Philosophy of Education:
The Ancient Greeks saw education as the sharpening of a person for a purpose. A person’s “Telos” (meaning goal or end) was the calling that drove the development of the person. At the heart of the process was the flourishing of the “Psyche” or soul and growth in the knowledge of “the good, the true and the beautiful.”
In other words, education was directional and purposeful based on the unique design of the individual person.
Jesus shows this same philosophy of education when he called Peter to follow him. He didn’t just say that he would make him a fisher… he said that he would make him a “fisher of men.” Jesus tied the offer of education and development to Peter’s own unique calling and mission.
In contrast, education in the west has become what C.S. Lewis would call “Mercenary Education.” Mercenary is something that is directional toward money alone and has no intrinsic concern for cause, purpose or telos. Western education, even in Christian Colleges, has become overwhelmingly focused on employment, salaries and career advancement.
Without redirecting students away from degree attainment and career pursuits, our philosophy seeks to supplement their college experience with solid character development, life coaching and deep challenging academic instruction on both traditional and progressive topics in theology and mission.
Students will have Faculty Mentors, strong teachers and a wealth of practical opportunities to practice what they are learning. |
