by Sandy » Tue May 14, 2013 11:19 am
I think the point regarding the money is that you have a state convention related Baptist college that is identified with the state Baptist convention, included in its reports, and listed as an entity which receives Cooperative Program funding that is doing things which are causing churches to cut their giving. That doesn't just affect the colleges and universities, some of whom exhibit the attitude that they don't really care. It affects the other ministries done by the state convention, as well as the portion of the gifts which are forwarded to the mission boards and theological education. Some churches designate their giving, but for the most part, being a "cooperative" venture, it has an effect on the whole program.
The universities should be cooperative as well. Knowing the position of the state Baptist convention regarding specific doctrinal issues, if they can't respect those views and their Bible department teach in harmony with the convention's stated beliefs, they shouldn't take their money, nor should they use the insider advantage that most of them have when it comes to recruiting students or receiving money from donors in the churches. I doubt whether many of the smaller colleges could sustain an existence without the students and financial support that comes directly as a result of their affiliation with their state Baptist convention.