Dr. Clint Bass was dismissed “with cause” from the theology faculty of Southwest Baptist University back in November. According to a petition posted by supporters of Dr. Bass, he will appeal to trustees of the Missouri Baptist college this Friday and ask to be reinstated.
According to his dismissal letter and other documents posted along with the petition, it appears that Dr. Bass is supportive of the BF&M2000 and was concerned that his colleagues at Southwest Baptist University were not supportive and were teaching contrary to the statement of faith – in spite of the fact that the college is aligned with the Missouri Baptist Convention.
More information is posted at the petition site, including the letters of dismissal from the University President, Dr. Eric Turner, and provost Dr. Lee Skinkle, as well as documentation of departure from SBC doctrinal positions (here and here). In the dismissal letters, SBU leadership focuses on the fact that Dr. Bass kept documentation on his colleagues, their theological perspectives and statements. Dr. Bass turned over his personal notes on the subject only after SBU leadership demanded an unredacted copy.
The information we have is all publicly available. My purpose here is not to advocate or play referee – as I don’t know Dr. Bass or anyone involved personally. This seems to be a serious situation and we believe our readers ought to be made aware of this matter to explore, research, and come to your own conclusions.
