Customer Reviews

Servant Songs: Reflections on the History and Mission of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1950-1988

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Some books need to be read because they are edifying to the believer. Others need to be read because of the historical perspective they cast. This book definitely falls into the latter category.

Servant Songs is a collection of essays written by former faculty members of Southeastern Seminary. Each was a self-identified moderate, and at the time of the book's publication many of them were associated with CBF-affiliated Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond. Servant Songs is a classic example of why the Southern Baptist Convention needed a conservative theological renovation. It is clear that the faculty and administration of Southeastern Seminary were theological progressives from the school's inception in 1950. While conservatives could have possibly handled the Southeastern situation better, there is no doubt that the changeover was both needed and beneficial.

The general tone of the book is that progressive theology (read: liberalism) is to be preferred over conservative theology. Evangelicalism is normally equal to fundamentalism. Only Neo-orthodox and liberal theologians are praised by the contributors. Baptist distinctives are discarded for an ecumenical perspective and this by those who cry the loudest that we are losing our Baptist distinctives!

Though I do not question the sincerity of the former faculty of Southeastern Seminary, good intentions are not enough. It is clear from their own writings that many of the faculty at Southeastern were moving away from the historic gospel and endorsing progressive theologies. An egalitarian position on gender issues was commonplace. The faculty had way too much power at Southeastern from its outset. In short, change was needed, and this book is proof positive of that.

Clarifies the early vision and teaching approach of Southeastern. Essays are helpful in understanding the beginnings and finally the taking over of the school by fundamentalists. Certainly, the affirmation that Southeastern intended to be a different type of school within a denominational setting can be understood by a careful reading of these pages. A good contribution to a story of an incredible institution.

For those of us who are of the old Southeastern, this book is a welcomed history filled with vivid memories and what was. Southeastern was home to me from 1983-1986. I received my MDiv there, with all the hopes of returning someday for a D. Min. The overthrow of the Southern Baptist Convention left me and many others without a theological home-base. This book chronicles the years of developement and ministry of SEBTS. The hopes, dreams and prayers of many are chronicled for you here. If you are a friend of free Baptist, then this book is for you