Written by Dr. Rick McPeak, Assistant Professor of Ministry at Greenville College.
Reprinted with permission from the March/April 2002 Light and Life Magazine.

I have come to believe that the liberal arts education we provide at Greenville College begins at the Islamic Mosque in Northbrook, IL. Students who had been snoozing through what they thought would be Sunday School 101 are jarred awake by the confident assertions of Dr. Musa Qu'tub, who suggests that each of them will be "the loser" if he or she does not listen to the words of God dictated to Muhammad by God through the angel Gabriel.

Most students know they disagree with Musa and are put off by his claims, but few have any idea why. Many have a faith that acts as fire insurance, but little or no intellectual infrastructure. More dangerous than that, however, is the fact that until this moment have not really been to concerned about it.

In the wake of the Muslim challenge, Christian students scramble for logical, experiential and traditional authorities to find a new equilibrium for their faith. Such a spiritual and intellectual fruit-basket upset can provide the impetus for the radical type of searching that is necessary for authentic faith. No better example of this method of ironic disequilibration can be found than in the teachings of Jesus. To the rich young ruler, the scribes and even the disciples of the Lord isssued confrontations, cryptic challenges and even condemnations as he sought to shake them out of the preconceived notions that held their spiritual growth in check. Once the nutshell of indifference is cracked a student can begin the process of education.

Normally the difficulty of reconstructing an intellectual framework for a life of faith results in a sense of humility that makes a seeker open to teaching. Guided by the imperatives of human cognition (be attentive, be intelligent, be reasonable, be responsible) the earnest students can reexamine or examine for the first time the foundations of his or her faith. Such a student, no longer at ease in Zion, becomes a true seeker and a truth seeker. These students call out the best in their instructors, asking questions from the soul. While such a struggle might temporarily hamper a young person's ability to propagate his or her religion, the end is transformation of spirit and identity that renders one useful to the kingdom because that one has truly endured the labor pains of a new birth. As a professor it has been my privilege to be witness to many such rebirths and in turn to be transformed myself.

Some may think it is dangerous to expose students to phenomena that so radically challenges faith. I think it is dangerous not to. The threat of having Jesus say, "Depart from me, I never knew you," is delivered to professing followers, not to pagan outsiders. we follow the example of Christ when we challenge the authenticity and depth of our students' faith, and God is faithful to complete the work that He has begun in them. Jesus says that anyone who resolves to do the will of God will know whether the teaching is from God (John 7:14-18), suggesting that the intellectual chaos of doubt can best be quelled by a volitional commitment to God. So in the words of Professor Emeritus Dr. Frank Thompson, we exhort students to keep their hearts warm while they get their heads straightened out.

Response from Rick McPeak
Professor White and I agree that we are teaching postmodern students who need additional foundation in the Christian faith. Though we differ in approach we address this problem within a similar context, that of the living and learning atmosphere of the Christian liberal arts college. In this context we come alongside our students to ensure continuing dialogue regarding issues of intellect and faith.

I agree that students need "heroes" to whom they can look. They need mentors who continue to be persons of faith whether they begin by challenging or by nurturing students' preconceived notions. Our college offers this intimate interaction where students can find partnership no matter what stage of development they are in. With Dr. White, I concur that it is our job and our joy to "showcase" both the gifts and grace of God. When students see authentic faith in their instructors, and have a chance to interact with persons who embrace the tension inherent within higher education, they find a compass for the spiritual journey.

I also agree that we must get them into the Word. Just as we keep their noses in the data of all creation we also let them read the Bible, the whole Bible. And we do it with them. We allow the problems to arise, but we also seek to solve them. they are solved in the community of faith that is the church. The same community of faith that through the ministry of the Holy Spirit gave us the Bible. Thanks be to God, who through the Holy Spirit continues to lead us into all truth. So with confidence in God's grace and leading we continue to engage students in their journey of faith whether it be by challenge or by defense.