Standards of Conduct Biola University is a community of Christians committed to the prin- ciples of Christian living found in the Bible and holds that these bibli- cal standards are vital to our individual and corporate relationships. Maintaining these standards contributes to the kind of atmosphere in which quality Christian education and spiritual nurture can best oc- cur, and strengthens the testimony of Biola within both Christian and secular communities. In this light, and given the clear biblical impera- tive for spiritual self-discipline, the University has established these “standards of conduct” to be observed and upheld, by all members of the Biola community. Consistent with the example and command of Jesus Christ, we believe that life within a Christian community must be lived to the glory of God, with love for God and for our neighbors. Being indwelt by the Holy Spirit, we strive to walk by the Spirit, “crucifying the flesh with its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:24). To this end, members of the Biola community are not to engage in activities which Scripture forbids. Such activities include, but are not limited to, dishonesty, thievery, fornication, adultery, homosexual practice, drunkenness and unscriptural divorce. Scripture also condemns other “deeds of the flesh” such as covetousness, jealousy, pride and lust—sins which the maturing Christian should put off, and replace with “fruit of the spirit”: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (e.g., Luke 10:27; Galatians 2:20, 5:14-24; Ephesians 2:3; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10). As a Christian educational institution, Biola also recognizes the responsibility of its Board of Trustees, faculty and staff to provide examples of maturing Christian character, conduct and attitude to its students and the community at large. Therefore, as maturing Christians, the entire Biola community will strive for the holiness of God (1 Peter 1:13-19), and love Himwith all our heart, soul and mind (Matthew 22:37). In addition, we are called to love our friends and neighbors as God has loved us (Matthew 22:39; 1 John 4:7-11). We will achieve this calling by walking by the power of the Holy Spirit and avoiding sins clearly forbidden in Scripture (Galatians 5:16-21; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Ephesians 5:1-14). Also, we will pursue the fruit of the Spirit from our Lord and with one another (Galatians 5:22-24). When the Bible is not clear regarding a specific behavior, we will be guided by our desire to glorify God in our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), and will discern if any of our brothers or sisters in Christ would stumble in their faith (1 Corinthi- ans 8; Romans 14). If our Lord is not glorified or another Christian is harmed or offended by our behavior, then we will freely abstain from that activity, both on and off the campus of Biola. We know that many behaviors are lawful, but not all are profitable (1 Corinthians 10:23-33). Therefore, we will constantly be teachable regarding those activities where the Bible is not clear and will evaluate them in light of our pursuit of holiness and love for our Lord and each other.
more, discernment must be exercised in avoiding all activities that may be spiritually or morally harmful. Individual decisions regard- ing movies, television programs, all forms of electronic media and other activities are expected to reflect this moral commitment. Biola University does not presume to be a censoring agency for all activi- ties; it does, however, expect tangible evidence of maturing Christian convictions and discerning judgment. In addition, members of the Biola community will observe Sunday as the Lord’s Day and give primary attention to worship, rest, Christian fellowship and recreation, and service. These standards apply to the student while enrolled in any of the schools or programs of the University on and off campus. Biola therefore reserves the right to discipline or dismiss any student who, in its judgment, does not conform to these conduct standards or to other expressed principles, policies, programs and expectations of the university governing student conduct.
Students of Biola are expected to refrain from the use of alcoholic beverages and tobacco in any form, and from gambling. Further-
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General Information
Biola University
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