Author and Bible teacher Beth Moore, who left the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) almost three years ago, continues to spark debate within the denomination. Moore, 66, took issue with the denomination’s sexual abuse scandals, its treatment of women, and many leaders’ unwavering devotion to former President Donald Trump.
Moore, author of the bestselling memoir “All My Knotted-Up Life,” spent decades writing and leading Bible studies for women. Now she’s a member of an Anglican church in Spring, Texas, outside Houston. But that hasn’t stopped Southern Baptists—mostly men—from criticizing her.
The latest dustup began Dec. 23, when William Wolfe, a self-described Christian nationalist and former Trump administration official, posted on X (formerly Twitter): “If you can’t admit that Beth Moore was an ungodly, even demonic, influence on the SBC—I really won’t be able to trust you.”
Wolfe’s post led to articles about Moore’s continued influence within the SBC. Online, some people called for an end to white men’s “obsession” with Moore. “She’s moved on from you, why don’t you do the same,” advised one social media user.
I’ll get slammed for this but it’s been on my heart to say for months. I love you SBC women so much. You were such a privilege to serve. You made me study Scripture 10 times harder than I would have. You gave me room to make so many mistakes and grow. You were my first and…
— Beth Moore (@BethMooreLPM) December 26, 2023
Beth Moore to SBC Women: ‘You Were Such a Privilege to Serve’
On Dec. 26, Moore posted an indirect response to the latest uproar, thanking SBC women for their ongoing love and support. “I’ll get slammed for this but it’s been on my heart to say for months,” she began. “I love you SBC women so much. You were such a privilege to serve.” Moore credited her readers for challenging her to study Scripture more deeply, adding that they were worth fighting for.
“I had problems with the SBC,” Moore concluded. “But you [women] weren’t one of them. You will only ever be dear to me. I will carry you on my heart to the grave. I love you so.” In a follow-up post, Moore added, “I’m just so sorry if I hurt y’all. I say this with tears.”
Many of Moore’s social media followers responded with their own words of thanks, and some told her to stop apologizing. “Hold that head high,” one person wrote. “You have nothing to apologize for.”
Another said, “Sometimes when someone leaves it makes you take notice. ‘How bad could it be if Beth Moore is still with us?’ And then you find out and you know. Anyone with a modicum of sense knows [leaving the SBC] wasn’t an easy decision.”
Some Men Need Beth Moore ‘As a Foil for Their Masculinity’
On Dec. 28, Baptist News Global executive director and publisher Mark Wingfield wrote about ongoing hatred toward Moore. Angry white male “theocrats” are continuing their vitriol toward her, he wrote, because they need Moore “as a foil for their masculinity.”
 almost three years ago, continues to spark debate within the denomination. On Dec. 26, Moore posted an indirect response to the latest uproar, thanking SBC women for their ongoing love and support.){kind=link}