The University of Mobile (UM) board of trustees recently approved several measures designed to further integrate faith and learning at the Baptist-affiliated university, as administration and faculty focus on what it means to be “distinctively Christian.”
The board actions formalize a direction the university has been pursuing under UM President Mark Foley’s leadership since 1998.
“We intend for this university to be known for quality scholarly engagement, leadership development and a distinctively Christian philosophy,” Foley said. “The actions taken by the board today are designed to more clearly define that philosophy.”
Christian affirmation
As part of the overall guiding principles of the university, the board affirmed the inclusion of a Christian worldview into the operations and culture of the university and adopted a “Statement of Christian Affirmation.”
Foley described a “Christian worldview” as a distinctively Christian philosophical and cultural core perspective that permeates every element of the university, from academics to administration.
The “Statement of Christian Affirmation” affirms that the institution adheres to key Christian theological beliefs regarding the nature, ethic and mission of Jesus Christ. It will accompany the university’s mission statement, philosophy statement and goals as a guide for the growth and development of the school.
Foley said he will appoint a faculty and staff advisory committee to explore and recommend ways to further incorporate a Christian worldview into the university system.
UM’s trustees also approved a recommendation to change the name of the school of religion to the school of Christian studies to better reflect the academic program that studies and promotes Christian evangelical church ministries from a biblical and Southern Baptist perspective.
Beginning this fall, undergraduate students will take a school of Christian studies course titled “Christian Worldview” that incorporates into one course what is currently a biblical ethics course and chapel courses. Students will explore the Christian perspective on issues such as citizenship, marriage and family, volunteerism and service, and theological/philosophical life concepts. Undergraduate students will also be required to complete a semester of volunteer church or community service work in order to graduate.
The statement is on the university’s Web site, which can be found under the resources/links section of www.thealabamabaptist.org. (UM)
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