Respectful Conversation

Abilene Christian University Press

Christian academic administration is a peculiar journey for which few are prepared; and those who embark on it are often surprised. These writers describe the deep faith, substantial knowledge, and leadership skill required to serve well as such middle earth pilgrims. Their tales and templates for identity, choice, and community offer Christian guidance for joint expeditions in higher education. Shop talk and soul craft intersect and inspire along the way. In a time of systemic educational change, this volume delivers an applied theology for fellow travelers who share this wondrous calling.

-- Shirley J. Roels, Senior Advisor, Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education, Council of Independent Colleges; and Professor of Management, Calvin College

Christian higher education has needed this book for some time. Inspired by a vision for soul-filled leadership, and drawing from very deep wells of experience, this rich collection of essays is a must read. Heie and Sargent brought together a group of scholar-leaders who represent some of the freshest thinking with timely counsel for those who are called to lead and serve in Christ-centered higher education. This book will find a prominent place in the ever-evolving literature on our movement and, more importantly, will help direct our thinking and our practice as leaders.

-- Ronald P. Mahurin, Vice President for Professional Development & Research, Council for Christian Colleges & Universities

I am pleased to recommend Soul Care to those who are called to serve in positions of academic administration. Whether seasoned by years of experience or new to the work of academic leadership, readers will be helped and encouraged through their engagement with this volume. These transparent and reflective essays provide thoughtful guidance and advice that will strengthen academic communities for the days ahead.

-- David S. Dockery, President, Union University; author of Renewing Minds: Serving Church and Society through Christian Higher Education

iUniverse

Read a review published at The Trinity Forum   June 6, 2008

 “A gifted story teller, Harold Heie narrates the experiences of a lifetime as college teacher and administrator that taught him the way of peaceful and respectful conversation. His story is fascinating, his wit and wisdom priceless, his advice seasoned and sane. Inviting us into conversations he creates, he shows how it is done, and pleads with us to do likewise.”

—Arthur Holmes, professor of philosophy emeritus, Wheaton College

“Harold Heie treats us to an always-engrossing personal tale that speaks to everyone. Heie has a dream (we see it take shape), but he convinces us that openness to other visions—respectful conversation among us all—is vital for any earthly good that lies ahead. Heie’s eloquent plea for commitment and openness will prove contagious and revolutionary.”

—Paul Borgman, professor of English, Gordon College

“Harold Heie writes with conviction, clarity, grace and humility, blending rich personal narrative with intellectual and spiritual force. This book should be required reading for all faculty, administrators, staff and trustees who are leaders in Christian higher education. Beware! It may change your view of leadership.”

—Ronald Mahurin, vice president, Council for Christian Colleges & Universities

“Truth be told, the Truth is not in us. But it has found a good home in its servant, Harold Heie. He embodies his own teaching.”

—From the Forward, Stan Gaede, scholar-in-residence, Gordon College. President, 2001–2006, Westmont College

by Harold Heie, Michael A. King

These essays show us concrete ways in which Christians can authentically engage culture without resorting either to simple condemnation or compromise. Heie’s and King’s collection challenges us to think creatively about the challenges of discipleship in a divided world. Believers working in every quarter of the culture will be in their debt.        

 -- Jeanne Heffernan Schindler, Department of Humanities, Villanova University

Representing a wide variety of theological streams within the larger evangelical family, the authors provide practical suggestions for engaging our culture in dialogue about some of the most challenging issues we face. We can learn much from their stories of meaningful interaction with those who hold differing points of view.  

-- Loren Swartzentruber, President, Eastern Mennonite University

Heie, King, and their collaborators have produced a book that advances the project of Christian learning in distinctive ways. Its contributors speak with authority; they join practice with principle creatively; they are seeking new paths for linking faith and scholarship. The book deserves careful attention – read it and think!

-- Mark Noll, Francis A. McAnaney Professor of History, University of Notre Dame

The editors do not just argue that Christians can be more effective agents of redemption by respectful dialogue than by aggressive confrontation; they present eight highly diverse and imaginative case studies in which this actually happened. It’s a timely and very important contribution.

-- Nicholas Wolterstorff, Noah Porter Professor Emeritus of Philosophical Theology, Yale University

In an era in which biting partisanship has come to characterize what passes for public discourse, the contributors present a very different, irenic model. This is an instructive, inspiring book; the approaches offered here are eminently worthy of emulation.

-- Randall Balmer, Professor of American Religious History at Barnard College, Columbia University, and Rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Washington, Connecticut

by Harold Heie, David L. Wolfe

This is a major how-to-do-it regarding the integration of faith and learning …. It could significantly advance efforts at integration among Christian scholars and teachers.

-- Arthur Holmes, professor of philosophy emeritus, Wheaton College

The editors present a typology of various strategies for faith-discipline integration, which are then exemplified by two essays in each of seven disciplines – political science, sociology, psychology, biology, mathematics, the arts, and philosophy. In each discipline, a principal essayist addresses a significant issue from a Christian perspective; a respondent then analyzes that essay, suggesting at least one alternative approach.