Bydraende faktore tot die vorming van die Christelike identiteit van 'n hoëronderwysinstelling: 'n Reformatoriese perspektief

Abstract

This article is the third part of a research project investigating the state of Christian higher education in South Africa. The first part provided a global overview of Christian higher education, while the second part identified Christian higher education institutions in South Africa through data analysis. This article focuses on the factors contributing to forming the Christian identity of higher education institutions from a Reformed perspective.

Christian higher education has a long history and has grown globally, particularly in South America, Asia, and Africa. Many universities founded as Christian institutions have secularised over time, while others have maintained or even strengthened their Christian identity. This research seeks to determine what makes a higher education institution Christian and what factors contribute to the retention or loss of this identity.

A qualitative research design was used, and data was collected by means of thematic analysis of key works on the factors contributing to the retention of Christian identity in higher education institutions. The analysis identified six main contributing factors: the way personnel and leadership figures are appointed, the authority structures within which the institution is accountable, the role of foundational documents such as faith statements, the institution’s view of science and its relationship to the faith statement, the public rhetoric and symbolism of the institution, the way students are admitted, as well as the student-centredness of the institution. By paying attention to these identified factors, it is possible to ensure that the identity of a Christian higher education institution is strengthened and developed amidst the pressures of secularisation.