To Joe: I thought your name was familiar. I am older and come from a time when SIBI carried a lot of weight. I loved listening to Richard Rogers and Jimmy McGuiggan. I was part of the “discipling movement” about the time that Jerry Jones was let go from Harding. Our understanding was that he was let go because the powers that be did not like his close associations with those in the Crossroads/Boston movements. So, thanks for bringing another point of view.

But it seems to me that IF (notice the “if”) Kevin was actually “let go” for doctrinal reasons, and it was stated as being a “budget matter” or “restructuring” or whatever, that somebody at FHU simply isn’t being honest. If it’s doctrinal, then say so. And if it’s not a doctrinal matter that’s serious enough to warrant saying so publicly, then don’t fire him. But don’t play semantic games and brotherhood politics.

-Rex

I do really question the FHU press release and the way this was done with Dr. Youngblood. I would hope others would insist that the truth be told as to why this was done. I suspect it was done for “doctrinal reasons,” but I also suspect those reasons would do nothing to hurt Kevin with most. From all accounts, this is a first-rate Biblical scholar FHU has lost, a naturally-gifted teacher, and a very effective speaker. Kevin will land on his feet; hopefully he will be picked up by one of the other Church of Christ schools, but it may be that he goes in another direction.

The real problem here is what exactly is up with Freed-Hardeman. If it is true that certain ones were pressing to get rid of Kevin as soon as he was hired, then that is a real problem and does not speak well for the situation there. What exactly is going on there?

Matthew said, “I hope the truth comes out.”

Dale said, “But it does seem from even those who love Kevin that he would be a better fit elsewhere.”

It sounds like Dale knows something of exactly why Kevin was dismissed. If so, I wish he would expound on it. What exactly is it about FHU that it finds it cannot tolerate to have on its Bible faculty someone who, by all accounts, is a fine man and a very good Bible scholar?

Matthew then says in response to Dale: “Dale, I believe you are right, whatever happened it was fair and right for them to provide for his family for the extra semester, also in a way it is best for it to be seen as budget cuts and not any other issue.”

Now I am confused as to what Matthew really wants. He says on the one hand that he wants the truth to come out. However, on the other hand, he says it is best for it “to be seen as budget cuts and not any other issue.” So, which is it? Do you want to know the truth or do you want it to be seen as budget cuts?

Dale then says in response to all of this: “at what point has FHU said it was dismissing anyone for budget cuts? I may be wrong but I think they said they actually created 5 new positions and laid off 18 “as a part of a restructuring.” Dale then goes on to quote parts of FHU’s press release to support the contention that this was merely a restructuring. However, in a later post, Dale adds the following: “the truth is Kevin knew where this was heading and while I want the very best for him I don’t think that would have been for him to continue at FHU”

So, what does that last quote mean? I get the feeling that Dale does not believe Kevin was let go because of budget cuts and it does not sound like he believes FHU’s own press release that makes it appear as if everyone was let go as part of a restructuring.

It just seems to me there is a lot under the surface here bubbling up in some of the comments of others, but never being stated explicitly.