formerly_the_fiver
Numerically unstable
Senior member
Posts: 782
Half moon hiding in the clouds
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« on: February 22, 2010, 10:04:56 AM » |
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If one is not a Baptist/Christian, and/or non-religious, is there any point in applying for a job at Belmont? As part of their online application, they require a reaction to their mission, and there is a question "Are you a Christian?," but the job announcement stated that they are an EOE/AA employer. I think I can craft a positive and true response to their mission statement, but if my application is just going to be in the discard pile because I answered "No," then I don't want to waste my time and money.
Thanks.
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"The music in this movie is horrible and its use of sexuality, sexual fantasies and tight pants doesn't make it better."
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aandsdean
I feel affirmed that I'm truly a 6,000+ post
Distinguished Senior Member
Posts: 6,408
Positively impactful on stakeholder synergies
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« Reply #1 on: February 22, 2010, 10:16:52 AM » |
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If one is not a Baptist/Christian, and/or non-religious, is there any point in applying for a job at Belmont? As part of their online application, they require a reaction to their mission, and there is a question "Are you a Christian?," but the job announcement stated that they are an EOE/AA employer. I think I can craft a positive and true response to their mission statement, but if my application is just going to be in the discard pile because I answered "No," then I don't want to waste my time and money.
Thanks.
They can be an AA/EOE employer in all areas except for religion (there's an exemption on that one for institutional mission/identity), so that's not a clear sign. The bigger question is, do they want you to sign a statement of faith? If so, forget it, absolutely. If not, the answer will depend on a variety of factors. I know a little about Belmont. It's a good school, but it's very religious, and I seriously doubt they'd hire a nonreligious person unless there were no one else available, even if then. I probably wouldn't bother, frankly. PS: Went to their website, here's their nondiscrimination statement, which implies that you should forget it: In compliance with federal law, including provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Belmont University does not illegally discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, disability or military service in admissions, employment, or in its administration of education policies, programs, and activities. Belmont University exercises preference in employment on the basis of religion so that it may fulfill its vision and mission of offering an education in a Christian community of learning and service. Belmont University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer under all applicable civil rights laws. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
Inquiries or complaints should be directed to Marcia McDonald, University Provost, (615) 460-6400; Ms. Sally McKay, Director of Human Resources (615) 460-6456; or Dr. Andrew Johnston, Dean of Students, (615) 460-6407. |
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« Last Edit: February 22, 2010, 10:19:26 AM by aandsdean »
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Wearing a black armband for Lucy
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normative_
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« Reply #2 on: February 22, 2010, 10:42:47 AM » |
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No.
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Fortune favors the bold. Excellent analysis by Normative. All hail Normie! Normative, that was superb. |
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writingprof
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« Reply #3 on: February 22, 2010, 10:56:13 AM » |
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Definitely not. But in this market? I say convert.
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imawakenow
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« Reply #4 on: February 22, 2010, 11:52:46 AM » |
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I think I can craft a positive and true response to their mission statement, but if my application is just going to be in the discard pile because I answered "No," then I don't want to waste my time and money.
If you are not a "Christian" according to Belmont's definition and you answer truthfully "no," then you are almost certainly wasting your time as your application will end up in the discard pile. This topic has come up before, and you will get a range of responses. Here is a recent thread: http://chronicle.com/forums/index.php/topic,63575.0.html |
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untenured
On far too many committees
Member-Moderator
Distinguished Senior Member
Posts: 5,540
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« Reply #5 on: February 22, 2010, 01:21:42 PM » |
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If the time and money investment is minimal, why not? The worst they can do is not consider you further.
Perhaps if they are genuinely 'mission focused', perhaps you can say that you are not a Christian but fully support and will be able to further their mission.
I never understood this exception. If an academic candidate as knowledge in a particular faith or a demonstrated aptitude to execute the mission of that faith, why should their application be denied simply because of their personal creed?
It amazes me how much leeway religious institutions get.
Untenured
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You are among the Pure and Truthful, however small their Number.
My goodness, that was an exceptionally good analysis of the forum. |
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dellaroux
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« Reply #6 on: February 22, 2010, 01:28:47 PM » |
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I never understood this exception. If an academic candidate as knowledge in a particular faith or a demonstrated aptitude to execute the mission of that faith, why should their application be denied simply because of their personal creed? Because--and I don't say I agree, but I understand--they feel that their faculty members' lifestyle and ability to answer questions of faith for students who take that aspect of their lives very seriously needs to be consistent with the promises, implied or otherwise, that they make to students' families about the maintenance and growth the student will experience in their faith while away at college. Lots of fears and expectations that might not be all you'd want them to be in that setting, but that's (I think) at least a part of the reason that can be understood by those not in the same faith setting. |
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Pax in terra choreagibus
Ballo non bello parare
How am I?: There are four levels: Alive, Alert, Awake & Functioning. Right now, I'm standing upright & moving forward.
We are gifted superfluously--the cosmos is more generous than we can ask or imagine.
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spyzowin
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« Reply #7 on: February 22, 2010, 01:32:40 PM » |
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If one is not a Baptist/Christian, and/or non-religious, is there any point in applying for a job at Belmont? As part of their online application, they require a reaction to their mission, and there is a question "Are you a Christian?," but the job announcement stated that they are an EOE/AA employer. I think I can craft a positive and true response to their mission statement, but if my application is just going to be in the discard pile because I answered "No," then I don't want to waste my time and money.
Thanks.
I'd lie. You have no ethical obligation whatsoever to give a truthful answer to any religious institution. |
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dellaroux
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« Reply #8 on: February 22, 2010, 01:36:07 PM » |
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If one is not a Baptist/Christian, and/or non-religious, is there any point in applying for a job at Belmont? As part of their online application, they require a reaction to their mission, and there is a question "Are you a Christian?," but the job announcement stated that they are an EOE/AA employer. I think I can craft a positive and true response to their mission statement, but if my application is just going to be in the discard pile because I answered "No," then I don't want to waste my time and money.
Thanks.
I'd lie. You have no ethical obligation whatsoever to give a truthful answer to any religious institution. That's making certain ethical assumptions about religious institutions that not everyone may be comfortable making. I'll be the first to point out flaws and difficulties among any one of them, at any point in human history, but I'd take exception to your statement, in all good faith. |
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Pax in terra choreagibus
Ballo non bello parare
How am I?: There are four levels: Alive, Alert, Awake & Functioning. Right now, I'm standing upright & moving forward.
We are gifted superfluously--the cosmos is more generous than we can ask or imagine.
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untenured
On far too many committees
Member-Moderator
Distinguished Senior Member
Posts: 5,540
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« Reply #9 on: February 22, 2010, 01:39:12 PM » |
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If one is not a Baptist/Christian, and/or non-religious, is there any point in applying for a job at Belmont? As part of their online application, they require a reaction to their mission, and there is a question "Are you a Christian?," but the job announcement stated that they are an EOE/AA employer. I think I can craft a positive and true response to their mission statement, but if my application is just going to be in the discard pile because I answered "No," then I don't want to waste my time and money.
Thanks.
I'd lie. You have no ethical obligation whatsoever to give a truthful answer to any religious institution. Can you explain the rationale? Is lying ok generally or just when it involves religion? Untenured |
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You are among the Pure and Truthful, however small their Number.
My goodness, that was an exceptionally good analysis of the forum. |
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spyzowin
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« Reply #10 on: February 22, 2010, 01:41:16 PM » |
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If one is not a Baptist/Christian, and/or non-religious, is there any point in applying for a job at Belmont? As part of their online application, they require a reaction to their mission, and there is a question "Are you a Christian?," but the job announcement stated that they are an EOE/AA employer. I think I can craft a positive and true response to their mission statement, but if my application is just going to be in the discard pile because I answered "No," then I don't want to waste my time and money.
Thanks.
I'd lie. You have no ethical obligation whatsoever to give a truthful answer to any religious institution. Can you explain the rationale? Is lying ok generally or just when it involves religion? Untenured It's only okay to lie about religion. I really hate all religions and wish there weren't any. |
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writingprof
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« Reply #11 on: February 22, 2010, 01:49:00 PM » |
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Amnirov, any chance you're on the Belmont search committee? That would really help our OP.
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yellowtractor
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« Reply #12 on: February 22, 2010, 03:00:07 PM » |
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Taking Amnirov seriously--for a moment--ask yourself: do you want to teach at an institution to which you have to lie (and not only once, but continue to lie, since Belmont seems quite serious about its overall Christian commitment/mission) in order to secure or sustain employment?
I'd rather work at Kinko's myself.
Though I suppose conversion is also an option, as Writingprof suggests.
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Just go and collapse in someone's office and moan, "You've got to help me; I just can't be the guy who brings the ham." |
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quasihumanist
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« Reply #13 on: February 22, 2010, 04:25:27 PM » |
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This is nth-hand information, but my vague distant impression is that Belmont is pretty loose in their interpretation of what constitutes a Christian. If you can affirm their mission, then you can probably find some not completely ridiculous interpretation of Christianity (as represented, say, by the Nicene Creed) to which you can give your assent. It takes a bit of intellectual dexterity for a Muslim or Jew or Unitarian or Buddhist to do this, but I would say it's possible in all of those cases, and those cases are generally a good deal harder than the atheist's.
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jruiz
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« Reply #14 on: February 22, 2010, 04:32:36 PM » |
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Some 30 years ago, long before the internet, web sites, and blogs, I applied to Belmont. I not only received an ack and AA/EOE card, but also two form which I was to sign and return. One was a statement of Christian faith, the other a loyalty oath to the president of the university. Needless to say, my candidacy stopped there. Hope that latter form has gone the way of the dodo.
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