|
Shaping Faith & Values: Perspectives on Augsburg as a Lutheran College. . .
Perspectives on Augsburg as a Lutheran College. . .
Members of the Augsburg community were invited to reflect and comment on the significance of Augsburg as Lutheran college, and how it makes Augsburg special.
Kathryn Swanson
Professor and Chair, Dept. of English
"In the tradition of Martin Luther, Augsburg College is a place where members of the community - staff, students and faculty - can plunge into bold and vigorous examination and discussion of issues central to personal and corporate faith and life in the world. That this activity is at once exhausting, invigorating and liberating is most certainly true!"
The Rev. Oscar A. Anderson, Class of 1938
President of Augsburg, 1963-1980
"The hallmark of the Lutheran Confession is the gospel of Jesus Christ capsulated in the words: grace alone, faith alone and the word alone. It is important that a college of the Lutheran Church be rededicated both to vigorous academic pursuits and to an unapologetic openness in welcoming, studying and proclaiming this gospel. Policy, practice, piety and polity are subordinated to this central core. The vigorous presence of the gospel will be the distinguishing mark of Augsburg if it is to continue as a Lutheran church college."
The Rev. Herbert Chilstrom, Class of 1954
Former Presiding Bishop of the ELCA
"The Lutheran Church was born in an academic community - Wittenburg, Germany - and has always looked to our colleges for educated and committed leadership. We need our colleges more than ever as we embark on the adventure of a new millennium."
Terry Cook, Class of 1997 MAL
Co-chair, Dept. of Social Work,
MAL Program Coordinator
"Being Lutheran allows us to acknowledge a heritage that invites involvement of others. Discussions in classes can acknowledge the spiritual side of individuals, and the added dimension provides a wonderful aspect not allowed or discouraged in public institutions. Augsburg reflects its heritage."
Jay Phinney, Class of 1979
Associate Registrar
"On occasion, students who transferred
to Augsburg from another college or university will mention how nice it is
to be able to discuss religion and personal faith issues in the classroom or individually within the college community. Sometimes
it takes an outside perspective to remind
us of a benefit all too easy to take for granted. I appreciate that Augsburg College encourages discussion and open dialogue on religion and religious issues."
Kristen Opalinski, Class of 2003
"I believe that the strong Lutheran heritage really impacts the campus life here at Augsburg. You can feel the love and nurture here through campus ministry, daily chapel services and how the Augsburg community, as a whole, cares for each other every day."
The Rev. Charles S. Anderson
President of Augsburg, 1980-1997
"Being a Lutheran school means that Augsburg can be an active servant in a creation which is the gift of a loving God, and can nurture others, in gratitude to God, in unselfish service to all. Our failures do not diminish the nobility of our call, nor the wonder of forgiveness."
Joel S. Torstenson, Class of 1938
Professor of Sociology Emeritus
"For any vital institution to summarily sever a major part of its historical identity seems to me a very imprudent act. Having spent most of my life as a student and professor at Augsburg College, I have found its historic identity with the Lutheran church in the main supportive of, rather than antithetical, to the vital role as a liberal arts academic institution.
Back to Faith & Values special section home | Back to Now Online Home Page
|
