SWBTSUnderground Apology to All Concerned

When SWBTSUnderground began, it was intended to be an exploratory tool to gauge the position of the students on the recent controversies in and among SBC churches and entities. What I didn't expect was controversy to erupt from a chapel message in late August and draw all watching eyes to everything SWBTS. With that many eyes suddenly turned to this site, I simultaneously felt the power to chart waters uncharted by someone on campus in a civil tone, and the burden and responsibility of speaking in a forum that might unintentionally cast aspersions on this institution, its administration, or its student body.

For all the negatives in the blog world, some positives do exist. A positive from a personal aspect is the increased understanding of my role as a student, a Christian brother, and a proclaimer of God's Word outside the world of the internet. I would highly recommend any blogger to simultaneously interact with Proverbs as he or she meanders their way through the milieu of Baptist blogdom.

I made a few crucial mistakes, however, in this attempt to garner a corporate opinion, as it were. First, this blog has entertained posts from more than one author in an attempt to be "fair." Although fairness is an amiable quality in itself, it must be disassociated from "balance" in certain respects. It was not fair to write anything negative or critical of anyone from an anonymous perspective. It may be balanced to include various opinions, but anonymity renders some balance unfair.

Second, I posted one time without full knowledge of the facts, which led to the divulging of information that was not already public. I intentionally withheld information so as not to divulge secret information, but I did not withhold it long enough. For this I am sincerely apologize to any that may have been affected. It has weighed heavily on my heart.

Third, I was made aware of confidential (from a student's perspective, not the faculty's) information about one of the key players in the recent controversy that troubled me deeply. Not willing to cause distress for my fellow student, I have withheld this information while attempting to poke and prod around it. My motivation was wrong, and my attitude was wrong.

Fourth, I began this anonymously. I know many of you have contacted me expressing that anonymity is fine, especially given "my circumstances." This, however, I cannot agree with. There were no circumstances prior to the issue of anonymity that necessitated this decision. It was a tactic by me to encourage more response, that people might not automatically discount the blog based on my identity and comments elsewhere.

Unfortunately, the very fact of anonymity became an issue of great contention and distraction to many. I am still very disturbed by this. I can understand that the faculty and administration not knowing my identity, and more importantly my objectives, could worry that information could be presented here in a way that damages credibility or reputation. I want to be clear that I know of NO CASE where the faculty of this institution could be discredited or ill-reputed. I am thoroughly impressed with the entire faculty I have encountered, and am doubly impressed by their sacrifices and love for the students. I have a deep affection for everyone I have encountered here at SWBTS, which is why I was deeply troubled upon realizing these could be possible concerns (**Let me be clear, this is a result of my thinking through this issue, not anything the faculty has communicated to me***). Knowing that these men go home to the families, and are under pressure and conviction like all men to provide for those families, I sincerely regret unduly adding to any tension or concern that could have arisen.

I want to be very clear that no SWBTS faculty or staff has ever approached me about shutting this thing down. No one I have spoken with who is privy of such information suggested that the administration wanted this blog shut down. And, from what I can tell, I have been the hardest on myself about these things. I ended this on my own.

I did have a mild scare when the professor at another institution took this thing over when I dropped it last week. If someone wants to use the blogs for disparaging SWBTS, they are going to have to gain their own readership. However, I do appreciate it, Doctor, that you were willing to give this thing back over to me. That shows class.


Now, as to my position. I unashamedly support SWBTS, its administration, its President, its faculty, and, mainly, its students. I am growing increasingly disturbed at Christians who feel the need to speak badly of other Christians, like for instance Dr. Patterson. I am not ignorant to the fact that persons on many sides of these debates have spoken badly of one another. To that all I can say is so what. Forget it and do what is right from now on. People sin. People have past sins. People do things you may not agree with but that are within the realm of Christian orthodoxy and even Baptist heritage. And then comes the greatest excuse in the world for disobeying Scripture- "Well, it was done during the conservative Resurgence..." Really. Good one, now back to Scripture.

One of my motivations in starting this site was to defend the constant attacks on SWBTS (the students mainly) on the prominent sites discussing recent IMB dealings. It matters not to me where students come down on the issues as long as their reputation is not in question because of the particular SBC seminary they acquire a degree from. Well, I don't think anyone needs my defense, lest I deny the sovereignty of God. So know this, my intentions were noble, but I erred in the working out of those intentions. Please accept my apology, anyone, and everyone.



With that, I am....