The Chronicle of Higher Education recently ran an article with a sobering title: “Why Religious Studies is in Trouble.” It told the story of many colleges around the country that are cutting back on their Bible and religion courses. Fewer students are required to take them, budgets are shrinking and some schools are even questioning if these departments are still “relevant.”
At Central Baptist College, we couldn’t disagree more. In fact, I would argue that our Bible Department is one of the most important parts of who we are.
Here’s why. Every single CBC student, no matter their major, takes nine hours of Bible courses before they graduate. That means every student is given the opportunity to learn how to read and understand Scripture, how to think through matters of faith and how to apply God’s Word in their daily lives. Those classes touch more students than any other department on our campus.
Think about that. A young man studying business is also being grounded in God’s Word. A young woman preparing to teach in a classroom is also learning how to share her faith. A future physician is learning both how to care for patients and how to see them as people made in the image of God. That’s the CBC difference, and the Bible Department makes it possible.
The CBC Bible Department also holds a rich history of training generations of BMA pastors, missionaries and evangelists. Throughout our history, the men who have taught in this department (and those who teach for us today) have poured their lives into their students. Our churches have reaped the benefit.
The Chronicle may be right that some colleges are letting go of their commitment to Bible and religion, but at CBC, we are doubling down. The Bible is not an elective. It’s the foundation for everything else. Our mission has always been to integrate faith and learning, preparing students not only for a career but for a calling.
Churches like yours make that possible. When you pray for us, when you send students our way and when you support the ministry of CBC, you are investing in more than just a college education. You are helping us teach the next generation to know Christ, to love His Word and to live out their faith in every walk of life.
So, while others may say that “Religious Studies is in trouble,” I want you to know that here at Central Baptist College, the study of God’s Word is alive and well. It is growing, it is shaping lives and it is at the very heart of what we do.
And as long as the Lord gives us strength, it always will be.
