Petition for Reconsideration of Dr. Hetzel as Truett Professor
56 Comments
M
Mary Alice Birdwhistell
10 years ago
Dr. Hetzel has been an incredible gift to Truett Seminary. His classes prepare students to offer thoughtful, intentional pastoral care in real-life situations - and these types of classes and interactions are desperately needed to prepare us for the ministry to which we are called. This decision to not renew Dr. Hetzel's contract deeply grieves me. Thank you for considering our request to renew his contract.
J
Josh Pittman
10 years ago
I was a part of the discussions at Dr. Hetzel's church in which he voiced his opinions. It was an edifying experience that demonstrated how Christians can respectfully disagree on a conviction as deep-seated as this and still remain part of a single institution. Dr. Hetzel chose to remain loyal to a church that does not unanimously agree with his position; it would be a matter for mourning if he were not allowed to exercise the same loyalty for Truett.
D
Dr Michael R Whitenton
10 years ago
As a colleague of Dr. Hetzel's here at Truett, this situation is very concerning to me. Truett made a wonderful decisions to bring in a bona fide psychologist to teach a course on the spiritual life. The Truett I know and respect values education over indoctrination; surely, we want our ministers wrestling with all sides of important topics such as those posed by the LGBTQ community. I hope, therefore, that Truett will reconsider and reinstate Dr. Hetzel, so that he might continue to bring the very best out of students.
D
Dr Kristen Nielsen Donnelly
10 years ago
I echo Rev. Caruthers' comments and thank the seminary for considering our concerns.
K
Kyndall Rothaus
10 years ago
I have a deep respect for Dr. Hetzel, and based on our Baptist values of soul freedom and local church autonomy, I expect Truett to reconsider their decision and show us that they support and protect academic freedom for their students, their alumni, and their professors. Thank you, Dr. Hetzel, for your deep commitment to faith and to students. I value Truett Seminary, and I hope they will respond with the Christian charity and humility I know they possess.
S
Sarah Miller
10 years ago
I absolutely loved his class. I felt like Dr. Hetzel poured into each of us. He made us think about theology through new lenses. I have recommended his course to every student!
R
Rev Morgan Caruthers
10 years ago
Featured
If there is concern that Dr Hetzel has not met requirements for his contract to be reviewed please let students & alum know. If it is because of personal beliefs made known outside of Truett that is of concern please explain how that is possible; especially if his beliefs aren't harming people or conflicting with his responsibilities at Truett.
K
Kim Minnick
10 years ago
This was one of the most spiritually in/forming classes for me since being at Truett. I want others to have the same opportunity to take the Formation through the Lifespan class. I also think it's very important to be aware of the relationship between psychology and spirituality in the church, and Dr. Hetzel blends this beautifully.
May we be an ecumenical seminary - open to the different beliefs that we may have, all while striving for community as the church.
C
CJ Wood
10 years ago
Featured
Rod's perspective offers a unique voice. It should be one that is heard and allowed to challenge the Truett community not silenced and seen as a threat.
R
Rory Jones
10 years ago
Not only was Dr. Hetzel's teaching highly beneficial for my own spiritual formation; he also prepared me for guiding others' spiritual formation with amazing insight and clarity.
K
Kari Tingle
10 years ago
I have greatly benefited from Dr. Hetzel's teaching and direction. He is a man of great faith in Christ and extends loving care to his students. I gladly advocate for him and ask Truett to reconsider renewing his contract for the next school year. His wisdom helps make us kinder, more compassionate ministers.
D
Dave Anfenson
10 years ago
Featured
As a hospice chaplain, Dr. Hetzel's unique insights and experiences have given me a firm foundation for my ministry to those receiving end of life care. I am eternally grateful for his support in my life, as I am for many of my other Truett professors.
R
Ruth Bryan
10 years ago
In addition to his profound classroom contributions to Truett there are so many students who have benefited from his counseling outside the classroom.
M
Megan Grant
10 years ago
I love him and his compassion for people. Anyone who takes a class by him will be blessed with understanding that will transcend their academic education.
S
Stacy Lubbers
10 years ago
The class I took with him was one of the most formative classes I took while at Truett. The content is so very important for anyone serving in the church.
Dr. Hetzel has been an incredible gift to Truett Seminary. His classes prepare students to offer thoughtful, intentional pastoral care in real-life situations - and these types of classes and interactions are desperately needed to prepare us for the ministry to which we are called. This decision to not renew Dr. Hetzel's contract deeply grieves me. Thank you for considering our request to renew his contract.
I was a part of the discussions at Dr. Hetzel's church in which he voiced his opinions. It was an edifying experience that demonstrated how Christians can respectfully disagree on a conviction as deep-seated as this and still remain part of a single institution. Dr. Hetzel chose to remain loyal to a church that does not unanimously agree with his position; it would be a matter for mourning if he were not allowed to exercise the same loyalty for Truett.
As a colleague of Dr. Hetzel's here at Truett, this situation is very concerning to me. Truett made a wonderful decisions to bring in a bona fide psychologist to teach a course on the spiritual life. The Truett I know and respect values education over indoctrination; surely, we want our ministers wrestling with all sides of important topics such as those posed by the LGBTQ community. I hope, therefore, that Truett will reconsider and reinstate Dr. Hetzel, so that he might continue to bring the very best out of students.
I echo Rev. Caruthers' comments and thank the seminary for considering our concerns.
I have a deep respect for Dr. Hetzel, and based on our Baptist values of soul freedom and local church autonomy, I expect Truett to reconsider their decision and show us that they support and protect academic freedom for their students, their alumni, and their professors. Thank you, Dr. Hetzel, for your deep commitment to faith and to students. I value Truett Seminary, and I hope they will respond with the Christian charity and humility I know they possess.
I absolutely loved his class. I felt like Dr. Hetzel poured into each of us. He made us think about theology through new lenses. I have recommended his course to every student!
If there is concern that Dr Hetzel has not met requirements for his contract to be reviewed please let students & alum know. If it is because of personal beliefs made known outside of Truett that is of concern please explain how that is possible; especially if his beliefs aren't harming people or conflicting with his responsibilities at Truett.
This was one of the most spiritually in/forming classes for me since being at Truett. I want others to have the same opportunity to take the Formation through the Lifespan class. I also think it's very important to be aware of the relationship between psychology and spirituality in the church, and Dr. Hetzel blends this beautifully. May we be an ecumenical seminary - open to the different beliefs that we may have, all while striving for community as the church.
Rod's perspective offers a unique voice. It should be one that is heard and allowed to challenge the Truett community not silenced and seen as a threat.
Not only was Dr. Hetzel's teaching highly beneficial for my own spiritual formation; he also prepared me for guiding others' spiritual formation with amazing insight and clarity.
I have greatly benefited from Dr. Hetzel's teaching and direction. He is a man of great faith in Christ and extends loving care to his students. I gladly advocate for him and ask Truett to reconsider renewing his contract for the next school year. His wisdom helps make us kinder, more compassionate ministers.
As a hospice chaplain, Dr. Hetzel's unique insights and experiences have given me a firm foundation for my ministry to those receiving end of life care. I am eternally grateful for his support in my life, as I am for many of my other Truett professors.
In addition to his profound classroom contributions to Truett there are so many students who have benefited from his counseling outside the classroom.
I love him and his compassion for people. Anyone who takes a class by him will be blessed with understanding that will transcend their academic education.
The class I took with him was one of the most formative classes I took while at Truett. The content is so very important for anyone serving in the church.
Please join me in supporting Dr. Hetzel!