I've been writing about George Marsden's talk to InterVarsity Graduate and Faculty Ministries at our recent staff conference. Over the last two weeks, I've written about Dr. Marsden's belief that metaphysical naturalism is losing its hold on the academy and his endorsement for methodological naturalism as an appropriate stance for Christian faculty. Last week, I shared the question that I asked him: Since we agree that methodological naturalism is a good way of doing academic work, but that privatization is a bad way … [Read more...] about What role does Christianity play in our scholarship?
The Outrageous Idea of Christian Scholarship Discussion
Outrageous Idea 6: Building Academic Communities
The final chapter in George Marsden's The Outrageous Idea of Academic Communities Christian Scholarship [Oops! - Ed.] proposes that even the most impressive work of individual Christian scholars is not enough; Christian scholarship needs "a strong institutional base." Scholars, like everyone else, depend on communities. If like-minded academics do not form their own sub-communities, then they will be dependent entirely on the communities that already exist. These, of course, have little place for inquiry concerning … [Read more...] about Outrageous Idea 6: Building Academic Communities
Outrageous Idea 5: The Positive Contributions of Theological Context
Are there positive contributions to be offered by a theological context? George Marsden responds with a hearty yes. Why? Because he believes (or should I say thinks, understands, or perceives): Scholars do not operate in a vacuum, but rather within the frameworks of their communities, traditions, commitments, and beliefs. Their scholarship, even when specialized, develops within a larger picture of reality. So we must ask: What is in that larger picture? Is there a place for God? If so does God's … [Read more...] about Outrageous Idea 5: The Positive Contributions of Theological Context
Outrageous Idea 4: What difference could it possibly make?
In chapter 4 of The Outrageous Idea of Christian Scholarship, George Marsden asks, "What difference could 'Christian scholarship' possibly make?" He quotes a critical reviewer who wants to know whether Notre Dame teaches "Roman Catholic chemistry" or if Calvin offers "Presbyterian anthropology". Marsden answers with two suggestions: the analogy of a gestalt image, and the setting of scholarly agendas. Quick question: Has your scholarly agenda been shaped by your faith in Christ? Have you been drawn to particular … [Read more...] about Outrageous Idea 4: What difference could it possibly make?
Outrageous Idea 3: Rules of the Game
Can followers of Christ play by the rules of the academic game and still follow Christ faithfully? According to Stanley Fish (Davidson-Kahn Distinguished University Professor and a professor of law at Florida International University, in Miami, and dean emeritus of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Illinois at Chicago) the answer is "No." Marsden summarizes Why We Can't All Just Get Along (Stanley Fish, First Things, February 1996): "Though secular himself, Fish cites the authority of … [Read more...] about Outrageous Idea 3: Rules of the Game