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2017-2018 CIU Student Handbook
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between one man and one woman. The idea that those of the same sex can marry
is contrary to Scripture and unacceptable. Based on this, CIU prohibits any form
of homosexual behavior, as well as any public expression of support for such
behavior or same-sex marriage.
As stated above, God created male and female when He created mankind. There
is growing concern and discussion regarding gender identity. Some individuals
believe they are trapped in a body of the opposite gender (i.e., a person with a male
body feels that he is a female). Some people have had sex-change operations to
deal with this disconnect. We believe that God’s design in creation is clear and
that seeking to change one’s gender identity through surgery or any other means
is prohibited, as well as any form of transgender expression, such as cross-
dressing. Those associated with CIU should not publically advocate for any type of
transgender expression.
Relationships and Expression of Romantic Affection
We desire that our community be a place where students, staff, and faculty learn
and experience how to be the people of God in relation to each other as brothers
and sisters in Christ. We want this to take place on multiple levels: from common
courtesy toward each other to the development of deep, intimate friendships;
from classroom discussions to times of small group sharing; and in romantic
relationships from dating to engagement and marriage.
The standard below regarding physical expression of romantic affection
differentiates between couples who are casually dating and those who are in a
dating process where they are seriously and intentionally exploring whether God
is leading them toward engagement and marriage, but who are not yet engaged.
We believe there is a qualitative difference between these two forms of dating, and
CIU seeks to recognize and affirm this difference. Those whose relationship has
moved to a level of discerning whether God is leading them toward engagement
and marriage are encouraged to pray and seek the counsel of faculty or other
godly individuals who can talk with them and support them in seeking God’s best.
The following represents CIU’s biblical understanding and the resulting
standards with regard to the essential and formative process of developing godly
relationships.
Intimate Relationships:
God created people as complete beings and deemed
His creation to be very good. He created men and women in order to provide
human relationships that could provide profound intimacy. This includes the
area of physical expression of romantic affection between the sexes. From
the very beginning it was very good and without pollution or shame. Adam
and Eve were naked before God and one another and were not ashamed (Gen.
2:18-25). They experienced intimacy in every area of their lives, and God was
very pleased.
Sin entered, bringing the potential for evil in what God had created to be
good. Intimacy in human relationships would be more difficult to attain. What
previously could only be used for good could now be used for evil. God did
not remove the desire for intimacy, however, including the desire for sexual
intimacy between men and women, even though the potential for evil was so
great. Instead, He made it clear how intimacy was to be achieved in line with
His original intent.