Roberts Department of Christianity
Located in Knight Hall, Third Floor
The Roberts Department of Christianity is committed to teaching and modeling Christian scholarship in the context of an historic liberal arts college. Our hope is that our students will become Mercerians, carrying to our culture the hope of life lived in the light of the gospel.
The faculty is proud to continue a tradition more than 173 years old. We are a department of teaching scholars who are actively involved in Baptist life in the South.
The Bachelor of Arts in Christianity provides a broad introduction to the classic disciplines of biblical study, history of the Christian traditions and Christian theology and ethics. The major emphasizes the development of critical reading, critical thinking and critical expression, both written and oral.
Minor
The Christianity minor includes the "Introduction to the Old Testament," "Introduction to the New Testament" and nine additional hours.
The Harry Vaughan Smith Lectures
Since 1992, the Roberts Department of Christianity, in cooperation with the Office of the President, has hosted an annual Harry Vaughan Smith Distinguished Visiting Professor in Christianity. The Harry Vaughan Smith Lectures are one of the premier events in the university, welcoming nationally and internationally renowned scholars who are able to challenge students to think about and respond to the challenges of the Christian faith.
Theta Alpha Kappa Honor Society
The department sponsors and supports the nationally-recognized honor society for the study of religion, Theta Alpha Kappa. Each year students are tapped for membership.
Vocational Opportunities in Christian Experience
This student group explores Christian vocation. Vocational Opportunities in Christian Experience (VOICE) meets monthly and conducts workshops designed to help students "find their voice" as they explore Christian ministry.
Women of Witness
This student group explores opportunities for women in ministry. Women of Witness (WOW) conducts monthly meetings designed to instruct and inspire women students thinking about ministry opportunities. WOW also engages in a variety of service projects in the Macon area.
Service-learning Opportunities
The course "Christian Ethics in America" includes a service-learning component through which students are placed in various church and civic settings to gain first-hand experience of ways to engage our community in light of the gospel.