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?
The Outrageous Idea of Christian Scholarship
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
Outrageous Idea 2: Arguments for Silence
In chapter 2 of The Outrageous Idea of Christian Scholarship, George Marsden examines three "arguments for silence" common in the university for why Christians should keep their faith out of their academic work: The argument of "science vs. religion" The argument of multiculturalism and diversity The separation of church and state In case, Marsden summarizes the basic argument, then provides counter-arguments in favor of Christian scholars being open about their faith. I'll summarize chapter 2 below, but … [Read more...] about Outrageous Idea 2: Arguments for Silence
The Outrageous Idea of Christian Scholarship: Discussion 1
George Marsden, Notre Dame's Francis A. McAnaney Professor of History Emeritus, wrote The Outrageous Idea of Christian Scholarship (New York: Oxford University Press, 1997) to take a step toward clarifying what the ancient enterprise of relating faith and learning might mean in the academy today (preface). How can this be accomplished in a time when the university has lost the ability to have substantive conversation regarding not only religion, but also anything that goes beyond the practical to the larger issues … [Read more...] about The Outrageous Idea of Christian Scholarship: Discussion 1
ESN Book Club: The Outrageous Idea of Christian Scholarship
In June, we hosted our first ESN Book Club, an experiment in online book discussion and community based around John Stott's classic, Your Mind Matters. In October, we're going to host our 2nd ESN Book Club, this time discussing another classic, George Marsden's The Outrageous Idea of Christian Scholarship. In 1996, George Marsden published The Soul of the American University: From Protestant Establishment to Established Nonbelief, which traces the history of American universities from their origins as explicitly … [Read more...] about ESN Book Club: The Outrageous Idea of Christian Scholarship