Faith and Learning - Integration Statement: Beth Macualey

Background: As part of the reappointment and tenure process, Calvin College asks faculty members to reflect on the relationship between the Christian faith and their calling as a professor. Professor Macauley's primary area is speech pathology and communication disorders.

Statement on the Integration Faith and Learning

Beth Macauley

My teaching is also based on my faith and on the majesty and power of our Lord God.  I feel a responsibility to show others, students, families, clients, etc., that everyone’s value is based on their uniqueness as a creation of God.  Their value is not based on what they do, how they look, or their desire for perfection.  In my classroom and clinical teaching I strive to include the value of human life, to encourage my students to see the face of God in people with disabilities.  This has been challenging while working in secular institutions of higher education but I ensure that the students know my position and that I am always available for further discussion.  It has been difficult to ask questions about clinical decision making and then read answers from students who do not believe in the value of human life and who base their decisions on world views.

My research into neurological communication disorders has allowed me a glimpse into the awesomeness of God’s creation – the human body and all of its intricacies and specialization.  It never ceases to amaze me how perfectly we were created!  Being able to learn about the workings of the nervous system, how the communication pieces work together or do not work together and what to do about it has been an amazing experience. 

My first love is to improve the lives of the less fortunate and my second love is animals.  In Genesis 1:26, it is written "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground."  It has been a delight to use the “creatures of the ground” (specifically dogs & horses) to improve the lives of  “man in His image.”  There is something wonderful that happens when animals are incorporated into the therapy of persons with communication disorders and I believe one of my callings is to share and teach others how to do this.  Part of this mission is sharing my faith and how God answered the desires of your heart.

Persons entering the profession of speech-language pathology should have the gift of mercy, organization, innovation, and creativity as they will be dealing with children with severe disabilities, adults who have suffered a major neurological injury, and persons who are unable to communicate because of a severe stutter, to name just a few.  In each case, it is imperative that the professional have a solid spiritual foundation, believing that even these people, sometimes seen as cast-offs or expendable, are still unique, wonderful, and gifted creations of our God.  Speech pathologists often serve as counselors and advocates for persons with disabilities and it is imperative that they see them as unique creations from God and not as a hindrance to society.  Unfortunately, persons at secular institutions are not allowed to discuss the value of human life or Christian ethics.  Therefore, it is the responsibility of Christian institutions of higher education to build the foundation and integrate faith with learning and scholarship.