In recent dialogue with the Department of Religion faculty at a Christian denominationally related university, it became readily apparent that one should not take for granted agreement as to the distinctiveness of Christian higher education, even among faculty of a Christian university. "Christian higher education is one of those categories that people find very difficult to define." Is it enough to hire academicians and staff members who are Christians, hold prayer before some classes, and require Chapel along with certain curfews and restrictions? Many see these as entirely adequate and the sum total of what defines a Christian university-namely, to graduate students who were taught by Christian teachers. With that mindset, Christian colleges are merely producing a product while attempting to influence that intended product toward Christ. Others argue that there must be much more to the idea of a Christian university than merely producing graduates who've had the opportunity of sitting under some excellent professors who are Christians and participating in a really strong BSM (Baptist Student Ministry).
Dane Fowlkes is Chaplain of the University and Instructor of Missions & Practical Theology at East Texas Baptist University, having served as a missionary with the International Mission Board for seven years in Kenya and India. He previously served as academic dean of Kenya Baptist Theological College and lecturer at St. Paul's United Theological College in Kenya.