The Liberal Arts and the Christian Life: Why There Is Still Hope

     To speak of the decline of both the quality and presence of the Liberal Arts in the American academy is so clearly obvious that only the ignorant, apathetic, or contrarian would disagree. It seems about every year there are numerous books adding to the already mountain of works decrying the end of the Liberal Arts.

     While it may be true that the once esteemed place that the Liberal Arts held in the academy k-12 through graduate school has not seen darker days since the fall of the Roman empire, there are signs that some are still fighting the fight. Evidence for resistance fighters within Christian circles is found in the book Liberal Arts For the Christian Life edited by Jeffry C. Davis and Philip G. Ryken. This volume, while not entirely balanced in quality, is a fine example of Christians thinking Christianly about the Liberal Arts. More importantly, this book was assembled to honor Leland Ryken. 

    I have never concealed my indebtedness to Leland Ryken. His books on the Bible as Literature, the Arts, and Literature are all on my shelves and are throughly marked up as I have lifted quotes, and insights for lectures and sermons. While Dr. Ryken has written a few "scholarly" books, he has most often written or edited books that are accessible for any who might be interested in thinking about the Liberal Arts from a distinctly Christian worldview. Additionally, I was blessed several years ago when we invited Dr. Ryken to our campus as the annual Great Books Honors speaker and it was marvelous. 

     To finally put an embodied presence to his audio lectures I had heard, and all of his books I had read, I was able to meet Dr. Ryken several years ago. Dr. Ryken was gracious, kind, humble, encouraging, and professional. He is what is best understood in the terms of a "Christian gentleman." He is rare and as a leader in the battle for the Liberal Arts, he has served in an exemplary manner for decades and continues to equip others to join the ranks.