A former religion professor fired by a Southern Baptist university after questioning the orthodoxy of some of his colleagues is in the Army now.
Clint Bass
Clint Bass — found guilty last year of unprofessional conduct by superiors in the Courts Redford College of Theology and Ministry at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri — recently entered training to be an Army chaplain at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
According to The Pathway, news journal of the Missouri Baptist Convention, he enters the Army as a captain with the second brigade in the 101st Airborne Division. It is the first military stint for Bass, an elder at Bolivar’s Southern Hills Baptist Church and former church history professor.
Bass, who taught at Southwest Baptist University nine years, was dismissed last November after he reportedly shared with Missouri Baptist Convention officials his concerns about doctrinal views held by other faculty members without the permission of the individuals named in those discussions.
His firing prompted an independent review of teaching at the school affiliated with the Missouri Baptist Convention. The study group said in July it found that inconsistent enforcement of the university’s statement of faith had created a perception of “ambiguous” doctrine, contributing to “an erosion of trust” with its denominational sponsor.
In August, Rodney Reeves, dean of the Redford School of Religion, resigned to re-enter the pastorate. A search for his replacement is underway.
Southern Hills Baptist Church held a commissioning service for Bass Sept. 15. Pastor Ted Bachman said the church was sad to see Bass go but celebrating “because we, by extension, have been given an opportunity to join in the spread of the gospel by releasing Dr. Bass to serve our King in the harvest fields of the United States Army.”
Bass, 41, is married and a father of four.
Previous stories:
After investigation, religion dean leaves Southwest Baptist University to return to pastorate
Outside review finds ‘ambiguous’ doctrine at Baptist university
Professor’s firing leads to outside review of teaching at Baptist university