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. DIVERSITY STATEMENT We believe that Biola University has been uniquely situ ated 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 onl y to respect this diversity, but to reflect it as well , for Christ intends his Church t0 be a multi-ethnic, multi-cul tural , and multi-national bod y 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 o f 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 which enhance human dignity and are consistent with scriptural teaching. We are dedicated to expanding opportunities for Chris tians 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. 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 willin gness to serve one another. Biol a Universit y does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic group identification, gen der. age , or ph ysical or menta l disability. However, as a pri vate reli gious institution, the University reserves the ri ght to exerc ise preference on the basis of religion in all of its employment practices and student admissions. CHAPEL Universit y ch apels and conferences are intended to bring the Biola community together regul arl y for worship, spiritual nurture and edu cation 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 si gnificant nature of that ethos , attendance at ch apel 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 sur rounded by such cities as Whittier, Norwalk, Buena Park, La Habra and Fullerton. La Mirada is a suburban residen tial community with a population of 40,000. Included within the vicinity are several major shopping areas in addi tion to man y other business establishments. La Mirada is situated near many of the outstanding attrac tions of Southern California. Downtown Los Angeles is a half-
"ma11 " is used, referring to the h11ma11 race, it includes both gen ders. /11 addition, the followi11g expla11atory 110/es indicate the organization 's 11ndersta11ding a11d teaching position 011 certain poi11ts which could bf subject to various i1tterpretatio11s: The Scrirtures are to be interpreted according to dis rensational distinctives with the conviction that the return of the Lord for His Church will be rremillennial , before the Tribulation, and that the Millennium is to be the last of the disrensations . The existence of the Creation is not explainable apart from the roles of God as the sovereign creator and sustainer of the entire natural realm. Concepts such as theistic or threshold evolution do not adequatel y explain creation. Though there may be many fillin gs of the Holy Spirit, there is onl y one baptism which occurs at the time of regen eration. The gifts of the Spirit are given to believers accord ing to the Will of God for the purpose of building up the Church. During the foundational era of the Church (i.e. , the time of Christ and the Apostles) God gave special manifes tations of the overtly supernatural and miraculous gifts (e.g., tongues, healings, miracles) as "signs" that witness to the validity of those bearing new canonical revelation (c.f. 2 Cor. 12: 12; Heb. 2:3-4). Beyond the foundational era, God in His sovereignty may grant any spiritual gift and work mirac ulousl y for the benefit of His Church at an y time. The Bible is clear in its teaching on the sanctity of human life. Life begins at conception. We abhor the destruction of innocent life through abortion-on-demand. Confession before men is viewed as tangible fruit of sal va tion and not as a qualifying condition for salvation. Biola University does not necessarily den y employment to persons merely for lack of firm personal convictions on an y teaching position in these explanatory notes. However, Biola University does weigh carefull y the understanding and personal convictions of employment applicants on these points as well as the nature of their prospective work assign ments, in determining their suitability for employment. TEAC~ING BIBLICAL STUDIES Academic study of the sacred Scrirture differs from other discirlines in a university setting in that the primary text is God' s Word, which underscores the imrortance of making instruction relevant to faith , learning and living. At Biola every effort is made to be academicall y credible, theo log icall y orthodox and rracticall y relevant. Whether engaged in a critical discussion of the text, or a theological debate about a rarticular doctrine , the discussion must finally come to the meaning for life today. Th o ugh faculty members in this department share a commitment to the convictions reflected in the University doctrinal statement, they reflect a healthy diversity regard ing other contemporary issues and interrretation of srecific rassages . Whether a divergent view is held by others on camrus or not, care is taken to rerresent opposing positions fairl y, so that students can decide for themselves in a gen uine educational environment. In practice, the task of teaching biblical studies is not limited to those within that department. Rather, the inte gration of Christian thought into a ll fields of inquiry is the
6 • General Information
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