Orthodoxy's march

[Roland99]

http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050503/OPINION01/505030329/1055/OPINION

The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary's retreat from the mainstream of American life continues, as its once nationally acclaimed program in pastoral counseling is purged in favor of "biblical counseling."

With it, the seminary becomes more like the insular Bible college that some would like it to be. But in the broader world, where many Christians believe their true mission lies, it becomes less relevant, and, by spurning secular licensing requirements, less able to work with medical and social service professionals to address the needs of all people.

This retreat seems to be part of a national trend toward Christian exclusiveness. In some places, it is resulting in a raw kind of prejudice. Consider what is going on at the U.S. Air Force Academy, where about 90 percent of the school's 4,300 cadets describe themselves as Christians, the commander calls himself "born again" and religious orthodoxy is in ascendance.

<...>

As for the seminary, comfort may come from fundamentalist purity, but the long-term relevance of degrees students earn is in question. Meanwhile, Louisville watches, with sadness, as a once important local educational institution follows an ever narrower path.

I weep for My Old Kentucky Home.

[sui generis]

1. not a lot different from the Taliban

a bunch of students studying hardline Islam, irrelevant to learning a trade or getting a job one day decide to have an "uprising". Next thing you know they break out the burkhas and start beheading non-virgins and you know the rest . . .

[Roland99]

2. And this is being borne out in Waynesville, NC tonight.

<sigh>