Christian Engineers or Engineering Christians?

About Christian Engineers or Engineering Christians?

Abstract

As humans we tend to seize hold of popular catch phrases and apply them ad nauseam in an effort to increase attention and profit through association. Often, because of the proliferation of the term, its original meaning and significance becomes lost. Inevitably, the term ends up being applied inappropriately, further tainting its effectiveness. Christians are not exempt from this excessive behavior. In fact, the very term “Christian” itself has been, and continues to be, applied liberally to phrases, occupations, and organizations to describe anything remotely, and sometimes not so remotely, associated with Christianity. But what does it mean when we add the “Christian” modifier to an institution (e.g. Christian college) or an individual (e.g. Christian engineer)? Are we using the term properly or have we watered down its essence by overuse and misuse? The main focus of this paper is to encourage thought and discussion as to the appropriateness and implied meaning behind the application of the term “Christian”. This paper starts by taking a look at what the author considers to be the Biblical meaning of the word. It then evaluates various contemporary usages of the term “Christian” based on this meaning, applied to both institutions and individuals. The paper concludes by challenging us to carefully consider how we use the term “Christian”, with a final encouragement to be more than a Christian engineer; to be an engineering Christian.