Do Engineering Programs at Christian Universities have a History?

About Do Engineering Programs at Christian Universities have a History?

Abstract

The question as to whether engineering programs at Christian colleges and universities have a history may seem an odd question to ask. It is common to assume that everything and everyone has a history; that is, nothing exists in the present that does not have roots reaching to the past. History, however, is the shared narrative-in-progress that gives definition to cultures, institutions, places, and technologies. When recognized as such, then the question as to whether an engineering program has a unique history seems appropriate and the answer to this question less than obvious. Within the past century, the technological leaders in western culture have lived out a narrative of the engineering profession that has re-cast what it means to be an engineer and what it means to be educated as an engineer. The ground motives for this modern story of engineering are in tension with the overarching biblical narrative that defines who we are called to be in Christ. Planted amidst the field of engineering universities growing since the land-grant era, Christian engineering programs are relatively new arrivals on the educational landscape. Possibly due to this late development, it appears that the narratives that have driven Christian institutions of higher education to develop engineering programs do not parallel the narratives shaping early engineering education. While there are many important stories that define our purpose and existence as Christian engineering programs, some provide a more robust foundation for building a Biblically grounded engineering program in harmony with the gospel vision for re-creation, renewal, and restoration. I will argue that for the activity of engineering (as some recent authors have argued for culture as a whole) the best way to change (i.e. renew, restore, re-create) culture is to make culture. Writing our history is one way we make culture. Writing our engineering history is also the best way for an institution to stay on task. It establishes the dominant rhythm and pulse for the Christian engineering program. Reaffirming our identity in our history making, we can avoid the secularized narratives that misdirect our programs. Even worthwhile Christian narratives, when absolutized, may dominate our academic dialogue and keep us from fulfilling a crucial calling of the people of God. If Christian institutions draft a distinctive history in the context of the larger Biblical narrative, I believe the need for more engineering and music programs (and other culture making programs) will become apparent.