A group of students at Trinity University in Texas wants the words “in the year of Our Lord” removed from their diplomas. “A diploma is a very personal item, and people want to proudly display it in their offices and homes,” Sidra Qureshi, president of Trinity Diversity Connection, told the Chronicle. “By having the phrase ‘In the Year of Our Lord,’ it is directly referencing Jesus Christ, and not everyone believes in Jesus Christ.”
Qureshi is a Muslim. The debate started last year when Isaac Medina, a Muslim convert from Guadalajara, Mexico, noticed the wording when he saw pre-made diploma frames in the Trinity bookstore. Muslims have been attacking Christianity since the inception of their religion. They’ve spotted a weakness in our system, the attempt to be diverse at any cost, even if it costs us the one thing that made this nation great—its Christian foundation. Muslims understand this; many Christians don’t. Muslims call for diversity as a wedge to get in the door, open it wide enough for others follow behind, then once in pool their collective energies and force Christians out.
There are many people who probably don’t think that including “in the year of our Lord” on a diploma is such a big deal. Muslims, atheists, and revolutionaries understand why it’s a big deal. There were two revolutions at the end of the eighteenth century and two different reactions to the Christian religion. France was caught up in revolutionary fever in 1791, not with a foreign power but with itself. The French revolutionaries were self-conscious about their efforts to turn France into a secular state, devoid of any remnant of religion. Throughout the nation a “campaign to dechristianize France spread like wildfire.”[1]
The dechristianization of the French Republic meant the crowning of a substitute civil religion. The leaders of the Paris Commune demanded that the former metropolitan church of Notre Dame be reconsecrated as a “Temple of Reason.” On November 10, 1793, a civic festival was held in the new temple, its façade bearing the words “To Philosophy.” In Paris, the goddess Reason “was personified by an actress, Demoiselle Candeille, carried shoulder‑high into the cathedral by men dressed in Roman costumes.”[2] The Commune ordered that all churches be closed and converted into poor houses and schools. “Church bells were melted down and used to cast cannons.”[3]
The French calendar was also changed to reflect the new anti-Christian spirit of the revolution. “The Convention voted on 5 October 1793 to abolish the Christian calendar and introduce a republican calendar.”[4] The founding of the Republic on September 22, 1792 was the beginning of the new era and a new “Year One.” Instead of the birth of Jesus Christ being the focal point of history, the founding day of the new French Republic would define how time would be kept. While the year still had twelve months, all were made thirty days long with the remaining days scattered throughout the year and celebrated as festival days. The seven-day week was replaced with a week of ten days with the result that Sunday as a day of rest and Christian worship was eliminated.[5]
The French Republic went beyond a new calendar by changing place names that had “reference to a Christian past.” In addition, “children were named after republican heroes such as Brutus and Cato, and observance of the new Revolutionary calendar, which abolished Sunday and Christian Feast days, was enforced.”[6] Blood flowed in the streets.
When compared to what the French did, the United States Constitution establishes continuity with the nation’s Christian past by linking it with the Christian calendar. The Constitution sets Sunday aside as a day of rest for the President (see Art 1, sec. 7). If the framers had wanted to strip every vestige of religion from the Constitution, why include a reference to an obvious religious observance? Sunday observance remained under constitutional protection at the federal and state levels for some time in the United States. Supreme Court Justice David Brewer observed notes that the recognition of Sunday as a day of worship and rest is “a day peculiar to [the Christian] faith, and known to no other,”[7] and this includes Islam.
The Constitution itself states that the drafting took place “in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty seven.” The Articles of Confederation included the phrase “it hath pleased the Great Governor of the World to incline the hearts of the legislatures . . . to approve of, and to authorize us to ratify the said Articles of Confederation and perpetual Union.” Like the Constitution the Articles closed with “Done at Philadelphia in the State of Pennsylvania the ninth day of July in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy-Eight, and in the Third Year of the independence of America.”
The several states continued to follow the Christian calendar where Jesus was placed at the center of history. When John Hancock was Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, he issued “A Proclamation for a Day of Public Thanksgiving” in 1791:
In consideration of the many undeserved Blessings conferred upon us by GOD, the Father of all Mercies; it becomes us not only in our private and usual devotion, to express our obligations to Him, as well as our dependence upon Him; but also specially to set a part a Day to be employed for this great and important Purpose. . . . And above all, not only to continue to us the enjoyment of our civil Rights and Liberties; but the great and most important Blessing, the Gospel of Jesus Christ: And together with our cordial acknowledgments, I do earnestly recommend, that we may join the penitent confession of our Sins, and implore the further continuance of the Divine Protection, and Blessings of Heaven upon this People; especially that He would be graciously pleased to direct, and prosper the Administration of the Federal Government, and of this, and the other States in the Union—to afford Him further Smiles on our Agriculture and Fisheries, Commerce and Manufactures—To prosper our University and all Seminaries of Learning—To bless the virtuously struggling for the Rights of Men—so that universal Happiness may be Allies of the United States, and to afford his Almighty Aid to all People, who are established in the World; that all may bow to the Scepter of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, and the whole Earth be filled with his Glory.[8]
Above Hancock’s signature, the following is found: “Given at the Council-Chamber, in Boston, the fifth Day of October, in the Year of our Lord, One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety-One, and in the sixteenth Year of the Independence of the United States of America. “In the Year of Our Lord” continued to be used, even through Jefferson’s administration. In 1807, Jefferson singed a federal passport that allowed the ship Hershel to proceed on its Journey to London and dated the letter September 24, 1807 “in the year of our Lord Christ.”
The Muslim students at Trinity University, the general student population, the faculty, and the Board of Trustees need to educate themselves on the Christian history of America. Mr. Medina is living under the freedoms offered to him by the Constitution of the United States, a Constitution that includes the offending words “in the Year of our Lord.” Medina claims the reference to God on the diplomas “came as a big surprise” to him. Medina, who graduated in December, said he felt that he “was a victim of a bait and switch.” Did he feel the same way when he read the Constitution of the United States? It’s my guess that he and most of the students and faculty of Trinity University didn’t read it either. I suppose the next thing to go will be the name of the University. And after that, who knows. If history is any teacher, we know what will happen.
Endnotes:- Walter Grab, The French Revolution: The Beginning of Modern Democracy (London: Bracken Books, 1989), 165. [↩]
- Francis A. Schaeffer, How Should We Then Live? (1976) in The Complete Works of Francis A. Schaeffer: A Christian Worldview, 5 vols. (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 1984), 5:149. [↩]
- Grab, The French Revolution, 166. [↩]
- Grab, The French Revolution, 165. Also see “Marking Time: Different Ways to Count the Changing Seasons,” Did You Know? New Insight into the World that is Full of Astonishing Stories and Astounding Facts (London: Reader’s Digest, 1990), 267. [↩]
- Grab, The French Revolution, 165. [↩]
- Richard Cobb, gen. ed., Voices of the French Revolution (Topsfield, MA: Salem House Publishers, 1988), 202. Also see Simon Schama, Citizens: A Chronicle of the French Revolution (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1989), 771–80. [↩]
- David J. Brewer, The United States: A Christian Nation (Philadelphia, PA: 1905), 26. [↩]
- http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=18294 [↩]
Gary is a graduate of Western Michigan University (1973) and earned his M.Div. at Reformed Theological Seminary in 1979. Author of countless essays, news articles, and more than 27 book titles, he also hosts The Gary DeMar Show, and History Unwrapped—both broadcasted and podcasted. Gary has lived in the Atlanta area since 1979 with his wife, Carol. They have two married sons and are enjoying being grandparents to their grandsons, Calvin and Paul. Gary and Carol are members of Midway Presbyterian Church (PCA). 
Tell them to go back where they came from!!!!!
I think that Medina should give his diploma back for failure to know how to read, and because he is insane! This is political correctness-gone-wild! We attend a university for education, not for political reasons. There is no basis for the offense since he went there voluntarily. Also, constitutionally, this is a private school, which is not subject to, or should not be subject to the “state” in any way! Many Muslim students went to Christian schools in places like Malaysia, etc., because of the education without being converted, so what’s Medina’s point? As a convert, he was probably Catholic originally. He had the choice to go anywhere else, even transfer. When our soldiers go to Saudi Arabia they are not allowed to carry a Bible. Why should Trinity University have to change it’s ways on its own territory! I say, “Get over it, Medina! You are entering the territory of being a hypocrit!”
I am a little sadenned by this and the below replies.
The muslim is waiting for Christ’s return ! – in judgement – no less ! – Brothers and sisters you all need to purchase the islam DVD’s on this site and learn up on what a muslim “believes”.
If a muslim has Christ returning in judgement as muhumad claimed, then He IS LORD ! – even to the muslim…
A muslim who “converted” from catholisism is no diferent to one who becomes a mormon or a jw [or even to secular humanism !].
They have all indicated that they need regeneration – something we need to pray for. You still have some freedom to pray and proclaim the Gospel to these people – purchase the Bahrsen apologetics DVD and learn how to do this.
http://www.americanvision.com/categories/Search-By-Author/Bahnsen%2C-Greg/
The kind of drivel here and below is … embarrasing !
Shalom
FrPhil
Psm 1
Amazing how intolerant and bigoted Christians are. You know nothing of the message of Jesus and your hateful comments prove you’re nothing more than a band of bullies.
A cult that worships a zombie, eats his flesh and drinks his blood- that is Christianity.
It seems to me that if these Muslim folks don't like the way we do things here in America then they ought to go back to where ever they came from and just leave us the heck alone. Muslims hate Christianity and yet they come to a country that is founded on Christianity. Go figure. When I was in the military I went over to the mid east for operation Desert Shield/Storm. I was briefed as were we all that we were not to talk to the locals about our Christian beliefs or suffer dire consequences. I think that should be the way we do things here and tell all these folks that believe in other religions other than Christianity to keep it to themselves or suffer the same dire consequences that we G.I.s would have had to endure. To all you folks that believe in the Muslim or Islamic faith or what ever keep it to yourselves and stop invading our churches and universities. Go back to your own countries and believe what you like and quit trying to destroy our fine country.
I totally agree with you.
They should choose another college then or go back home to get an education…..America was founded on Christianity !!
Our ” PC / diversity ” mindset needs to cease. There is no way to accommodate everyone. Nowhere in the world does a country attempt to make everyone happy. The Islamists, etc. that want this are determined to destroy the USA. How could ” you ” elect a Muslim ( Obama ) president ? Pray and ask the only God, our Lord, Jesus Christ to being us back to His example. Be Christ on earth.
I would suggest they are nothing more than rabble rousing kids with neither experience nor qualification, and making mountains out of mole hills. God is the major factor on this planet and, I would suggest to these neophytes , "either get with the program or, go home to your cradle country".
Hi Douglas: I hear you, but totally disagree. These are not 'kids'; these people are trained in the hatred of
Christians/American/Israel from year 1. These folks are adults at 10 ready to die for the martyrdom promised.
If you see them as wayward children, you have just bought into their lies. The adults pay their way here having
done the necessary research (i.e. 9/11 killers). They KNEW this was a Christian school, that the diploma had
reference to Jesus Christ. I'd like to know how they were able to pass the curriculum of a Christian university
while yet Islamic and why did the university accept them.
I agree on the fact way then the college accept them in the first place. They are doing their best to change our country within, to many of them come here to get a college education. We need to be careful here look at Great Britain the problems they are having with all the Muslims because they let them move there with open arms and this is the pay back they get. Border Patrol.
I agree with the majority of the posts here – concur absolutely with the minister. Recently Muslim teachers won a court case that gave them the 'right' to wear their turbans, towels, scarves, etc, while teaching in a public school. I would venture to say that the majority of the parents do not appreciate that – why do the Muslim customs trump the American customs? This is but one example. It is time for the American People, especially Christians, to stand up and be counted. The brainwashing of our youth is taking place as we speak, and the Freedom we have had is slowly sinking in the muck of 'political correctness' – it is more than tragic.
Muslims should go home where they come from. We do not this group of people in our society. Believe whatever you want to but do not preach or try to convert me to your imagination.
Like it or Leave it. They should find a school that supports their beliefs. They shouldn't expect to change a Christian University for their sakes. This is a Christian School. ie Trinity = Father, Son & Holy Spirit.
If we went to a Muslim country, do you think they would allow a Muslim school to be changed to a Christian School? I very much doubt it. They need to go home.
When in Rome, do as the Romans:
An admonition some folks tend to forget
When they demand conformity to alien ideas–
Their own, that tests of legitimacy have not yet met.
Muslims should no longer be allowed to attend Christian schools, colleges or Universities, unless they agree to accept the teachings of these schools and colleges. I suggest Muslims build their own schools or go back to where ever they came from and enroll in the schools of their beliefs and stop trying to force their religion on our children. Enough is enough. This madness and hatred for America and our Constitution has gone on long eough. It stops right now. Either we stand up and uphold the Constitution, or we lay down like cowards and let those who want to take over America. Did our forefathers die for this? NO! They would have raised an army to save this Country. Remember the Alamo!! May God Bless America, and anyone who hates America so much, well no body forced them to come here and they can just turn right around and leave the same way.
I second that vote!
I third that, well said !
Probably not, Wayne. Muslims aren't known for being overly bright. And if they don't like Christians, or Christian schools and teachings, why are they there in the first place? Probably to cause as much trouble as they can, since that is what their "religion" teaches–a religion of hate, intolerance, bigotry, war and death. Well, I say, let's give it to the bastards.
Exactly right Rebsoldier! They are there to cause as much trouble as possible, because their "religion" does teach that.
I share the same sentiments as Wayne B. If they didn't want any reference to Jesus Christ on their diplomas, then why would they choose to attend a christian college in the first place? Make no sense to me.
These Muslim student need to read the KJV (King James Version) of the Bible and see what God, Jesus, & the
Holy Spirit (Which is the Trinity) has to say about unbelivers in God. There is a place for people that face God
when they die. Everyone including non-believers have to face God on Judgment Day. He will say "Depart from Me, I never knew you" and that will be when your will go where the fire is never quenched and you will be in
hell with the devil. You need to read up on this as the "End Times" are being more fulfilled every day.
What are these Muslim people doing in a Christian College. They should have never been allowed. It sounds like since their Master Muslim is Obama that they will do everything to take over the US. Obama has been trying to take America away from the American people to give to his Muslim family. Everyone better beware because all Muslim in the US will take over your job and will do anything and everything to get rid of the American people. Please watch every move these Muslim people are doing
I second that for sure. I couldn't have said it better myself.
Finally, someone who is like minded!
I felt as though I was the only one who viewed Obama as a "closet" Muslim and that he has a hidden ajenda to erode the USA from within. It's frightening to watch this unfold and feeling completely helpless to stop it.
The answer for these students is do not go to a Christian College. Go to a Muslim College. Why are they in a Christian College anyway? Probably, only to cause problems and friction. If you were a true Muslim, you would not be attending a Christian College. There request should not be considered, for as I said if one is attending a Christian School of any type, you then would automatically abide by their philosophy and teachings. These individuals who are requesting "In the Year of the Lord to be Removed," are only trying to disrupt and cause problems. The professors in charge should tell them to leave and attend their own type college that is Muslim. Christians should not be even considering to confirm to Muslim philosophy. We should be proud of our Faith and stand up for Our Lord and his Teachings. God Bless America!!
IF THEY DON'T LIKE WHAT IS ON THE DIPLOMAS, TELL THEM TRANSFER AND TO GO TO A MUSLIM SCHOOL.
Burn the diploma.
As a Presbyterian minister and since Trinity is a Presbyterian founded school – my suggestion is that if the students don't like the way the diploma reads – then they should just transfer to another college that doesn't have that. This is getting totally out of hand. Trinity has been around longer than the battle over whether Muslim people want everything changed because they think they can do this. I went to a Catholic College, but I didn't complain about the diploma having the name of a Catholic school. My message is get a life, stop whining or go back to the MIddle East for school instead. This nation has been here for over 200 years and these people want to change everything to the way they want it. It's time Christians take a stand on this – and I am not trying to be mean and hateful, just realistic. By the way, not everyone believes in Mohammed, Allah, or Islam – but we don't condemn those who do, therefore they should be able to accept Christian principles likewise. This is "One Nation Under God," and that means we worship many different deities and we do it, hopefully, in love.
Hand them a bottle of "white-out" and let them remove it themselves!
Wayne S
I strongly disagree. Sure as Christians we should love others. That is one of the greatest commandments given by God. But accepting different religions other than the gospel of Christ is totally against the Word of God. As Christians we need to stand up for what we believe in. The Word of God says that we are not to even let these people into our houses because they speak of a false religion other than the truth. So why would we let them take over our schools. This country is in big trouble spiritually. Compromising with the truth of the gospel is not acceptable. God doesn't ask us to"make a deal" He says "these is the deal"!! This is exactly how this country started moving away from God. Disobedience!!!!!
t
Ever heard of Political Correctness. This is going to get we Christians killed in the name of tolerance. You can tolerate venomous snakes which has 99.99% protein and .01% venom. It is the one tenth of one percent which will kill you. Get it ?
Amen Wayne! Great response!
Wayne, I love that idea. White-out was a wonderful invention.!!! You made me laugh. I needed that.
The Muslims signed up to go to school there. If they don't like "In the year of our LORD", then drop out and got to a MUSLIM school. They were not forced to go to school there. They CHOSE to go to school there. I am sick and tired of the MUSLIMS leaving their Country because of their laws and come here and want to change OUR laws and beliefs to what they left and ran away from.
backhoe44 what you describe as being sick and tired of is exactly what has happened to turn New Hampshire from a solidly conservative Constitution loving state into a now liberal, anti-American, Constitution denigrating northern colony of the Peoples Democracy of Taxachusetts.
Over the past dozen or so years multiple thousands of tax oppressed residents from the Kennedy Kingdom moved northward and settled into New Hampshire. But a funny thing happened on the way to Nirvana; they forgot to leave their liberal voting habits behind and they have since turned our one-time black ink finances into typical liberal red ink balances and keep raising taxes at their whims. Rather than run away from Taxachusetts these immigrants just pulled Taxachusetts northward and that's where they still are.
You nailed that one right on the nose, I married a muslim woman, didn't know what I was getting into!
Muslims are a bunch of self serving anti US people who only look out for other muslims.
Leave the USA and take all your friends and family with you!
Well said! In my opinion,Muslims are a painful yoke on the neck of America and every other Christian
nation.And so are Atheists,Marxists,Abortionists and Illegal Immigrants(and those supporting such groups).
Why should Christians move over and make changes for Islamists in our own country? They should do
so for us-or,better yet,leave for their own countries! I don't care if they were born here or not.
KUDOS to you! When we visit their country we must abide by the rules in place so why should we bend for them.
The comments on this post are shameful. We should absolutely oppose the foolish attempts to wipe the name of Christ from our public realm, but we should not tell this student to "Go home." America's history of welcoming immigrants (the poor and destitute) of other nations comes from our Christian foundations and culture.
BEWARE that you do not answer evil for evil. Guard your hearts against bitterness and unrighteous indignation lest the enemy enter through that door of bitterness! Please do not call yourself a follower of Christ until you have repented of this ungodly attitude.
They don't have to like it, if it is a christian college, why did they go there ? and AD is the standard in the USA for our calendar, we do not have to bend to their beliefs, if they don't like it, they are free to leave, (unlike many muslim nations)
They go there because they want to destroy Trinity College. Read what the radical muslims want to do. Do you forget 9/11? Unfortunately they hate us and our Nation. I say get rid of them and send them back to the Country that they came from.. We'll save ourselves a lot of headaches. Janice
Did these Muslim students not understand that the name of the school itself – "Trinity" refers to the Christian God? The "Year of our Lord" (Anno Domini A.D.) complaint is a dollar short and a day late compared to that.
Amen to that
These people are so dumb they don't even know where they are enrolled in school.
The Muslims know exactly what the schools history is and this is why it is being attacked. Muslims will always attack Christians or other religions. They are obliged to do so as making Islam the dominant religion is the mandate of the Quran. Don't think for one moment that this was not planned out in advance.
Silly Infidels
I strongly agree. The Muslims whole mission is to try and take over this country. Islam means "submission". Its in their "so called" holy book. Anyone not respecting our Lord and what this country was founded on needs to repent or go back to their own country. The "Day of our Lord" is soon coming! And they will surely pay for what they are doing.
if they dont like it then they will have to go to a college which has not anything or form of christainty your nation is a christian country based on your forefathers so why must we not have the rights to speak of jesus it being a chritain college they always want to force their ideas on to you and us why must we have to put up with this as christians we find it offensive are we not allowed to follow who we believe in christians must stand all over the world for what we believe in and not to stand by and let us be pushed around unitied we stand divided we fall we love them and that is the difference between our god and theirs we love our enimies noy hate them or miss treat them or put out an order to kill anyone who will not believe what they believe our god is the one true god a god of love but also a fair and a just god