This is a thoughtfully written book, but one that does not really draw a strong conclusion one way or the other on the appropriateness of Religion in a university. There has been a lot of discussion lately about the place of religious education in secular schools and I was hoping this book would weigh in on that, it didn't at least not in the sense I was expecting.

Still, there is a lot to be said for this book. it is educational and intelligent and the author went to a lot of research to write it. It is clear and easy to understand and interesting to consider how the ideals about the place of religion in education systems have changed over the years, including even in recent decades.

This book is informative rather than argumentative and leaves the reader to decide what they think, which after finishing it, I appreciate. Overall, it was worth taking the time to read.

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher, provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Religion in the University by Nicholas Wolterstorff is an engaging and thoughtful argument for the (continued) inclusion of religion in the university. Contrary to some propaganda, religion never left the university, but it has been shoved aside at the same time that open debate and nuanced thought was shoved aside for profit and political gain. I read this book in tandem with Standing for Reason by John Sexton and taken together they make a strong and positive case for not just our universities but our currently polarized society.

Wolterstorff presents a fair assessment of Weber's views and using that as a starting point to argue against he makes his case. I have seen a couple of people who read this as "religion should have a say in the university" but that isn't quite what I took from it. I understood something closer to religious people, faculty and students alike, should have their religious ideas included in the university. I think the difference is that, for instance, Physics does not so much have a say in the university as it is an integral part of it. Same should be true of religion.

The argument is largely directed at secular universities since faith-based universities, especially cult-based "universities" such as Liberty, have religion (or cult dogma) at their core. If universities return to being fertile ground for open and honest debate and argument (in the best sense of the word) then religion must be included since the vast majority of people have part of their identity informed by religion, whether by following one or by rejecting them. Either way, the topic and ideas are part of society and open for discussion and debate.

Two of my favorite professors at a state university where I got a couple of my BAs were not just religious people but clergy. One was an ordained Lutheran minister and the other a Jewish rabbi. Their beliefs were not hidden but at the same time they were concerned with teaching us how to think, not what to think. That distinction is the one that most worries those who question religion in education, especially at pseudo-religious schools like Liberty.

I would recommend this to anyone interested in the role, or potential role, of religion and religious people in higher education.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.

Get an introduction into a few different theories - like from Max Weber and explained in ways faith's role within university. It is not a guide to bring it in or take it out. It it more (for me) the theoretical and philosophy. As well it may not be faith specific but the main Abrahamic religions are placed as a point at times.

An accessible and academic consideration of the role of religion in university life. This text is especially salient for those seeking to integrate faith and learning.

The author's painstaking research and attention to detail is obvious in the writing of this book. The author laid out the information in a manner that allowed the reader to form their own opinion.

This book is apparently not available on kindle so I will not be reading it. I only read and review books that are available on kindle.