Why You Should Study With The Land Center

Here at The Land Center for Cultural Engagement, our goal is to introduce the study and research of important ethical, cultural, and political topics through a biblical lens to carry out our mission:

To train the next generation, equip the church, and host important conversations on the intersection of Christianity and culture.

To offer students and opportunity to prepare for calling into public service, advocacy or ministry on a range of issues, the Land Center is now offering a Faith and Culture Concentration at Texas Baptist College, which includes four classes: Human Dignity, Church and Culture, The Church and the Digital Age, and Religion and Public Policy. This concentration will be taught by Land Center director Dan Darling. “I’m thrilled at the idea of helping to nurture and guide students as they consider how God may be leading them to engage an increasingly complicated world.”

Here are the four classes:

CST 4303 Human Dignity 

A survey of the doctrine of humanity and the intrinsic value of the human person. Students will survey biblical, theological, and historical principles that have shaped Christian belief on human nature and its inherent worth. Critical issues raised by contemporary ethical, philosophical, scientific, and medical developments will also be considered.

CST 4313 Church and Culture

An introduction to issues of the Church and her cultural context. The introduction will include an examination of current contextualization models and practices and provide a framework for understanding Christian engagement with society in our current global context—this will include insights on the church and politics and the pastoral involvement in social issues. Additionally, this course will include perspectives on Christian participation in culture through culture-making endeavors.

CST 4323 The Church and the Digital Age 

The significant changes in digital technology have dramatically transformed the world. This course will introduce students to the new digital environment in which the Church proclaims the timeless truth of the gospel. The introduction will consider the nature of digital communication—including contemporary trends in digital media and journalism—its transformative impact on culture and explore how innovative technologies present obstacles and opportunities for ministry.

CST 4333 Religion and Public Policy 

This class explores the relationship between religion and politics in a liberal democracy. What is the appropriate role for religion in politics and how can “faith-based” organizations impact social policy? This class aims to explore how religious and cultural factors interact with public policy issues, including education, socioeconomics, politics, science, conflict resolution and globalization.

Students will explore these topics in depth through a biblical perspective and learn how to serve faithfully in environments that involve humanities, ministry, digital technology, and public policy. Classes will begin in the Fall semester.

The Land Center can also connect students to public policy internships through several organizations, such as World Relief, Prison Fellowship, and internships in Washington, D.C. with organizations such as ERLC and in Austin, TX with organizations such as the Texas Public Policy Foundation.

If you are interested in preparing for a life in public service, politics, or advocacy work, a degree at Texas Baptist College with the Faith and Culture concentration might be right for you.

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