Concordia University Irvine Faculty Releases New Book
IRVINE, Calif. (February 2, 2016) –Members of faculty, administration, staff, and regents at Concordia University Irvine (CUI) have published The Idea and Practice of a Christian University. The 336-page paperback offers a biblical, Lutheran perspective of higher education rooted in the interaction of faith and learning.
Edited by Rev. Dr. Scott A. Ashmon, professor of Old Testament and Hebrew and assistant provost at CUI, The Idea and Practice of a Christian University paints a Lutheran mural of Christian higher education from academics to chapel, regents to students, and arts to athletics. Each chapter shows how a Lutheran approach to Christian education is oriented toward the student’s cultivation of wisdom and vocation for freedom to service to society, nature, and the Church. Discussion questions are included at the end of each chapter.
According to Ashmon, a closer look at this holistic vision of Christian education reveals two key doctrines at work: the two-kingdom lens of God’s power and grace along with the teaching of vocation. Readers will encounter topics such as:
- Distinctives of Lutheran theology for higher education
- The vocations of student and professor
- Methodological connections between biological sciences and theology
- Encountering God’s law and gospel in literature
- Student affairs under the cross of Christ
“The diverse contributors to this volume succeed in achieving a difficult aim—speaking from a
particular tradition in winsome ways that will resonate with and engage the wider academy,” says Dr. Perry L. Glanzer, professor of educational foundations at Baylor University and Resident Scholar with Baylor Institute for Studies of Religion. “Indeed, this book illuminates how and why certain Lutheran-shaped concepts and skills, such as vocation, the two kingdoms, and ‘faith seeking, understanding for service’ should continue to interact with and influence Christian and even secular higher education. Moreover, I found that the creative insights from authors spanning multiple disciplines, and even the co-curricular arena, added fresh and engaging new ideas regarding how Lutheranism can nourish the university,” comments Glanzer.
The Idea and Practice of a Christian University is published by Concordia Publishing House and is available in paperback at www.cph.org, as well as for Kindle, and iBook.
ABOUT CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY IRVINE
Concordia University Irvine (CUI) prepares students for their vocations—their calling in life. Concordia offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in education, nursing, theology, business, and athletic administration. CUI’s undergraduate program is distinctive because of its nationally recognized core curriculum, Enduring Questions & Ideas, and its Lutheran heritage that provides a thoughtful and caring Christian community that lives out the theology of "Grace Alone. Faith Alone." Concordia is a U.S. News Top Tier Regional University and has been named by The Chronicle of Higher Education as one of the fastest growing private nonprofit master's institutions. CUI enrolls over 4,000 students annually and is in year two of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II Membership Process.
CONTACT:
Lizz Mishreki
Director of Communications
Concordia University Irvine
(949) 214-3146
[email protected]