wfn.org | "Fidelity and Chastity" Chosen as Essay Topic

[PCUSA.NEWS@pcusa.org]

29-October-1997 
97411 
 
    "Fidelity and Chastity" Chosen as Essay Topic 
    for Annual College Award Competition 
 
    by Jerry L. Van Marter 
 
LOUISVILLE, Ky.--"The issue" will be the assigned topic for 
Presbyterian-related college students who enter the competition for the 
1997-98 Samuel Robinson Award, the Office for Financial Aid for Studies 
here announced recently. 
 
    The competition, begun in 1940 with funds provided by Presbyterian 
layperson Samuel Robinson, is open to full-time juniors and seniors at 
Presbyterian-related colleges and universities.  There are two parts to the 
competition: 
 
    *  memorizing/reciting the answers to the "Westminster Shorter 
       Catechism" 
   *   writing a 2,000-word essay on an assigned topic that is designed to 
       increase the writer's knowledge and understanding of the 
       "Westminster Shorter Catechism" and "A Brief Statement of Faith." 
 
    Students who successfully complete both parts of the competition will 
receive a $1,000 cash prize.  Those who memorize/recite the catechism but 
whose essays are judged "unacceptable" will receive $200.  A faculty or 
staff member from each Presbyterian-related college will serve as contest 
judge for students from that college. 
 
    The topic for the essay portion of the competition is "Fidelity and 
Chastity: Rules or Guidelines?"  In the essay, contestants will be asked to 
address the following: "The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Is in the midst of 
setting forth specific behavioral standards by which all ordained officers 
(ministers, elders, deacons) should be governed.  In your essay, consider 
the pertinent teachings of "The Westminster Shorter Catechism" and "A Brief 
Statement of Faith" which relate to this discussion." 
 
    Specifically, contestants are instructed: 
 
    *  "Compare and contrast these two amendments [Amendment B -- commonly 
       called the "fidelity and chastity" amendment -- and Amendment A -- 
       commonly called the "fidelity and integrity" amendment] and develop 
       an essay detailing your best judgment as to which one will best 
       serve the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)." 
    *  "In particular, discuss which of the two amendments you believe 
       would best serve your generation (i.e., do `rules' or `guidelines' 
       contained in the Constitution of a denomination such as the PC(USA) 
       influence college student thought and/or behavior?)." 
    *  "Are they helpful to you as you decide how to live?" 
    *  "Do they make it easier or harder to interpret your faith in general 
       and the standards of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in 
       particular?" 
 
    Deadline for the competition (when both parts must be completed) is 
April 1, 1998.  More information is obtainable by calling Mary Folsom in 
the Financial Aid for Studies office of the National Ministries Division at 
(502) 569-5745. 

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