Theologian criticizes Biblical convention for suspension of Intervarsity Press

Society of Biblical Literature has proposed to suspend InterVarsity Press from hosting a book stall at its 2017 convention in Boston. | Pixabay/PublicDomainArchive

A prominent theologian criticized the Society of Biblical Literature (SBL) for its proposal to suspend InterVarsity Press (IVP) from setting up a book stall at its annual convention in 2017.

Rev. Michael Bird wrote an open letter to SBL executive director Dr. John Kutsko highlighting the several problems that could arise from the suspension of IVP from the convention.

IVP is the publishing arm of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship which has come under fire lately due to its controversial policy that requires its staff to disclose their views about gay marriage. InterVarsity vice president Greg Jao explained that the staff members are expected to let their employers know if they disagree with the organization's stance on sexuality.

Bird, an IVP author and a member of SBL, pointed out that IVP had published books from a variety of perspectives. He also noted that the activities of the IVF campus ministry is distinct from IVP. He added that no authors are required to disclose a statement of faith to the publishing house.

He urged Kutsko to issue a press release to voice out his disagreement with the policies of IVF instead of suspending IVP from the convention. The theologian shared his concern that the ban might also apply to IVP-UK which he says is independent from IVP-USA.

Bird also took note of SBL's declaration that it is committed to "a variety of critical perspectives ... diversity of participation and unhindered critical discourse ... free inquiry and expression."

"John, mate, I don't want to be confrontational, but can you explain to me how does banning a publisher from the annual conference increase the diversity, free inquiry and expression of SBL?" he asked.

Bird argued that IVP's suspension inhibits free expression and diminishes diversity instead of increasing it.

"Let me be clear, to ban IVP from the annual convention does not safeguard the academic freedom of SBL members, it amounts to censorship, which many of us are very, very sensitive about," he added.

SBL and IVP released a joint statement declaring that the matter will be discussed at a meeting on Oct. 29. The statement also clarified that the notification that was sent to IVP about the suspension was a "question" rather than a decision.