College Faith

In this episode, I continue my series on various college majors students may choose. To discuss business, and the professions more generally, I’ve invited Dr. John Terrill to join me. John has a unique background to help us consider majoring in the professions. He has a degree in business from Indiana University, an MBA. from the Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern University), master’s degrees in theology and religion from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D.  in industrial and organizational psychology from Seattle Pacific University. After working in banking and with a business consulting firm, John ministered to students at Harvard Business School with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. He then served as InterVarsity's National Director of InterVarsity’s MBA ministry, and then as Director of InterVarsity’s Professional School Ministries. He is currently the Executive Director of Upper House, the Christian Study Center at the University of Wisconsin. In this podcast we discuss: How John got interested in a career in business How he now applies leadership and management principles in the non-profit sector How positive and negative experiences in various organizations have shaped his understanding of business The inadequacies of seeing the purpose of business as only to maximize shareholder value A better understanding of the purpose of business--fostering human flourishing Developing a proper theology of vocation for all professions--why all work matters to God A wrong theology of vocation: “Finding God’s one specific job for me!” How a proper understanding frees us to flourish in our careers and serve others well The reality of a “calling” to the professions, and why this is not emphasized in our churches The professions as professional “guilds”  How our work can be a positive influence on culture by helping build healthy companies  How professional schools in universities are similar and different from other schools or departments Temptations of interviewing for jobs with business school recruiters The value of classes outside your professional school The type of person who generally flourishes in a professional school Other tips to help students do well in professional school programs Some ways to live out Kingdom values while in a professional school program Challenges for the Christian studying in professional schools The importance of finding a mentor How to find fellowship with other believers in the professions on campus Joining a professional society as a student Some mainstream ideas in business that are congruent with a Christian worldview and some that are not God’s faithfulness in the process of earning a degree in the professions Resources mentioned during our conversation: Lausanne Movement’s Workplace Ministry Issue Network Robert D. Putnam, Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community Yuval Levin, American Enterprise Institute Curtis Chang Consortium of Christian Study Centers Everycampus.com Christian Legal Society Christian Medical and Dental Association Professional Christian Veterinary Fellowship The Theology of Work Project jterrill@slbrownfoundation.org Upper House, the Christian Study Center at U. Wisconsin-Madison

In this episode, I continue my sporadic series on various college majors students may choose. To discuss the field of Communications, I’ve invited back Dr. Tim Muehlhoff, professor of Communications at Biola University.   In this podcast we discuss: How Tim decided to major in Communications Career choices Communications majors have The two things a college education should provide The personal characteristics that will help you flourish in Communications How studying Communications has helped his faith Mainstream ideas in Communications that are consistent with a Christian worldview Mainstream ideas in Communications that are inconsistent with a Christian worldview How to engage these ideas constructively The emerging “golden era” of Christian communications theorists How to discover the direction of a university’s Communications major Movements afoot in Communications to be aware of The growing influence of digital media, and how Christians can be thoughtful about this opportunity Practical advice to keep our family (and friends, churches, businesses) together when we deeply disagree The important role of internships for a career in Communications, and the role of professional societies His advice to his 18-year-old self considering majoring in Communications The importance of being in a community of Christians at college, no matter what your major is   Resources mentioned during our conversation: Tim Muehlhoff and Todd Lewis, Authentic Communication: Christian Speech Engaging Culture Biola University Communications Department Tim Muehlhoff and Sean McDowell, End the Stalemate: Move Past Cancel Culture to Meaningful Conversations Sean McDowell’s YouTube channel  Tim Muehlhoff and Rick Langer, The Winsome Conviction project and podcast Patrick Lencioni, The Ideal Team Player: How to Recognize and Cultivate Three Essential Virtues NCA - National Communication Association and RCA - Religious Communication Association  Stan Wallace, College Faith podcast series on campus ministries

Between the recording of this episode and its posting, Randy Newman, my guest and dear friend, went to be with the Lord. Though Randy is certainly rejoicing to be in the presence of his King, I and so many others who knew him well are grieving deeply. But, as a way to honor his memory, and to continue encouraging others to learn from his great wisdom, I have decided to post this interview posthumously. We discuss a topic very dear to him--helping believers engage their doubts in healthy and redemptive ways. I believe he would have wanted you to hear what he had to say when we talked, to encourage you to continue “fighting the good fight” that he has now so well completed.    In this episode Randy and I discuss his recently-released Questioning Faith: Indirect Journeys of Belief through Terrains of Doubt. It is a given that college students, including those heading off to college as believers, will have questions and doubts about the Christian faith. Randy’s wisdom and care for other’s spiritual journeys will be a great help to students (and all others) who navigate the journey through doubt.   In this podcast we discuss: How Randy first got interested in understanding the role doubt plays in the Christian faith Why he decided to write Questioning Faith The importance of pre-evangelism before we begin sharing the gospel Faith (in something) is inevitable, not optional The main point he wants readers to take away from this book: it’s OK to have questions, but find answers The value of doubt in the Christian life How he deals with doubts due to the reality of evil Why certainty is not necessary to know Christianity is true The problem with the “presumption of atheism” Why very good “second things” make very bad “first things” in our lives Beauty as one of God’s signposts Advice to Christian students who have doubts about the Christian faith Advice to Christian students as they talk to peers with doubts about the Christian faith Advice to parents, grandparents, and pastors as they nurture those with doubts   Resources mentioned during our conversation: S. Lewis, Mere Christianity David Foster Wallace, “This is Water,” Commencement Address at Kenyon College in 2005 C.S. Lewis Institute Randy Newman’s Questions That Matter podcast The Washington Institute for Faith, Vocation, and Culture RandyDavidNewman.com

This episode continues my sporadic series on the various fields students may choose to study while in college, today discussing a major in mathematics. My guest is Dr. Francis Su, a professor of Mathematics at the prestigious Harvey Mudd College. Francis is a past president of the Mathematical Association of America, has been featured in Wired and The New York Times, and is the author of the award-winning Mathematics for Human Flourishing.   In this podcast we discuss: How Francis first got interested in studying mathematics The distinction between mathematics and arithmetic How math helps us shape a set of virtues and flourish (vs. approaching math as simply skills) Career opportunities for those with a degree in mathematics Which character traits indicate you may do well as a math major The similarities between mathematics and philosophy The similarities between mathematics and music Different emphases in the field of mathematics How studying mathematics has helped Francis in his spiritual life Challenges mathematics has posed to Francis’ faith Where he sees ideas in mathematics as consistent with a Christian worldview Areas in mathematics Christian students may want to consider pursuing Francis’ general advice for all college students   Resources mentioned during our conversation: Francis Su, Mathematics for Human Flourishing Derek Schuurman’s work on ethics, faith, and technology Francis Su’s website Francis Su’s article “The Lesson of Grace in Teaching”

My guest in this episode is Dr. Roger Parrott, the President of Belhaven University for more than three decades. Over the years, he has thought much about the value of a college education, how higher education has changed, in some cases drastically, and the real cost of a college degree. I’ve invited him to share some of his wisdom with us.    In this podcast we discuss: How higher education has changed over the three decades he has been a university president The four “S” features most public universities use to recruit students The four “C” features that define most Christian universities The causes of recent trends in public higher education The spectrum of colleges and universities identifying as “Christian” The difference between Bible departments and religion departments and what it says about a college or university How to cut through the PR and fancy brochures when considering schools The two essential questions to ask to choose the school that is right for you Answering a common objection to Christian higher education The downside of requiring students to sign a statement of faith to be admitted The real costs of college and how to navigate the financial challenges The problem with “tuition resets” The importance of calculating living expenses, textbooks, and fees into the total cost of college Understanding good debt and bad debt How important graduate-level education is today The number one quality employers are looking for, and how the college years can help prepare you for this   Resources mentioned during our conversation: Roger Parrott, “The Real Cost of College: Insights of an Insider” Belhaven University

My guest in this edition is Jeff Hardin, Ph.D., professor and former chair of the Department of Integrative Biology at the University of Wisconsin. He holds a Ph.D. in Biophysics from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from the International School of Theology. In addition to his scholarly work in cell biology and leading textbook on this topic, Jeff has thought much about the intersection of faith and science and regularly addresses these topics in public forums.   In this podcast we discuss: How Jeff got interested in studying biology The value of exploring various ideas, and noticing God in the process How, as a biologist, he benefits from inter-disciplinary conversations What career opportunities are available with a degree in the biological sciences How to zero in on the area of biology you are interested in How he has connected studying biology with his faith, and how he has thrived as a result Some challenges of being a biologist and a Christian   How he seeks to reveal God in his work as a biologist  Thoughts on how Christians can think about evolution and creation The role of understanding ethics and broader worldview and religious commitments in studying the biological sciences Character qualities/traits that are good indicators that a student will flourish studying the biological sciences The overlap of God’s call for us to care for His creation and current conversations in the biological sciences  The importance for Christians to thoughtfully engage with the biology of neuroscience The importance for Christians to thoughtfully engage with the worldview, ethics, and practice of genome editing The growing conversation around “trans-humanism” that will become increasingly important in discussions in the biological sciences God’s grace for those called to study the biological sciences The value of joining a professional society in the biological sciences, and connecting with other Christians in the field at the society’s meetings What Jeff wished his 18-year-old self knew about majoring in the biological sciences Why it is important for biologists also to study things outside the biological sciences The importance of finding other Christians in the biological sciences, and how to find them   Resources mentioned during our conversation: The Isthmus Society C. S. Lewis, Letters to Malcolm, Chiefly on Prayer Phillip Johnson, Darwin on Trial Gilbert Meilaender, Bioethics, a Primer for Christians Scott Rae, Moral Choices: An Introduction to EthicsJohn Wyatt, Matters of Life and Death: Human Dilemmas in the Light of the Christian Faith The American Scientific Affiliation BioLogos Reasons to  Believe The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity The Christian Medical & Dental Association Francis Collins, The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief

My guest in this episode is Scott Phelps, Executive Director of the Abstinence & Marriage Education Partnership. For many years now Scott has spoken to students about the great, long-term benefits of saving sex for marriage, and so I’ve invited him onto the show to share some of what he has learned, and how others have found his insights helpful.    In this podcast we discuss: How he got interested in the relationship between living life well, flourishing, and sex Principles, or the successful pathway that most often leads to a good life Habit formation for life-long intimate relationships Hope for students who have already been sexually active Other benefits of waiting for sex until marriage The example of Joseph, Potiphar’s wife, and Joseph’s future wife (Genesis 37-50) The disbelief some have about the possibility of abstinence until marriage, yet their interest How to swim against the alternative cultural narrative of “free sex,” which saturates all   media How his approach differs from most sex education programs The personal value and apologetic force of the biblical view of sex and marriage The biggest challenges students face to following the successful pathway to sex, marriage, and the good life The acceleration and shift in the cultural narrative about sex since the COVID pandemic How parents might tackle this topic with their children Simplifying the issue with one simple question Sex as fire in a firepit or as a forest fire Living together, sex, future marriage, and divorce   Resources mentioned during our conversation: Abstinence & Marriage Education Partnership Dallas Willard, The Spirit of the Disciplines: Understanding How God Changes Lives Scott Phelps, Excel Curriculum and Workbook Glenn Stanton, The Ring Makes All The Difference: The Hidden Consequences of Cohabitation and the Strong Benefits of Marriage Linda Waite and Maggie Gallagher, The Case for Marriage: Why Married People are Happier, Healthier and Better Off Financially Rick Mattson and Stan Wallace, “Finding the Middle Way in the LGBTQ+ Conversation,” a College Faith podcast Stan Wallace’s Summary of Virtue Ethics

My guest today is Rick Mattson, a national apologetics specialist and evangelism coach with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. He often does open “Q and A” sessions on college campuses in which he is asked for insights on how to understand LGBTQ+ issues in ways that embody both truth and love. We discuss some of what he shares on this important topic.   In this podcast we discuss: How LGBTQ issues come up in his conversations, and why it’s close to his heart The importance of the larger narrative of Scripture in understanding human sexuality and flourishing The relation of this issue to the Trinity How both the physical and spiritual ramifications of the Fall are often neglected in this conversation How to understand the idea that “God made me this way” How to understand the idea of a “gay Christian” Advice for Christian students with same-sex attraction The modern shift toward “expressive Individualism” underlying much of this conversation Finding the “middle way” between extreme views of human sexuality The centrality of spiritual disciplines in healthy friendships and sexuality How we frame conversations to open further LGBTQ discussions The importance of having appropriate expectations for our relationships How to not be bullied, or be bullies, in LGBTQ conversations What the loving thing to do is in specific situations regarding roommates or gender non-conforming dorms How to think about attending a gay friend’s wedding How to think about the use of preferred pronouns A strategy to think through various other LGBTQ-related issues How the church can better prepare students to think through these issues How parents can better prepare students to think through these issues The hardest question he gets on this question on campus   Resources mentioned during our conversation: Rick Mattson’s website Rick Mattson, Faith is Like Skydiving: And Other Memorable Images for Dialogue with Seekers and Skeptics Rick Mattson, Witness in the Academy: A Guide for Graduate Students, Faculty, and Those Who Minister With Them Rick’s blog posts on “LGBT+” Carl Trueman, Strange New World: How Thinkers and Activists Redefined Identity and Sparked the Sexual Revolution Carl Trueman, The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism, and the Road to the Sexual Revolution Summit Ministries “A Practical Guide to Navigating University Culture,” John Stonestreet on the College Faith podcast World View Academy “Why Christian Students Must Understand Their and Other’s Worldviews,” Mike Schutt on the College Faith podcast “How to Choose a College,” David Wunder on the College Faith podcast Impact 360

This episode continues my sporadic series on the various fields students may choose to study while in college. My guest is Dr. Hannah Eagleson studied the great books at St. John’s College (Annapolis, MD) during her Masters degree, then went on to earn a PhD in Renaissance literature at the University of Delaware. She has written study guides to The Lord of the Rings and to works by C. S. Lewis and Dorothy L. Sayers. Dr. Eagleson also develops programming to support Christian scholars as they follow Christ and love their neighbors, including work with Global Scholars, Chesterton House (a Christian study center at Cornell University), and the American Scientific Affiliation (a scholarly and professional society for Christians in the sciences).   In this podcast we discuss: What the “Great Books” are What “Great Books” university programs are and why they were formed Difference between Great Books programs at pluralistic and Christian universities Defining the important literary term “canon” How Hannah got interested in the Great Books and these university programs The value of understanding the classical modes of education: grammar, logic, and rhetoric and Classical Christian Education How the classical model of education contributed to interest in Great Book programs Hannah’s perspective on the medieval period of intellectual history, as a corrective to our current negative perspectives Details of specific Great Books programs How Hannah benefitted from being in a Great Books program The “seminar” approach to coursework in a Great Books program Why “new” is not necessarily “better,” especially concerning books How a Great Books program does and does not help you get a job and make a living, and strategies to better your chances What a “liberal arts” education is and is not      Strengths and weaknesses of Great Books programs Suggestions if you want to use a Great Books program to prepare you for graduate studies How Hannah’s Great Books program continues to shape her today, and will into the future The positives and negatives of how social media encourages us to engage texts Defining “literary criticism”   Resources mentioned during our conversation: Britannica’s Great Books of the Western World series, compiled by Mortimer Adler and Robert Hutchins of the University of Chicago Baylor Great Texts Program, an honors program within a Christian university setting with many different majors Biola Torrey Honors College an honors program within a Christian university setting with many different majors Columbia University Core Curriculum (a program within a secular Ivy League university that engages with great books) Notre Dame Program of Liberal Studies Great Books Seminars, a program within a Catholic university setting with many different majors St. John’s College, Annapolis and Santa Fe (the whole program is Great Books) Thomas Aquinas College, Catholic (the whole program is Great Books) Dorothy Sayers, “The Lost Tools of Learning” C. S. Lewis, “On The Reading of Old Books”  George Herbert’s poetry John Donne’s poetry Chesterton House, the Christian Study Center at Cornell University “Why You Need to Join the Great Conversation About the Great Books,” The Art of Manliness Podcast #430 The New Yorker article “What’s So Great About Great-Books Courses?”

My guest in this edition of the College Faith Podcast is Dr. Ted Turnau, co-author of The Pop-Culture Parent: Helping Kids Engage Their World for Christ. Ted has spent many years thinking about how to help children (from the early years through young adulthood) understand, evaluate, and flourish in pop culture that is all around us. He shares some of his insights from his study, how his parents helped and didn’t help him, and lessons learned from raising his own children.   In this podcast we discuss: What “pop culture” is conceptually and biblically The two ways Christians tend to respond to popular culture, and a better “middle way”  Daniel and his colleagues as examples of a healthy posture toward  popular culture The goal of the Christian parent in the midst of pop culture How various parenting styles tend to influence a student’s decisions once at college The five questions that can help you and your children evaluate things in pop culture A case study: Evaluating the extremely popular Baldur’s Gate 3 video game Six things to keep in mind when we talk with our children about pop culture   Resources mentioned during our conversation: Ted Turnau’s website Ted Turnau, E. Stephen Burnett, and Jared Moore, The Pop-Culture Parent: Helping Kids Engage Their World for Christ Ted Turnau, Popologetics: Popular Culture in Christian Perspective Ted Turnau, Oasis of Imagination: Engaging Our World Through a Better Creativity Ted Turnau and Ruth Naomi Floyd, Imagination Manifesto: A Call to Plant Oases of Imagination Andy Crouch, Culture Making: Recovering Our Creative Calling Christ and Pop Culture (an online magazine and podcast) Love Thy Nerd (a website thinking Christianly about pop culture) Ask About Games (a website by Andrew Robertson providing a Christian perspective and evaluation of video games) Hollywood Jesus: Your Bridge to Pop Culture (a website evaluating streaming shows, movies, and much more from a biblical perspective) “A Guide to Majoring in the Arts,” College Faith podcast #34 with Cam Anderson, M.F.A.