Interview with Dr. David Dockery: Part Two

Picking up where we left off, the interview addresses current issues related to Dr. Dockery and UU–namely the Baptist Identity Conference, theological education, and the relationship of evangelicals to the environment and global warming.

Upcoming Baptist Identity Conference

Brister: In less than a month, Union University will be hosting “Baptist Identity II: Convention, Cooperation, and Controversy.”  It is advertised that this is “the most significant conference you could attend in 2007.”  What is it that makes this conference so significant, and what are you hoping to see happen as a result?  In addition, for those who are thinking about attending but have not registered, what would you like to say to them?

Dockery: In 2004 we hosted a very successful Baptist Identity conference, which featured Morris Chapman, James Leo Garrett, Jr., R. Albert Mohler, Jr., Richard Land and others. Conversations continued for almost a year after that event. “Baptist2Baptist” published many of the addresses given at the conference.
       Most Baptists, unfortunately, have historical amnesia and need to be reminded regularly of our heritage and distinctives. This year’s conference is significant because we believe it can help advance the conversations from that initial conference. It can address key issues that we face regarding the role of associations and state conventions, the importance of the cooperative program, and how we move from years of controversy to renewed commitments of cooperation. We will ask challenging questions about our heritage to help guide and shape our future. We have a great lineup of speakers representing various aspects of Southern Baptist life in 2007. I would strongly encourage people to join us for this most significant conference.

Theological Education

Brister: Recently, you celebrated ten years as the President of Union University.  At last Fall’s Convocation, you gave an address entitled “Between Galatians and Colossians: A Renewed Vision for Baptist Higher Education.”  Part of that renewed vision was being Christ-centered and church connected.  Could you elaborate on the idea of “academic freedom in a confessional context” with regards to theological education and the local church?  As we have come to see several Baptist state schools turn aside from essential doctrines of the faith such as inerrancy, do you believe this is due to being disconnected from the Baptist tradition? 

Dockery:  A growing number of Baptist institutions over the years have made a decision to separate from their denominational heritage. It is sad when this happens. But usually the decision to do so was initiated years before the public separation took place. James Burtchaell’s important work, The Dying of the Light: The Disengagement of Christian Colleges and Universities from Their Churches, describes well what has happened at dozens of these institutions.
        The first step is usually a disjunction between “faith” and “learning,” resulting in two separates spheres across campus. The “faith” is carried out through the office of campus ministry and in the chapel, but it is believed that faith has no place in the academic context of the institution. All too often the only thing people expect of Baptist colleges to have is a pious context and a place to encourage those called into ministry. Such a mindset, from my perspective, is quite shortsighted and only encourages the “two-sphere” model. Burtchaell rightly claims that piety alone will not sustain the necessary commitments to carry forward the best of the Christian intellectual tradition.
        At Union University we have tried to take a different approach. We believe that the integration of faith and learning is central to the mission of intentional Christian institutions of higher education. Our challenge is to faithfully preserve and pass on the Christian tradition while encouraging honest intellectual curiosity.
       To address your reference to academic freedom, we must understand that our choice is not one between an unquestioning acceptance of the Christian tradition or open-ended inquiry. The unquestioning acceptance of tradition can easily degenerate into traditionalism. Such traditionalism is often characterized by inflexible and at times anti-intellectual dogma at every point and in every discipline. Such an approach fails to engage our society and influence our culture.
        On the other hand, free inquiry unanchored to confessional commitments and tradition often results in unbelieving skepticism, advancing the directionless state that characterizes much of the post-Christian higher education of our day. The Union University motto, religio et eruditio, points to an overriding purpose that is both religious and intellectual. Our approach to serious inquiry begins with faith seeking understanding, fides quaerens intellectum. Our understanding of academic freedom is thus framed in and by this context. Academic freedom at Union University is experienced in community where we confess our foundational commitments and where we value genuine intellectual curiosity and inquiry, even as we value one another. Within a confessional context, we recognize that all ideas and issues can be explored but not all should be advocated or affirmed.

Environment and Global Warming

Brister: About three months ago, UU hosted “Evangelicals and Global Warming: A Formal Debate.”  The issue of global warming is a hotly debated issue in the evangelical world, and it has been the case that both political and theological organizations major on environmental issues, not conservative Southern Baptists.  Why did UU decide to host this forum?  Do you believe that the environment should be an important issue among conservative Christians, or should we forfeit the issue to liberal organizations?

Dockery: We hosted the event because we believe it is an important topic for our society. It is vital for our students to be able to think deeply about the issues of our day. The environment and creation care are high priorities for university students as evidenced by the large interest in the forthcoming conference on Creation Care to be hosted by Wheaton College.
        Thinking about a Christian response to the environment is highly important for people committed to a Christian worldview. Environmental stewardship means we have a responsibility to the non-human aspects of God’s creation. God’s plan of redemption includes His earthly creation as well as humans (according to Romans 8:18-27). We should do all we can to live carefully and lovingly on the earth.
        I am grateful that the ERLC took the lead several years ago in helping Baptists think about the importance of environmental stewardship. I was privileged to write a chapter in the book, The Earth is the Lord’s, edited by Richard Land. So, to conclude, I think that Baptists and other evangelical Christians committed to a Christian worldview must seek to think Christianly about environmental issues.

[Part 3 tomorrow: SBC Controversy and Cooperation]