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
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Answers Questions About Homemaking Program
 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

 
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I am thrilled that such a class exists. Honestly, I just don't know what to do with myself without a man to instruct me. Obviously a man would be much more able to make such decisions because, well...he is a man! Need anything more be said? That Y chromosome clearly makes my X chromosome inferior. And to think! I have been studying to make all A's to attend an Ivy when I could have been bearing children for a middle aged husband. Really, what sort of crazy life have I been living?

Posted on 01/28/2009 at 11:01:20 PM

Brent, I think I've fallen in love with you. You had me and my roommate laughing of butts off. Great work. I'm Christian but you seriously can't take everything in the Bible seriously. It just doesn't apply.

Posted on 01/28/2009 at 10:01:25 PM

refraining from ridicule. Diversity brings greater variety of peoples and ideas to the community, and that makes for a more interesting place for me. I realize that if people are unable to tolerate beliefs which diverge widely from their own (without mocking and belittling, which inevitably gives off the unpleasant impression that they smugly believe themselves to be somehow morally superior), then they may not be suited for such diversity in society. But civility would still suggest that they hold their tongues on the ridicule if they want to continue living in a multi-religious society. Too, if you don't have anything nice to say, it may be better to say nothing, particularly when you are talking about a person's belief system, and when that person is not directly infringing on your life, liberty or pursuit of happiness.

Posted on 11/10/2008 at 2:11:11 AM

Hallelujah! It is refreshing to finally see a religion in the US living up to the cause of religious freedom, putting their money where their mouths are. Specifically, I think it refreshing to see a Christian group actually trying to live up to, embody, the fullness of that which they find most positive about Ephesians 5:26, where the wife is commanded to "subject to her husband in all things." That takes courage, to stand out against the times on your beliefs like that. Too, if you don't have anything nice to say, it may be better to say nothing, particularly when you are talking about a person's belief system, and when that person is not directly infringing on your life, liberty or pursuit of happiness. I can think of no society I would rather live in than one which most strongly promotes religious diversity and tolerance. I believe true tolerance includes not merely abstaining from direct oppression but tendering the actual respect which inheres in refraining from rid

Posted on 11/10/2008 at 2:11:32 AM

I'm trying to find out how to get this kind of education online. I have chosen homemaking as my profession, but there are many skills I do not have that would very much enhance my work life. I hope that programs like these gain popularity as more and more women realize the unending value, inspiration, education, art and beauty of homelife. I recommend The Hidden Art of Homemaking by Edith Schaeffer.

Posted on 12/18/2007 at 2:12:05 PM

2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in (Exodus 21:7). In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her? 3. I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness (Lev.15:19-24). The problem is, how do tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense. 4. (Lev. 25:44) states that I may indeed possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians.Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians? 5. I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. (Exodus 35:2) clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself? 6. A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination (Lev. 11:10), it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this? 7. (Lev. 21:20) states that I may not approach

Posted on 10/05/2007 at 12:10:00 PM

I would like to reference a letter to Dr. Laura that would also be a great basis for a class in understanding the nexus between traditional Biblical teaching and the modern condition. Dear Dr. Laura, Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have learned a great deal from your show, and try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that (Leviticus 18:22) clearly states it to be an abomination. End of debate. I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some of the other specific laws and how to follow them. 1. When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord (Lev.1:9). The problem is my neighbours. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them? 2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in (Exodus 21:7). In this day and age, what do you think would be a f

Posted on 10/05/2007 at 12:10:00 PM

I agree completely with this program. It's about time the role of women in keeping the home and family healthy in this sadly disjointed society is raised to a level of honor and "professionality" so to speak. How wonderful to be able to be the best you can be in the MANY-faceted tasks women are called to perform through the help of a very well-balanced humanities program. I truly believe the old adage "the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world." Let's help train that hand.

Posted on 09/08/2007 at 5:09:00 PM

I don't think anyone is surprised by this. It is perfectly in keeping with the misogynistic, anti-science, backwardness that the Southern Baptists have embraced. Isn't this the kind of thing we expect from them? I am surprised it has even made a blip in the news.

Posted on 09/06/2007 at 10:09:00 AM

I incorrectly typed Southwestern's homepage website address. It is actually www.swbts.edu

Posted on 08/30/2007 at 3:08:00 PM

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