Friday, Jun. 26, 2009

Spiritual adviser known for counsel

Sanford cites influence of ‘Cubby’ Culbertson, a Bible study leader

The man Gov. Mark Sanford describes as a “spiritual giant” and mentor has written about the perils of focusing on the delights of the world instead of the promise of heaven.

“Do not love anything that will not last forever,” Columbia businessman Warren “Cubby” Culbertson wrote in one of his biblically based “Cubby’s Talks,” some of which are published online.

“This world and all if offers is dying. Never mistake earth for heaven because the glories of the world to come are far nobler than the treasures of this world.”

At his Wednesday press conference, Sanford described Culbertson as “an incredibly dear friend,” who has been helping him and his wife, Jenny, work through the issue of marital infidelity.

Culbertson could not be reached for comment Thursday.

But he is known for his Round Table Bible studies for men, held throughout the Midlands. Apparently, Sanford has attended a few.

Culbertson, along with Bill Jones, the president of the evangelical Columbia International University, and local pastor Det Bowers have worked to develop the Bible study groups.

Some of Culbertson’s responses to scripture can be found on CIU’s Web site: www.ciu.edu/resources/search.php.

One writing posted there describes the groups for men as “a safe place to pose their questions, test their assumptions, and know that they will not be alone or stand out as a spiritual seeker.”

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