The Outrageous Idea of Academic Faithfulness: A Guide for Students

My friend and fellow CCO staffer, Derek Melleby, has written a new book with Don Opitz , The Outrageous Idea of Academic Faithfulness.

Derek is the director of the College Transition Initiative for The Center for Parent/Youth Understanding through a partnership with the CCO. Don is associate professor of sociology and higher education at Geneva College in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania.

I'm very excited about this book. Derek and Don know their subject matter. The years of transition from High School through College are the most formative in life. This is why I do what I do in college ministry. Christians at this stage of life can either become dis-integrated in their view of Christian life and work, or they can learn to be thoroughly integrated. What I mean is this: we need to help students understand and live a worldview that does not separate their vocational study into some kind of "secular field" while their spiritual life dries up. They (and all of us!!) need to learn that they can live an integrated life where everything is redeemed through Christ...especially their studies and their vocation. Derek and Don explain this in this new book.


Here's some endorsements:
"The most difficult transition in the life of faith is from high school to college. As many fade away from the faith as come to the faith. Morals, vocation, and the simple development of the mind are each put to the test in a way unlike any time in all of life. This book, while it focuses on learning to think as a Christian, will prove valuable in each of the areas for any student who gives it the time it deserves. Read and listen, I say. If you do, you will rise up and call these authors 'Blessed!'" - Scot McKnight, author of The Jesus Creed

"The Outrageous Idea of Academic Faithfulness is an outstanding book about how Christian students can learn to be faithful to their Lord in their studies. This volume shows them why and how. Its biblical moorings, fresh and clear language, and vivid stories give it transformative power. It is pitched at just the right level to reach its target audience. The authors have invested much in writing this insightful book. Those who read it--students and teachers alike--will reap genuine dividends." - David Naugle, professor of philosophy, Dallas Baptist University; author of Worldview: The History of a Concept

"Opitz and Melleby's wonderfully outrageous little book will tickle, inspire, challenge, and encourage students to gain a real life--not just grades, degrees, and jobs. Their message is deeply biblical and splendidly relevant for today's learners and, truth be told, teachers. Well done, faithful servants!" - Quentin J. Schultze, Arthur H. DeKruyter Chair in Faith and Communication, Calvin College; author of Here I Am: Now What on Earth Should I Be Doing?


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