Stewarding Our Bodies: A Visio

Most college students struggle tremendously with their bodies.

Numerous issues related to the body plague higher education. Students struggle with sleep, mental health, eating disorders, sexual identity questions, clothing choices, obesity, and alcohol problems, among other concerns. Too often Christian colleges try to meet these challenges with rules instead of setting forth a vision of what it means to steward the body―a precious gift from God that has been bought with a price by Christ.

Students, faculty, and staff at faith-based institutions need a theological framework and biblical wisdom by which they can better understand, nurture, and celebrate life in all its fullness. Stewarding Our Bodies draws from the expertise and experiences of researchers and practitioners both within and outside higher education to provide relevant insights and suggestions for those who desire to help students better bear God’s image. Most important of all, it sets forth a positive vision by which to understand the precious gift God has entrusted to us―our bodies.

Includes contributions from:

• Stephen T. Beers
• Andrew Borror
• Steve Conn
• Robert Covolo
• Janet B. Dean
• Justin Whitmel Earley
• John D. Foubert
• Perry L. Glanzer
• Jonathan Grant
• Lea D. Hart
• Julia D. Hejduk
• Connie Horton
• Lisa Igram
• Lisa Graham McMinn
• Austin T. Smith
• Felicia Wu Song
• Stephen P. Stratton
• Mark A. Yahouse

Perry L. Glanzer is a Professor of Educational Foundations at Baylor University, a Resident Scholar with Baylor Institute for Studies of Religion, and Editor-in-Chief of Christian Scholar’s Review. He is the coauthor, author, or editor of over a dozen books, including Identity in Action, Christ Enlivened Student Affairs, The Dismantling of Moral Education, and Identity Excellence.

Austin T. Smith is a doctoral candidate in the higher education studies and leadership program at Baylor University and previously served as a resident director at Pepperdine University. In addition to his current work, Austin has served as the Associate Editor in Chief of Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development.