**UPDATED** Petition Against the Wrongful Firing of Dr. Eric Johnson

This is utterly, and I do mean utterly disgraceful.

SBTS MDiv, 2015

When We are quick to publicly destroy our brothers and sisters in the name of self opinion we must remember the our creator is alive who hears and grant His judgment. Not only that but He sends the blind to wash in the pool, puts the clay on the blind to prove that even though He alone was sufficient He chose to used other means. Dr. Johnson do not be discouraged our Great Lord and saviour is alive.

M Div Psychology and Counseling, NOBTS D MIN Counseling Westminster D MIN Counseling SEBTS

MDiv, 2010 During my time at Southern the counseling department was changing. But even back then there seemed to be some underlying disdain for Johnson; because he incorporated some psychology. This really saddens me. I would not recommend a student to Southern. The arrogance and control among many higher ups is almost pope-ish

HE NEEDS TO BE REINSTATED NOW!!!!!

Southern graduate 2014

Former SBTS student

Prayers to all involved. Lord's will be done.

I signed this previously and shared an unbiased post re the issue. Soon after, I was approached and asked to remove said post from my fb page. Needless to say I was surprised and frustrated. People need to understand that we can agree to disagree!

MA, SBTS '13

I feel deeply sad, and disappointed and not proud that my alma mater chose to part way with the best teacher, scholar and person, and frankly the only one there who knows anything about counseling there, Dr Johnson. That place doesn't deserve Dr. Johnson. The Lord will keep on using him to bless more people and helping him to make advancement in the area of soul care elsewhere. God bless Dr. Johnson.

Post grad at SWBTS,MPhil and MA. I am shocked at how insular and close minded SBTS has become. Next they will fire English teachers who quote Shakespeare and not King James and musicians who hum Beethoven and not Psalms

SWBTS grad, M.A. Marriage & Family Counseling (Christian Counseling, as opposed to Biblical Counseling); it is quite a shame that more ministers and Christian leaders dont realize what a gift that the use Christian counseling is to those who have experienced the worst possible forms of trauma. In no way does it belittle or contradict Scripture.

I am not a current nor past student at SBTS. I am not personally familiar with Dr. Eric Johnson either. In fact, I was only made aware of his firing and Dr. Heath Lambert''s comments because I was interested in learning more about SBTS and its faculty. I was considering transferring to SBTS for my MDiv. But this latest incident of how the Seminary has treated a faithful professor and how easily he can be fired does not show any love or grace by a school. This does not glorify Christ at all and I will reconsider my decision.

If Dr Johnson's life, work, theology, and affiliation with SBTS have been consistent to date, then I find it difficult to understand why now... what has changed? The sum of his character, life's work, and investment in SBTS should speak louder than one outsider, or organization who disagrees with him. Agree or disagree, his teaching is NOT unorthodox, and NOT heresy, Robert White, BA Ministry, Christian Counseling & Theology, Nazarene Bible College; 2nd year, MFT Master's Student, Capella University.

Ego and arrogance is alive and well in academia. In SBC circles it flourishes.

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2017/september-web-only/johnson-southern-biblical-counseling-christian-psychology.html?start=4 I recommend everyone read this article by CT before signing. Dr. Lambert has denied forcing, cajoling, or blackmailing the SBTS. I believe this. But the CT article does make it clear that Dr. Lambert has raised concerns about Dr. Johnson to faculty, administrators, and students for 12 years. I would consider this to be a light form of pressure. Dr. Lambert is the Executive Director of the ACBC (a non-SBC organization) and a professor at the SBTS (an SBC institution). I think it is impossible for him not to represent both organizations at all times. I believe this is a conflict of interest for the SBTS and the SBC. Dr. Mohler has denied the involvement of the ACBC. I believe this. Dr. Mohler has also justified the character and theology of Dr. Johnson. I believe this. It appears that Dr. Johnson was asked to retire merely because his Christian Psychology perspective doesn't strictly agree with the Biblical Counseling perspective dominant at the SBTS. I am signing this petition because I don't believe such a sharp dividing line should be created. I believe it would be helpful for both perspectives to be taught at all SBC seminaries. I would hate to see yet another tertiary theological/philosophical position divide the SBC.

One of the oldest and most faithful professors to the school's evangelicals and reformed roots. He has godly character and has shown the best of scholarship. This is regretful.

Dr. Eric Johnson brings a much needed balance and appreciation for God's two books in his approach to counseling.