The Liberating Arts: Why We Need Liberal Arts Education

by Jeffrey Bilbro (Editor), Jessica Hooten Wilson (Editor), David Henreckson (Editor)

A new generation of teachers envisions a liberal arts education that is good for everyone.
Why would anyone study the liberal arts? It’s no secret that the liberal arts have fallen out of favor and are struggling to prove their relevance. The cost of college pushes students to majors and degrees with more obvious career outcomes. A new cohort of educators isn’t taking this lying down.  They realize they need to reimagine and rearticulate what a liberal arts education is for, and what it might look like in today’s world. In this book, they make an honest reckoning with the history and current state of the liberal arts. You may have heard – or asked – some of these questions
In this book, educators mount a vigorous defense  of the humanist tradition, but also chart a path forward, building on their tradition’s strengths and addressing its failures. In each chapter, dispatches from innovators describe concrete ways this is being put into practice, showing that the liberal arts are not only viable today, but vital to our future. *** Contributors include Emily Auerbach, Nathan Beacom, Jeffrey Bilbro, Joseph Clair, Margarita Mooney Clayton, Lydia Dugdale, Brad East, Don Eben, Becky L. Eggimann, Rachel Griffis, David Henreckson, Zena Hitz, David Hsu, L. Gregory Jones, Brandon McCoy, Peter Mommsen, Angel Adams Parham, Steve Prince, John Mark Reynolds, Erin Shaw, Anne Snyder, Sean Sword, Noah Toly, Jonathan Tran, and Jessica Hooten Wilson  

Genres: Education, Nonfiction, Philosophy

224 pages, Paperback

Published August 15, 2023

Reviews

[Dona's Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

For my complete review, head over to my blog!

ᴛʜᴇ ʟɪʙᴇʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ ᴀʀᴛs
𝘑𝘦𝘧𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘺 𝘉𝘪𝘭𝘣𝘳𝘰, 𝘑𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘤𝘢 𝘏𝘰𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘴𝘰𝘯, and 𝘋𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘥 𝘏𝘦𝘯𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘬𝘴𝘰𝘯, eds.
Plough Publishing
228p 🅟🅤🅑 🅓🅐🅣🅔 9.5.2023

Thank you to the editors, publishers, and as always @NetGalley, for an advance digital copy of ᴛʜᴇ ʟɪʙᴇʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ ᴀʀᴛs. All opinions are mine.

...

Three or less things I didn't like:

1. I wanted more! I like succinct articles, and these were. But I needed just a little bit more from almost every one of the chapters!

Rating: 📚📚📚.5 / 5 stacks of textbooks
Recommend? Yes
Finished: August 13 20
Format: Advance Digital Copy, NetGalley
Read this if you like:
📓 Academic nonfiction
🎓 Education
📃 Essays

[Josh Nisley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A refreshing, multifaceted argument for liberal arts education that doesn't come off as elitist, defeatist, or defensive, as so many books in this vein do. It takes the challenges to the liberal arts seriously and answers them effectively and hopefully. The book is deliberately polyvocal, almost to a fault, with 3 editors and 20+ contributors over approximately 200 pages—a conversation in the best sense, and a mostly coherent one.

[Conrade Yap · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is no secret that many of the world's most talented people choose the sciences instead of the arts. Just take a look at the richest people on earth such as Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, or Bill Gates. They are both in the science and technology industry. In fact, many of the biggest companies in the world are in the technical stream, like AT&T, Amazon, Apple, FaceBook, Google, Microsoft, Samsung, Tesla, Toyota, TSMC, etc. With money as a key driving force in the world economic system, no wonder many talented people are lured away into the sciences in search of monetary gains. Does that render liberal arts education irrelevant? Even professors in the liberal arts stream struggle with job insecurity. This is made worse by lower student enrolment in the liberal arts. If all the best people jump ship toward the technology sector, what would happen to the arts and liberal arts? While we are free to pursue any course of study up the tree of self-fulfillment, how about using that freedom beyond self-accomplishment toward the greater good? This book brings together a collection of essays to show us why liberal arts education remains highly essential and relevant to society at large. Not only that, the contributors attempt to show us that it helps model the conversations that we ought to have on a daily basis. Instead of providing "best practices," the articles demonstrate how the liberal arts open up opportunities for all spheres of life. It is time to highlight the importance of liberal arts education and this book argues for that through many different perspectives. They deal with the purpose of liberal arts. They ask questions about the efficacy and effectiveness of liberal arts education in light of an increasingly technology-centric world. They look at the elitist and racist perceptions. They wrestle with the issue of outdatedness and the reality of the marketplace. They also challenge the poor perceptions of a liberal arts education. The ten categories are summarized in the form of questions.

What are the Liberating Arts?
Aren't the Liberal Arts a Waste of Time?
Aren't the Liberal Arts Elitist?
Aren't the Liberal Arts Liberal?
Aren't the Liberal Arts Racist?
Aren't the Liberal Arts Outdated?
Aren't the Liberal Arts Out of Touch?
Aren't the Liberal Arts Degrees Unmarketable?
Aren't the Liberal Arts a Luxury?
Aren't the Liberal Arts Just for Smart People?

Save for the first question, the other nine categories are helmed by three different contributors who would argue largely against the proposition. The editors give us some background information about the origins of the book idea. David Henreckson sketches the challenges to Liberal Arts Education today. Sean Sword notes how prisoners' rehabilitation depends heavily on reflecting on human qualities like kindness, civility, and love. Zena Hitz poses the question of the purpose of time. David Henreckson digs into the works of the brilliant novelist Marilynne Robinson noting how the book discussions bring along other benefits like the deepening of friendships and social interactions. Emily Auerbach ponders over whether the liberal arts are elitist by writing about "The Odyssey Project." She argues that everyone needs a liberal arts education simply because everyone needs to find their voice in life. Brandon McCoy tracks the history of liberation and concludes that liberal arts education is essential to civic participation. Anne Snyder sees the Liberal Arts as helping us respect reality and stay in touch with the need to do good in the midst of frantic activities and endless busyness. Joseph Clair argues for the relevance of Christian-based universities, and connects Truth and Justice with Jesus. John Mark Reynolds debunks the notion of the Liberal Arts only for the elites by saying that diversity is the key to wholesome education for all humanity. Angel Adams Parham shares the impact of the Nyansa Classical Community on young people of diverse backgrounds. She also advocates for the teaching of different canonical traditions to prevent the production of "wizards without wisdom." Jonathan Tran likens literary canons to "a stock of texts" passed down from generation to generation, and that preserving these histories is worth fighting for. L. Gregory Jones shows how the Liberal Arts encourage innovation while Jeffrey Bilbro brings to the fore the benefits of history. Becky L. Eggimann homes in on how science is a subset of human tradition. Steve Prince showcases the power of imagination and symbolism. Noah Toly agrees that Liberal Arts Education is not only relevant, but it is also even more important today by waking us up to the deeper relevance of understanding the nature of the world. Erin Shaw tells the need for stories to save us from cultural and personal fragmentation of identities. David Hsu talks about the need for engineers to have a Liberal Arts education. Rachel B. Griffis says that the Liberal Arts benefits professionals and leaders in their work. Don Eben believes that a Liberal Arts education should matter in hiring decisions. Margarita Mooney Clayton acknowledges the role of her mentor to put the needs of others before the self. Brad East claims that the Liberal Arts can reach out to the neediest of the needy, and is a channel for practicing Jesus' commission for us to reach out to all people, especially the needy in society. Lydia S, Dugdale follows up with an essay about how Liberal Arts Education can liberate one from lonely suffering and death. Nathan Beacom uses the story of Lyceums that enlarges the common space for us to be in tune with our neighbours. Jessica Hooten Wilson argues that Liberal Arts Education is for all people. Peter Mommsen concludes with how Liberal Arts learning is a lifelong endeavour.

My Thoughts
===============
This book touches on many facets of life which matter to all, if not most people in society. In arguing for the need and relevance of Liberal Arts Education, the contributors manage to cover topics of concern and interest for a broad range of people in diverse environments. Three things why this book is a necessary correction to some popular misconceptions. First, about the misconception that Liberal Arts Education limits hiring. On the contrary, several authors in this book have argued that a Liberal Arts background is not only essential, it enhances one's employability. While the "Professionals, Managers, Executives, and Technicians" (PMET) or the courses in "Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math" (STEM) teach us the how-tos of life, the liberal arts remind us of the why of human society. It must be said that while engineers and technicians, even managers can be replaced by Artificial Intelligence entities, it is not as easy to replicate the heart and conscientiousness of what it means to be human. The Liberal Arts reminds us once again that we are not machines created to manufacture goods. We are humans called to work diligently and to enjoy the fruits of our labour.

Second, about the misconception that Liberal Arts Education is exclusive only to certain classes of people. The authors did well to counter this by showing us how they are not only relevant today, they are needed to increase the acceptance of diversity. They do this by reminding us once again that we are human beings, people who exist not just to do things but to enjoy the work we are called to do. By showing us that the Liberal Arts are not elitist, not outdated, not irrelevant, and definitely not restricted to smart people, this book helps level the playing field of life and invites us to embrace all professions and all vocations. This preserves the dignity and respect of all people. Lest we start reducing people only to their abilities. In fact, the humanities equip us to deal with the very fact that one day, we might have to deal with the loss of production ourselves. We might lose our own cherished abilities through aging, accidents, or anything that limits our young selves. With a Liberal Arts background, we can be equipped with a better knowledge and awareness of the meaning and significance of life.

Finally, this book is a needed correction to a society that is infatuated with economics, technology and scientific progress. We cannot simply depend on what we can do to add meaning to life. We need to know the why behind every innovation or invention. By bringing back the virtues of a Liberal Arts Education, it is hoped that society, in general, will have a more wholesome perspective of the Arts, the Humanities, and the Social Sciences. With the Liberal Arts as a complement, society will be better enriched, and this augers good for all in society.

This book should be read by all, especially those contemplating whether to embark upon a Liberal Arts Education.

Jeffrey Bilbro is an editor at Front Porch Republic and an associate professor of English at Grove City College. He is the author of several books, most recently Reading the Times: A Literary and Theological Inquiry into the News. He lives in Grove City, Pennsylvania.

Jessica Hooten Wilson is the inaugural Seaver College Scholar of Liberal Arts at Pepperdine University and a senior fellow at Trinity Forum. She is the author of several books, most recently The Scandal of Holiness: Renewing Your Imagination in the Company of Literary Saints.

David Henreckson is an assistant professor and Director of the Weyerhaeuser Center for Christian Faith and Learning at Whitworth University. He is author of The Immortal Commonwealth, a recipient of the Manfred Lautenschlaeger Award. He lives in Spokane, Washington.

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5.

conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Plough Publishing via NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

It seems fashionable these days for politicians and decision-makers to trash a college liberal arts education. They claim that studying the liberal arts is at best impractical (what does a liberal arts student say on the job? “Do you want fries with that?) to incendiary (college professors are all communists and the liberal arts silence conservative voices). This book is a result of a collaborative effort by academics to defend the study of liberal arts from a variety of viewpoints. It is organized as a series of essays around questions like “Aren’t the liberal arts in marketable?” And “Aren’t the liberal arts elitist?” The editors have also chosen to use the words “liberating arts” as a way to emphasize the original roots of the word “liberal” meaning “free.”

Because the origins of this project were funded by the Christian Coalition of Colleges and Universities, it is no surprise that the bulk of the essays take a Christian worldview as their starting point. Although the editors take the position that the material is true and valid no matter that it is grounded in Christianity and encourage the reader to read the essays through their own lens, it’s hard for a non-Christian to move beyond this. Diversity is limited; one essay claims that since the ancient Greeks knew about African civilizations, these civilizations are represented in Western thought. Other essays discuss the conversion of enslaved blacks to Christianity and once in awhile a Jewish scholar is cited. Taking a western Christian worldview is not necessarily bad, but the editors should make it clearer that this is what the reader is getting.

Which leaves, for me, the question of who this book is for. The Introduction states that it would be good reading for high school students and their parents preparing to choose a college. Perhaps, if they are contemplating a Christian college, but many of the essays are esoteric enough that they are not accessible to many beyond an academic inner circle. Certainly these thoughts should be shared with policymakers and politicians, especially Christian ones who have been vocal in their criticism of liberal arts education. I think the most likely readers will be other academics, to give them ammunition to use while defending their work.

Many thanks to Plough Publishing House and NetGalley for the advance reader copy which was given in exchange for my honest review.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bite-sized reminders of the blessings of the liberal arts. Easy to read, hard to forget!

[Panda Incognito · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded up.

Many people criticize the liberal arts for being elitist, outdated, unmarketable, and a waste of time. In this refreshing book, a number of different academics reflect on how the humanities liberate people to know their history, think deeply, use logic, explore literature, and have a broader sense of the world, building a rich store of ideas and associations that can help them in whatever career they choose. There are ten sections in this book, with each one sharing rebuttals to common myths about liberal arts education. This includes both general objections, such as the cost of a liberal arts degree, and more politically charged ideas, such as the perception that the humanities are either too politically liberal or irredeemably entrenched in racism and colonialism.

This book came out of the pandemic, as many of the contributors grappled with seismic cultural changes and considered how they could both re-imagine their work and defend their work in a changing world. They received a grant to focus on this project, and Jeffrey Bilbro, Jessica Hooten Wilson, and David Henreckson served as editors. The book conveys various points of view, exploring both traditional meanings and changing applications for liberal arts education, with contributors expressing different points of agreement and contention. The majority of the contributors are Christians, and their writings flow from this faith and its core philosophical presuppositions, but the editors hope that people from different belief backgrounds can also benefit from the book.

Like with most essay collections, I really appreciated some of the essays, and thought that others were too similar to each other, were too niche, or didn’t build a strong argument. For the most part, I greatly enjoyed the ones about the general value of a liberal arts education, and had more critiques for the ones that were specifically about studying the liberal arts in a university setting. I felt that the contributors were constrained by their positions within academia, shoring up the system without fully recognizing how little practical sense it makes for many people to spend a huge amount of money and go into debt to obtain a liberal arts education that doesn’t immediately, obviously open doors to well-paid employment.

However, that doesn’t mean that I’m against liberal art degrees, or that I think they can’t be lucrative. In fact, one of my favorite essays was the one about ways that a liberal arts degree prepares people for a variety of different careers and career changes throughout their lives, in contrast to a tech-focused degree that may quickly become outdated. In that essay, Rachel B. Griffis clearly explains why the skills you gain when studying the humanities are helpful in any field, explores data about the long-term earning potential of liberal arts majors, and shares examples from real people. I appreciated her engagement with practical details and decision factors for students, instead of mainly philosophizing.

I also wished that more essays explored what liberal arts education can look like outside of traditional institutions. There are some essays that address this topic, and they were some of my favorites in the book, but I felt that the overall focus was too narrow. Again, I can see how it might be a conflict of interest, since these academics are writing this book in part to defend their own work, but there are all kinds of ways that ordinary people can explore the liberating arts without going into debt for a four-year degree or even learning in a classroom setting. I think that this book would be more practical and would resonate more broadly if the authors had explored alternative approaches and experiences more.

The Liberating Arts: Why We Need Liberal Arts Education is a thoughtful essay collection that explores a variety of different themes, explaining why the liberal arts are valuable in spite of the ways that people tend to misunderstand and mischaracterize them. The essays are short and quite readable, and I appreciated the range of different perspectives. I found many of the essays inspiring and thoughtful, and although the book’s format means that it doesn’t have a clear, consistent line of argumentation, it provides a variety of short form perspectives that many people will find refreshing and thought-provoking. However, because this book focuses so much on academia, I would mainly just recommend it to educators and students. Although a handful of essays apply more broadly than that, this is mainly for people who are either extremely invested in the topic or are currently working in academic systems.

I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Jeff Zell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reports abound about the financial and enrollment challenges of liberal art colleges. Reports also abound about universities and colleges making drastic changes with their humanities departments. Programs in history, English, foreign and classical languages, philosophy, etc. and the professors that teach them are reduced or eliminated. Some argue this is a good thing. We should focus on science, engineering, technology, and math instead. Others say, not so fast!

This engaging, thoughtful, and informative collection of brief essays about the liberal arts enters the conversation. These essays are the end result of a movement among practitioners of the liberal arts that began in the spring of 2020 with a series of video and audio conversations and interviews and the development of the website liberatingarts.org. The purpose of the website and the conversations is to push back against the notion that the Liberal Arts are no longer useful. They are, in fact, essential to creative and innovative developments in all fields as well as expanding the participants understanding of what it means to be human.

I liked many aspects of this book. I liked that the essays are all brief. They are personal and substantive. They demonstrate that differences of definition, opinions, and practices can co-exist amongst friends. I like this confession from page 3: "You'll even discover substantialy different definitions of the liberal arts themselves: a canon of great texts; a curriculum of perennial human questions; the seven classical arts of the trivium and quadrivium; a formation in virtue and wisdom rather than training in practical skills." Yet, despite the difference, the process of engaging in the Liberal Arts is worth the effort and leaves the participant forever changed.

There are many quotable lines in this book. One that encapsulates the spirit of the book is by Brandon McCoy in his essay "A History of Liberation" in the section "Aren't the Liberal Arts Elitist?" found on page 53 - 54.

"While productivity and financial security are laudable goals, they should not be the primary purpose of education. The goal of education should be to create liberated persons who seek to examine life in its fullness, to enjoy friendship with others, and to foster the health of their communities. In a modern context, the liberal arts form students to understand themselves as more than their skills or economic value to society. What was once thought of as elite education becomes a universal practice to liberate anyone who desires to pursue these virtues."

Indeed. What are we? Are we only a means of production? Is life only about the acquisition of money? If not, what else is there? The Liberal Arts help us to answer that question.

The essays are arranged around ten questions:
What are the Liberating Arts?
Aren't the Liberal Arts a Waste of Time?
Aren't the Liberal Arts Elitist?
Aren't the Liberal Arts Liberal?
Aren't the Liberal Arts Racist?
Aren't the Liberal Arts Outdated?
Aren't the Liberal Arts Out of Touch?
Aren't the Liberal Arts Degrees Unmarketable?
Aren't the Liberal Arts a Luxury?
Aren't the Liberal Arts Just for Smart People?

These essays will inevitably whet the curiosity of the reader to learn more. Not only are there good end notes to explore but the volume concludes with a nine page bibliography for further reading and study.

[Jim Gallen · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Liberating Arts” asserts the value of liberal education against a litany of criticisms. In its ten chapters it defines the Liberating Arts and asks if Liberal Arts are a Waste of Time, Elitist, Liberal, Racist, Outdated, Out of Touch, Unmarketable, a Luxury, and Just for Smart People? Each chapter begins with a framing of the question followed by two or three essays espousing the virtues of liberal arts.

I think I can summarize the message of the book that liberal arts teach us how to think, communicate and live. The concept is advanced that “five years after college, approximately three-quarters of college graduates are working in a field different from their undergraduate major” then ask “How many of us, including faculty in traditional liberal arts fields, equip our students with the intellectual, moral, and even spiritual virtues to weather such unpredictable futures?”

The role of the liberal arts in my life has been mixed. I consider myself an amateur historian with interests in theology, literature and other topics and was once described by a philosophy professor as “a non-academic scholar.” Although my studies have been focused in the “practical” disciplines of accounting, business, and law, over the years I have found some of the liberal arts to be the ones in which I find moral compass and guidance. My background has conditioned me to be receptive to the text and arguments of “The Liberating Arts.”

So, what did I find of interest in this book? I was intrigued by the concept that liberal arts provide “the key features that comprise a strong employee: a love of learning, an ability to solve problems, and effective communication skills.” I discussed this with friends in education fields. A participant in training for employment seems in agreement. Her impression is that, except for specific fields such as health care professions, accounting, engineering, law, employers are willing to give job-specific training to employees. A history professor seemed less certain.

I enjoyed snippets of wisdom such as St. Augustine on love. I appreciate the history of the development of universities, their outreach to their communities as expressed in the Wisconsin Idea and the role of Nineteenth century lyceums and their progeny in teaching the masses. I have heard of the Great Books system of education and now understand it better. George Santayana’s observation ”Progress, far from consisting in change, depends on retentiveness…when experience is not retained…infancy is perpetual” seems axiomatic, but is often ignored.

My answers to the questions posed by this work are influenced by its authors. Waste of time? No, though I thought so in college, experience has taught me otherwise. Elitist. Racist or Just for Smart People? No, unless some, through rejection, permit it to be so. Outdated or Out of Touch? No, all ages must drink from the well of wisdom. Unmarketable and Luxury? Probably so, but we should all strive to make ourselves marketable and aspire for luxury.

I recommend “The Liberating Arts” to readers willing to ponder the arts that shape our world and mold our lives.

I did receive a free copy of this book without an obligation to post a review,

[Judith Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Liberating Arts Why We Need Liberal Arts Education
Are the liberal arts now “a waste of time, elitest, liberal, racist, out dated, out of touch, unmarketable, a luxury, or just for smart people?” Thirty writers respond to these questions, and in so doing raise many other complex issues. We live in a fragmented culture in which many voices take issue with received moral, ethical, and/or religious wisdom and doubt that discussion of the meaning of truth, beauty, and goodness is possible or relevant. While opinions differ, the essential message of all these writers is the need for communities to share and discuss the liberal arts to help heal “a tattered world.”
What constitutes a community that the liberal arts call us to share? How does it differ from allies that share core ideology against all others? The collection cites voices of earlier experience that still speak to the importance of retaining wisdom of the past to integrate into a “Great Conversation.” C.S. Lewis reminds us that “chronological snobbery” is “the uncritical acceptance of the intellectual climate of our own age,” and Santayana asserts that “a culture without memory will be easily tyrannized over.”
One writer traces the lyceum movement, formed in 1826 to serve a young democracy. Ordinary working people had opportunity to hear educational lectures on a variety of subjects. I recall an illuminating lecture in which the professor described a farm family who traveled to a town hall to hear a lyceum speaker on a subject entirely new to them. On the slow wagon ride home, parents and children had time to discuss new knowledge. Another writer points to the need for personal leisure, not only to share what is learned in community but to expand one’s own thinking, thus “savoring the world.”
Are the liberal arts inclusive? Angel Adams Parham, a professor of sociology, who wrote The Black Intellectual Tradition: Reading Freedom in Classical Literature, explores the inclusiveness of the liberal arts across race, from ancient times to the present. Brad East, a professor of theology, asks, “Are the liberal arts for the wretched of the earth?” Those with leisure to think about the liberal arts discussed in community enjoy a luxury not all others possess. Yet, past greatness from other times or places can be integrated into far different communities. Professor East recalls a question: “Who is the Shakespeare of the Texans?“ and answers for all of us, “Shakespeare is the Shakespeare of the Texans.”
Other questions must join the conversation in this collection. Important discussion is needed regarding all types of communities. Growing scholarship explores how the legacy of inequality for the most vulnerable in society has spread with incredible speed from the physical world to the digital. In both physical and online spaces, access to the liberating arts in community is essential and challenging.

[Ryesa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to all of the authors, Plough Publishing, and NetGalley for the ARC! The Liberating Arts is a collection of essays written by professors from a variety of universities across America addressing the questions that often invalidate the liberal arts education. The chapters are divided by the accusations they aim to debunk: aren’t the liberal artists outdated, elitist, racist, unmarketable, etc.? Through community programs, paintings, and the Great Books, the authors argue how the liberal arts can sustain themselves through a fast-paced and technology-driven period by reminding us of our humanity and enriching us in ways other educational disciplines could not.

Reading this book made me thankful I’m in the liberal arts. As an English major and Honors student, it was nice to recognize many of the works they called back to as timeless to remind myself why I read them in the first place. While reading about the liberal arts’ relevance, I found myself recognizing my own intellectual work for my honors thesis in applying older texts to contemporary problems. Many of the essays were fun to read and introduced me to even more works to go down rabbit holes for.

Sometimes, in the earlier chapters, I found the writing to be a bit stuffy or hard to follow, almost as if the authors were talking to their colleagues and I had just walked into that conversation blind. I think the strongest two chapters were the ones addressing the accusations of the liberal arts being racist or outdated. Angel Adams Parham and Jonathan Tran were my favorites because their writing was really engaging and optimistic. There was a heavy Christian approach to many of the essays, which the authors are open about, but it would be interesting to see how other major religions’ ideology could interact with their arguments and strengthen the liberal arts advocacy further. Overall, I found this book to be insightful and comforting that the fight for the liberal arts is still going strong.

[Joseph J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This deceptively small yet profound volume brings together the thoughts of educators and others representing innovative and visionary institutions of learning. While the book was conceived in a period of pandemic isolation, I read their experiences and appreciated their value of truly "liberating" education in a period of contentious school board meetings removing books from libraries, and political entities mandating political agendas in the rewriting of university courses-courses in history and literature, the liberal arts. The experiences of the contributors embrace classrooms from K-12 into the realms of higher education. A diverse sampling of educational and spiritual pioneers are cited; I received my volume-THANK YOU PLOUGH-on the Feast of St. Augustine, and immediately fell into reflections on Augustine and Ambrose. From personal experience of the contributors to a legacy of centuries of schools of education, the value of a liberal arts education is stressed even-especially-in the lives of scientists and engineers. Scant years out of my own liberal arts college education, I saw my introductory literature courses required in the English department replaced by remedial writing courses as students were pointed to courses in higher learning once found in vocational schools. The thoughts in this little volume awaken us-in an age prioritizing the sciences and forcing us into greater reliance on technology-on the necessity of opening our minds to possibilities which improve ourselves and all of humankind, and indeed the world of today and tomorrow.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this book, I realized how much I had taken for granted about my liberal arts training. In many ways, I am not surprised that liberal arts is not appreciated as it once was. The contributors explained their perspectives on a liberal arts education. Having a liberal arts education, myself is vital to understanding the many different cultures of the people on earth. It makes for better understanding of our society “the melting pot” in the United States for example. Of course, the con is supposedly not being able to find a job with that degree. A author in this book believes that we first need to understand what we mean by the good life. Having a liberal arts degree actually gives us insight about this. Another says liberal arts are not racist or elitist. It has been that way in the past but liberal arts has been a resource that many educators use to teach morals, teaching people to think for themselves and learn from other perspectives. Learning a job instead of liberal arts is a loss. Liberal arts is important to our future.

A well written book that shows the importance of liberal arts. It was very well planned to answer all the pros and cons of liberal arts education.

Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the publisher. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review.

[Chris Jaffe · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a collection of 30 essays in a little under 200 pages attempting to argue for the liberal arts. Or, to put it more accurately, trying to play defense against a series of arguments against studying the liberal arts. I say "more accurately" because the book is divided into 10 sections (there essays per section) trying to rebut a claim against the liberal arts (too elitist, out of touch, dated, racist, a waste of time, etc).

Some essays are good, such as ones that argue how liberal arts can give someone an overall framework to view themselves and their lives. However, the main issue with this book is that most essays are so brief that they barely have time to make a point before the point is gone. About half of the essays are five pages or less. And the longer essays aren't necessarily better - some get caught up focusing on jargon-laded debates over precise meanings (which, to be fair, is a liberal arts tradition, and can be meaningful -- but it can also be jargon-laded debates over side issues). A low light is an essay on a man who's mentor died. Calling that essay a lowlight sounds mean, as it is a decent essay in and of itslef. BUT .... the connection to the topic of the book is nominal. What - people who don't have a liberal arts background aren't saddedened when a mentor dies?

Disappointing.

[Sharon Dene · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting book about how liberal education is very important that every aspect of the college life. Even if you do not graduate with the liberal arts degree, it's still helpful to take these classes with your like engineering or business because it gives you more perspective. I like how they bought up the philosophy of the old days. Because I think it really makes you think how solutions can be handled. Because when you read these books, you can find out solutions to these problems in the modern world and comprehend them a lot better.. I think it gives the employees more of an opportunity to see you as a whole person, not just majoring in one thing. It also encourages you read books by the classics because a lot of modern books are based on the classics. You never know you might change your mind. To become a teacher or professor to college your first choice does not work out. It's always good to have a backup plan. And I think liberal arts is really a good secuperfect. Because some things don't always work out the way you want it. But if you have a liberal education, it could be erasing with spade in the card.

[Louise Foerster · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE LIBERATING ARTS is a rallying, motivating, and impassioned call for updating our approach to the liberal arts in education and in our lives. The divergent point of view in the arts, inspiring the personal and community efforts to understand, express, and share the best of what it is to be human is refreshing, gracing, marvelous. In a time overly focused on data and tools, this book was a fantastic breath of clean, cool air nudging me to examine my own approach to the arts, learning, and practice and to spread the word that we are more than our numbers, projections, and worried checking of the metrics. While some sections resonated more strongly for me than others, in all the contributions are rich, lively, and thought provoking. This book is an important contribution to a groundswell now gathering force and insisting upon our being our fullest and most realized possibilities. I received a copy of this book and these opinions are my own, unbiased thoughts.

[Emma Carragher · Rating 4 out of 5]

The structure of this book (with essays structured around key questions some ask of the liberal arts) was intelligent and thought-provoking. I often find collections of essays can seem like a bit of a ramble, so having such a clear narrative structure really benefited the arguments being made. I found the essays stimulating and it did lead me to reconsider certain stances.

I was initially a bit taken aback by the Christian/religious links and references throughout the book, albeit it is clear where the authors are coming from when making these links. I'm not sure I would necessarily have chosen this book had I been aware there were religious influences, but in some senses it was an interesting challenge to my preconceptions. Linked to this, it felt like a collection of essays written by an American audience for an American audience - not necessarily a negative, but worth being aware of.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found 'The Liberating Arts ' quite interesting. It's a book of essays on how important a Liberal Arts degree is for everyone. I wish the book would have been out when I was in highschool. I would have read it before I went college. I most likely would have done a minor in a Liberal Arts Study. Take a look at all the really rich people in business, like Elon Musk, Bill Gates, etc., have Liberal Arts Degrees.

I usually don't read books of essays, but fully enjoyed this one. It was interesting as it went into the history, as well as looking at some of the different subjects it includes. I think that a junior or senior in highschool, or a freshman in college that's not sure what to major in or even has picked a major needs to read it.

Published August 15, 2023

Thanks to Netgalley and Plough for the E-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

😊 Happy Reading 😊

#netgalley
#plough
#theliberatingarts
#nonfiction

[Scott Bielinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice collection of essays. Each in their own way, the authors explore a renewed vision of the liberal arts: to liberate us from an economy of efficiency and mass production and for liberality, generosity, friendship, and goodness. Birthed out of the friendship between the different authors, this book represents their shared hope that the liberal arts can still be a way of life that brings healing and hope. It's a call back to Milton's belief in the purpose of education: "The end then of Learning is to repair the ruins of our first Parents by regaining to know God aright, and out of that knowledge to love him, to imitate him, to be like him, as we may the nearest by possessing our souls of true virtue, which being united to the heavenly grace of faith makes up the highest perfection." As with Milton, the book acknowledges that the liberal arts are an earthly program for a spiritual end. The essays nicely explore elements of that pilgrimage home.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent collection, and it's an important read for anyone who is considering a higher education in the liberal arts. I will note that this is written from a pretty Christian-centric POV, but it can be applied with a much wider brush. The authors' passion for the liberal arts clearly shines through their writing, making for an enjoyable read. I was glad to see the book broken down into ten main sections, with 2-3 articles per section. If you're preparing to head to college, and need to convince your parents that a liberal arts education is worthwhile, then you could easily bookmark the sections that tackle their biggest concerns to help open a discussion (and hopefully change their minds). Overall, I definitely recommend this, and I hope that it helps change some perceptions and misconceptions!

[Stanley Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent…

I ordered this book soon after receiving a copy of The Plough Quarterly. It is an excellent book on the benefits and necessity of the Liberal Arts. I am one of those who could not see the benefits of studying the Liberal Arts until I was in my 20’s, then tried to make up for wasted time. I specialized in electronics in high school and soon after while in the U.S. Navy. After a few years, I realized that the pace of electronic advancement was not where my interest lay anymore and moved to study history and subsequently the Liberal Arts which are VITAL. One misconception is that one must go to college to study the Liberal Arts however it is made plain in this work that an individual does not have to go to college to study the Liberal Arts. Excellent work, highly recommended…SLT

[Debs Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good (though not necessarily complete) defense of a liberal arts education. It takes a few typical questions about liberal arts and arranges 3 responses to the question. I agree this could be widened but it’s designed as a starting point. Most of the responses assume a Christian worldview which I can see might be limiting for some, but I would argue we need this kind of thinking within Christian education. I particularly appreciated the desire to see the liberal arts as co-existing with STEM subjects and the emphasis on the breadth this gives students. At the same time, I also appreciated the desire to not limit the liberal arts to educational institutions and a narrow audience but to recognise the appeal and richness the liberal arts bring to people from all walks of life.

[Joanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book of essays addressing some common objections to the liberal arts. The editors chose the term “liberating” arts to emphasize the original meaning of the Latin term: These are the fields of study proper for a free man or woman because they enlarge your thought, train your affections, and point toward universal truth. It’s a mixed bag and sometimes unfocused: some of the essays seem more about a generically engaging with ideas, whatever they are and however you like, rather than the liberal arts as classically understood. The strongest ones write about how the arts are less a fixed canon and more a position of humbly learning according to the highest ideals of truth, goodness, and beauty.

[Thomas Lambe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. I found this work to be extremely engaging. The topic - the importance of the liberal arts education - was one that it getting much discussion including very recently due to the WVU situation. I am an engineer by education and career. I took courses in the humanities when I had electives to be able to do so and those courses inspired me. I think it is so critical to have these types of books - and this is definitely a good one - read widely so that we don't lose focus on supporting the liberal arts. These courses make us understand our world and our history better. Highly recommended.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a series of essays compiled by the editors of "Plough" magazine, a publication affiliated with the Bruderhof Anabaptist community. The book contains essays looking at how non-traditional scholars can benefit from the liberal arts. It is definitely a different way of looking at the liberal arts than the traditional view. I had read many of the essays in the magazine previously, but this was a good compilation. It would have been nice if there had been more of an overarching introduction and/or conclusion.

[Tom · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars makes it seem like this is a bad book. It's fine. It's a series of 2-4 page reflections by the various contributors dancing about the theme of "liberal arts". None of these tidbits are bad -- they are just little more than aphorisms and anecdotes.

I found myself speeding through it quickly to file it away as a reference, rather than drawing life from its pages. I could imagine assigning a few for a freshman class (and I might).

Maybe I'm just grumpy. This book might go well with morning coffee and a sunrise. And a scone with marmalade.

[Rosemond Cates · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent collection of thoughts on how the liberal arts contribute to a more fully rounded person. As critical thinking skills have diminished, this is a beacon light to educators. Not only are the thoughts shared in this thought provoking, they are beautifully and simply communicated. This is a book I will return to as I consider my teaching philosophy and approaches in the classroom.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the wide array of viewpoints presented in this book. The book is made up of multiple essays which fall under 10 main categories; all categories except the first one have three essays by three different people. Throughout the essays, faith and Christianity are common themes. The book champions a liberal arts education in an accessible and interesting way.
I received an ARC from NetGalley.

[Rachel Lynch · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to read this for one of my courses. It taught me a lot about why a liberal arts education is important and how to prepare for the future. I probably would not have read it if it was not required for class.

[Books Over People · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am designing my new Liberal Arts course around this book. Can’t wait for the weekly discussions with my students.

[Judy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointing. Would not recommend.