Doctrinal differences among Southern Baptist conservatives apparently have claimed another victim – Scott Camp, dean of students at Criswell College in Dallas.
Camp’s contract as dean, which ran through Jan. 31, was not renewed, in part because he supports speaking in tongues.
Conservatives have long tolerated the presence of charismatics within the Southern Baptist Convention – largely because they tend to agree on inerrancy and other key beliefs – but doctrinal purists have argued more recently for stricter enforcement of the SBC’s conservative theology.
The International Mission Board, which already prevented missionaries from teaching charismatic practices, recently tightened their policy to exclude missionary candidates who use a “private prayer language,” a form of tongues. That action and others prompted objections from some younger SBC leaders, who worry the 16 million-member denomination is drawing the circle of fellowship too small.
Criswell College, with 400 students, was founded by First Baptist Church of Dallas and is named for its legendary pastor, W.A. Criswell. Although it is not an SBC-owned school, students often seek missionary appointment by the IMB. It’s important not to contradict the IMB’s position on speaking in tongues, said Criswell president Jerry Johnson. – ABP