A Degree In Homemaking

One of the more interesting "controversies" that has recently come up in Southern Baptist Convention circles is the subject of three classes that were first offered in the fall semester of 2006 on the campus of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary . The classes are part of a Bachelor of Arts degree program in Humanities through the College at Southwestern (which is the undergraduate school on the SWBTC Fort Worth, Texas campus). What makes these courses controversial to some, is the fact that they involve "Christian Homemaking". For some reason, the concept seems to fly in the face of a number of media types, as well as some folks inside the SBC.

The Associated Press ran a story on the course offerings in homemaking on August 10th and the story appeared in media outlets all over the country. Just a couple of days ago, Fox News Channel's "Fox and Friends" morning program ran a short piece on it, with a 2 1/2 minute "debate" between SWBTS President, Dr. Paige Patterson and Robert Parham who is the executive director of the "Baptist Center for Ethics". The Baptist Center for Ethics is connected to The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship which broke away from the SBC over a dozen years ago. Parham has been critical of SWBTS and Patterson on thier BCE website for some time.

I first became aware of the "homemaking" courses late last winter or early spring as a few SBC related bloggers began to mock the new course offerings. Some of these bloggers are very vocal critics on a number of issues in the SBC and I although I don't always agree with their take on all issues, I find their viewpoints interesting reading. One of the most vocal critics of SWBTS in general, and Seminary President, Dr. Paige Patterson in particular, is Ben Cole. Until recently, Cole was pastor of Parkview Baptist Church in Arlington, TX. Most recently he has left Parkview to serve on the staff of Immanuel Baptist Church in Enid, Oklahoma where Wade Burleson is pastor. Bro. Burleson has also been critical of some of the goings on at The SBC International Mission Board (where he serves as a trustee) and at SWBTS, but usually in a much more civil manner than has Cole.

In my humble opinion, these guys are making much ado about nothing. The three classes in question are three credit hour courses each on "General Homemaking", "Biblical Model for the Home and Family", and "The Value of a Child". According to SWBTS, the program also requires seven credit hours in meal preparation and nutrition, and seven hours involving designing and sewing clothing. Lest anyone think this is a "pud" program that has no place in a Seminary's undergraduate program, read on. Terri Stovall, SWBTS's Dean of Women's Studies says that the students must also take twenty three hours in biblical studies, two years of Greek and Latin and do extensive research in philosophy.

Is this course for everybody? Of course not! But I think it is a wonderful offering for those who may be interested in getting a good biblical education while still preparing to be a Christian wife and mother. So much emphasis today is placed on women being on the career path to success, that we sometimes forget that many ladies choose to make a career of being a full time wife and mother. Women in the workplace is fine. Their gifts and skills are needed in every aspect of business life. Lord knows that most families also need the income of both spouses to stay financially afloat. However, career homemaking is also a wonderful option for those who make the sacrifice to pursue it. Stovall told Baptist Press that, "Because the homemaking concentration is part of an undergraduate degree, most of its enrollees will be 18-20 year old single women." These are skills that many girls have never learned at home. A number of these students will be married to pastors and other full time Christian workers. I say that if a young lady seeks to learn those "old fashioned" skills, may God bless her in her pursuit.

Now, the question arises, "Is that all Southern Baptist Seminaries offer women students?" The answer is a resounding "NO!" Three of our Seminaries offer women's ministry programs. It is my privilege to serve on the Board of Trustees of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and we, along with Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in North Carolina, offer master of divinity and master of arts programs in women's ministry. Other SBC Seminaries, Golden Gate (in San Francisco), Mid American (in Kansas City, MO) and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (in Louisville, KY) also offer certificate programs that are designed for minister's wives. Those courses include theology, practical minsitry, homemaking and parenting.

Dr. Patterson is certainly accustomed to controversy. He has been a lightning rod for a number of years. He was instrumental in leading the conservative resurence of the Southern Baptist Convention nearly 30 years ago. He is a great scholar and pulpiteer. He has served as President of the Southern Baptist Convention and has filled the office of President of two of our Baptist Seminaries (SWBTS and Southeastern). He has had his share of recent controversies at SWBTS, and I haven't personally agreed with every action he has taken or with every opinion he expresses, but I have nothing but admiration for his high view of scripture and the courage of his convictions.

He took opportunity to defend the course offerings during his SWBTS report at the SBC annual meeting in June. There were some folks wagging their heads and exchanging knowing grins and nods of mockery. One of the critical bloggers laughed that Patterson, "Whipped the 'Bubba Pastors' into a frenzy" with his report. I don't really consider myself a "Bubba Pastor" but I was impressed with Dr. Patterson's eloquent defense of the program. Furthermore, I applaud the Board of Trustees of SWBTS for having the courage to create the courses on homemaking, and the intestinal fortitude to take the criticism they have received for offering this valuable course of study.