There are 31 active religious organizations at Stanford today and Gregg estimates that the percentage of incoming freshmen who want to find some sort of spiritual or religious connection at Stan-ford is between 10 and 20 percent. It also mirrors a movement toward spiritual renewal that has become a subject of specu-lation in the national media. The trend is pronounced enough that Maurice Charles, associate dean for religious life, finds new interest in religious themes even among atheists - and more attendance at different services among people who never before went to church. Gregg says it's difficult to tell whether the national upsurge of interest in religious issues is new or cyclical. The focus of their and some professors' uneasiness often is the program in Cultures, Ideas and Values and its perceived assault on the Bible and other religious texts.
Students are equally concerned about spiritual and intellectual growth.
The renewed interest in spiritual guidance and students' calls for academic attention to religious themes are bringing the ancient debate between intellect and spirit back to campus. The chaplains say they see misunderstandings between a significant number of students and faculty. In an attempt to keep the dialogue flowing, the leaders of religious life are pushing ahead with plans for a multifaith center that would provide space for students to worship, meet, study and socialize. They're also hoping to bring guest teachers and religious figures to Stanford. Outside the campus there are many who still believe that university life is largely unspiritual.