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

BA Secondary Education, University of Guam Master of Social Work, Grambling State University

We are one body.

I am saddened by the way SBTS is choosing to limit options available to Christians going into ministry. If you only train Christians in how to counsel Christians (which is what a Biblical counseling professor at SBTS told both my husband and I when we asked what a Biblical counselor is able to offer an unbelieving client who they may be called to minister to,) you have abandoned the option of counseling as a powerful tool of evangelism. My husband chose to pursue his DMin at another school due to the limited resources in counseling provided to him at SBTS during his Mdiv. It was sufficient for counseling in a church setting, but insufficient for our current calling to missions to the military where most of those we share Jesus with and counsel are NOT believers. SBTS has made a choice that I hope they will consider retracting, for the glory of God, the training of future missionaries and evangelists and the coming of the Kingdom of God! Pleading with our Great God to bring humility to this situation.

I am so honored to stand by my mentor, Dr. Johnson. God used this man and his solid biblical theology/counseling to change my life. I am a better Christian and counselor because of his influence. I am concerned and disheartened by SBTS's decision.

BA in Educational Ministry Dallas Baptist University MA Children's Ministry, Dallas Baptist University

This is no surprise. I suspect that this is reflective of the leadership culture at Southern and the deeper, underlying issues. Most likely a political move. It has become clear that Southern's leadership has some serious character flaws that they need to own up to. As grateful as I am for the conservative resurgence, this is ugly, Dr. Mohler. Show the same backbone that you showed back in the 90's whenever you arrived at Southern! Don't pander to sinful men, posturing for their own gain! Sadly, there are many other scandals that students and faculty are aware of, but there's an intimidation culture. Glad this has been brought to the light. May God be glorified through us, and indeed, inspite of us.

MDiv - 2012

Seconded. Given that we are the only SBC seminary that offers a licensure-approved education, I think he'd be more at home with us!

The kind of political wrangling that has taken place would make those in Washington envious.

This is unbiblical and unfounded. Completely disagree with Lambert and this decision.

I have personally benefited from both types of counseling (although more so on the integrational side). I am deeply disheartened over this decision. - SBTS Graduate's Wife & Sojourn Member.

M.Div. SBTS 2012 Making enemies of brothers only damages the church. Dr. Johnson has served Christ well and remained faithful to Scripture as a professor and counselor. My prayer is that SBTS would correct this mistake and that Dr. Lambert would display grace and humility by apologizing for his condemantory words and actions.

Zach Bauer- 2016 SBTS M.Div graduate. Bully Graham School of Missions. My signature is predicated on any undue or unjust removal of Dr. Johnson. Personal rivalries and grandstanding do not represent what SBTS stands for. If indeed these things are true I hope humility and repentance follow from Dr. Lambert and Dr Mohler and other leadership. I will be watching for more details. (Caveat: I will remove my support if what has been suggested turns out to be untrue or misrepresent the entire story)

I have not had the privilege of knowing Dr. Johnson, but am the daughter of a sweet, Jesus-loving mother who struggled immensely with clinical depression and anxiety and was greatly aided by Christian psychology. Though she trusted in the Lord and his provision, she could not function on a daily basis without antidepressants due to a chemical imbalance in her brain. Her need for medication for depression did not make her any less of a Christian than the need for a daily aspirin or insulin. To imply otherwise is cruel, judgemental, and unloving; the antithesis of Christ's teaching.

I protest the firing of Eric Johnson and deplore the narrowmindedness that it represents. Robert Roberts PhD Yale Distinguished Professor of Ethics emeritus, Baylor University

The methods taught by Dr. Johnson have benefit me tremendously in my walk. As a result I have a better relationship with God and my family members. It is sad to think that students won't be getting equipped with all the tools that God has created to help his people. Shame on you Heath Lambert!

where is the grace and humility. As one who has considered pursuing theology training from SBTS, I absolutely will no longer do so there.

SBTS M.Div. (2014)

I am appalled st the firing of Dr. Johnson. He is a man of deep care and concern for all humans, saved and lost. His love for people is evident in every interaction he has. To lose him as a teacher due to one man's disagreement is unbelievable. How does that represent Christ? How does that show love towards another believer?

Standing beside you Dr Eric Johnson. If your physical organs can break, have imbalances with such organs as the pituitary gland and thyroid, why is it Christian believers moralize the brain and it's very complicated physical components? The brain is an organ, with a complex chemical structure within. The brain can break too.