The Challenge and Promise of Pluralism: Dimensions of Spiritual Climate and Diversity at a Lutheran College

Bryant, Alyssa N.; Craft, Christy Moran

doi:10.1080/15363750903182201

Cited by 8 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 18 publications

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“…56). Evidence from the larger case study (of which this was a portion) exists to suggest that Lutheran College is, indeed, facing that same challenge (Bryant & Craft, 2010).…”

Section: Religious Affiliation Of the Collegementioning

confidence: 93%

Conceptualizations of Spirituality, Religion, and Faith: Comparing Biblical Notions with the Perspectives of Protestant Christian Students at a Lutheran College

Craft

Rockenbach

2011

Christian Higher Education

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As part of a larger investigation into the spiritual climate at one Lutheran college, we interviewed Protestant Christian students in order to compare their conceptualizations of spirituality, religion, and faith with biblical notions of those concepts. We found that the students' understandings of those concepts only loosely reflected general understanding within the higher education literature, and a significant disconnect existed between their conceptualizations of the relevant terms and those found in the Bible. In an effort to make meaning of our findings, we discuss existing literature about religious illiteracy as it relates to inherited faith and to the impact of institutional religious affiliation.Spirituality and religion not only influence the lives of many Americans in general (Subbiondo, 2006) but also play a salient role among college and university students in particular. Dalton and Crosby (2007) suggested that because the college years are "a time of great personal reflection and transition in beliefs, values, and commitments" (p. 2), many students are drawn to spirituality and religion. Given this interest among students, it is not surprising that a number of scholars in higher education have become interested in the role of spirituality and religion in higher education. One of the primary challenges faced by both scholars and practitioners, however, relates to that of adequately conceptualizing spirituality, religion, and related constructs such as faith.

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“…56). Evidence from the larger case study (of which this was a portion) exists to suggest that Lutheran College is, indeed, facing that same challenge (Bryant & Craft, 2010).…”

Section: Religious Affiliation Of the Collegementioning

confidence: 93%

Conceptualizations of Spirituality, Religion, and Faith: Comparing Biblical Notions with the Perspectives of Protestant Christian Students at a Lutheran College

Craft

Rockenbach

2011

Christian Higher Education

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“…Even at an ELCA university, a member of one of the more liberal Protestant denominations that includes institutions like California Lutheran and Pacific Lutheran, the campus climate towards gays and lesbians was one of ambivalence, although gay employees described ELCA as "more accepting" (Bryant & Craft, 2010). In general, however, gay and lesbian students at religious universities find the prevailing attitude towards homosexuality to be negative, a perception confirmed by heterosexual students.…”

Section: Campus Climatementioning

confidence: 91%

“…A study at an ELCA institution revealed that conservative students felt targeted by the more liberal mainstream population on campus (Bryant & Craft, 2010). Although conservative students were seen as a source of divisiveness by many, in turn they perceived a disconnect between the liberal principles of tolerance and their experience of intolerance of their more conservative views.…”

Section: Religious Conservativesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Individual perspectives on homosexuality, therefore, strongly influence the overall climate. Bryant and Craft (2010) suggest that "individual versions of Christianity" (p. 417) lead some to advocate for inclusionary practices, while others hold to the position that homosexuality is sinful. Claiming there is often a tension between institutional and individual worldviews, Joeckel and Chesnes (2009) argue that "political and theological homogeneity" at CCCU institutions "pressures into silence those who do not tow the institution's party line" (p. 123).…”

Section: Institutional Tensionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Similarly, Watson (2015) observes that her "responders' frequent lamentations about vague policies indicate that such ambiguities often create confusion and may even limit the resources available for students who experience same-sex attraction" (p. 97). This ambiguity highlights some of the tensions that exist between the official position of the church and individual views of students, faculty, and staff (Bryant & Craft, 2010;Joeckel & Chesnes, 2009). …”

Section: Studymentioning

confidence: 99%

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Withstand or succumb : Christian universities and the implications of Obergefell v. Hodges

Pickering¹

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Most Christian universities support a traditional view of human sexuality. It is uncertain if they can survive with their religious identity intact, given the rapid increase in societal acceptance of same-sex marriage. The 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision legalizing same-sex marriage increases pressure to be more affirming. Thirty-four presidents at universities in the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) participated in a survey, and twelve were interviewed to explore their perceptions regarding that pressure and potential responses. The study was framed by institutional isomorphism theory, and data were analyzed using basic qualitative research methods. The results show that coercive isomorphism is the strongest mechanism, with current pressure to conform emanating from state and federal government.Regional variance is considerable as institutions in the South report little pressure while those in blue states like California report strong local pressure. It is experienced in actual or implied threats to remove student access to state and federal financial aid and eliminate tax-exempt status at universities that discriminate based on sexual orientation. Liberal voices within the Church, accrediting agencies, LGBT advocacy groups, and changing student values are other sources of pressure. Universities seek compromise solutions but are prepared to mount a legal challenge based on the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment. They are not prepared to deal with changing student values, the strongest long-term source of pressure. To withstand pressure to conform, Christian universities must craft a unified response; find alternative sources of funding; engage and educate their boards; and find a way to assure young people that it is possible to be kind and loving while holding non-affirming policies related to same-sex marriage.

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Faith-Related Determinants of Organizational Commitment

Bell-Ellis

Jones

Longstreth³

et al. 2012

Handbook of Faith and Spirituality in the Workplace

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The Challenge and Promise of Pluralism: Dimensions of Spiritual Climate and Diversity at a Lutheran College

Cited by 8 publications

References 18 publications

Conceptualizations of Spirituality, Religion, and Faith: Comparing Biblical Notions with the Perspectives of Protestant Christian Students at a Lutheran College

Conceptualizations of Spirituality, Religion, and Faith: Comparing Biblical Notions with the Perspectives of Protestant Christian Students at a Lutheran College

Withstand or succumb : Christian universities and the implications of Obergefell v. Hodges

Faith-Related Determinants of Organizational Commitment

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