About the Classical Christian Honors College
Think Critically, in the Fear of God
Learning is at the very heart of what it means to be a Christian (Mk 12:29-31). To love the Lord with all our mind means taking seriously the biblical claim that all truth belongs to and coheres in Christ (Col 1:17). Therefore, we are called into a journey of wonder and delight as we explore a world “charged with the grandeur of God.” The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom (Ps. 111:10).
Integrate the Past as a Life-long Learner
From Plato to Augustine to Alfred to Lewis, we stand in the long line of thinkers who believe that human flourishing and productive civic engagement result from wrestling with enduring ideas. We aim to overcome the tendency to think that what is new is what is best—what Lewis referred to as “chronological snobbery”—by cultivating intellectual humility. The pathway to a life of wisdom is listening carefully to those who have come before us and taking every thought captive to obey Christ (2 Cor 10:5-6).
Communicate Wisely and Effectively
Christians are called to speak truth into the world with boldness and clarity (Eph. 6:20; Col 4:4) and in a way that aims to please God and not man (1Thess 2:4). We seek to listen carefully, represent fairly, and communicate with gentleness, reasonableness, and charity, guarding against scorn, sarcasm, panic, and volubility. We discuss to learn. We write to clarify. We aim to amplify truth, goodness, and beauty. We do all this in service of God and for the good of others.
Engage Culture with Grace and Truth
Because we know where history is going, we don’t have to respond in fear or resignation. Instead, we can stand on the shoulders of those who have come before us and harness their insight to address the complex cultural challenges we face. We can speak truth into culture without compromising our witness that salvation comes by grace through faith.
Prize and Cultivate Relational Beauty
Love for one another is the distinguishing mark of authentic Christianity (Jn 13:15). Therefore, our life together is characterized by a relational culture that corresponds to the gospel we hold dear. We believe that wisdom and virtue are catalyzed in the context of trust and friendship, and we aim to develop and exemplify relational beauty in the classroom, dorm room, and lunchroom so that we can live it in every other sphere of life (Rom 15:7).
Stand Firm in Gospel Truth
We believe in the gospel like we believe in the sun—not only because we can see its brilliance, but because by its light we see everything else. In a very real way, the world cannot be seen as it truly is without fundamentally acknowledging the Lordship of Jesus. Therefore, we unapologetically examine the great ideas of history with Him at the very center (Col 1:17). And because the gospel is true, we seek to amplify it in all that we do.
Be on Mission
It would be an unspeakable tragedy to gain the world and forfeit one’s soul (Mk 8:36). Despite its intellectual, economic, and civic value, our learning has a more important end. We want our lives to be marked by a growing love for the triune God, His Word, and His world.
