Marty Marriott Named Maranatha President

Somewhere there’s a line, but where real work is involved over a period of years, “mill” doesn’t fit. That would be a key distinction in my mind. Of course, if we’re talking “PhD in 13 weeks” that would definitely still be “mill” material!
And I don’t think “academically weak” is harsh criticism either if the institution’s goal is broader. The Bible College is a unique thing and we’ve always sort of viewed them as half academic half spiritual formation. I think it’s fine as long as folks know what they’re getting when they sign up.
But could fundamentalism use some academically-stronger options? Absolutely. And I think several of “our” schools are making good progress on that front. …now if they can do it without losing the discipleship component—that’s a huge challenge. How do you be equally strong on matters of “heart” and “head” (or, better, matters of affections and intellect)?

[Greg Linscott] It really doesn’t change my opinion of the school- if anything, I am somewhat encouraged to know that they would take academics seriously enough not to list the LBU degree.

I agree.

As to Louisiana Baptist being a “diploma mill” (a topic that needs its own thread), I’ve only had one experience with the school. In that case, a pastor received his master’s degree in a year. His course work consisted of a number of book reports and. I believe, some sermon outlines. He was excused from doing his master’s thesis (he hadn’t had time) and his only required visit to the campus was his trip to march and receive his diploma.

[Rob Fall]

[tlange] After reading this, it makes me wonder how long it will be before Maranatha descends into KJV Onlyism?

http://www.faithbaptistchurch.info//index.php?option=com_content&task=v…

In my time at MBBC (1977-1981), the school Greek NT in the bookstore and the classroom was the TBS blueback TR. The schools position was more pro-Burgon than KJVO.

The entire time I spent as a student at MBBC (1988-1995) and the time that I taught Greek there (1999-2002), the required text for the classes was the UBS4. I have not heard that they have changed since I left. I do not see the Greek Text changing with Dr. Marriott coming on board. The statement on the church’s website indicates that they do not raise an objection with others who do not embrace the same view. And I also remember Dr. Cummins preaching at MBBC, saying that the school should simply stay out of the controversy.

So I do not think that Marriott will rock the boat on this non-issue.

[Darrell Post]

[Rob Fall]

[tlange] After reading this, it makes me wonder how long it will be before Maranatha descends into KJV Onlyism?

http://www.faithbaptistchurch.info//index.php?option=com_content&task=v…

In my time at MBBC (1977-1981), the school Greek NT in the bookstore and the classroom was the TBS blueback TR. The schools position was more pro-Burgon than KJVO.

The entire time I spent as a student at MBBC (1988-1995) and the time that I taught Greek there (1999-2002), the required text for the classes was the UBS4. I have not heard that they have changed since I left. I do not see the Greek Text changing with Dr. Marriott coming on board. The statement on the church’s website indicates that they do not raise an objection with others who do not embrace the same view. And I also remember Dr. Cummins preaching at MBBC, saying that the school should simply stay out of the controversy.

So I do not think that Marriott will rock the boat on this non-issue.

You really think that he won’t rock the boat when he takes a strong KJV Preferred-almost only position? I used to be KJVO and I know that they do not have much if any tolerance for any other texts other than the TR and the KJV. They do not even like the NKJV. I find it hard that he will say nothing or change nothing when the church he pastored took such a strong position on the issue. I do not think it will be overnight, but I think change will inevitably come….

tlange,

Dr. Marriott has been on the MBBC board for years, and he has not demanded change on this issue. Had he felt that strongly, he would have left the board. He loves the school enough to not split it up by coming in and stirring up an issue that for years has been mostly dormant among students and alumni. He would have every reason to ignore this issue and no good reason to make all kinds of changes that would not be well received. As a guy who strongly favors the critical GNT, I have every confidence in Dr. Marriott that MBBC will not become another Pensacola on this issue.

Over the years, the board at MBBC has proved to be a force to be reckoned with.

[Darrell Post] tlange,

Dr. Marriott has been on the MBBC board for years, and he has not demanded change on this issue. Had he felt that strongly, he would have left the board. He loves the school enough to not split it up by coming in and stirring up an issue that for years has been mostly dormant among students and alumni. He would have every reason to ignore this issue and no good reason to make all kinds of changes that would not be well received. As a guy who strongly favors the critical GNT, I have every confidence in Dr. Marriott that MBBC will not become another Pensacola on this issue.

Dr. Marriott is an outstanding pastor with an excellent family. Our church financially supports both of his daughters who married a missionary and a church planter respectively. Marty has never been divisive over the KJV or the text issue (I use NASB). He essentially takes the same position as the previous presidents on this issue. He will do an excellent job as President and we will miss him in Michigan. My prayers are that he will strengthen the school spiritually through his leadership. I wish him all the best.

[Jonathan Charles] Isn’t Louisiana Baptist University a degree mill? Kind of like Trinity in Newburgh, Indiana and Luther Rice? I went to Tennessee Temple under David Bouler who had a Ph.D. from Trinity and it was a disaster. He had no idea about academic quality and the school has suffered terribly since.

I wasn’t aware that people considered Luther Rice a degree mill, although I have always associated it more with the SBC than IFB.

[Red Phillips]

[Jonathan Charles] Isn’t Louisiana Baptist University a degree mill? Kind of like Trinity in Newburgh, Indiana and Luther Rice? I went to Tennessee Temple under David Bouler who had a Ph.D. from Trinity and it was a disaster. He had no idea about academic quality and the school has suffered terribly since.

I wasn’t aware that people considered Luther Rice a degree mill, although I have always associated it more with the SBC than IFB.

I think Luther Rice may have been started by Southern Baptist pastors, but I don’t think it’s ever actually been associated with the SBC in the way that Southern, Southeastern, Southwestern, et. al. are. In other words, the Convention doesn’t exercise any control over the school.

It would not be accurate to claim Luther Rice is a degree mill. Perhaps at some point in the past such a claim could be made, but certainly not recently. They have been accredited by TRACS (granted, this agency enjoys less credibility among some than, say, regional accreditation or ABHE national accreditation) and have attained several other recognitions: http://www.lru.edu/Content.aspx?page=accreditation

LR has been loosely affiliated with Southern Baptists, but there has never been an organic connection.

One of my favorite profs at Faith was Ralph Turk, who (if my memory is correct) completed some work at Luther Rice.

Yes, Dr. Turk did his D.Min. at Luther Rice — he was sent there when he taught at Christian Heritage College (now San Diego Christian College).

Dr. Turk was the top of the line — a very special friend to many.