1st Edition

The Universities We Need Theological Perspectives

By Stephen Heap Copyright 2017
    214 Pages
    by Routledge

    214 Pages 4 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    Increasing numbers of young adults go to university. This book explores contemporary understandings of what universities are for, what impact they might be having on their students, and what visions of life and society are driving them. It criticises a narrow view of higher education which focuses on serving the economy. It argues that, for the sake of the common and individual good, universities need to be about forming citizens and societies as well as being an economic resource. It does so in the light of theological perspectives mainly from the Christian but also from the Muslim faith, and has a global as well as a British perspective. It brings together key thinkers in theology and higher education policy - including Rowan Williams, David Ford, Mike Higton, and Peter Scott - to present a unique perspective on institutions which help shape the lives of millions.

    Introduction



    Stephen Heap





    Chapter 1: The Needs of the World



    Susan Durber





    Chapter 2: The Higher Education Policy Framework



    Peter Scott





    Chapter 3: Education and Citizenship



    Rowan Williams





    Chapter 4: Education and the Common Good



    Suzy Harris





    Chapter 5: Education and the Virtues



    Mike Higton





    Chapter 6: The University as a Place of Public Theology



    David Ford





    Chapter 7: Insights from Church Foundation Universities



    Elizabeth Stuart and Michael Holman





    Chapter 8: An Islamic Perspective: What does Islam offer to the Contemporary Debate?



    Alison Scott-Baumann and Sariya Cheruvallil-Contractor





    Chapter 9: The Global Melting Pot of Universities



    John Wood





    Chapter 10: The Universities we Need



    Stephen Heap





    List of Contributors





    Index

    Biography

    Stephen Heap is a Baptist minister who spent most of his ministry in University Chaplaincy in London and Bedford, where he was also Director of a Christian education centre. From 2008 to 2014 he was the Church of England’s National Higher Education Adviser. He is now a Visiting Professor at the University of Winchester, engaged in theological reflection on what it means to be an Anglican University, and has a consultancy role at the Cardiff Centre for Chaplaincy Studies. He is the author of the Grove Booklet ’What are Universities Good For?’ (2012) and various articles on higher education.