Engaging Faith: Evangelicals in a Secular University Setting
Journal name: Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions
Original article title: Paul A. Bramadat, The Church on the World’s Turf: An Evangelical Christian Group at a Secular University
The journal “Archives of Social Sciences of Religions” publishes advanced research on religion in French, English, and Spanish. It studies the sociology of religions and religious traditions or theologies. It is supported by the INSHS-CNRS (“Institut des Sciences Humaines et Sociales”)
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Subtitle: Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2000, 200 p. (bibliogr., index)
Original source:
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Sébastien Fath
Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions:
(Founded in 1956 and published quarterly”)
Full text available for: Paul A. Bramadat, The Church on the World’s Turf: An Evangelical Christian Group at a Secular University
Year: 2002 | Doi: 10.4000/assr.1620
Copyright (license): © Archives de sciences sociales des religions
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
In his book "The Church on the World’s Turf: An Evangelical Christian Group at a Secular University," Paul A. Bramadat offers a profound ethnographic study of an evangelical Christian group situated within a secular university environment in Canada. The study, which focuses on the Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF) at McMaster University, draws attention to the lesser-known presence of evangelical Protestantism in Canada, especially in contrast to its more recognized American counterpart. Bramadat's work is notable for illuminating the dynamics between a minority religious group and a predominantly secular academic context, emphasizing how these students navigate their faith amidst competing ideologies.
Engagement with Secular Environments
One of the key concepts explored in Bramadat's work is the idea of maintaining a distinct evangelical identity while simultaneously engaging with a secular university milieu. The students of IVCF are portrayed as actively participating in the broader campus life, fostering an ongoing dialogue with their non-Christian peers rather than retreating into isolation. This approach reflects a sort of implicit "contract" where they pursue engagement and conversion without compromising their beliefs. They see themselves not as an insular group but as part of a broader conversation, striving to assert their 'evangelical difference' and actively confronting the secular ideologies present on campus.
Gender Dynamics within the Group
Another significant theme is the role of women within the IVCF, which comprises a majority female membership. Bramadat highlights how the group offers women opportunities for leadership and community that may not be readily available in traditional evangelical assemblies. However, he also notes a paradox; despite increased participation, many women in the group uphold traditional, non-egalitarian views regarding gender roles, particularly in pastoral leadership. The emotional and relational aspects of faith engagement emerge as crucial, with the individual experiences of women in the group echoing broader societal pressures while also providing a supportive and affirming environment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bramadat’s ethnographic study challenges oversimplified narratives about evangelical groups in secular settings, suggesting a nuanced interaction characterized by both engagement and distinction. While recognizing underlying tensions, he posits that these students often embody a comfortable coexistence between their evangelical commitments and their participation in the secular academic landscape. Although the work points to limitations in historical context and some underdeveloped theories, it provides valuable insights into the complexities of faith and identity among evangelical students in a secular university in North America, offering a lens through which to understand contemporary religious dynamics in pluralistic environments.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the primary focus of Paul A. Bramadat's book?
The book studies an Evangelical Christian group at a secular university, specifically examining their interactions and strategies for maintaining their beliefs amidst a pluralistic environment.
How does Bramadat gather data for his book?
Bramadat employs long-term participant observation and numerous interviews conducted between 1994 and 1996 to explore the relationships of the Evangelical students at McMaster University.
What themes are explored in the book regarding Evangelical students?
The book examines themes such as identity, morality, interactions with non-believers, and the students' motivations for conversion in the context of a secular university.
How does the book portray the role of women in the group?
The book highlights that women compose the majority of the group, actively participating while also upholding traditional views on gender roles within Evangelical contexts.
What conclusion does Bramadat draw about the experience of Evangelical students?
Bramadat concludes that Evangelical students navigate a complex interaction between their faith and secular life, often feeling content with the tension of maintaining their beliefs in a non-religious institution.
Glossary definitions and references:
Theological and religious glossary list for “Engaging Faith: Evangelicals in a Secular University Setting”. The list explains important keywords that occur in this and other scholarly articles. It is also linked to the glossary for understanding that concept in the context of History, Religion, Philosophy, Theology, Sociology etc.
1) Student:
Students in a secular university setting, particularly those involved in the IVCF, navigate their faith and social interactions, showcasing an interplay between their religious beliefs and campus life.
2) Woman (Women):
The role of women in the evangelical group is substantial, as they form a majority and find unique ways to express commitment while navigating gender-based expectations and responsibilities within the church.
3) Religion:
Religion, particularly evangelical Christianity, shapes the worldview and lifestyle choices of the participants, creating distinct moral frameworks that often challenge the prevailing secular culture.
4) Book:
The book serves as an ethnographic study of an evangelical Christian group, offering insights into their dynamics and the challenges they face within a secular campus environment.
5) Environment:
The secular environment of the university poses challenges for evangelical students, requiring them to balance their religious commitments with interactions in a pluralistic social context.
6) Spiritual:
Spiritual commitments manifest strongly within the group, guiding members’ actions, including aspects of worship, prayer, and their overall lifestyles contrasted with secular norms.
7) Taoism (Taoist tradition, Daoist tradition, Daoism):
[see source text or glossary: Taoism]
8) Campus:
The campus acts as both a battleground and a space for dialogue, where evangelical students engage with their peers and negotiate their faith amid academic and secular pressures.
9) Love:
The concept of love, particularly in relation to Christ, plays a pivotal role in shaping the emotional and spiritual lives of the students, driving their commitment and community interactions.
10) Young women (Young woman):
Young women within the IVCF find a supportive community, yet grapple with the tension between their faith and cultural expectations, especially regarding leadership roles in church activities.
11) Testimony:
Testimony functions as a significant means of expressing faith, highlighting relational and emotional dimensions rather than merely rational arguments in interactions with others.
12) Dimension:
The dimension of spiritual commitment is reflected in the behaviors and practices of the IVCF students, influencing their lifestyle choices and societal engagements.
13) Universe:
The universe of interactions among students illustrates the complexity of living out faith within a secular framework, negotiating their beliefs against contrasting worldviews.
14) Debate:
Debate does not serve as the primary objective; instead, the goal remains focused on conversion, reflecting the overarching mission of evangelism among group members.
15) Sex (Sexual):
Sexual ethics represent a crucial area of distinction for the IVCF students, who consciously choose to abstain from behaviors considered normative in the surrounding secular culture.
16) Faith:
Faith manifests as a core tenet that guides the students' identities and actions, situating them within a broader tradition of evangelical Protestantism.
17) Young girl:
[see source text or glossary: Young girl]
18) Literature:
[see source text or glossary: Literature]
19) Reflection:
Reflection on their faith often seems underdeveloped among IVCF students, leading to challenges in articulating their beliefs when confronted with opposing views.
20) Experience:
Experience within the group allows students to engage with both their spiritual and everyday realities, creating a complex tapestry of faith influenced by diverse contexts.
21) Commitment:
Commitment to their faith drives students to engage with both their peers and the university community, attempting to bridge the gap between evangelicalism and secular ideals.
22) Substance:
The substance of their shared experiences and practices provides a rich understanding of how evangelical students navigate their identities within a secular educational framework.
23) Monogamy:
Monogamy is upheld as a moral value by evangelical students, contrasting with broader societal trends towards casual relationships and highlighting their distinct norms.
24) Child (Children):
[see source text or glossary: Children]
25) Rhetoric (Rhetorical):
Rhetoric concerning spiritual warfare and evangelism serves as a linguistic tool that shapes the group's identity, influencing members' interactions within the university setting.
26) Ultimate:
The ultimate goal for students remains centered on conversion, motivating their social interactions and shaping their engagements with non-Christian peers.
27) Alcohol:
Alcohol consumption is often avoided among evangelical members, marking a clear distinction in lifestyle choices that align with their moral framework.
28) Worship:
Worship practices within the IVCF provide emotional and spiritual fulfillment, creating a closely-knit community while expressing their collective faith through music and prayer.
29) Release:
[see source text or glossary: Release]
30) Refuge:
The IVCF does not act as a refuge from secular influences; instead, it engages actively with the campus to bring a Christian presence into broader discussions.
31) Prayer:
Prayer is integral to their community, acting as a means of support and connection with their faith while navigating the secular environment.
32) Desire:
Desire for both faithfulness to their beliefs and engagement with the secular world creates a tension that students often negotiate in their daily interactions.
33) Erotic (Eroticism):
[see source text or glossary: Erotic]
34) Fight:
The fight against cultural norms presents itself in various forms, with members confronting challenges linked to their evangelical identity in a predominantly secular landscape.
35) Heart:
The heart is at the center of their emotional expressions during worship, linking the students' experiences of love and commitment to their faith practices.
36) Judge:
The notion of judging others is approached with caution; students express a reluctance to critique non-Christians, focusing instead on their own faith journey.
37) Crime:
The concept of crime, particularly in relation to historical transgressions of Christianity, arises in discussions, challenging students to reconcile their faith with its legacy.
38) Light:
[see source text or glossary: Light]
39) Limit (Limiting, Limited):
The limits of their interactions with secular society often prompt students to reflect on their beliefs while attempting to maintain their evangelical identity.
40) Camp:
The camp context of the IVCF offers a setting for spiritual development and communal support, drawing parallels with traditional camp meetings in evangelical history.
41) Mind:
[see source text or glossary: Mind]
42) Drug:
Drug use is typically eschewed by the IVCF members, reinforcing their commitment to a lifestyle that aligns with their evangelical moral standards.