24
Jul
Page, Mohler, Egalitarianism vs. Complementarianism
I knew about Frank Page’s dissertation weeks ago and have done nothing about it because I have not yet read it. This information made conservative rounds even before the convention, but nothing was said about it, I suppose because people felt the same way, they haven’t yet read it. Well now some have read it, like Al Mohler, who has had a conversion to conservatism much like Page seems to have had. I think Al’s article was thoughtful and has clearly put the ball in Page’s court, though not in a threatening or condescending manner.
To question why Bob Allen wrote the story is pointless unless Bro. Allen wants to publicly tell us. Meanwhile, I think we just need to accept that he is a reporter, he came across information that a lot of reporters (like me) knew about and he decided to write about it. To try and pen it somehow on Paige Patterson is silly. Patterson and Page have talked and Page is already scheduled to preach chapel at SWBTS. I do not think it unusual that there is interest in the doctoral dissertation written by an SBC president. It is in the SWBTS library for anyone to check out if they wish.
In addition, this is far from the first question raised about Page’s seemingly brushes with liberalism and other theological matters (his book criticizing Calvinism notwithstanding). Some have questioned his apparent close relationship with then SWBTS President Russell Dilday. But I never raised that issue either because people change their minds, especially after 26 years. Al Mohler was very close to then Southern Seminary President Roy Honeycutt and no one has made a big deal about that, though I suspect because of the voluminous writings of Mohler which are clearly conservative. So I’ve been more than willing to cut Page some slack.
However, cutting him slack does not entitle him to a free pass. He has an obligation to answer questions about past relationships — and especially his writings — as long as such inquiries are respectful. Personality is off limits, but questions about philosophy, theology and even politics are in bounds.
Look guys, Page won with only 50.04% of the vote — on his home turf. Nonetheless he won and is due the respect and support befitting the president of the SBC. For sure he has no mandate and because he is not well known nationally, it is understandable that people will have questions. Thus far Page has answered all questions in a satisfactory manner.
Of course the liberal press is doing all it can to make more of Page’s election than what should be, but one must admit when he makes statements about a “broader tent” and that, “I’m a conservative, I’m just not mad about it,” surely you can see how legitimate questions about his views can arise. In addition, anyone who criticizes Calvinists and claims to be a conservative raises even more questions in my mind. The Calvinists were strong supporters of the SBC conservative resurgence for obvious reasons. Seems it would be equally obvious to Page, but apparently not.
That second quote, “I’m a conservative, I’m just not mad about it,” raised further questions even in my mind for two reasons: First, I am nervous about anyone who has to declare that they are a “conservative.” If you are a conservative, believe me, there should be plenty of evidence to support it without having to publicly declare it. Second, it seemed to be a “back-handed slap” at Paige Patterson and Judge Paul Pressler and all conservatives in the SBC. Maybe that is not what Page intended, but whether he and his supporters like it or not, it was taken that way in many circles. I will, at some point, directly ask Page about that quote and give him every opportunity to discuss its meaning.
So far, so good, as far as I’m concerned about Page. But I assure you, he is going to be scrutinized simply because most Southern Baptists do not know him. This process does not necessarily have to be messy. It can be very healthy for everyone concerned. I look forward to working with Page.
Don Hinkle, Editor
The Pathway
Jer. 6:16
July 25th, 2006 at 12:11 am
Don you know better than to be less than straightforward here.
August 1st, 2006 at 4:11 pm
Don, I can agree with most of what you’ve said. I think that oftentimes we do look under too many rocks trying to dig up controversy.
Having said that, it seems that Page himself believes that there may be ulterior motives behind the publication of his dissertation. See the article here. It would also follow that those trying to discredit him are those to the right of him, and not the left, out of a fear of his supposed moderate position.
I don’t know the truth. I do know, however, that it seems that there are more intracacies than we might imagine, or questions that may not be readily apparent.