The Christian College and the Meaning of Academic Freedom (PDF)

William C. Ringenberg is Professor of History emeritus at Taylor University, USA. He is also a past president of the Conference on Faith and History, and an associate research fellow at the Center for the Study of Religion and American Culture. His major work is The Christian College: A History of Protestant Higher Education in America.

"This book is timely and badly needed. It is fair, balanced, thoughtful, and discerning. It provides wise counsel to those responsible for the protection of academic freedom in both Christian and secular academies." - Anthony Diekema, President Emeritus, Calvin College (1976-95), USA, and author, Academic Freedom and the Christian College







'This is a well-conceived project by one of the most seasoned scholars to study Christian higher education in the past generation. The book has the added benefit of Ringenberg's clear and felicitous prose, his ability to weave story and ideas into a readable narrative, his sense of balance, fairness, and Christian charity. A very helpful book for anyone interested in academic freedom in the Christian college world.' - Barry Hankins, Professor of History and Director of Graduate Studies, Department of History, Baylor University, USA





"This book is helpful not just for scholars in Christian colleges but also for those in secular universities. With clear style, lucid histories, and riveting case studies, Ringenberg argues for an understanding of academic freedom that can draw together scholars from different types of institutions when they value intellectual humility and are interested foremost in seeking truth." - Philip Goff, Director, Center for the Study of Religion and American Culture, IUPUI, USA






"This is a comprehensive, carefully-researched, and thoughtfully written work. Scholars, policy-makers, faculty and administrators, and all those who want to be more fully informed about this branch of higher education will find this work an absolutely essential part of their library. Some of what you may believe to be true about Christian higher education will certainly be challenged. And that is a good thing." - Ronald Mahurin, Vice President for Strategy and Planning, Stamats Higher Education Consulting, USA