Kuyperianism Baptist-Style
Books & Culture has an interesting review of a book exploring the Baylor 2012 project/fiasco. Even though this was hardly a reformed venture, the prospect of a true doctorate-awarding research university that is distinctly Christian was exciting. But it met considerable resistance from the status quo at Baylor.

Here is a key part of the review:

The key was hiring Christian faculty. Sloan and his provosts aggressively recruited Christian scholars from every denomination and from all over the country. They also rigorously screened departmental hiring recommendations, and provoked much resentment by rejecting several each year. They weren't just looking for Christians; they sought those who could "integrate faith and learning" in a way that would "engage the world from a uniquely Christian perspective."

This is pretty standard broadly Kuyperian stuff.

Then there is this odd statement:

Lyon notes that the administration's hard push for integration stirred far more trouble than anticipated, and he argues that Baylor should also seek faculty who use a complementarian approach to faith and learning. Tellingly, Sloan continues to disagree. Baylor's trouble with this form of faith-and-learning integration suggests that, while adequate for a Christian college, it may be too narrow for a Christian research university.

Why is this the case? Is it due to a lack of teacher-scholars who hold to integration? Is there something about a research university that demands a weak commitment to the Christian faith?
posted by Dave at Tuesday, November 06, 2007 -