Academic jeopardy

IN "The Left University" (Oct. 3) James Piereson mentions a critical element of education that is lost to the modern university, but for some reason he does not bemoan that loss. With the adoption of the German university model, he writes, "professors would no longer pass along truths and traditional moral ideals, but would subject these truths and ideals to scrutiny in the search for new knowledge."

The modern university, hostile to religion and traditional theology, is wont blithely to assume that rational and scientific progress leads to the demise of religion. For those who believe religion is true, the reform that Piereson is seeking must include respect for, and curricular inclusion of, religion on its own terms, as well as its bearing on philosophy, the humanities, and the social and pure sciences.

Could it be that part of the legitimate diversity of a "reformed university" should be to make sure that religion is treated seriously and respectfully as well as critically? How can there be "the search for truth" unless there is some recognition that there is some ultimate, unified truth?

If we want to improve and strengthen the academic enterprise, the religious voice can no longer be excluded, especially given the prominence of religion in the United States and indeed around the world.

JOHN H. WHITE

President Emeritus, Geneva College

Beaver Falls, PA

JAMES PIERESON is absolutely correct in saying that we should not attempt to replace the left university with the right university but that we need to work toward the restoration of the university simply as a place of learning. The problem is how we get there from here, given the entrenchment of the left in key positions at most American colleges and universities.

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The steps Piereson discusses, such as establishing nonleftist centers within the unfriendly terrain, are all helpful but are not enough to combat the pervasive leftism we now find. It is often more sensible to go around an obstacle than to try to remove it. I believe that we need to start some new institutions that combine 21st century technology and amenities with a solid, useful education. Schools that offer a reasonably priced product without the unwanted distraction of leftist ideology would have a strong attraction compared with the costly, politicized education offered at many institutions.

GEORGE C. LEEF

Director, John W. Pope Center for Higher Education Policy

Raleigh, NC

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