Dear readers of the Ichthus FishTank,
Please accept our sincere apology regarding an anonymous blog post that was posted on Wednesday, November 20.
Our apology is three-fold. Firstly, we apologize for inadequate editorial oversight in the publishing and re-publishing of this blog post. As editors of this online blog, we take seriously the responsibility of being a good steward of our platform and being true to our mission. In the zeal to protect editorial freedom for each of our contributors, we failed to take into account the broader impact of doing so in this way.
The piece is not online because we believe that the piece is not conducive to the goals of the Ichthus. We are an educational organization. We seek for our authors and our readers to have both peace and a deeper understanding of the Christian faith. Our blogs are intended to be areas of thoughtful dialogue. This particular piece has led to increasing misunderstanding and disinformation about the author’s views, the Ichthus, and Christianity. We do acknowledge that many of the claims of Christianity are offensive to those who do not believe it, but we think that much of the offense that has resulted from this article is not the offense of the gospel of Jesus Christ. And for that we apologize.
We believe that in situations in which offensive views are expressed and misunderstandings arise, it is important to pursue deeper understanding of others’ beliefs. We apologize for falling short in our attempt to foster such an environment in this instance. Nevertheless, this is not—it cannot be—the end of dialogue on this issue or any issue. The Ichthus will be a forum for diverse Christian viewpoints and for seeking mutual understanding about the teachings and viewpoints of Christianity.
Secondly, we apologize for publishing offensive content on our blog. While this does not excuse the post of responsibility, it was not the intent of the writer, nor the Ichthus, to present a piece that is anti-Semitic in nature or in interpretation. The writer holds nothing but love for his heritage and feels very deeply for the welfare of the Jewish people. The blog was not intended to communicate animosity, but concern and a sincere desire to communicate the necessity of salvation through Jesus Christ alone.
While the Ichthus does not take any official position besides the Nicene Creed, Christianity has long taught that everyone is responsible for the death of Jesus Christ insofar as we have all sinned—all people at all times everywhere; Jew and Gentile alike—and that we all must repent and accept him as our Lord and Savior. Targeting this message at a particular group of people as though they are uniquely responsible misconstrues the generally accepted teaching of the Christian church, as well as the intentions of the author.
Thirdly, we apologize to friends, supporters and members of the Harvard Ichthus for allowing an individual blogger, through the veil of anonymity, appear to speak for us all. This was never the case. The Ichthus is an organization that represents a diverse array of opinions. Our staff regularly converses and invites others to join in the conversation to engage with the Christian faith and its claims.
The views articulated in the blog do not reflect views held by the current and previous members of staff. The ultimate authority for the content of the blog was left up to the author, and multiple members of the Ichthus community responded by stepping in to alert me, the Editor in Chief, of the offense caused by this piece.
In each of these ways, we sincerely apologize for breaching the confidence of civil dialogue. This has been a growing experience for all involved here at the Ichthus, and, as students, we sincerely appreciate the patience and grace you have demonstrated towards us.
On Behalf of the Editorial Board,
Aaron Gyde
Editor-in-Chief
The Harvard Ichthus