As I’ve continued to think, and discuss with others, the events of earlier today at the SWBTS chapel, some information has surfaced that I think has bearing on this conversation.

A few short months ago Dr. Jerry Rankin was unceremoniously drug through the mud for his refusal to allow a video of a private inner-office staff meeting at the IMB headquarters to be released to interested parties. Today Patterson has essentially done the same thing, except this chapel service is a public event that is typically produced with uninhibited access. Rankin was publicly reprimanded by many, particularly so at the trustee meeting that was held in Tampa, FL.

Additionally, it is my opinion, as I’ve already stated, that the school has the right to withold the information if they so choose. To produce a statement to that effect is also within their rights. However, to go on record stating that the views of one of their own trustees is “harmful to churches” is to arrogantly assume that both his understanding of scripture and the understanding of SBC churches is so limited that we need someone else to provide biblical commentary for us. It seems to me that this comment was unneccesary and unhelpful when promoting the exercise of biblical exegesis.

While it certainly may be true that McKissic’s position is not that which is held by a majority of Southern Baptists, it is also not an absent position within SBC life. There are a number of SBC’ers who find truth in his statements. Therefore, to make claims like the ones mentioned above, seems both theologically irresponsible and careless at best.