Christian ethics pioneer, Baptist professor dies

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Henlee Barnette, a former professor, author and Christian ethics pioneer died at his home Oct. 20 at age 93.

Barnette, who taught at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky., 1951–1977, and T.B. Maston, who taught at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, were considered co-pioneers as Southern Baptist ethicists, according to Bill Leonard, dean of Wake Forest Universityʼs divinity school. Barnetteʼs dogged insistence that actions must match belief undergirded his writings and teachings, according to friends and former students. “He was an ethical activist,” recalled Wayne Ward, emeritus professor of theology at the Louisville seminary and lifelong friend of Barnetteʼs. “He said, ʻJesus isnʼt going to ask you what you believe. Heʼs going to ask you, ʻDo you love Me, and do you love your neighbor as yourself?ʼ ”

Barnette taught at Howard College (Samford University) in Birmingham and later at Stetson University in Florida before joining the staff at Southern. Southern Seminaryʼs current president, Al Mohler, credited Barnette with helping Southern Baptists understand the biblical imperatives for racial integration and civil rights. “In that sense, he was a powerful prophet in an age that had too few prophets,” Mohler said.

Barnetteʼs first wife, Charlotte, died in childbirth. Barnette was also preceded in death by his second wife, Helen. Survivors include four sons, one daughter and four grandchildren.