Overview

At the heart of this collection of essays is a central question: how can humanistic education in faith-based institutions contribute to human flourishing within secular societies? This book explores the implications of Charles Taylor’s analysis of secularity for the work of humanities education in Christian institutions of higher learning. It argues that by locating themselves and their scholarship within Taylor’s open frame, scholars can draw on the resources of their disciplinary expertise within the various branches of the humanities to overcome the polarizing tendencies of modern life to the benefit of all. The contributors to the volume challenge and encourage scholars in the humanities to call their students into dialogue with Taylorian themes and concepts as good neighbors working for the flourishing of the academy and the wider world. They draw on Taylor’s discussion of the parable of the Good Samaritan to develop the theme of neighborliness in higher education. An enlightening study of religion and secularism, the book will be an essential reading for scholars, researchers, and administrators in the fields of religious higher education, religious studies, and the philosophy of education.

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9781041074335

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Reviews

Finally, a book that updates the conversation about the role of Christian post-secondary education for our contemporary context without regarding secularism as a dirty word. I welcome this nuanced, critical and serious consideration of the wounds and the gifts of the Christian church to institutions of education. Beth Green, Provost & Chief Academic Officer, Tyndale University To say higher ed is in crisis borders now on cliche. But so far much of the answer to this crisis has been faddish and shallow, a redoubling on financial schemes and enrolment gambles. Christian higher ed has the opportunity to lead from ahead, rather than behind, for a return to mission, purpose, and tradition. This Taylor inspired collection shows exactly that potential, from top flight scholars, faculty who increasingly not only can but must lead the charge for the renewal of a sector not just for the good of the church, but of the world. Robert J. Joustra, Professor of Politics & International Studies, Redeemer University Some books are better read backwards. Start with Zimmerman’s afterword and let his call for a robustly theological education whose telos is the formation of Christlikeness (for the life of the world) stimulate your interaction with this timely set of essays. Professor Wesley Olmstead, Briercrest College, Canada

Author Information

A. J. Demoskoff is an independent scholar. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Alberta and taught Russian and European history for twelve years at Briercrest College and Seminary in Caronport, Saskatchewan. She writes about religion and culture in Russian history. Matthew Zantingh (PhD McMaster University) is now Associate Professor of English and the Associate Dean of Arts at Redeemer University. He spent a decade teaching at Briercrest College in Caronport, Saskatchewan before moving back to Ontario. His teaching and writing ranges across North America from the 19th century into the present.

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