Dowden published in new book for Christian colleges

Huntington, Ind. " A new book widely distributed on Christian college campuses across North America this fall includes an essay by
G. Blair Dowden, president of Huntington College.

Dowden's contribution appears in College Faith: 150 Christian Leaders and Educators Share Faith Stories from Their Student Days, released in July by Andrews University Press. The book contains short personal testimonies and essays about faith lessons the writers learned while they themselves were students in higher education.

More than 40,000 copies of College Faith were sold to Christian colleges and bookstores in the first 12 weeks after the book's release, according to Ronald Knott, director of Andrews University Press.

We published this book because we believe administrators, teachers, staff, and students will be inspired by the simple faith stories people have to tell, Knott said. Higher education is the time when many people make formative faith decisions for good or ill. We think people ought to read simple but powerful stories like those told by Dr. Dowden.

In College Faith, Dowden's essay titled College in Balance expresses his desire to be involved in every aspect of college life as an undergrad. After getting too involved, Dowden realized that God wanted to set him on a path toward a more balanced life in order to use the skills He had given him for His honor and glory and to enjoy a growing and deepening relationship with Him.

Besides Dowden, other writers for the book include the presidents of more than 60 Christian colleges, universities, theological seminaries, and Christian ministries. Among them are Bill Bright, founder and president of Campus Crusade for Christ; Alec Hill, president of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship; J.P. Moreland, professor of philosophy at Biola University; Mark A. Noll, professor of Christian Thought at Wheaton College; the presidents of Baylor University, Pepperdine University, Fuller Theological Seminary, Azusa Pacific University, Trinity International University, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and many others.

According to Knott, more than 35 institutions placed large orders of the book, with the plan to distribute the book free of charge to students and employees during the current school year.

Timothy George, executive editor of Christianity Today and Dean of Beeson Divinity School at Samford University, says College Faith is a book of encouragement for students everywhere, as well as for those who teach them, and for all those who love and pray for them.

College Faith is available in Christian bookstores and on-line at www.andrewsuniversitypress.com.

Huntington College is a comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts offering graduate and undergraduate programs in more than 60 academic concentrations. US News & World Report ranks Huntington among the Top 10 comprehensive colleges in the Midwest. Founded in 1897 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, Huntington College is located on a contemporary, lakeside campus in Huntington, Indiana.