Faith Applications

For fourteen years InterVarsity Graduate & Faculty Ministries has been hosting a conference at the University of Illinois for scholars to explore the application of their faith in the academy. This year, faculty from Illinois, Wisconsin, and Missouri gathered to hear Dr. Robert Fortner, faculty member at Calvin College, speak on Communication, Culture, and Christian Commitment.

Dr. Fortner pointed out that the ubiquitous presence of media in the lives of students means that they look at the world as if viewing a movie. They assume that everyone is acting. They have little experience of people acting with integrity. In addition, advertisers tell them that being on someone’s speed dial can be equated with having a deep emotional relationship with that person..

At the conference, by contrast, an atmosphere of collegial communication was fostered during the times set aside for participant interaction. Faculty and students shared how being able to rapidly access information has made life easier or more difficult in their fields of study. In the sciences, the advent of programmable calculators has led some professors to ban them from test-taking situations, due to the possibility of cheating. Students can also be tempted to cheat using the text messaging function on their cell phones.

On the positive side, a student in Russian history was glad that she could scan material and send it to friends overseas who do not have access to some publications. The value of face-to-face communication was evident as the participants met with one another, offering encouragement, sharing ideas and developing relationships.

Across the country, InterVarsity offers opportunities for graduate students and faculty to grow in their faith as they live out their Christianity on campus. For more information please visit our website.