MACMILLAN The Christian Academic in Higher Education: The Consecration of Learning

This book offers a Christian engagement with the realities of academic life and work. Examining this topic from intellectual, institutional and spiritual perspectives, the author explores how the two identities – as a Christian and an academic – can both coexist and complement one another. The author provides a ‘road map’ for academics demonstrating the interaction between religious faith and the responsibilities, challenges and opportunities of university scholarship and teaching. Addressing questions such as the contentious nature of religious faith in the university environment, the expression of faith within the role of professor, and the consequences of consecrating oneself to learning, this pioneering and practical volume will be relevant to Christian scholars in any academic discipline. Review “This book is a veritable treasure-chest for the teacher who wants to learn more about learning and teaching. … John Sullivan’s book is, like the middle-aged judge in Shakespeare’s seven ages of man, ‘full of wise saws and modern instances.’ … I heartily recommend this book to all teachers who aspire to be consecrated to learning.” (John Shortt, International Journal of Christianity & Education, Vol. 22 (03), November, 2018) Review “This remarkable work, drawing on a lifetime of experience and reflection, goes deep into academic life and into Christian faith, and makes wise, illuminating connections between them. More than that, it succeeds both in facing honestly the pitfalls and difficult issues, and also in offering inspiration and practical guidance that is relevant not only to Christian academics but to anyone who is committed to learning and teaching as a vocation.” (David F. Ford OBE, Regius Professor of Divinity Emeritus, University of Cambridge) “This original book provides a creative dialogue between Christian faith and spirituality, on the one hand, and the everyday realities of academic life, on the other. Over against the increasing commodification and managerialism of universities, John Sullivan shows how the basic tasks of academics may be evaluated from moral, spiritual, and religious perspectives. His insights, especially on the spiritual dimension of learning, will be illuminating and engaging for readers with a wide variety of commitments.” (Jeff Astley, Professor, University of Warwick, UK; Honorary Professor, Durham University, UK) “This is an extraordinary and impressive tour de force that explores the interaction and creative tension between the life of Christian faith and the life of intellectual and scholarly activity in the contemporary university. Professor Sullivan draws from his extensive professional experience and expertise in a range of academic disciplines to produce this fascinating book about the nature and role of the Christian scholar. This scholarly book offers serious challenges to Christian and secular scholars and to the self-understanding and construction of the Academy.” (Professor Stephen McKinney, Leader of Creativity, Culture and Faith, School of Education, University of Glasgow) “This study explores what it means to be a Christian scholar and teacher in higher education.  Reflecting the wisdom born out of high quality scholarship and extensive educational experience, the book does two things particularly well.  While articulating the motivations and hopes coming from a Christian educational perspective, it addresses the professional commitments that a scholar of any or no religious background should have, working in an open university in a pluralist society.” (Graham Rossiter, Professor of Moral and Religious Education, Australian Catholic University) “A timely and thorough consideration of university teaching and learning from a Christian perspective, this book is particularly valuable in addressing both the Christian university experience and the experience of Christian faculty in secular universities. Affirming that intellectual wor