Why Are Professors Liberal? Here's One Reason

Why Are Professors Liberal? Here's One Reason
by Matt Kaufman on 01/21/2010 at 2:56 PM

The overwhelmingly liberal tilt of university professors has been explained by everything from outright bias to higher I.Q. scores. Now new research suggests that critics may have been asking the wrong question. Instead of looking at why most professors are liberal, they should ask why so many liberals — and so few conservatives — want to be professors.

A pair of sociologists think they may have an answer: typecasting.

After an unusually extensive study, Neil Gross and Ethan Fosse argue that academia “has acquired such a strong reputation for liberalism and secularism that over the last 35 years few politically or religiously conservative students, but many liberal and secular ones, have formed the aspiration to become professors.” In other words, many liberals want to live the campus life precisely because campuses tend to be liberal, while many conservatives reject that life for the same reason.

That's not the only reason for academia's politics, of course: Gross and Fosse cite several others, which you can read about in the Times (or in their original paper) if you're so inclined. But I do think they're on to something. Most people — even those who say they "celebrate diversity" — like to be around people more or less like themselves. Or, at least, they don't want to spend all their time around people who frown on people like themselves.

All perfectly understandable. But also too bad.

I'm not going to complain here about liberal professors. (It's been done.) I'm going to complain about conservatives who might be inclined toward academia but steer clear of it because of all those liberals. (Like me, in my foolish youth: I almost didn't even go to college because I thought I'd spend all my time fighting with them. I'll tell you all about it sometime.)

I'm thinking especially of social/moral conservatives, most of them Christians. Where are we needed more than the places where we're underrepresented — on campus, say, or in the arts? If we have the talent for those fields, then maybe God's calling us to use it there.

I stress that word "maybe." We may have good reasons not to go there — other callings, other duties. Let's just make sure they are good reasons. Being comfortable, or avoiding being uncomfortable, doesn't count. God wants us bold, not safe.

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1. BDB said the following at 4:02 PM on Jan 21:

Well, from a recruiting standpoint, there is a problem. Social conservatives can easily be denied an interview if they don't answer the diversity question right.

Religious organizations often have a statement of faith question on their application. I've not gotten an interview with any I applied to. I always wondered if I'd answered that question wrong. Not sure if one should just copy the NAE Statement of Faith or paraphrase it, and if that would be inadequate when applying to an organization full of Reformed folks...

It undoubtedly varies by field. Some fields are extremely hostile to religious conservatives. You'd never get tenure without toeing the party line.

You might be able to get away with it in Business or Accounting, where you're not necessarily going to be researching the most controversial things.

That said, I once interviewed with a Botany department. Not one word was said about diversity or institutonal goals in that respect. Natural Scientists may be perfectly happy keeping politics out of the lab. Of course, Botany and Agriculture fields are doing research on genetically modified organisms - something liberals tend to be against, even though the professors see themselves as finding a way to feed the world's poor without pesticides.

One common route is to go teach at one of the small conservative-leaning liberal arts colleges, such as Hillsdale or Claremont McKenna College. If you want to teach on the American Founding, departments interested in that will typically welcome conservative views. But...if that's your claim to fame, it may limit employment options with more liberal schools.

Finally, it's way easier to work a private job, and teach part time as an adjunct of some kind. They're filling slots for those teaching jobs. They may neither ask nor care about one's politics. One of the things I did with my degree program is make sure I was qualified to teach Introduction to American Politics. Without being politcally biased, it's possible to open up students to a whole world where Christian thought was important.

And tenured professors often hate teaching intro, so they'd be happy to outsource it to an adjunct professor.

2. Michael Fumento said the following at 4:16 PM on Jan 21:

As a conservative reporter in a field where only 8 percent of us regard ourselves as so inclined, I must say it is really, really tough being "bold." Hard on the psyche, hard on the wallet. The editors make it clear you're not wanted. I can only imagine it's like that in academia, too, and I've heard horror stories - though of course anecdotes are just that.

3. Emily said the following at 5:00 PM on Jan 21:

@#2 - Michael

I am a 19 year first-year journalism/photojournalism student, and I can already feel the pressure.

I'm only in my 2nd quarter and I (along with the small band of fellow Christians I've found in my major) have had serious doubts about continuing. I just feel like I really *really* don't belong in this field - it's ripe with stepping on other people to get to the top, liberal leaning bias, and downright lying and cheating to get what you want.

But, then, as I've discussed with my few friends - maybe that's all the more reason to stay in my major!

4. kyle. said the following at 5:43 PM on Jan 21:

i may be overly cynical, but i think that conservatives rarely aspire to academia more because they are not welcomed than that they are not inclined towards the field. tenure track in many disciplines depends very strongly on agreeing with those in charge, most of whom have tended to be liberal for the last 30+ years. even entertaining the idea of entering academia is discouraged by liberal professors who challenge, attack, and even mock their conservative students. why would someone want to try for something when they know they will not be given a fair chance at success?

5. Becca said the following at 5:45 PM on Jan 21:

THANK YOU!

I have recently transferred an moved across the country to attend on of Canada's most liberal of University's. It has been a shock to my equilibrium and caused me to question how I interact with people. Especially regarding what I should(n't) say. I feel God has called me here, and while there are a few Christians it feels like everyone seems to have a problem with those who think that there does exist things that are "right and wrong" let alone those who are going to be open about the fact that they have beliefs. To make matters worse, I am studying music and want to work in composing for film and theatre. God has been showing me how much I need to be on my knees praying for wisdom for my actions and speech. I believe that He has placed this dream and passion in my heart and will open doors, but it seems like a very lonely road trying to navigate the journey as a Christian in a secular university and in a secular arts community. Thank you for posting about this topic... I'll take all the support, prayers and encouragement I can.
Blessings,

6. endlessnights said the following at 6:57 PM on Jan 21:

@Emily (#3) Don't let a careers, hmmm, 'way of life' stop you from doing what you want. Im 21 and going to start a 4yr degree next year here in New Zealand in Visual Communications, Majoring in Graphic Design and Minoring in Advertising Design, the field Im getting into (Graphic Design) is very ego based, landing big high profile contracts are many peoples aims, as is getting a big pay packet...Admittedly I want a substantial pay pack as well, but not to buy all the latest gadgets and cars, but to put to a better use. ANYWAY...be the change in your respective field of work, be a positive influence.

7. JenFromMA said the following at 8:36 PM on Jan 21:

NB: The following paragraph pretty much turned into stream of consciousness and meandered a little off topic. Sorry!

I was JUST in the car talking with one of my friends about the liberal/conservative issue (we're both Christians). We go to a private women's college in Massachusetts, and as Christians we are definitely in the minority. I definitely understand the issue of "liberal" professors--I've had quite a few denounce Christian thought or beliefs--but I guess I have an issue, on either side, with such finger pointing and accusing. This article seems to suggest, in my opinion, that "those liberals" aren't Christians. I know PLENTY of liberal Christians, who are Bible-believing and take their walk with the Lord very seriously, but who are practically shunned by some conservative Christians because they voted for Obama. THIS IS RIDICULOUS. God is so much more than politics, and while I am more of a moral conservative (don't agree with gay marriage and abortion rights), I don't think it is my place to say that the more "Christian" party is either the Right or the Left. How about some humility and grace, for both sides?

Sorry. Rant over. :).

8. Christopher U said the following at 10:17 PM on Jan 21:

With that being said. I am specifically going to school for my doctorate (in mechanical engineering) so that I not only can have the job I desire but also be able to influence the next generation of engineers. One of the flaws with conservatives, is we are known for being closed minded—not saying liberals are not guilty of this also. We have to learn how to express our beliefs and reasons without being condemning but still bold and unwavering. Yet still be able to remain friends and allies in wanting to teach.

9. BDB said the following at 11:48 PM on Jan 21:

Remember, in the U.S., a Ph.D. is intended for a career in RESEARCH, and those jobs are often in academia. So...is there something you are passionate about researching? If you're not passionate, you'll never finish a Ph.D. program. They're too demanding.

Much of the political advocacy among religious conservatives isn't anywhere near Academic Research. To be respected by your opponents in an academic setting, you need to be able to put the research together that backs up your beliefs. For many of the things religious conservatives believe, it's hard to "prove," if for no other reason that some morally objectionable behaviors are the kind of thing people will lie about on a survey...

10. Kathleen said the following at 11:58 PM on Jan 21:

You failed to mention the most significant finding of the research:

"Mr. Gross and Mr. Fosse linked those empirical results to the broader question of why some occupations — just like ethnic groups or religions — have a clear political hue. Using an econometric technique, they were then able to test which of the theories frequently bandied about were supported by evidence and which were not.

Intentional discrimination, one of the most frequent and volatile charges made by conservatives, turned out not to play a significant role."

11. Roxanne said the following at 12:25 AM on Jan 22:

Hey boundless - this is a good one.

I've struggled with this question for the last 10 years of my life.
I'm an international student studying architecture in the UK.

It's an aggressive alpha male environment with harsh repercussions if you don't conform. Some tutors encourage you to get drunk/stoned in order to be "creative". Some tutors and bosses if they like the look of you as a girl try to encourage you to do inappropriate things to get ahead or loose your job or accept low marks.

And many students and tutors openly deride Christ.It's tough.And it's lonely. It can be painful for sure.

I've often wondered if I misunderstood God's calling incorrectly and I should just give up completely.

But through each and every hardship I have ever faced so far God has brought me through it as painful as it was. Demonstrating his power to an unbelieving world. It is true - when God exalts you no one can tear you down.

My best moment came a couple months ago.A professor I came to love very much (in the agape kind of way) died of cancer admitted to taking communion again. At her funeral her pastor who had recently started to visit her said that she'd managed to find peace with God. This woman had been angry with God for over 20 years. We got on well architecturally but it took over 4 years for her not to be antagonistic towards the things of God as she watched me try to live out my christian faith. It was lovely to see her gradually become more accepting.

This year I'm with new professors. I agree that they think me strange. But it's been a year and a bit and I had my first great conversation so far. We just talked about the meaning of life and how it is that life can be so empty. We also spoke about the horrors of binge drinking. I simply left it at - there is definitely more to life.

I've also managed to win a couple of architectural competitions. And I've just been offered a pretty decent job even before I've graduated.

I've had my own agonising soul searching to do and I've questioned God many times if I'm doing the right thing.

You can use your work and your studies to glorify God. Both by working excellently as onto him. Prayerfully seeking to do your best working hard and well. And while you're doing that the way you live your life will be a big impact on those who work with you and who watch you. Though they mock you they will definitely be watching you. And who knows how many souls will be won?

Blessings

12. Matt Wolfgang said the following at 6:41 AM on Jan 22:

While not a professor, I am a scientist that works with human viruses at a major public university research institution. I have been in the academic research field for a few years now and went to a major public university (Penn State). So I can definitely agree that there is a good bit of homogeneity in the people who are the top professors. (Post-docs, grad students and research techs are a different story)

One thing that I might note however is that with many of these professors you can have great conversations about the basic science; what you see in the lab, on the dish or under the microscope, etc. You can also propose great mechanisms, theories and research topics with lots of support from your superiors if the science is good. However that can break down mighty quick once the conversation moves off into the realm of social issues, economics, politics, let alone Christianity and Jesus. And quite frankly I think that those sort of interactions keep many quality Christian scientists and academics away from professorship, be it by selection committee bias or just aversion to getting into the academy where Jesus is seldom named.

I know I'm not the only Christian as a biomedical scientist in academia and it has been so encouraging to see what the Lord has done in just my career (short as it is), but we can definitely use more laborers.

13. Emily said the following at 6:52 AM on Jan 22:

@6 endless nights - I'm doing my best! I know that if God wills it, a way will be made for me. :)

14. Darren said the following at 8:32 AM on Jan 22:

So, its basically a self-fulfilling prophecy. More liberals want to be professors and therefore that's why more liberals are in academia.

Hopefully, this is not too much of a digression, but have sometimes discussed with friends, how really excellent surgeons are rarely Christians. (I know there are exceptions ie. Ben Carson) We conjectured that at least part of the reason for this is that Christians are often unwilling to give up everything in order to pursue this kind of excellence in medicine. For these kind of excellent surgeons, they put in crazy hours and devote themselves to their craft. For Christians this would be pretty hard as they would possibly have to sacrifice their spiritual and family life. Academia like medicine can be incredibly competitive and often requires significant sacrifices. These are sacrifices that Christians are often unwilling to make. I am not saying that you can't be Christian and be in one of these professions, I am just saying that it is more challenging and can be difficult. Those Christians who are able to live for Christ and be in a competitive and challenging profession, are surely examples for all of us and are people who have a lot to teach us.

I would be interested to hear what someone like Professor J. Budziszewski who does your columns would say about this study.

Lastly, let me just say that having spoken to some Christians who are employed at Christian Universities, that academic life there can be equally challenging, but for different reasons. Unfortunately, we as Christians sometimes are guilty of "eating our young." If you as a professor don't have the "right" theological views, than you are deemed unacceptable to the ruling elite of your Christian University. By "right" theological views, I am not talking about whether you believe that Christ is the Son of God, or that the Bible is infallible, I am talking about such timeless debates as Arminianism vs. Calvinism, and debates between different degrees of fundamentalism. For someone who is outside of the ivory towers of academia, this is all pretty disheartening.

15. John said the following at 10:32 AM on Jan 22:

JenFromMa,

It would take way too long to explain here, but be assured, the right IS biblical! The left is NOT!

Do you know what Obama's very first act as president was?

Look up Mexico City policy.

The left are pro-death, pro-perversion, communist and socialist, all of which is anti-Biblical.

So, no, you don't know Christians that are Bible-believing, because if they believed their bible, they wouldn't be liberal!

16. Mike Theemling said the following at 10:42 AM on Jan 22:

Much in the same way that I don't think journalists sit around a conference table and say, "How can we slant the news to be anti-conservative and pro-liberal?" I don't believe there is a widespread conspiracy within academia either (although some individual professors can clearly be biased).

However, I do believe as this paper points out there is a tendancy towards groupthink, especially in certain areas (e.g. political science, biology, etc), and this in turn, either consciously or unconsciously, comes into play when either seeking or finding tenured professors.

I considered academia as a career once, but I'm the type of learner to enjoys a breadth of topics rather than a focus on just one particular discipline.

17. Matt Kaufman said the following at 10:54 AM on Jan 22:

JenFromMA (#7),

Clarification time: My post wasn't chiefly about strictly political liberalism per se. The study and The New York Times repeatedly linked "liberalism and secularism," and that's the kind of liberalism I wanted to focus on: the kind that largely rejects God as creator of the world and the basic moral order of family and social relations which Christians have long avowed. That's also why I focused on "social/moral conservatives, most of them Christians." Hope that clears up my intent.

18. Jeremy said the following at 12:00 PM on Jan 22:

John (#15):

The left are pro-death, pro-perversion, communist and socialist, all of which is anti-Biblical.
So, no, you don't know Christians that are Bible-believing, because if they believed their bible, they wouldn't be liberal!

I really think that kind of simplistic "us vs. them" mentality is unhelpful. No party lines up very well with Christian beliefs, and almost no individual accepts all of the platforms of the party for which he usually votes. There are liberals who are anti-abortion, there are liberals who are anti-gay-marriage (pretty easily seen in CA)*. To lump everyone who says they are liberal into an "evil them" category and declare that they are not Christians is too easy and inaccurate.

* I chose those issues to highlight the ones political Christians tend to harp on, not to imply that they are the only or most important of issues

19. JenFromMA said the following at 1:12 PM on Jan 22:

Matt: Alright, thanks! That makes a lot more sense but I think that did comes across in the article. I wasn't defending liberalism in those ways at all--especially in the ways that they attack the Lord and basic societal structure, which I have countered in classes and with some of these professors (probably not very well, of course!).

And Jeremy (#18), thanks for saying what I would have said to John (#15) much more eloquently than I could have!

John (#15), I definitely understand where you're coming from, but I guess I'm thinking more about some issues like social justice--looking after the orphans and the widows. Doesn't Jesus cite that as "true religion"? And I really don't think it's yours or mine or anyone's place to say that just because someone has certain political beliefs, they are therefore not believers.

20. Matt Tucker said the following at 1:59 PM on Jan 22:

I had just written up a post, and I think I accidentally deleted it – maddening! However, the gist of it was this:

To Roxanne, and others who feel as she does:

And many students and tutors openly deride Christ.It's tough.And it's lonely. It can be painful for sure.

Over the years, I've learned to take a different view of these situations. When it seems your associates can't stop insulting God, you can view that as a glass half-full or half-empty. The half-empty view is that here are people who constantly curse God, full stop. The half-full view is that here are people who constantly curse God because they cannot stop thinking about Him, no matter how much they try.

Romans 2:15: they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them

From that perspective, I've learned not to mind it nearly so much when people talk badly about God because it shows that He's working in their consciences, even if they will not admit it or even acknowledge it to themselves. What they need is for you to be that constant witness to them. I liked the story you told, about the lady who took four years to make peace with God. Four years of being a consistent light for God. But here's the thing: I've seen that happen in my own life with people I had very little hope for. It will happen for anyone who remains steadfastly faithful.

Galatians 6:9: Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

21. mary kate said the following at 3:00 PM on Jan 22:

hm. i spent 5 years in advertising and am now getting an art ed masters degree, so i have been and continue to be surrounded by all sorts of 'liberals.' the funny thing is that to them, i'm really conservative, whereas on here, i think there are many who would call me a flaming liberal. ;)

anyways... as far as the liberals wanting to be surrounded by people just like themselves... DUH. most people do that. and honestly, i think christians can be the worst offenders. how diverse are most of our churches? do they welcome people who are curious, but still living lives rife with very obvious sin? most of us don't want 'those people' in our churches or lives. we want people who cover their sin, or only participate in the acceptable ones (gluttony, etc).

i also think that for many christians, the questioning and openmindedness that goes along with academia is not something they want to pursue. many are happy to stick to what they know, and not question our understanding of the bible, jesus, god, etc. am i firm in my beliefs? YES! but i can engage in discussions about them, admit that i don't have all the answers, and pursue lines of questioning just out of curiosity or a desire to wonder and seek and search, and ask what if? or why? or how does that work? i can admit that even though i don't think buddhism leads to salvation, some aspects of it are interesting or even beneficial.

and jeremy #18... i agree completely. these things aren't so black and white. christians come in all shapes and sizes and are all at widely different places in their walks.

22. Esther said the following at 5:36 PM on Jan 22:

I've really appreciated this conversation, as I feel that I am an academic at heart. While at university, I certainly felt the liberal bias among the professors, but that is not what discouraged me from pursuing a career in academia. Time and priorities were the issue. When I saw the struggles experienced by the graduate students to balance classes, research and personal life, all while going deeply into debt, I realized I wanted to do something more real and less theoretical.
I have been blessed to end up with a job that is research related, with a very practical bent, and have not had to slave and starve through years of grad school to get to this point. Of course, I'm not able to be a force for change in a university or professor setting, but the reality is that most professors in my field (horticulture) don't spend a lot of time with students- they're more focused on doing research and getting published so they can make tenure and maintain their position in the field. From what I've seen of the successful profs, most have almost no social or personal life. Their achievements are admirable, but I'm not sure it is worth giving up family, friends, church, etc.
Still, I did know some strong, even out-spoken Christian profs in college. They were great men, and I admired their willingness to stand essentially alone against their colleagues. They truly loved what they did, and they were good at it, which lent credibility to their witness. I think that is important to remember.

23. Stephen said the following at 5:45 PM on Jan 22:

Great topic, Matt. It's quite sad, really, because a professor has so much influence and can make a world of difference in someone's life--case in hand, Professor Theophilus from the Boundless webzine. I find myself constantly inspired by his vast experience and most everything he has to say.

24. Lauren B. said the following at 6:51 PM on Jan 22:

I'm going to be a teacher myself, and frankly, I'm not quite sure what I exactly want to do.

My concern is that if I tried being an English teacher or an history teacher, I would end up with liberal teachers or professors with revisionist mindsets. It seems like the only place one would be safe from all that would be Art...or special ed.

Would art teachers even have as much impact on students as an history or English teacher? How could God use one to impact the world this way?

Help me out here, guys...

25. obewan said the following at 12:35 AM on Jan 23:

#18 I agree we need to avoid the us vs. them syndrome.

I think liberals become professors because they have some kind of agenda to make the world a better place and they think educating youth is a good way to change the established order of the day.

Some conservatives don't see any problems with social issues like homelessness, injustice for the poor, oppression in government, abuse of women, unnecessary wars, yada yada yada...they are happy to go on with no changes....

26. Marci said the following at 7:54 AM on Jan 23:

Just a comment - I am conservative, and know many other conservatives in my PhD program. We're all planning to be professors.

And if it's worth anything, I've heard professors (at least three) now mentioning that they need to be careful not to assume that students in a PhD program aren't Christian...and measure their words accordingly. So I think we are making a difference. It seems like at some point, profs assumed that all their students must be atheists...and now that this 'sweep' of Christians is in the department, well, they are realizing the importance of collaboration and respect towards practitioners of a religion they don't believe in.

And this is at the University of Toronto, no less!

27. Marci said the following at 7:57 AM on Jan 23:

P.S. I'd also like to add that my comment is not to imply that liberal Christians don't exist, but respond to the role that conservative Christians are having in our department.

Most people are pretty open about whether or not they are Christian and conservative or Christian and liberal....and in my department, I think the Christian Conservatives outnumber the CL's.

28. Roxanne said the following at 2:26 PM on Jan 23:

Hi Matt #20

Thanks alot for your encouragement.
You're absolutely right.
Sometimes it's not easy being called a "fool for Christ" especially when you are young in your faith or never been tested or challenged about where your faith lies. It really is a kind of persecution. And it is one that matures you.

Beyond realising that the people who curse God are under conviction - I've come to realise you need to have what is called "the mind of Christ". Only by realising the eternal danger of that person's soul and most often that person is suffering in one way or another can you look beyond the "offence" of that person's view about God to their need. It frees you and sometimes eventually saves them.

I was also speaking to the fact that I do architecture in the UK. Anyone who knows the course I am on knows it takes 8-10 years. It's very aggressive. And I study 100 hour weeks. It's not for the faint of heart.

Sometimes I can come under attack from fellow christians who say I am not christian at all because I am a female pursuing a professional career. With my kind of hours the majority of my time is not in "church serving in ministry".That my ambitions are misplaced and my course has become a small g god.

There are christian friends of mine who have not done well on the course because they simply would not put in the time requirement needed to be well trained.

I have met some pastors who claim the most important thing is for you to be in church serving.

I almost failed my course last semester because of this. And I really had to do some deep soul searching and brought it to God.

I realised what use am I to the public if I go out to the workforce and I am not well trained? I am a drain on my employer who has to spend more time to train me before I am effective and or useful to his business. So how would I as a christian be a blessing to my boss if I can't serve him properly? Do I preach about the bible on the time when I being paid to work? Or do I work excellently?

And then I realised that after the fall man had the basic need of shelter. Architecture like any other tool exists for the benefit of man. It is just as useful as medicine/teaching or any other profession deemed "worthy". How else are cities created?

And God was/is the original architect. Did He not design the ark?
On a point closer to home ... how are hospitals/churches/schools designed?

And then of course - yes there is alot of liberalism in architecture. My bosses and tutors always marvel that I don't drink for example. They marvel that I do not resort to any of the known vices to deal with the pressure. And I don't resort to any underhandedness or evil in the heat of intense competition to win awards or prizes. Slowly the ridicule can turn into curiosity. And this can be to the glory of God.

Yes "Let us not become weary in doing good". As Christopher in #8 says We have to learn how to express our beliefs and reasons without being condemning but still bold and unwavering. Yet still be able to remain friends and allies in wanting to teach.

This is very true. This is the crux. Because if we can humbly live out our faith and belief in love and take much needed light to dark corners in the world wherever they are [even academia] we can glorify God.

The sacrifice that Darren mentioned in #14 - if it is sarcifice with a view to serving God. I'm thinking maybe this sacrifice is not in vain. I'm having to do it - even now and I'm glad to say that God surely helped me through the tough bits.
Sacrifice with ambitions towards purely worldly gain and fame isn't so cool.

Maybe one of the answers to this question is what does it really mean to "put God first".

29. Samaria said the following at 7:40 PM on Jan 23:

communist and socialist

John (15), if you'd let go of your capitalist biases, you'd come to understand that there is a stronger argument for Christians being in support for these two things than there could ever be for capitalism. Taking a general view of both, socialism would be what Jesus would want for society - everybody is equal in the eyes of government; everyone is taken care of a they ought to be; everyone helps others and only take their share - while capitalism encourages greed, self-interest, and selfish ambition. I'm neither socialist nor capitalist (I like both, depending), but be careful not to confuse political values with Christian ones. They are not the same thing, especially when/where money is concerned.

30. Amir Larijani said the following at 5:54 AM on Jan 25:

I also think it depends on the department. All areas of academia are not equal.

In the arts/humanities/social sciences, you are going to see a very large percentage of liberals.

In the engineering departments, you are going to see a lot more balance. At my alma mater, the engineering department tended to be quite centrist, with a significant number of conservative Christians--not including one Mormon, who was more conservative politically than any of the evangelicals--among them.

On the other hand, the humanities/social sciences department was overwhelmingly secular and liberal.

Are these departments as they are, because conservatives are eschewing them? Or are they that way because conservatives are being locked out? I'd say that there is a little bit of "yes" on both.

Being an IT professional in the academic world, I've seen this firsthand.

Is it so much of "we need to keep those conservative religious nuts out of our territory"? No. It is a lot more of people wanting others who resemble themselves.

The disparity between departments also seemed to reflect the way that the professors viewed their work.

In engineering departments, they do not look at their work in terms of social engineering. They are more concerned teaching and advancing the body of knowledge in aerodynamics, thermodynamics, electronics, nanotechnology, structural mechanics, fluid statics, materials sciences...things that are objectively demonstrable.

(In engineering, it's a lot more cut-and-dried: if you can develop a more efficient means of handling engineering problems in mechanical vibrations, no one is going to ask about your political leanings. Especially if you are an American, as Americans are in comparatively short supply in such departments.)

What I have witnessed in the humanities/social sciences world: they look at their work not merely in terms of advancing research and promoting innovation in their fields, but also as social engineering. They are liberals because they want to transform society, and they see their roles as an integral part of that. The conservative is an affront to those objectives, and therefore is more likely to be dismissed because "he is not a 'team player'."

31. Leah said the following at 12:21 PM on Jan 25:

As a college student, I definitely see a liberal bias on campus--equally among students and professors. In class they often assume that everyone there is on the same page politically and spiritually, while I sit shrinking in my seat wondering if I should point out that not everyone in the room has the same view of abortion or what have you.

In my department, however, things are nicer--it's hard to show so much of a liberal, non-Christian bias when you're teaching the mechanics of a foreign language. Somehow everyone there knows I'm a Christian but I don't feel disrespected for it.

On such a small campus, we have lots of contact with the professors, and they often become more like friends than just a voice that lectures at you all day. I just try to be a witness to them by clean living, work ethic, kindness, and dedication to my faith:
"I moved the due date, because I bet you want to sleep in on Sunday anyway."
"Haha, actually I get up and go to church."
"Really? Every Sunday? But you're so busy."
"Well, I need it, you know."

Little dialogues like this can show them a thing or two about us and our Lord, I think!

32. Marcus said the following at 3:28 PM on Jan 25:

In my experience, while there are many professors in the sciences who are quite liberal, there are still a good number of science professors who are Christian. The head of the Bioengineering Department at MIT is Christian, as well as the former head of the Nuclear Engineering Department, the Dean of Undergraduate Education, and many others. There's even a non-tenured chemistry professor who is not shy about his faith, and yet he has the total respect of the rest of an fairly liberal department due to the quality of his work, though his colleagues may occasionally joke about his not drinking alcohol. Christians have a great opportunity to make a mark in the sciences.

My guess, however, is that there are substantially fewer Christian humanities professors at top institutions. This is because beliefs about humanity are precisely what make a faculty candidate qualified or not. If a humanities department is predominantly anti-Christian, it's not going to hire a Christian faculty candidate because his work will be incriminating rather than redeeming.

I also wonder if the fact that scientists study God's creation while humanities people study fallen man has anything to do with it? It's a lot easier to say "eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die!" if one has no concept of how things were meant to be due to a life spent studying the ruin of mankind.

On a personal note, I am challenged by this discussion, because I was just saying how I've been turned off from pursuing a career at a top research institution because of the atmosphere found in such departments, and I would rather teach in a less materialistic environment. I have plenty of time to think about it, but thanks for the input!

33. Consumer Unit 5012 said the following at 6:21 PM on Jan 25:

John: "It would take way too long to explain here, but be assured, the right IS biblical! The left is NOT!"

You fail theology forever.
Go re-read the Book of Matthew, then get back to us.

School Prayer: Matthew 6:5-7
Economics: Matthew 6:19-20
Morality: Matthew 7:1-4

I could go on, but what's the point, in a world where people would buy a "Who Would Jesus Waterboard?" T-shirt un-ironically?

34. mary kate said the following at 7:40 PM on Jan 27:

consumer unit 5012, i like you :)

35. Teofila said the following at 9:06 AM on Jan 29:

Marci (#26 &27):

Oh my goodness. Another conservative Christian at the University of Toronto. I thought I was the only one!

Now I might even go to grad school.

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