College Faith

In this edition, I continue my sporadic series on various college majors students may choose. To discuss the field of Sociology, my guest is Dr. Kevin Dougherty, Associate Professor of Sociology at Baylor University.   In this podcast we discuss: How Kevin got interested in sociology What sociologists study Career paths open to those with a degree in sociology Traits that make a person a good sociologist How sociology has been a help and a challenge to his faith His research into the sociology of the local church His recent research into the sociology of religious tattoos Current conversations at the center of sociology, including sexual orientation and gender, and tensions this creates Christian professional associations for sociologists His advice to his younger self about studying sociology The value of going to a Christian university, and church attendance during the college years   Resources mentioned during our conversation: Christian Sociological Association Christian Smith, Soul Searching and Souls in Transition Perry Glanzer, Identity in Action and Christian Higher Education Perry Glanzer, “The Art and Science of Being an Excellent Student,” College Faith podcast Episode #12 Stan Wallace, Have We Lost our Minds? Neuroscience, Neurotheology, the Soul, and Human Flourishing

My guest in this episode is Brian Mann, National Director of InterVarsity’s ministry among students in fraternities and sororities. As many students are on campuses with Greek houses, I’ve asked Brian to help us understand what the “Greek System” is, and the pros and cons of “going Greek” at college.   In this podcast we discuss: What is a fraternity or sorority? Why Greek letters are identified with fraternities and sororities (and therefore are referred to as “Greek houses,” which are all part of the “Greek system” on campus,  and to join is to “go Greek”) Why Greek societies often foster leadership development Why some universities do or do not have a Greek system, and roughly how many campuses do  Brian’s experiences in a fraternity as a believer--some negative, some positive Greek life and the “third way” of engaging the campus culture The difference between a Greek House and a Greek house The overall advantages and disadvantages of joining a fraternity or sorority How to identify healthy and unhealthy fraternities and sororities before joining Defining important terms such as “rush,” “bid,” “house,” “chapter,” “pledge,” “active,” etc. Should you go Greek as a freshman, or wait until your sophomore year? The advantages and disadvantages of joining a fraternity or sorority as a believer The number one factor to help determine whether you should go Greek How InterVarsity’s Greek Ministry serves students in fraternities and sororities   Resources mentioned during our conversation: Greek InterVarsity Stan Wallace, “Are You An Artist, a Cheerleader, or a Demolition Engineer? Three Ways Christians Relate to Culture”

Why do universities require students to take classes in the humanities during their first few years? Dr. David Horner, who has taught these classes for many years, helps us see the wisdom of requiring these courses, in light of the value they bring to the student who takes them seriously. Dave earned his master's and doctoral degrees in philosophy at Oxford University, is a professor of philosophy at Talbot School of Theology, and is the author of (among other books) the popular Mind Your Faith: A Student’s Guide to Thinking and Living Well. In this podcast we discuss: How Dave got interested in studying the humanities How apologetics (defenses of the faith) helped him overcome a crisis of faith in college What the “humanities” are and how they relate to humans, being “humane,” and being a “humanist” Understanding a “College of Liberal Arts,” what a “liberal education” is, and how this relates to the humanities The structure of classical education, on which the “core curriculum” was historically based, and on which contemporary classical Christian education is based The interesting “border-line” cases of law and psychology How the “arts” and the “sciences” differ (it’s not what most people think) Why students should be required to take core courses in the humanities The importance, in all fields, of learning to make good distinctions How to discern whether or not a specific humanities course is worth taking The connections between the humanities and wisdom An argument against the humanities--“They are so “impractical!” The critical distinction between “ends” and “means” in evaluating the value of the humanities The valuable role of the humanities in providing us with “cultural literacy” Why Christians should study non-Christians in literature, philosophy, and the other humanities Other practical benefits of studying the humanities, according to the CEO of a major corporation How to get the most out of your core curriculum courses The role a healthy campus ministry can play in your studies Why you shouldn’t just learn about the humanities, but rather learn to engage in the humanities Resources mentioned during our conversation: David Horner, Mind Your Faith: A Student’s Guide to Thinking and Living Well Stan Wallace, Have We Lost Our Minds? Neuroscience, Neurotheology, the Soul, and Human Flourishing Dorothy Sayers, The Lost Tools of Learning John Terrill, College Faith Podcast Interview #47, “A Guide to Majoring in the Professions (Business, Law, Medicine, etc.)” Valerie Strauss, Washington Post, “Enough with trashing the liberal arts. Stop being stupid” Edmund Husserl, The Crisis of European Humanities and Transcendental Phenomenology: An Introduction to Phenomenological Philosophy E. D. Hirsh, The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know Edgar Bronfman, Insider Ed.com, “Business and the Liberal Arts” George Anders, Forbes.com, “That ‘Useless’ Liberal Arts Degree Has Become Tech’s Hottest Ticket” Kery Murakami, Inside Higher Ed, “Liberal Arts Pay Off in the Long Run: A liberal arts education may not have the highest returns in the short run, but a study finds that after 40 years, liberal arts institutions bring a higher return than most colleges” Gene C. Fant, Jr., The Liberal Arts: A Student’s Guide (Reclaiming the Christian Intellectual Tradition) Joseph M. Keegan, Breaking Ground, “Toward the Renewal of Humanistic Education in America” Nathaniel Peters, Public Discourse, “Why Should a Christian Study the Humanities?” Stephanie Dillon, Rolling Stone, “Unlocking The Power: Why You Should Consider Hiring Philosophy Graduates” Wendell Berry, “The Loss of the University,” in Home Economics: Fourteen Essays

This edition of the College Faith podcast welcomes Dr. Robbie Castleman, emeritus professor of Biblical Studies at John Brown University. She has studied, ministered to students, and taught at a number of very different types of schools. As a result, she is a helpful guide to understanding the similarities and differences between different types of colleges and universities. In this podcast we discuss: The fundamental importance of considering who will be your professors The importance of the core curriculum in finding what you are most interested in majoring in When it might be best to transfer to another university to finish your degree Why you should look for schools that encourage professors to "push" you What to look for in professors beyond their understanding of the subject matter How to do research on professors to find the best ones Other very important but non-academic considerations when choosing a college Surprising insights into financial aid, including at private, faith-based institutions, and how to access these funds (illustrated by her personal success in financing almost all her education) Differences she noticed when attending a public university for her masters degree The benefits she sees of studying at an explicitly Christian school (her answer may surprise you--often the opposite of what we hear!) The unique challenges of various types of colleges and universities The necessity of finding good fellowship with other believers while a student How she dealt with isolation and loneliness at one college she attended Resources mentioned during our conversation: Words of Wisdom from a Christian Professor at a Public University -- Ken Elzinga on College Faith The Every Campus Coalition -- a College Faith Interview How Christian Study Centers Minister to Students -- a College Faith Interview How The Navigators Minister to Students -- a College Faith Interview How CRU Minister to Students -- a College Faith Interview How InterVarsity/USA Minister to Students -- a College Faith Interview Robbie Castleman, True Love in a World of False Hope: Sex, Romance, & Real People Robbie Castleman, New Testament Essentials: Father, Son, Spirit and Kingdom (Various authors), Rest of Essentials book set Robbie Castleman, Interpreting the God-Breathed Word: How to Read and Study the Bible

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