UA-R-GC-1914-01-01-1940-11-15_Page-079

136 REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON SPIRITUAL RESOURCES TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY AT CAIRO In respect of its subject matter this Committee differs markedly from the other committees of our Board. Each of the others is concerned with the transacting of definite business necessary to keeping the practical machinery of the University in operation. Their function is clear and specific; they know just what is expected of them; and, as one result, they always have adequate material for an annual report. Our own responsibility, in contrast, is rather vague and impalpable. It appears to be a combination of two quite distinct functions:- I.) To keep a watchful eye on the religious aspect of the University's work, and II.) To encourage and promote intercessions for our cause among our sponsors here at home. Our rather peculiar and inexpressive title seems to describe our second and minor function rather than our first and major function. But wiatever we are called, it is plain that such a committee serves at least the valuable purpose of keeping clearly before the minds of sponsors here in America and workers in Cairo that our University was founded with an aim fundamentally religious. The very existence of such a committee proclaims the fact that the trustees intend to keep alert to our religious needs and opportunities and loyal to our religious purposes. Despite the undoubted importance of this committee, however, it is equally plain that its activities will vary greatly from year to year and that it cannot be expected (like the other committees) to present a regularly substantial annual report. At times it will have much to say; at others it may properly observe the sound rule that if you have nothing or little to say, that it's better to say little or nothing. The few observations which we should like to transmit to you at this 1940 meeting are these:- I.) We are sure we express the opinion of the whole Board when we record our satisfaction with the present religious attitude and temper of the staff in Cairo. As represented by President Watson, Dean Badeau, and Professor Harold Smith, Christianity is counted as of central importance in the life of the University, and it is set forth in worship, instruction, and in personal work, with a successful combination of sincerity, energy, and intelligent skill. We have never been more certain that the missionary aspect of our work was in safe hands. II.) The difficult problem of offering instruction in Islam which was discussed so fully at our last meeting is in course of being gradually solved along what we believe are sound lines. Instead of letting it shape itself as a head-on religious collision calculated to strike sparks Dean Badeau has wisely conceived and stated the question as an educational problem to be slowly worked out by reference to educational principles and aims. After careful study thi