Connecting Christ to Culture

How the Liberal Arts Connect Christ with Culture

The liberal arts have been at the center of learning in Western culture for centuries, largely as a means for transmitting the foundations of classical Greek and Roman thought, as well as Judeo Christian ethics from the holy scriptures. Christian scholarship is founded on the belief that God is behind all of human history—that the great narratives of literature and the arts testify to the power of the Creator—and he has called people to use their education in service to the world. The great stories, songs, problems, and dilemmas are ways for God to reveal his design in the created order. When best realized in a Christian context such as Taylor University, a fully integrated Christian emphasis on the liberal arts joins heart, mind, and service together in a journey of discipleship that is holistic and reflects the design of the Creator.

Students in the liberal arts discover the fullest range of beauty and human fallibility in literature, art, science, and history – which brings a richer understanding of what it means to be human. This pursuit cultivates true wisdom and discernment, rather than providing mere information. Without careful institutional commitment, some colleges easily fall prey to what has unfortunately become too common—reducing the liberal arts in favor of a quick-education marketing strategy. In the race to adapt academic programs to the marketplace, the patient study of the liberal arts is often sacrificed.

The very concept of bringing spiritual and intellectual growth together was not always a revolutionary idea. In fact, the historical development of university learning is rooted in the monastic tradition. The medieval model for education joined spiritual disciplines with academic study and physical craftsmanship or labor. By the Renaissance, modern universities began to be shaped by the focus on humanism and developed a clearer focus on various subjects of study. During the Enlightenment, education—both

Written by Michael Hammond, Ph.D.

Provost and Executive Vice President, Taylor University

formal and informal—became separated from the authority of the church and from the influence of religious perspective. Most American colleges and universities were initially founded to train pastors and church leaders in a particular church tradition. As specialization and secularization grew, the challenge for Christian educators by the 20th century was a choice: on one side were secular academic institutions, and on the other side were church colleges or ministry training centers. At worst, higher education was incomplete—lacking either belief in the life of the mind or recognition of the soul. At one extreme anti-intellectualism reigned, and at the other extreme arrogance quenched the spirit.

In my own experience, Taylor University has represented the finest manifestation of a holistic model of faith, learning, and service. Dedicated faculty members and administrators have modeled this commitment to me first as a student, and now as my colleagues on campus. Such Christian scholars of the liberal arts, marked by humility and service borne of the cross, pursue knowledge and moral learning through relentless inquiry into the human condition. However, they also foster an energetic skepticism of the claims and assumptions of secular peers who pursue human redemption in academics apart from the gospel of Christ. A Christian approach to the liberal arts promises to break through boundaries and enrich learning with a love for others. The discovery of the self with a Christian liberal arts focus brings the person to a place of humility and service to the world.

Thank you!

Covenant Celebrates 2019 was a resounding success. Because of your generosity, we were able to raise another record-breaking amount for student scholarships.

Congratulations 2019 Community Heart of Covenant recepient

ALAN HUGHES

Gone Servin’ // THE VITAL ROLE OF SERVING WITH LOVE

Every year, near the end of April, a group of 450 people comprising of students, staff, and parents gather in the Commons at 8 am and get final instructions. After a time of worship, prayer, announcements, and a bit of hyping up, everyone leaves the school to get to various places across Central Indiana, carrying work gloves, shovels, and other necessary tools to get dirty and get work done. Parents and teachers drive students all over to serve organizations and nonprofits as a simple act of love. This is Gone Servin’.

In the 12 years of carrying on this special program (2020 will be the 13th year), Covenant estimates that over 5400 people have gone out to serve, totalling nearly 44,000 hours of service. The numbers are powerful, but the focus on the day is still helping Covenant students make the connection to the value of service. Gone Servin’ started in 2007 as a way to more fully act on Covenant’s goal of having students be well-rounded in scholarship, leadership, and service. Advancement Director Perry Hines said he is proud to help facilitate carrying on a great tradition that was started by former Advancement Director Linda Cook.

“This is a day of service where we want to provide an opportunity for students and staff to give back to those in our community who don’t often receive someone serving them. We want to give back to the non-profits who take care of others.” Hines said the day is great because it gives everyone—students, faculty, parents, and other supporters of the school—a chance to give back to the Covenant culture and community by being externally focused, which he thinks is a special hallmark of the school.

“This is the service component of our vision, to give kids a chance to see in a practical way how they can be the hands and feet of Christ in the community. And we hope that it’s fun, too,” said Hines. CCHS student Betsy Bird (‘20) appreciates that the day is about service, but she also thinks that Gone Servin’ is unique in the collaboration and trust that exists between students, teachers, school administration, and organizations.