BUIES CREEK, North Carolina – Campbell University’s Department of Religion & Philosophy has changed its named to the Department of Christian Studies, effective immediately.
The new name more accurately communicates and captures the nature of the department’s curriculum and scope of the program, said Dr. Adam English, chair of the Department of Christian Studies.
“Classes within the department focus primarily on Christian faith and topics relevant to the Christian church — its history, beliefs and spiritual texts,” he said. “In addition, departmental courses are taught from a Christian perspective.”
The departmental name change also extends to the names of the degree programs that the department offers: a Bachelor of Arts in Religion is now a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies and the minor in religion is now a minor in Christian studies. The prefixes for courses within the department will change from the RELG prefix to the CHRS prefix, as well.
“While the name Christian Studies reflects our proud commitment to the Christian identity and mission of Campbell, it also affirms our commitment to the life of the mind,” English said. “For us the life of the mind and the life of faith do not represent two separate and irreconcilable spheres. . . . In the Department of Christian Studies, we hope to exemplify faith through learning.”
English adds the changes are purely appellative. Course requirements remain the same, and the program remains open to people of all faiths.
“In the Department of Christian Studies, all are invited to the table,” English said. “Like a big Southern pot-luck where everyone brings a dish to share, different faiths are welcome to share ideas and exchange perspectives. Individuals of no faith will receive a warm welcome, too.”
The B.A. in Christian Studies, he added, is the perfect preparation for divinity school, the vocation of ministry, and numerous other professions, including business communications, chaplaincy, law school, education, public service and journalism.
“Now more than ever there is an aching need in North Carolina, in the country, and in the world at large for mature and thoughtful disciples of Jesus to apply themselves rigorously to the study of the faith,” English said. “Our students graduate with the tools and skills to articulate the good news of faith, hope and love with conviction and clarity.”