missions to continue setting the tone for an ecumenical, charismatic education, 'They </i>enhance<i> our work.'
Chancellor Oral Roberts said, 'As the seminary goes, so goes the university.' Dr. Mathew reports that the Board of Trustees not only allows the School of Theology and Missions to continue setting the tone for an ecumenical, charismatic education, 'They enhance our work.'
Although Oral Roberts University has recently experienced dramatic changes, its seminary hasn't. "Nobody went nuts in the School of Theology," reports the dean, Dr. Thomson Mathew.

Smiling, he confesses that when the new leadership arrived, his school admittedly and rightly had initial concerns about the university's spiritual direction. "In the beginning, we didn't know what we were signing up for!" But now enthused to have several academicians on the Board of Trustees, he realizes the benefits of their support. "They enhance our work," he says.

Because Pentecostal denominations make a strong showing on the board, observers might wonder if ORU has gone denominational. According to Dr. Cheryl Iverson, associate dean of Academic Affairs in the School of Theology and Missions and an ORU graduate (M.A., Biblical Literature, 1985), ORU remains not only charismatic but also ecumenical. Evidence of the school's nondenominational stance is found in the various denominations -- Assemblies of God, Lutheran, Southern Baptist, and Roman Catholic, among others -- represented on the faculty.

As Iverson explains, "Our desire is to maintain the charismatic aspect. For me, the person and work of the Holy Spirit is so important. We want the mission and vision to continue."

Mathew says the school's curriculum remains unapologetically charismatic in conviction and commitment...and balanced. "We teach the whole counsel of God -- everything God wants us to know to live the kingdom lifestyle."

Accordingly, required graduate-level classes will continue in updated format. Via DVD, students will sit under Chancellor Oral Roberts' teaching in Holy Spirit in the Now (required for all graduate students), taught by Dr. Daniel Thimell (or online by Dr. Timothy Ekblad). Dr. Sam Thorpe 81-MA returns to campus this fall to teach Charismatic Life and the Healing Ministry. Signs and Wonders -- required of all undergraduate and graduate theology majors -- remains under the direction of Drs. Mathew, Iverson, and Watson, with guest speakers such as Dr. Billy Joe Daugherty 74, 92-MA, 02-DMin.

At ORU, all undergraduate students still receive a solid biblical foundation in Old and New Testament classes, and an introduction to the person and work of the Holy Spirit in Charismatic Life and the Healing Ministry. According to undergraduate chair Dr. Edward Watson, "Our classes in Bible and theology deal not only with the biblical text itself, but also with issues of discipleship and theological relevance in today's church and society. Our main goal is to lift up the name of Christ."

Master of divinity graduate Joy Ames 08 came to ORU because of the "Spirit-filled atmosphere" -- an atmosphere consistent throughout her two years, including the dramatic months (last October and November after lawsuits were filed against ORU) when she says her professors openly talked and prayed with her and her classmates. "If someone...approached me and asked about ORU's spiritual direction, I would assure them that the Holy Spirit is still alive and active on the campus of ORU. I am proud to be a graduate of ORU's School of Theology and Missions. If asked if I would do it again, there is no question; the answer is yes."
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