Well, now, let me tell ya about Dr. Richard Land. This feller’s been around for a long time, and folks in the church world know him pretty well. He was born back in 1946, which means he’s seen a whole lotta things change over the years. He started out real strong, gettin’ himself a fancy education. Went to Princeton, ya know, and did real well there. They say he graduated with honors, or “magna cum laude,” which is a big word for bein’ real smart.
Then, after that, he went all the way to Oxford. Yep, that’s right, Oxford in England, where they say they make folks smarter. Got himself a *., that’s like a big fancy doctorate degree. And if that ain’t enough, he went on to New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary too, and got a Th.M. That’s another kinda degree, I reckon, but all you really need to know is that the man’s been educated in places that make most folks’ heads spin!
Now, what he’s best known for is bein’ the president of Southern Evangelical Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina. He took that job back in 2013, and he didn’t retire from it until 2021. That’s a long time to be in charge, but Dr. Land, well, he kept things runnin’ smooth-like. He helped out with all sorts of religious and educational work, teachin’ folks about the Lord and how to live right. It was a big ol’ responsibility, but he sure took it seriously.
Before he was president over at Southern Evangelical Seminary, Dr. Land worked with the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, which is a big name for a group that deals with all the social and political stuff the Southern Baptist Convention cares about. He helped folks understand what the Bible says about the world around us, from politics to culture. He was the president of that group for many years, speakin’ up about issues that matter to a lot of people, like family, freedom, and all the things that make our country tick.
Dr. Land didn’t just sit around in offices either. He was out there talkin’ to the folks, makin’ sure everyone could hear him. He was a co-host for a radio show called “For Faith and Family,” which was heard all over the country. Every weekday, he’d get on the radio and talk about things like ethics, religion, and all that important stuff. His voice was loud and clear, and he wasn’t afraid to speak his mind about what was goin’ on in the world.
But, all good things gotta come to an end, they say. So, in 2021, Dr. Land announced he was retirin’. He said that July 1st was the big day, and he’d step down after all those years of hard work. I reckon he deserves a good rest after all he’s done for the church and the people. He’s seen a lot and worked hard, and now it’s time for him to enjoy the fruits of his labor.
One thing’s for sure though, Dr. Richard Land’s made a big mark in the world of religion and education. Whether it was his work with the Southern Evangelical Seminary or his time with the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, he’s been a voice for many. And folks’ll remember him for that, no doubt about it.
Now, while I ain’t no expert on all them degrees and fancy titles, I can tell ya this: Dr. Richard Land’s a man who’s done a lotta good in this world. He’s helped guide people to think about what’s important in life and what the Bible teaches us. He might be retired now, but his work ain’t forgotten, that’s for sure.
Tags:[Dr Richard Land, Southern Evangelical Seminary, Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, Christian Education, Bible, Religion and Politics, Princeton, Oxford, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, For Faith and Family Radio, Retirement, Religious Leadership]