Professor Critical of Christianity
In the late 1990s, Dr. Rosaria Butterfield was a tenured professor at Syracuse University, deeply involved in feminist and queer theory. A self-proclaimed leftist lesbian, she was known for her critical stance against Christianity. She described her initial feelings towards Christians as disdainful, saying, "As a leftist lesbian professor, I despised Christians."
Unexpected Intellectual Encounter
Her life took an unexpected turn in 1997 after writing an article critical of the Promise Keepers. Among the responses was a letter from Pastor Ken Smith, which stood out for its kindness and intellectual engagement. Intrigued, Rosaria accepted his invitation to dinner, initiating a series of conversations that would challenge her worldview. She recounted, "I met Ken Smith, the pastor who the Lord used in my conversion. I thought this man is really smart. He and his wife Floy welcomed me into their world."
Intellectual Conversion Through Bible Study
As she studied the Bible, Rosaria found herself at a crossroads. She approached it with an intent to dismantle its claims but instead found it compelling. "The light the gospel gave me was ruinous; it ruined me for the life I loved," she shared. In 1999, this intellectual and spiritual struggle culminated in what she described as a "train wreck" conversion, where she committed her life to Jesus, acknowledging, "I was a mess, and I committed my life to Christ because I believed He was true and real."
Life Completely Transformed
Her transformation was profound. Rosaria left her position at Syracuse, embraced a new identity in Christ, and married Kent Butterfield, a Reformed Presbyterian pastor, in 2001. She became a Christian author and speaker, advocating for biblical perspectives on sexuality and identity, emphasizing the importance of a transformed life. "I was converted not out of homosexuality, but out of unbelief," she clarified, underscoring the heart of her conversion.
Today, Rosaria resides in Durham, North Carolina, where she continues to share her testimony, giving Jesus the credit for the radical change in her life.
