The Works of God

My heart sank as I read over the recommended reading list from one of the speakers at a seminar last week.  I was familiar with most of the authors and many of the books on that list, and there were few I could commend as being faithful to the Bible or helpful in building up the faith.

But I had forgotten where I was.  This was an academic discussion on a university campus.  The rules are different.

During her presentation, the seminar speaker pointed out the basic problem with many of those books on her list.  It was refreshing.  And it did not diminish these books’ importance in the subject area.  Competent academic engagement with the subject requires one to be familiar with the arguments presented in those books.

Thus, “recommended” meant something different than commending them as being edifying or helpful.

I compared her list to the list Brenda Fischer has put together for the library at Bethlehem.  Not one book or resource appeared on both lists.

I wonder how we can bridge this gap.  Ideas discussed within colleges and universities have a tremendous impact on the culture.  The church needs to be engaged.

What do you think?  I’ll share some of my thoughts tomorrow, Lord willing.