Sunday, May 13, 2018

Open Letter to SWBTS Trustees Concerning Paige Patterson


Open Letter
Dear Trustees of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary,

I write in defense of your president and my friend, Dr. Paige Patterson.  I have known him for about 40 years.  I knew him when, at great sacrifice, he and many others stood for the inerrancy of God’s Word, in the SBC Conservative Resurgence.  Of course, he is not perfect, just like us all.  But he has stood for the faith, evangelism, revivals, missions.  He is a first class scholar, and has lived an exemplary moral life. 

Now, because Dr. Patterson has not said some things exactly right in our extra sensitive climate, he is being condemned by his enemies.  They attack him for things they overlook in others.  They negatively magnify anything he says that could be taken the wrong way.  This is now in spite of the fact Brother Paige has apologized for, and clarified, his statements that have been hurtful.  Who of us could withstand withering criticism and publicity of any misstatements we have made over the last several decades?  Who of us could withstand having our statements taken in the absolutely worst light? 

Please be aware of the multiplied thousands who support, and have been blessed by, Dr. Patterson’s ministry.  I and my family are some of them.  I am currently using Dr. Patterson’s NAC commentary on Revelation and finding it of great value.  On this Mother’s Day I’m reminded of how my mother admired him, and how Paige & Dorothy sent flowers and condolences at her funeral. 

When someone, whether Paige Patterson or not, makes an edgy statement - You can interpret it in the worst possible light.  You can interpret it in the best possible light.  Or somewhere in between. 

You can also take an 18 year old statement and interpret it in light of the current climate of political correctness, or not.  You can show kindness, understanding - or strict condemnation. 

One day soon, we will each give account to Almighty God.  My prayer is that God will continue to bless, guide, protect Paige Patterson and SWBTS, and give you, the trustees, wisdom, love, mercy. 

Sincerely,
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, May 13, AD 2018. 


For More Information on This Issue: 


The first one to plead his cause seems right, until his neighbor comes and examines him.  -Proverbs 18:17, NKJV

Other Articles in lower right margin. 

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