The Christian College Phenomenon: Inside America's Fastest-Growing Institutions of Higher Learning

Both mainline and evangelical Christian denominations have faced membership declines in the past decade, yet Christian higher education is booming. The authors of this compendium, both associate professors at Palm Beach Atlantic University, developed a survey to gauge the strengths and weaknesses of the 110 institutions affiliated with the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. The results confirm their underlying assumption: both faculty and students are predictably conservative, theologically and politically. Nearly 30 contributors go on to parse elements of the survey, painting a portrait of life on campus both complimentary and critical, including heavy workloads and feelings of inferiority in relation to secular scholars. If there is one consistent theme to this heavy tome, it is the willingness to be open and honest. That's not always easy given the gatekeeping tests on such issues as evolution, abortion, or same%E2%80%93sex marriage, which majorities on campus reject. Still, these academics can be admired for striving to create a climate of intellectual inquiry while holding firm to their Christian identity. (July)