Battleground University
Finding truth in Fiction

By E. Norbert Smith, Ph.D. and Johanna Jones, M. A.

This is my first Christian novel and my first book written with a co-author.  In the tradition of C. S. Lewis’ classic The Screwtape Letters, we have attempted to explore contemporary American university campus life through the eyes and correspondence of a demon writing to a pair of university professors won over to the dark side.  As the professors attempt to impress the worldview of their hellish handler’s upon their trusting students, readers are exposed to the subtle, but manipulative pressures that abound in the culture of contemporary academia today.

We deal with a variety of contemporary themes from feminism and Darwinian evolution to secular humanism and even the news and entertainment media.  In this book we treat the readers to a barely fictional exposé of the modern collegiate experience, poorly understood by most parents.  Students, parents, educators, pastors and church youth leaders will find much food for thought in this engaging little book.  Due to the book’s setting at a major university we have unlimited character and plot opportunities and are considering writing a sequel or perhaps even a series depending on book sales.

I had written my portion of the book dealing with science issues several years ago, but wanted to address the dark side of some of the feminist issues.  As a man I decided I had better not go there.  I met my co-author online and we have worked well together.  I wrote the odd chapters; she the even.  It has been a pleasure working with her and she added insight I sorely lacked.  I strongly feel our difference in gender, cultural background and age added significantly to the value of the book. 

My co-author teaches at a major secular university and was concerned this book might offend some of her colleagues or that she might even lose her job for writing the expose that she opted to use a pen name.  Sad, but perhaps this is wise in today’s anti-Christian climate.   I know of what I speak, for I was denied tenure for doubting Saint Darwin ending my professional teaching career.  I ended up driving 18-wheelers until my retirement.  Sadly, this has happened to over 100 qualified university professors as exposed in the recent movie, Expelled, No Intelligence Allowed by Ben Stein.

This book is published by, a Christian publishing house here in Oklahoma and it has been a pleasure working with their team.  It is available from directly from the publisher Tate Publishing or from www.Amazon.com.  Again, reviews are posted at both websites.  The book is available for $11.99 and can easily be read in one or two evenings.

Endorsements:

Here are two unsolicited book endorsements.  The first one will be published in the Creation Research Society Quarterly…circulation about 5,000.

Battleground University: Finding Truth in Fiction
by
E. Norbert Smith and Johanna Jones

Tate Publishing, Mustang, OK, 2008, $11.99

Employing the style of C. S. Lewis’ classic The Screwtape Letters, the authors reveal a not so subtle shift in collegiate educational techniques and course content from true critical thinking to brainwashing students with godlessness. Major tools in the satanic arsenal are overemphasis of the reliability of the scientific method, the “truth” of evolutionary origins, political correctness, and the use of the seedier products and ideas from the modern media in the classroom.

            The contents of this tongue-in-cheek satire consist mainly of 17 letters of advice and guidance from chairdemon Ian Sidious to two professors at the fictitious Battleground University. The recipients are Mel Volent of the Biology Department and Peri Fidious of the Department of Critical Thinking Studies. The topics covered in these letters are amazingly diverse detailing many of the spiritually and morally destructive concepts in seemingly innocent topics.

            The chairdemon urges his human followers to promote philosophic naturalism, encourage self-centeredness, crusade against morality, and discourage true thinking (ignorance is bliss).Target Christians as being judgmental, intolerant, conservative, traditional, white, and consumerist. Ad hominem attacks and stereotyping are quite effective. The main attack should be aimed at Christianity to be destroyed at all costs. Faith in anything beats faith in God. Absolutely neutralize any Christians in the class. Suggest the advantages of drug induced “spiritual meditation” to empower the mind.

           Ian Sidious admits that the lack of evidence supporting evolution is genuine, but has been successfully concealed. He advises his pupils to belittle creationism and intelligent design. One of the great demonic triumphs is the teaching of evolution in Christian universities as God’s method of creation.

            The foreword by Dr. Fritz R. Ward explains the shift in emphasis in undergraduate education. He notes the deification of science and its misapplication in many academic subjects. An afterword finds Professor Mel Volent in horrifying circumstances after a lethal overdose of drugs during his customary evening “spiritual meditation.” I recommend this thoughtful satire by two college professors as an eye-opening account of trends in modern academia.

            Lest any reader think this book is far-fetched, I offer two recent occurrences about which I know. A Christian young man registered in an English class in a state junior college. On the first day of class the instructor informed the students that he would teach English using pornographic films! He suggested that if anyone would be offended, they should drop the course. This student followed the latter advice. A Christian young lady at a state college was in a class where the teacher gave assignments involving immoral acts, i.e., have a sexual (homosexual) experience with a member of the same sex and write a report on it. The girl, not performing the acts, was subject to a scathing rebuke by the instructor. A legal institute that defends Christians was contacted. They, in turn, contacted the university administration. The problem was resolved and the student was vindicated.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against
powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of
            wickedness in heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 NKJV

Emmett L. Williams

This one is from a guy I met at the Reclaim Oklahoma for Christ conference in Edmond.  It went out to several thousand members nationwide.

Hello, If you are a C. S. Lewis fan and have read The Screwtape Letters we would like to highly recommend a new book named, Battleground university, that uses a similar format. Battleground University highlights the cosmic battle (for you Truth Project graduates) that occurs on the university campus.  If you are going to college now or have children or grandchildren there or who will be going, this would be a great gift for them.  The author’s personal story is also right out of Ben Stein’s “Expelled.”  Thank you and God bless.

David & Deborah Williams 
The Christian Educators Association International (CEAI) supports public schools by encouraging, equipping and empowering educators through prayer, seminars, conferences and extensive resources.

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