Editor Brian Kaylor considers a common thread between two recent controversies at Baptist schools, and what this can teach us about how we read and interpret the Bible today.
A prominent Southern Baptist theologian who sparked controversy for defending the slavery of the founders of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary doubled-down in another essay praising “the wisdom of Providence” that saw the evangelization of enslaved persons through the institution of slavery.
As some Black Southern Baptists urge their denomination’s flagship seminary to remove honors to enslavers, prominent White Calvinists associated with the school are defending not only the founders but even slavery.
Planned Parenthood of Greater New York announced it will remove founder Margaret Sanger's name from its Manhattan Health Center because of her "racist legacy." Meanwhile, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary refuses to remove the names of its racist founders.
Dwight McKissic shares an open letter to SBTS President Al Mohler and SBTS trustees requesting they remove honors on campus to the school's founders, including by renaming SBTS's undergraduate college and several buildings.
As some Black Southern Baptists urge Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, to remove from campus buildings the names of its founders who were enslavers, a Black student there is criticizing SBTS for featuring images of its founders on merchandise like mugs.
Al Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, says the school should stop using the name of a racist financial supporter, but added he will not remove the names of the slaveholding founders from campus buildings.
Dwight McKissic responds to Al Mohler’s refusal to remove the names of enslavers from buildings on the campus of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. McKissic argues this isn’t just a cultural war but also spiritual warfare.
Our nation finds itself at a critical moment of wrestling. And it might just lead to a biblical moment. But will Christians lead the way? Will we chart a new course with new names?
As debates continue across the country about monuments and honors for Confederate generals and slaveholders, some Black Southern Baptists are calling on Southern Baptist Theological Seminary to remove names of slaveholders and Confederates from buildings and other places of honor on the campus.