Dr Bruce Waltke Resigns from RTS

This is a special update on one of Regent-College's beloved Professors. Dr Bruce Waltke has resigned (6 April 2010) from the Reformed Theological Seminary because of a theological dispute between Bruce and the powers to be, at RTS. It seems that the controversy was first stirred by a video entitled: "Why Must the Church come to Accept Evolution?" The crux of the matter is that Waltke urges Christians not to completely reject evolution. In other words, it is entirely possible for a Christian to accept evolution. Theistic Evolution.

Dr John Stackhouse has written a posting on his own blog, largely in defense of his colleague.

For me, I think it is a regretful situation. In the words of Brandon Withrow, "any professor who really wants serious academic freedom needs to look elsewhere."

Personally, I do not hold the view that Dr Waltke holds, but I do not agree that he should have been forced to resign, simply based on one belief. From my interactions with him, Waltke is not one who willfully imposes his ideas on others, but respectfully offers them for consideration. For more information, check the following:

1) Biologos (the site video that started it all)
2) Dr John Stackhouse blog
3) Official News from RTS
4) Good roundup by Brian LePort
5) Cosmos (Dr Ross Hasting's Response)
6) Official Re-conciliatory Note from RTS

I wonder why in this particular case, both Waltke and the rest of the academics did not 'agree to disagree' and carry on life as normal? That is, is it necessary for Waltke to resign just because of this one issue? Or is this the proverbial feather that breaks the camel's back? Maybe, it is simply to let matter explain itself, like this note.


conrade