Susan Draper White Lecture: “Battle for the Minds, Revisited” with Rev. Molly T. Marshall, PhD
February 24 at 7:00 pm – 9:15 pm CST
United is very pleased to announce that our 34th annual Susan Draper White Lecture will take place on February 24, 2025, and feature Rev. Molly T. Marshall, PhD, United’s esteemed and beloved president. President Marshall’s lecture is titled “Battle for the Minds, Revisited.”
Thirty years ago, writer and producer Steve Lipscomb created his first documentary, Battle for the Minds, about the Southern Baptist Convention’s conservative shift and how that was affecting women pastors. Prominently featured in the film was a progressive, feminist professor of Christian theology, and experienced pastor, at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky: Dr. Molly T. Marshall.
This year’s lecture will feature Rev. Dr. Marshall’s reflections on that pivotal episode in her professional and theological life and how the experience shaped the theologian and leader she has become, as United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities’ president. The evening will include a screening of the documentary along with Rev. Dr. Marshall’s remarks and reflections.
Dr. Marshall writes:
If you attend the Susan Draper White Lecture, you will witness a story of resilience. The documentary chronicles what happens to a woman who challenges the power structures that deem women unfit to exercise spiritual leadership. Although filmed nearly 30 years ago, it remains a cautionary tale about the crushing power of patriarchy—all too resilient itself as recent days attest. Indeed, misogyny is hurtling forward.
It is not just my story, but the story of countless women whom the Church has silenced, marginalized, and castigated. While there have been many breakthroughs for women in ecclesiastical circles, contempt and abuse stalk their presence, claiming their leadership to be invalid and contrary to theological tradition.
On the larger social landscape of politics, law, commerce, and education, the pernicious oppression of women—especially women of color—continues. Naming this reality and concrete resistance remains urgent.
It will be an evening of reflection and thoughtful conversation about what is at stake when patriarchy prevails.
This special event will begin at 7:00 PM and conclude by 9:15 PM. It will take place on United’s campus and will be available via live streaming. To learn more, please contact Jen Buck (jbuck@unitedseminary.edu).
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