The University and the Church: Don J. Briel’s Essays on Education

Those who are interested in thinking deeply and widely about what a Catholic university should be would be served well by this collection of Briel's essays. What's important to realize is that the ideas in these essays are not mere "theories" or pipe-dreams but have been fruitfully implemented in Catholic Studies programs around the world. The book contains many seeds of renewal. For example, in one place Briel enumerates nine characteristics of Catholic Studies programs: : interdisciplinary, deeply ecclesial, participating in a tradition of Catholic minds, formative of the whole person, academically rigorous, focused on personal vocation and mission, fostering a community of friendship, and apostolic (see pp. 138-140). A must read for those passionate about educational reform in Catholic institutions of higher learning.