The dawning of the third millennium finds many Christian colleges and universities in a search for identity. Coming to grips with the confused, often maligned topic of academic freedom is an essential part of this search. In this volume, an unabashed defender of academic freedom offers well-founded advice to an academy that has seemingly lost its way. Drawing on forty years in higher education, including twenty years as president of Calvin College, Anthony Diekema reflects on the extensive scholarly literature on academic freedom against the backdrop of personal experience. He develops the larger philosophical framework necessary for thinking about academic freedom but also offers pointed advice gleaned from specific events and challenges to academic freedom that he has personally confronted. This balanced approach provides a seasoned perspective for those struggling with the subject of academic freedom in their own institutions. In the course of the book, Diekema develops a sound working definition of the concept of academic freedom, assesses the threats it faces, acknowledges the significance of worldview in its implementation, and explores the policy implications for its protection and promotion in Christian colleges.
President of Calvin College from 1976 to 1996, he now works as a consultant in higher education and for nonprofit organizations.
George Marsden -- University of Notre Dame "President Diekema shows -- contrary to some current opinion -- how firm commitment to academic freedom can operate within the context of firm commitment to a religious faith. His reflections are clear, well informed, and balanced. His insights and proposals should be important resources for administrators and faculty at any institution that is serious about maintaining both faith and freedom." Arthur F. Holmes -- Wheaton College "Anthony Diekema's work should become a standard point of reference for Christian academics and administrators in both church-related and secular institutions. He explores the meaning and necessity of academic freedom in relation to worldviews and the mission of a college or university, and offers creative proposals for policy development. A thoroughly researched, balanced, and persuasive book." Richard J. Mouw -- Fuller Theological Seminary "A wise book that ought to be read by everyone who cares about healthy Christian intellectual inquiry." Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith "Here is an articulate and informed discussion of academic freedom which combines extensive research with the author's personal experience. " Christian Century "A wise and careful treatment of this vexed topic. . . This book is not just for Christian educators. Diekema's discussion of tenure is especially good, showing how it can hinder academic freedom for younger faculty. If his book were taken seriously by administrators at any kind of college or university, it might result in a significant transformation in how we think about the teaching profession." Publishers Weekly "Former Calvin College president Anthony Diekema offers some valuable comments in Academic Freedom and Christian Scholarship. . . Diekema's two decades as a college president, and his willingness to speak openly about those experiences, make this book unique in the literature on academic freedom." Religious Studies Review "Diekema's book draws on twenty-three years of presidential leadership and a year of focused research to provide an essential book for Christian academics."
