by Allison Craft, Student Public Relations Writer
The intersection of faith and literature was the focal point of the recent Conference on Christianity and Literature, where Cedarville University students and faculty presented their scholarly work.
Held at Grove City College in Pennsylvania on February 21–22, the event featured a keynote address by award-winning author and musician Andrew Peterson and brought together scholars, writers and students to engage in discussions about how literature reflects and shapes Christian faith.
Dr. Stephen Schuler, professor of English at Cedarville University, played a pivotal role in leading the university’s participation. He, along with Dr. Michelle Wood, professor of English, and Dr. Alicia McCartney, assistant professor of English, presented on a range of topics from American and British literature to the differing academic plagiarism policies between Christian and secular universities.
Among the student presenters was senior Emma Bapst, from Jackson, Ohio, who shared her research on the Martha McMillan journals, an extensive collection of 19th- and early 20th-century writings housed in Cedarville’s library. Her presentation focused on child mortality in Greene County, Ohio, offering insight into the lived experiences of families during that era. Bapst, along with fellow students and faculty, found the experience both enriching and professionally rewarding.
“It was intimidating at first, but my professors did a great job preparing us,” said Bapst. “It was an honor to present alongside Cedarville faculty and to engage with scholars from other Christian universities.”
The conference explored themes of home, place and faith in literature, aligning closely with Cedarville’s mission to integrate biblical truth with academic excellence. Students attended sessions on topics such as literary ethics, novel interpretation from a Christian perspective and the influence of literature on faith. Bapst and her peers particularly valued discussions on how literature can shape and reflect the Christian experience.
Beyond intellectual engagement, the conference offered valuable networking and mentorship opportunities. Cedarville faculty encourage students to attend professional conferences as a means of preparing for graduate school and academic careers. Several students, including junior English majors Addie Olson, from Andover, Minnesota, and Sophia Camillone, from Shoreham, New York, and alumna Alayna Drollinger, from Cedarville, Ohio, received recognition for their outstanding research, further exemplifying the university’s commitment to excellence in literary scholarship. Other students participating were senior English majors Brodie Crowder of Marion, Ohio, and Meghan Wells of Lexington, Kentucky.
Dr. Schuler emphasized the importance of engaging with the broader academic community. “Universities, even Christian ones, can become insular,” Schuler noted. “Conferences like this allow us to connect, learn and contribute to a wider scholarly conversation.”
With Cedarville students earning recognition for their research and presenting alongside respected scholars, the university continues to affirm its dedication to developing well-rounded, thoughtful and biblically grounded scholars. For Bapst and her peers, the experience at the Conference on Christianity and Literature provides a solid foundation for their ongoing academic and professional journeys.
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences, and professional fields. With 6,384 students, it ranks among Ohio's largest private universities and is recognized by The Wall Street Journal as being among the nation’s top three evangelical universities. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics, and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.
