The Barton Principle
Dr. Barton wrote:
Coming from Dr. Barton, this is a very authoritative statement. It is also a very important one. Is Dr. Barton right? Is the idea that we are able to carry on difficult discussions nicely what makes our liberal arts environment Christian?
What makes our liberal arts environment Christian is the opportunity for
people to take part in even difficult discussions in an atmosphere where
truthfullness is sought, and humility, forgiveness, respect, grace, and trust
are offerred in other-worldy measure.
Coming from Dr. Barton, this is a very authoritative statement. It is also a very important one. Is Dr. Barton right? Is the idea that we are able to carry on difficult discussions nicely what makes our liberal arts environment Christian?
posted by an analytical college student | 11:20 AM
3 Comments:
What I think is sad is that he makes a very good point...and in an ideal world that would indeed be a wonderful quality to make Rochester College truly unique among it's sister schools and in its market. However, based upon my time at Rochester College (2.5 years) I can say that rarely did I feel this was true. It seemed to me that great emphasis was put on ideas and idealogies that a very small minority of the students identified with and instead the feelings and ideas of a greater majority were deemed unimportant simply because they belonged to a majority.
Indeed, it would be a very good thing if Rochester College was consistent with its lofty claims but even that wouldn't make it "Christian". For a liberal arts environment to be "Christian," it would have to make the Gospel its central focus. Merely "playing nice," while important, does not make us Christian.
Oh, I totally concur. There are few things that make RC "Christian" though you may not know it from the signs it bears.
Case in point: http://www.flickr.com/photos/amybaby5784/289640140/
Post a Comment
<< Home