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Christianity Today, January (Web-only), 2007 |

Pastor/Blogger Says Hebrew Prof's Gender Cost Her Tenure at Seminary

Southwestern Baptist's board chair calls hiring a "momentary lax of the parameters."

Greg Horton, Religion News Service | posted 1/23/2007 08:43AM

A pastor and influential blogger has accused Paige Patterson, president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and past president of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), of gender discrimination ...

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Stephen Wong

Posted: January 31, 2007 4:27 AM

I feel sad that Wade Burleston has gone that far by using a secularistic worldview of gender discrimination to influence change in SBC. Gender discrimination is a popular word used by many to incite fear in the hearts of decision makers. Just like the usual "anti-semitic' label which when it is used, is enough to throw many into retreat from what are reasonable assessments of the conduct of a particular group of people. I may not agree with what has been done by Dr Paige Patterson's Office with respect to Dr. Klouda but isn't it true that a Christian Denomination must operate by its convictions. Why pressure SBC into submitting to the worldview of Wade Burleston just because he does not like it. It has been a Baptist understanding that men and women are deeply valued as co-equals in God's sight. Not granting tenure to Dr. Klouda is not equal to violating Scripture's teaching on the different role prescribed for men and women. Let us abhor banal reductionism to influence change.

Jeff	Posted: January 30, 2007 8:53 AM

I agree with Craig. Seminary Class 101: Thou shalt not allow the culture to influence the way Scripture is interpreted. Women do have a place in the education of our faith. I agree that the pastorate is limited to the male gender. It's one of the precepts God calls for to distinguish our faith from the world's pagan belief systems. I do believe that it is OK for women to teach in an 'academic" environment under the auspices of male leadership. I think that weought to remember that if we were to take the qualifications for the pastorate lieterally then no single man could be a pastor.. for it specifically calls for the pastor to be the husband of one wife....again... this is a literal translation. Nowhere do I see part of the qualifications (as it is written) that allows anyone who is single to be a pastor.

SWBTS Student

Posted: January 30, 2007 7:32 AM

Rick I am a current student at SWBTS and she was one of the most popular students there- it had nothing to do with performance. Many of us students here are so embarrassed by the "fanatical" leadership" here and how it is hindering any chance of Southern Baptists in reaching out to others in the world. They automatically assume we are fanatical, woman-haters which we are not. It breaks my heart how these "fanatical" conservatives are acting just as the church leaders in Christ's day did-being overly legalistic and power hungry.

Doreen Pettit

Posted: January 27, 2007 9:46 AM


There go the Baptists again. They sift the law for nat and miss the butterfly. Pharisees are alive and well among us today. I feel sorry for this man and pray for all of the students who continue to go to these schools and sit under the Pharisidic professors. What are you afraid of? What could you do if you didn't have that fear? Doreen Pettit, M. S. Create the Life You Want

Christine

Posted: January 24, 2007 10:21 AM


Christ Used Women to carry out God's Purpose and Plans for our lives,''OUT WITH THE BOY"S CLUB mentality!!!!

Irene

Posted: January 23, 2007 9:18 PM

I agree with Dr. Paige Patterson. He acted according to his conscience. Others may bow down to pressure from secularists, and who is to say how "broadminded" one needs to be to please everyone? Dr. Patterson has chosen to interpret what Paul meant - and I agree with him 100% - and I happen to be female - forget the name calling - machos, chauvenists, paternalistic, theological seminaries are to prepare men for the ministry.

Susan

Posted: January 23, 2007 9:11 PM


Non-biblical for women to teach men theology and faith issues? Who was the first apostle to Sychar (see John 4:28)? Who taught Timothy (see Acts16:1)? Who co-taught Apollos (see Acts 18:26)? And who first brought the news of the resurrection to the 12? (you don't need a Biblical reference).

Sam	Posted: January 23, 2007 8:23 PM

I am not so sure the seminary went far beyond its responsibility or duty, as McClain claimed. Since they hired her in a tenure track position, in full knowledge of her gender, the right thing to do would be to fulfill the commitment made to her at that time. Why do Christians assume that we must be fair and keep our word unless some doctrinal position is at stake, at which point it is alright to break promises, sue brothers, or behave in a way that would be offensive without the doctrinal position? do not think they should require men to be taught by her, but she was given her position freely and fairly and she has a right to it unless she breached her contract. She did not change; they did. And they want her to pay the price. If they want to change their doctrine, fine. Just be patient enough to do it without breaking faith with anyone. It may take years, but integrity is worth the wait.

Ralph Henson

Posted: January 23, 2007 7:14 PM

I wonder how they read "I allow NO woman to teach a man". That is not the exact quote but it is close enough. No means no. Paul did not mince words. When Southern Baptist say that they believe, they should believe all, not what they want to. If a woman can do one job then she can do any. If Paul was right, No woman can have a job of leadership in the church. Believe the whole Bible, or believe none of it so you will know what God said.

Rick Taylor

Posted: January 23, 2007 6:13 PM


I graduated from SEBTS under Dr. Paige and love him dearly but on some issues, like this, he is legalistic to the point of being anal. He's normally very fair, especially regarding professioanl issues, so my guess is there very likely an issue with her performance rather than her gender.

disciple of christ

Posted: January 23, 2007 5:16 PM

recognizing that this is a divisive issue that has good christians on both sides I am encouraged to see the school admit their true position in this matter. as a disciple of christ member I disagree with the SBC position, but I as a former Baptist do recognize that this is a non-essential issue in salvation so I will give charity to them as fellow believers to follow their collective consciences. while it is a shame that this matter occurred, I am fully aware that there are plenty of opportunities outside of the Baptist faith for called women to utilize their callings which can be God-given or not God-given(the same as any man). I ask for other believers to truly seek the Holy Spirits leading and thoroughly research the issue of gender-callings and go to fellowship where they are comfortable with that fellowships principles. God grant us the grace to give that grace to all our brothers and sisters.

Anonymous

Posted: January 23, 2007 3:57 PM


How helpful it must be to God for the good ole boys at the Baptist Seminaries to keep reminding God who God can and cannot call to certain positions of ministry. They are just a few steps away from Christian Sharia law.

Shad Bailey

Posted: January 23, 2007 2:18 PM


Southern Baptists are going way too far with here. They need to reread there Bible and get a grip on what Christ really taught and stop being an old boys club

Jeff Roberts

Posted: January 23, 2007 1:37 PM

Dr. Patterson again is the lighting rod of the Southern Baptist Convention and I thank God he is and always has been willing to take a stand against the secular world view. He is a man of great character. He draws critcs furry for following the right understanding of scripture on this issue. My daughter is at Southeastern Baptist Seminary. As a student she and her female friends can tell you that there is no gender discrimination and she clearly understands the intent of the policy and beliefs of the school which are biblical. As a matter of counter culture at the Seminary which Dr Patterson was at before going back to Texas, my daughter says the young men on campus respect her and her friends and open doors for them and watch out for there well being. She was shocked at the difference from her High School.

D. Thomas Porter, Ph.D.

Posted: January 23, 2007 1:07 PM

Perhaps Southwestern should re-consider the status of Lois & Eunice who taught Timothy the Scriptures. (Perhaps, they stopped teaching him when he came to an age of accountability, i.e., "a man"). Of course the Scriptures teach women are not to dictate truth (didodzo) to men, but when is Scriptural truth delimited by the gender of the teacher? Church offices are one thing, but teaching may be something that needs to be more clearly considered for gender delineation. Furthermore, there are a variety of Biblical studies that should only be taught by a woman. When women's sexuality issues are discussed for women from a Biblical perspective to women, should I a man teach that? Balderdash. Finally, teaching Hebrew. Hmm, how does that qualify as, using Southwestern's language, "Biblical Studies?" English is also a language by which the Bible is learned. Should all English teachers be men at our Christian colleges? Let's apply some common and loving sense.

Michael Baun

Posted: January 23, 2007 12:59 PM

The requirement to be male to teach pastors is a historical Southern Baptist position. Ethically she should have been informed there was no possibility of tenure by the previous administration. The fact the present administration is providing continued support for her is a good thing. I see a problem with the position they went beyond duty, they merely did their duty on this matter and rectified an actual wrong done. Institutions need to hold themselves responsible for past leadership mistakes. It appears that they have done this. I commend them. All in all as far as treatment is concerned towards her, the present administration, should be genuinely commended for their actions in regard to continued compensation. My own personal position is that women can be teachers of men in a seminary. Perhaps, at some point, even Southern Baptist's will understand why a woman announced the resurrection. I hope she finds a great position soon.

Everett

Posted: January 23, 2007 12:58 PM


Thank-you Dr. Patterson for standing up for scripture over and against the "wisdom of men".

sherry

Posted: January 23, 2007 12:18 PM


This sort of institutionalized descrimination is the reason that I am not a Southern Baptist anymore--ever--even though I was raised in the Baptist Church. At least this points out very clearly where the powers that be stand. They should have been that clear to Dr. Klouda in the very beginning.

Bennett Willis

Posted: January 23, 2007 11:37 AM


I THINK THAT “ACCUSED” IS NOT THE RIGHT WORD (FIRST PARAGRAPH)—BURLESON JUST POINTED IT OUT. THEY SAY THAT THIS IS WHAT THEY DID. I REALLY LIKE THE PHRASE “LAX OF THE PARAMETERS”—THAT IS A CLASSIC.

Craig

Posted: January 23, 2007 11:16 AM

I agree and disagree with what Southwestern did. They should have made it very clear to Dr. Klouda from day one according to Southern Baptist Convention parameters. Dr. Patterson did what he as a leader needs to do, hold up the standards of scripture. I take off my hat to him. I might not agree with everything he believes, but he knows he has to stand before God for his decisions. I don't think him or any leader should bow to pressures of the secular world or scholastic expediency .

Christopher

Posted: January 23, 2007 10:42 AM


This "ridiculous and rigid parameter" makes me embarrased and ashamed. Shame on Southwestern. Again.

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