Vanguard University

[Hopeful candidate]

Phone interview with Vanguard this week... no idea how many candidates they are contacting.

I have also updated this on the wiki.

[katydid]

First of all, congratulations! I haven't gotten any responses back yet, and that's great news.

Second, I have a question about this school. I was looking at the website for Vanguard and it seems like a pretty intensely religious institution - not just the vague stuff about upholding Christian values that I've seen at some other Christian colleges, but a confession of faith (on the "Values" page) that includes tenets like a belief in "the resurrection of both the saved and the lost, the one to everlasting life and the other to everlasting damnation." As full disclosure, I'm a lefty atheist queer, so it probably wouldn't be the best fit for me anyway... but my question is, how does one approach teaching and research in that kind of environment? Are there just topics you steer away from? Do you teach Marx? What are the draws to working in an exclusively Christian institution? (and, in this economic climate, having a job offer is certainly a draw!)

I swear I'm not trying to be a troll or take anything away from your callback - your post just piqued my interest and I'm legitimately curious about how you approached the job posting. Again, congrats!

[Original poster]

Thank you for the congratulations! As tough as the market is, it's encouraging to get an interview.

My understanding is that Vanguard does have expectations regarding faculty and faith, and that these expectations are more than just words on a mission statement. My own full disclosure, I consider myself a theologically-liberal Christian. As such, it seems likely that my transparency in my application materials was viewed favorably.

As to the question about how one does research, etc in this environment, there are a lot of opinions and ideas (and often debate) on this topic. I have not, as of yet, worked at a religious institution, so I can't really speak from experience on this topic.

As far as the draws to working at an exclusively Christian institutions, it would not be entirely accurate to describe my situation as being "drawn" to exclusively Christian institutions. I am applying to religious and secular institutions alike, and feel that both types of institutions have unique benefits for me.

Your questions are thoughtful, and I trust that your intentions are good, so I feel bad that I have danced around your questions so much. Unfortunately, I know that trolls lurk, and I have seen threads about "how can you be a sociologist at a religious institution?!?!" get ugly, so I am trying to step lightly

[anon]

At least one in-person interview has been scheduled for Vanguard.