CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITIES IN HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

This paper presents an Christian overview of the Christian university from its roots in medieval Pads and Bologna to the present. From its birth as a dominant Christian culture to being one of many in a modern pluralistic culture, the Christian university was influenced by early tension between faith and reason, the ideas of the Reformation and the Enlightenment, and the intellectual leadership that shaped the development of higher education in America. The sectarian nature of the early colonial colleges along with the classical tradition inherited from Europe were affected by profound changes in American society. They were replaced in the late 1800 s by the elective system, the ideals of the German university model, and the American land-grant movement. The emphasis on scientific methodology and the elective system diminished the classics and religion, and the process of secularization swept traditional Christian thought to the periphery of the enterprise. By the middle of the 20th century, institutional references to Christianity were no longer evident in most university publications. The multiversity became the dominant institution in the latter half of the 20th century, characterized by its enormous size, its disconnected schools and academic programs, its political power and affluence, and its secular nature. Many church-affiliated colleges and universities were also affected by the secular culture and changes in the more prestigious institutions, and chose to disengage from their Christian churches and traditions. However, a small number of colleges and universities have maintained and reinforced their historic faith commitments, and a growing number have reflected renewed interest in the integration of faith and learning. These include Catholic institutions, mainline Protestant institutions of different faith traditions, and a large number of Evangelical schools that represent the fastest growing segment of American higher education today. While the modern university has left its historic religious roots and struggles with a crisis of purpose, the Christian university is focusing increased attention on historical issues of faith and learning and the articulation of a Christian worldview. The Christian university is connected to its historic faith traditions and is well positioned to provide a strong intellectual and spiritual foundation in a rapidly changing postmodern world.