PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION
| 1.
The VCU is a Bible University ; the Bible is the heart
of the curriculum, in contrast to a program that is essentially
philosophical or sociological. The absolute inerrancy
and authority of the Scripture are paramount. Because
we emphasize the primacy of the Word of God, we believe
that the tools of exegesis are essential in preparing
students for the ministry, so that they may become capable
expositors of the Word of God.
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2. The
doctrinal distinctives of the VCU ( see Doctrinal Position),
rooted in a proper exegesis of the Scripture, are regarded
as " absolutes," and they are to be upheld as
such by the faculty and communicated clearly to each student. |
3. We are aware
that teaching sound doctrine alone is not enough. This doctrine
must be translated into practical Christian service. Therefore,
our faculty must not only be highly qualified in academics and
instructional methodologies, but they also must be excellent spiritual
and moral examples. Recognizing the limitations of a primarily
academic setting, we seek to instill within the student a deep
love for God and His Word, a heart for evangelism and missions,
and the integration of biblical teaching and values into every
aspect of life. We also believe that it is imperative for students
to be involved in practical "hands-on" ministry and
mission to complement their university studies.
4.
The primacy mission of VCU is to provide quality collegiate education.
The VCU is a Christian academic community in the tradition of
evangelical institutions of higher education. As such, VCU continues
the philosophy of education which first gave rise to the university,
summarized in the following proposition;
God, the infinite source of all things,
has shown us truth through Christ in nature, history, and, above
all, in Scripture. Persons are spiritual, rational, moral, social
and physical, created in the image of God. They are, therefore,
able to know and to value themselves and other persons, the universe
and God.
Education as the process of teaching and leaning, involves the
whole person, developing the knowledge, values, and skills which
enable the individual to change freely.