Page "Bob Jones University" Paragraph 63

Although the March 2007 issue of Foreign Policy listed BJU as one of " The World's Most Controversial Religious Sites " because of its past influence on American politics, BJU has seen little political controversy since Stephen Jones became president.

When asked by a Newsweek reporter if he wished to play a political role, Stephen Jones replied, " It would not be my choice.

" Further, when asked if he felt ideologically closer to his father's engagement with politics or to other evangelicals who have tried to avoid civic involvement, he answered, " The gospel is for individuals.

The main message we have is to individuals.

We ’ re not here to save the culture.

" In a 2005 Washington Post interview, Jones dodged political questions and even admitted that he was embarrassed by " some of the more vitriolic comments " made by his predecessors.

" I don't want to get specific ," he said, " But there were things said back then that I wouldn't say today.

" In October 2007 when Bob Jones III, as " a private citizen ," endorsed Mitt Romney for the Republican nomination for president, Stephen Jones made it clear that he wished " to stay out of politics " and that neither he nor the university had endorsed anyone.

Despite a hotly contested South Carolina primary, none of the candidates appeared on the platform of BJU's Founders ' Memorial Amphitorium during the 2008 election cycle.

In April 2008 Stephen Jones told a reporter, " I don't think I have a political bone in my body.