I am 67, single, an elder and a returned missionary. I am from active LDS roots and have had association and membership in the church, raised in Ogden, and currently living in Salt Lake City.
I am offended that we constantly hear that BYU is branded “the Lord’s university” and all other institutions of higher learning are subordinate to the campus in Provo. It is that pugnacious and egoist prognosis that the Church Education System has the corner on truth and learning by the spirit, which in essence trashes in one fell swoop all education outside of BYU.
I have never wanted to attend BYU during my college years for the very reason I felt my lifestyle would be controlled by Big Brother in the administration, so I chose a more liberal education at the University of Utah. I never felt that I lacked the spirit of the Holy Ghost or any lack of guidance from my secular classes. I had to use personal discernment and faith if I would hear things sometimes contradictory to my personal beliefs or upbringing.
At BYU I would feel that my ability and privilege of free thought and expression would be suppressed if it didn’t always march lockstep with gospel doctrine.
Please quit promoting BYU as the only school where truth and the spirit reside, for that is simply not true. The school has its faults and shortcomings, it is run by imperfect people. Don’t slight all other students who feel we have received excellent educations elsewhere.
George H. Zinn, Salt Lake City