Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Answers Questions About Homemaking Program

Since Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary instituted their homemaking program they have been on the receiving end of some negative feedback, primarily because they decided to only open up the program to women. I wanted to ask Southwestern Baptist some questions about their homemaking program and why they chose to include it in their curriculum. Dr. Teri Stovall, who is the Dean of the Women's Program at Southwestern, and received her Ph. D. from the seminary, answers the questions.

I asked Dr. Stovall why did Southwestern Baptist feel it necessary to offer such a program? Dr.Stovall said that "there were several reasons: (1) We were hearing a demand for this from women who have a heart for the home and from ministers wives who want to use their home for hospitality and ministry (2) It rounds out the Humanities degree in a way that makes it the most well-rounded, complete education a woman can receive (3) We wanted to do our part to strengthen the family and to give women the tools to reinforce a biblical model for home and family."

When asked why did Southwestern decide to only leave the program open women? Dr. Stovall said that "The Homemaking Concentration within the Bachelor of Arts in Humanities is only open to women because it was requested by women, is tailored to women and seeks to model biblical womanhood."

Southwestern Baptist is a Christian school whose mission statement (which can be found on the schools website) is to "provide theological education for individuals engaging in Christian ministry and strives to provide community of faith and learning that develops spiritual leaders with a passion for Christ and Bible." Information found at http://www.subts.edu