This morning I listened to a broadcast discussing Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary’s concentration in Homemaking. I encourage you to let it play in the background while you are working today. With many in our culture making fun of women who desire to focus on the home, this program was a breath of fresh air. You can access the program here.
The concentration at Southwestern combines a classical education in the history of ideas with training in how to keep a proper home. The biblical basis for the concentration is Titus 2
Titus 2:1-8 itus 2:1 But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: 2 that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; 3 the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things — 4 that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed. 6 Likewise exhort the young men to be sober-minded, 7 in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, 8 sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.
The following information came from the Seminary’s website.
The College at Southwestern
Bachelor of Arts in Humanities with a concentration in homemaking
The College at Southwestern endeavors to prepare women to model the characteristics of the godly woman as outlined in Scripture. This is accomplished through instruction in homemaking skills, developing insights into home and family while continuing to equip women to understand and engage the culture of today.
- Prepared spiritually – Through significant study of Scripture and theology, each woman will be prepared to be an evangelist and apologist focused upon reaching women, children and families for Christ.
- Challenged intellectually – Intensive instruction in the history of Western ideas will challenge each woman to be familiar with the influential people of our past and to give a response from a biblical worldview.
- Equipped practically–With four areas of focus, the homemaking concentration student will be equipped
- To nurture and care for the family.
- In the area of nutrition and food preparation.
- By developing a skill in clothing and textile design.
- Through practical experiences for skill development for the most important job a woman may have: the nurture and care of the family.
Thomas White 
I think it is about time our schools begin offering this kind of practical training. God Bless Southwestern for taking this step.
drj
Wes Kenney has spoken to this as well. I am now going to seriously comment here, although, I must confess I have laughed at some jokes relating to the subject of this post. In all truth, I must admit it is no laughing matter. Naturally, I do not know the complete motivation for this degree being offered. Nonetheless, I would like to relate a reason that gives the degree credibility in the time we live and minister.
So, here goes:
Through the years Karen and I have noticed some young ministry couples that had great potential, but the wife lacked certain abilities necessary to take care of a pastor husband and their children. When the young couple go to the church field the inabilities of the young pastor’s wife have been quickly picked up on by the “ladies” of the church. Rather than to come along side the young woman and help her learn the things she is in need of the “ladies” take it upon themselves to “inform” each other of the fact that the young preacher is not going to make it because his wife does not know how to serve as a pastor’s wife.
This “informing” (gossip) grows into scorn and the pastor and his wife are hurt and really do not know the reason until someone comes along and takes the young pastor’s wife aside and begins to teach her what she needs to know.
One reason for this situation is due to young women not being taught these things by their mothers before they get married. (We also have a problem with fathers not teaching their sons how to be men and husbands, but that is for another post) This is just a sad comentary on our times. Thirty years ago this degree would not be needed. In order to minister effectively as a pastor and wife in our post modern world it probably is of a great need.
I have seen a few young ministry couples hurt simply because of a lack of knowledge in this area. I know of two that finally divorced due to such problems. Therefore, with some personal shame and repentance, I am going to cease to joke about this degree and endorse its existence. I came to this conclusion during the SWBTS President’s Report in San Antonio.
Thank you, Thomas, for posting this which has given me opportunity to speak my piece about the matter. For my friends that may ridicule me for saying what I have…..well…you are still my friends….but…….May the Devil take the hindmost parts with your ridicule. For, here I stand and I “ain’t” moving:-)
cb
cb
Brother Thomas, er Dr. White,
Great presentation of an issue that many have tried to place in a negative light. It is interesting that major universities, recognized as academic Mecca’s, have the same course of study but no one reports on those with negative connotation.
Brother CB,
You are getting soft in your old age. I believe this is the first time I have ever known you to worry over someone ridiculing you. :>) Seriously, it is the integrity that you show in this response that speaks volumes as to the Man of God that you are.
Blessings,
Tim
Thank you all for your comments and for the taking the time to read these writings. God bless.
Thomas White
Tim Rogers,
You make a good point. Surely there is an enterprising PhD student at Baylor who could post a series of YouTube videos on his blog, ridiculing Baylor’s commitment in these areas. I mean, degrees like this obviously have no place in a serious academic environment, right? 😉
Baylor University offers an undergraduate degree in “Health-Fitness Studies,” so that you can become a “Sport Nutrition Consultant”. Apparently, according to some, if you study nutrition at the undergraduate level for the sake of serving your family, you’re worthy of ridicule, but if you study it in order to get some guy to the Superbowl, you get a pass.
Or, if you want, you can get a B.A. in “Nutrition Sciences” at Baylor. Or how about a B.A. in “Fashion Design”? Or “Interior Design,” perhaps?
What’s interesting here is that at Baylor people are putting all of their *major* credits into these areas, in order to get the degree. By way of contrast, the Homemaking Concentration at The College at Southwestern is simply a way for students to use up their *elective* hours. They already have a major: Humanities. So a student at TCS who does a Homemaking Concentration is actually getting *more* exposure to the history of Western civilization and ideas, then a student at Baylor who majors in “Health-Fitness Studies,” “Nutrition Sciences,” “Fashion Design,” or “Interior Design”. And in addition to the history of ideas, the TCS student comes out learning either Greek or Latin.
Finally, for several years Southern Seminary has had both a Seminary Wives Institute, and a Women’s Ministry Institute. But you don’t hear a hue and cry about that.
Millerscreek, CB, Tim, and Greg,
Wow! Spot on!
Dr. Welty,
Notice the link below;
http://www.ais.unc.edu/sis/clsched/fall/WMST.html
It is a listing of classes in the Women’s Studies at UNC Chapel Hill. Interesting that these studies pass for scholarship, but the womens degree at SWBTC, for some, is fodder for the grist mill of gossip and consternation.
I would encourage readers to research women studies at many of the major universities and they will see the same curriculum minus the theological teaching.
Blessings,
Tim