Seminary is an important formation experience for those called to vocational ministry, and in many traditions a seminary degree (often a M.Div.) is a requirement for ordination. For many years, I was proud to tell the story of my experience at Logsdon Seminary at Hardin-Simmons University, and was glad to let others know I was a graduate (M.Diiv., 2001). Sadly, with the University's decisions to move in a very different direction theologically, I'm now at a place where I'm forced to say Read More …
Logsdon Seminary
Ten Reasons for Concern About HSU’s Statement of Faith (#1997)
It is a big deal when a Christian University adopts a Statement of Faith. It is an even bigger deal when such a university is part of a non-creedal tradition. To achieve this outcome one would normally envision a robust process of considerable length that engaged all stakeholders, including students, alumni, supporters, faculty, and staff. In the case of Hardin-Simmons University it appears that not only were these important groups not a part of the process, they were unaware that there was a Read More …
Mourning the Loss of Logsdon, Direction of HSU (#1996)
A little over two years ago I was stunned to learn that Hardin-Simmons University suddenly decided to close the school's seminary. While the school's official explanation focused on a financial necessity, it quickly became clear that the primary reason was theological. More specifically, University administration had a vision for a much more theologically conservative future than was possible with the seminary in place, especially given the views of its tenured faculty. In February of 2020, Read More …
Top 10 Posts of 2020 (#1905)
2020 has been the year of the pandemic, and a year marked by more changes in the life of the American church than any in my lifetime. This year's top posts reflect this reality while also including content focused on the always popular topics of good books and Mainline decline. My Seminary is Closing (February)Dear HSU Trustees (February)My Seminary is Closing - The Bigger Picture (February)May Love Overcome and Justice Roll Down (January)Easter Miracles: Empty Tomb, Empty Churches Read More …
Dear HSU Trustees (#1854)
Dear Hardin-Simmons University Trustees, The more I learn, the more disappointed I am in your decision to close Logsdon Seminary. Rather than writing a detailed critique of the process utilized to reach the decision, the timing and content of the initial communications to share the decision with key stakeholders and the general public, or the ongoing communications and conversations that have transpired since the decision was made public, I'll focus on why Logsdon mattered to me. I am Read More …
My Seminary is Closing – The Bigger Picture (#1852)
A week ago today I shared the news that my seminary was closing. When I wrote that blog post the news had been official for less than 24 hours. I was stunned. I relied heavily on the official statement provided by the University. In short, Hardin-Simmons University (est. 1891) determined that it was necessary to close Logsdon Seminary was based on its recent financial performance relative to other schools and programs in the University. Since writing that post, I've learned that the Read More …
My Seminary is Closing (#1851)
Last night I received "A Message from HSU President Eric Bruntmyer." Given Hardin-Simmons University's recent restructuring I opened the e-mail and read the message in its entirety. After an opening paragraph about serving students for 129 years and preparing for the next 129 years and a paragraph sharing that the 2019 freshman class is the second largest ever, the message contained these words: Today, February 7, the Hardin-Simmons University Board of Trustees concluded the first of three Read More …
Scribalishess (#1304)
I enjoy discovering new blogs. When I encounter people's listings of their favorite blogs or compilations of the best Christian blogs I tend to click through and browse each site. Most of my discovery consists of becoming familiar with well established blogs. While I hope to continue that exploration, I also want to connect with new bloggers and to encourage you to do the same. Susan Pigott is Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew at Hardin-Simmons University. I had the Read More …