by Sandy » Sun May 18, 2014 1:39 pm
Southwestern does not offer a doctorate in Archaeology. It offers a Master of Arts in Archaeology and Biblical Studies, so somewhere in the information that has been shared about the Muslim student, there's an error. There's a consortium of schools involved in the archaeology project at Tel Gezer in Israel and some of them may offer it, but this student is enrolled in Southwestern, from what is being said. To be admitted to Southwestern, under its written policy, you must provide a written testimony of your personal salvation experience and your call to Christian ministry, and have that verified by submitting a recommendation that your church has provided, voted on at a business meeting. So if a Muslim is enrolled, someone had to bypass the written, stated policy of admission approved by the trustees. I would guess that it would require trustee approval to make an exception.
When I was admitted to Southwestern, I had an interview with the director of Admissions which was quite specific regarding my calling to ministry, and what I planned to do in vocational ministry. That is still a requirement. I was told that the reason for the strictness and detail of the interview was because about 80% of the cost of my education at Southwestern was subsidized by the Cooperative Program, and the Southern Baptists who were investing in it were entitled to know that those who were being given this opportunity were genuinely called to ministry service. The percentage of subsidy from the CP per student today is still around 70% of the total cost. So I can't imagine that the trustees would grant some kind of exception to that.
It would be unfortunate for the Muslim student, who has been enrolled in the program, to have his degree program terminated, though I think other arrangements could be made for him to finish his degree. A degree from Southwestern says that the person who earned it has committed to a minimum of five years of Christian vocational or missions ministry. To allow a Muslim to earn one, and use it later on, violates the integrity of what it stands for. As a Southwestern graduate, I am completely opposed to allowing a Muslim to receive a degree, regardless of what field of study it is in.