We are committed to work for the establishment of a community composed of believers from every race, culture, and class who are united in their devotion to Jesus Christ, their obedience to His Word, and in their willingness to serve one another. Biola University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic group identification, gender, age, or physical or mental disability. However, as a private religious institution, the University reserves the right to exercise preference on the basis of religion in all of its employment practices and student admissions.
Teaching Biblical Studies
Academic study of the sacred Scripture differs from other disciplines in a University setting in that the primary text is God’s Word, which underscores the importance of making instruction relevant to faith, learning and living. At Biola every effort is made to be academically credible, theologically orthodox and practically relevant. Whether engaged in a critical discussion of the text, or a theological debate about a particular doctrine, the discussion must finally come to the meaning for life today. Though faculty members in all departments share a commitment to the convictions reflected in the University doctrinal statement, they reflect a healthy diversity regarding other contemporary issues and interpretation of specific passages. Whether a divergent view is held by others on campus or not, care is taken to represent opposing positions fairly, so that students can decide for themselves in a genuine educational environment. In practice, the task of teaching biblical studies is not limited to those within that department. Rather, the integration of Christian thought into all fields of inquiry is the goal of the entire teaching faculty. In this sense it is desired that every course contribute to the development of a Christian worldview for the Biola graduate.
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Chapel
University chapels and conferences are intended to bring the Biola community together regularly for worship, spiritual nurture and education regarding relevant issues facing us in our lives. The overall program brings a unique distinction to the ethos of Biola as a Christian University. Due to the central and significant nature of that ethos, attendance at chapel is required of all students.
The Community of La Mirada
The city of La Mirada is in Los Angeles County, 22 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles, and is surrounded by such cities as Whittier, Norwalk, Buena Park, La Habra and Fullerton. La Mirada is a suburban residential community with a population of 51,263. Included within the vicinity are several major shopping areas in addition to many other business establishments. La Mirada is situated near many of the outstanding attractions of Southern California. Downtown Los Angeles is a half–hour’s drive from the campus. Disneyland is 12 miles to the southeast and famed Knott’s Berry Farm is six miles away. Within an hour’s drive are such popular beach cities as Long Beach, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach and Laguna Beach. Recreational facilities are easily accessible. An 18–hole golf course lies a mile east of the campus and other parks in the area offer opportunity for activities and relaxation. An hour’s drive will take one into the nearby mountains where winter sports are available. Cultural and research opportunities abound in the area. Several major universities and libraries are within easy driving distance of La Mirada including the University of California, Los Angeles; the University of Southern California; the University of California, Irvine; and several other state and private institutions.
Diversity Statement
We believe that Biola University has been uniquely situated within a geographic region of great diversity in language, culture, and ethnicity for the purpose of fulfilling its mission of biblically–centered education, scholarship and service. Within this cultural milieu the University is called not only to respect this diversity, but to reflect it as well, for Christ intends his Church to be a multi–ethnic, multi–cultural, and multi–national body of believers. We believe it is our purpose, therefore, to create an environment in which all believers, regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, age, economic status or physical ability, can pursue knowledge and personal development as they strive to become all God intends them to be. In order to maximize the learning of students and expose them to the diversity that exists in the culture at large, we seek to foster an understanding and appreciation of those elements in every culture that enhance human dignity and are consistent with scriptural teaching. We are dedicated to expanding opportunities for Christians of all cultures, and ethnic backgrounds to attend Biola, to be employed here, and to participate in the fellowship and mission to which we are called, always keeping in mind our desire to pursue excellence in all we do.
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