To Lighthouse Trails:
In your list of schools that either do or don’t promote Contemplative practices or spirituality, I saw nothing about our [child’s] school, Montreat College, where ___ is studying in their Worship Arts program. It has existed there in North Carolina for many years. Any insight, opinion, or guidance you could provide regarding this school would be appreciated.
Thank you in advance for your help. _______________
Our Comments:
Hi ___________,
Thank you for writing. We are sad to report to you that Montreat College has many indications that it is a contemplative promoting college and belongs on our Contemplative College list. Here are some instances that have caused us to say this:
http://ww2.montreat.edu/AcademicsatMontreat/BibleandReligion/Faculty/tabid/722/Default.aspx (As you read the descriptions of Montreat’s Bible and Religion professors, you will see the draw these professors have to spiritual formation and mysticism advocates such as Henri Nouwen.
The Fall 2012 textbook list is riddled with examples of where Montreat is turning to contemplative/emerging type authors to teach their students. http://ww2.montreat.edu/nbspTraditionalCampus/Bookstore/CourseBookList/tabid/642/Default.aspx A few examples:
CE203 – Youth Ministry, using Duffy Robbins and Mark DeVries (both contemplative proponents)
CE303 – Evangelism, using emerging Robert Webber as well as contemplative/emerging advocate Bill Hybels
IS461 – Philosophy, using Lauren Winner’s book Real Sex
In other places at the college, you will also find a contemplative emphasis, such as their “May Term” program. http://www.montreat.edu/academics/undergraduate/may-term/ where they offer a course titled PY 480: Christian Contemplation: The Heart of a Christian Liberal Arts Education. Also a Minor in Outdoor Educaton has an emphasis on spiritual formation: http://www.montreat.edu/academics/undergraduate/minors/
I would strongly caution your ______, given the fact that the school is using material by Robert Webber and that your child is involved in the Worship Arts, which was Webber’s main emphasis. Roger Oakland wrote about Webber in his book on the emerging church, Faith Undone.
Editors
Lighthouse Trails
Note: We have now added Montreat to our list of schools that promote spiritual formation (i.e., contemplative)
