The Darrell R. Strait Center for the Integration of Science and Christian Faith:
General Information
The page is a general description of the goals and degree offerings of the Darrell R. Strait Center for the Integration of Science and Christian Faith.
Participating Faculty:
Craig Endres
Robert Glasgow
Hillary Glauser-Patton (Faculty Associate)
Robert W. Kitchin
Rosalyn Snellen
General Introduction
The Darrell R. Strait Center for the Integration of Science and Christian Faith is an academic center housed within the SBU (SBU) College of Science and Mathematics and named in honor of our beloved colleague, Dr. Darrell R. Strait. Dr. Strait (shown in photos) was a long-time employee of the University, senior professor of chemistry and former Dean of the College of Science and Mathematics. He is also a two-time winner of the SBU Life Beautiful Award (in recognition of his Christ-like character), winner of the Missouri Governor's Excellence in Teaching Award and a true model to his peers of what it means to be a Christian working in academics in the science arena. In addition to his stellar service to the University, Dr. Strait has been active in the life of the Bolivar community and in the life of First Baptist Church of Bolivar, endearing himself to all who have known him. Beloved by the Bolivar community and the SBU family, Dr. Strait honors us by allowing us to name this academic center in his honor.
The Darrell R. Strait Center is home to an, interdisciplinary program (major and minor programs) focusing on the integration of science and Christian faith. In this Center, students study the history and philosophy of science, Biblical hermeneutics and the integration of science and Christian faith. Working from the authority of Scripture and the assertion that Christianity is true, these programs enable students to establish and validate Biblically based personal belief systems on the interrelations between science and Christian faith. With the authority of Scripture as a foundational principle, students undertake a scholarly examination of the best available science, and, all points of view about the integration of science and Christian faith. It is hoped that students participating in these programs of study will be equipped for personal evangelism and ministry in their chosen profession by facilitating the student's understanding the different belief systems of the people they encounter.
In addition to its major and minor programs, the Darrell R. Strait Center hopes in the future to provide curriculum resources and printed materials on the integration of science and Christian faith to the various publics of the CISCF and the University.