Preface
I’m surrounded by Elizabethtown College campus records checked out from High Library. Why? I’m writing a paper for a Brethren in Christ Core Class on The Theology of the Church (taught by Terry Brensinger) which will explore how well a college founded to keep youth within the Church of the Brethren fared in teaching denominational doctrine and way of life. In some ways I’m inspired by George Marsden’s The Soul of the American University: From Protestant Establishment to Established Nonbelief, but Anabaptist traditions have a different relationship to the “establishment.” In addition, I’ve chosen to focus upon Elizabethtown College‘s current peace position and its relationship to the Church of the Brethren‘s tradition of peace-making based upon “Jesus’ teachings on loving our enemies (Matt. 5:44, Luke 6:27) and Paul’s admonition that Christians seek to live peaceably with all and that they strive to ‘overcome evil with good’ (Rom. 12:21).” The research has reminded me how important it is to know your campus context (which includes campus history, stated purpose/mission, incarnated values). Let me share some of my findings with you. I will start by exploring why the College lacks a football team. Feel free share your comments regarding the campus’ approach toward football and competitive sports over it’s 110 years. [Read more…] about No football. Campus tradition rooted in peace-making