The Decline of the Secular University

by C. John Sommerville

The American university has embraced a thorough secularism that makes it increasingly marginal in a society that is characterized by high levels of religious belief. The very secularization that was supposed to be a liberating influence has resulted in the university's failure to provide leadership in political, cultural, social, and even scientific arenas.

In The Decline of the Secular University , C. John Sommerville explores several different ways in which the secular university fails in its mission through its trivialization of religion. He notes how little attention is being given to defining the human, so crucial in all aspects of professional education. He alerts us to problems associated with the prevailing secular distinction between "facts" and "values." He reviews how the elimination of religion hampers the university from understanding our post-Cold War world. Sommerville then shows how a greater awareness of the intellectual resources of religion might stimulate more forthright attention to important matters like our loss of a sense of history, how to problematize secularism, the issue of judging religions, the oddity of academic moralizing, and the strangeness of science at the frontiers.

Finally, he invites the reader to imagine a university where religion is not ruled out but rather welcomed as a legitimate voice among others. Sommerville's bracing and provocative arguments are sure to provoke controversy and stimulate discussion both inside and outside the academy.

Genres: Education, Religion

160 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2006

Reviews

[Emily Herron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was outstanding! I’m so glad I read this right before college!

[Enoch Kuo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Historian C. John Sommerville makes the case that Secular Universities have, for the most part, lost their cultural influence in society,and this is in a large part because of a commitment to secularism (distinct from the secularization process). He suggests that a revitalization of the university may occur in the generations to come from welcoming religious scholars and theological discourse back into the university.

[Steve Wiggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Academics are too often afraid to admit that religious thought has value. Sommerville demonstrates that leaving the soul out of education comes with a price. Almost a little evangelical at spots, this is a much needed book. Please read more at: Sects and Violence in the Ancient World.

[Thomas Grosh IV · Rating 5 out of 5]

C. John Sommerville speaks with clarity and focus. The title says it all. A "must read" for those involved with Higher Education.