What Makes an Adventist Education Distinctive?

Andrews University is a Seventh-day Adventist university. This means that our approach to teaching and learning is built on and inspired by the distinctive philosophy of Adventist education. This philosophy incorporates at least seven essential elements.

1.  The image of God. At creation, human beings were formed in God's image (Genesis 1:26, 27). This likeness to God provides each one of us with the capacity to love, the aptitude to manage, and inspires our facilities to create, make decisions and think rationally, among other things. Our God-given abilities, however, are not ends in themselves. Instead, these God-inspired abilities provide us with the opportunity to make ethical decisions and live moral lives. Accordingly, the foremost feature of the image of God will be found within our spiritual and moral nature.

Tragically, as those first humans sought to obtain knowledge disconnected from God, they chose to instead distrust God, reject His Word, and thus sever their relationship with Him. As a result, we all "fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). We have begun to lose our likeness to the Creator and the image of God has become increasingly distorted and deformed in our world.

However, the good news is that restoration is possible! How does it happen? In the New Testament, apostles point out that by receiving God's Word (James 1:18; 1 Peter 1:23) and by looking to Jesus—contemplating His life and teachings, we are changed into His likeness (2 Corinthians 3:18). This restoration brings about a transformation of our lives (Romans 12:2) in which all things are renewed (2 Corinthians 5:17).

What does this belief in the image of God mean within Andrews University?

It means that each one of our students possesses inherent value as God's creation. It means that as educators we seek to purposefully express a clear and inviting picture of who God is. It also means that Andrews University is committed to uplifting Jesus so that others may see who God truly is and, in turn, be transformed into His likeness.

2.  Whole-person development. Luke 2:52 states that "Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." This multi-faceted development incorporated four crucial dimensions: mental, physical, spiritual and social.

In the mental arena, the educational experience is designed to impart wisdom through a correct application of knowledge that seeks to glorify God and bless those around us, both for this life and in eternity. This approach to education can and will contribute to higher-level thinking: analysis, evaluation, and creative thought and action. Fundamentally, it seeks to frame a biblical worldview, where each aspect of life and learning is viewed through a biblical lens, endeavoring to understand the discipline and its applications as God sees them.

The physical component incorporates a healthy lifestyle, a solid work ethic, and a focus on recreation as re-creation—making changes in our physical and life routines that contribute to restoring God’s image. The spiritual focus encompasses Bible study, the development of a personal and corporate relationship with God, and the formation of moral character. Finally, the social dimension features service, witness, and orienting one's life and vocation as a response to the divine calling.

At Andrews University we prepare and implement a whole-person experience for each one of our students. This means that, in addition to intellectual development, Andrews University consistently seeks to incorporate key spiritual, physical, and social goals throughout its program of studies. It also means that missional experiences and service learning opportunities will be hallmarks of an Andrews University education.

3.  All truth is God's truth. The Bible makes it clear. "The Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding" (Proverbs 2:6). "Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ" (John 1:17; see also Colossians 2:3). God, then, is the Source of truth, revealing facts and principles through Scripture, His created works in the physical world and human society, and through creative and reflective thought. Each of these dimensions, however, must point toward and function in harmony with its Source. Among these, we must recognize the Bible as the clearest and most comprehensive revelation of God’s truth.

The role of the Word of God in the teaching and learning process is highlighted throughout the Bible. David declared, "The teaching of your word gives light" (Psalm 119:130). And Christ prayed for His followers, "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth" (John 17:17). What, then, is the place of the Bible in Adventist education? This means that the Bible is not simply a slice of the curriculum, one subject among many. Instead, the Word of God is at the heart of every subject area.

This means that at Andrews University students are to explore and interact with God’s Word in each academic discipline. It means that as educators we intentionally seek to connect all knowledge to its Source. Ultimately, it means that at Andrews University, we make the Word of God the foundation of all our academic endeavors.

4.  A comprehensive spiritual framework. Of the false dichotomies that we sometimes create in our lives, one of the most problematic is the spiritual-secular divide. In this approach, some choose to label certain aspects of life as spiritual, such as attending religious services and having personal devotions but, in turn, consider the rest of our life to be secular, without reference to God or His plan for our lives.

The Bible, however, affirms that a spiritual perspective is to permeate all in which we engage. "Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31). "Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus" (Colossians 3:17). Paul further states that we must "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5). A Spirit-filled perspective, then, encompasses Christian life and learning.

At Andrews University, we endeavor to to consistently view all things from God's perspective. We adopt the biblical worldview which inspires a unified approach to life and learning, and precludes a spiritual/secular dichotomy. As educators and as learners we strive to ensure that a spiritual focus frames each academic subject and topic.

5.  Nurturing faith. In Scripture, faith, learning and life are linked together. Paul declared that "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17). Faith, then, is connected to learning about God and His plan for our lives.

However, while this is essential, it is insufficient on its own. Faith must also link to life itself. As James asserted, "Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead" (James 2:17). This faith-integrative process is anchored in the Word of God.

Faith incorporates at least three dimensions: first, faith in God, both knowing about God and knowing Him experientially; next, by faith in God’s revelation—trust in His message and plan; and, finally, by faith in persons—recognizing the true potential of others and of ourselves, by God’s grace.

There are two essential aspects in the learning process: learning to think from a distinct Christian perspective—which requires a change of mind; and by learning to live by faith—a change of life. The change of mind involves internalizing the attitudes and priorities of Christ within our own lives. The change of life that follows involves trusting the divine plan and reflecting on that commitment in our own choices and actions. Jesus announced, "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly" (John 10:10). This abundant life that Christ describes encompasses both a meaningful life and an eternal life. It is an abundant life that provides both focus and direction.

What then is this unity of faith, learning and life described here? It is when biblical beliefs and values provide the bedrock for the academic endeavor, which, in turn, seeks to relate Christianity to the full range of the human experience. Adventist education is more than just a mixture or a chance encounter faith, learning, and life. It is achieved when faith becomes and is the great unifying factor in all of learning and life.

At Andrews University, we believe that students must personally experience faith, which they will develop through a relationship with God. We believe that our teachers are to nurture faith, seeking a transformation in both the minds and lives of our students. Our overarching goal is to form persons who trust God's Word and plan for their lives.

6.  Spirit-filled teachers. The Holy Spirit is key in Adventist education. "The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things" (John 14:26). The chapter of Ephesians 4 reminds us that Spirit-filled teaching is a divine gift, granted to "prepare God’s people for works of service" and to edify the body of Christ "in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God" (Ephesians 4:11-13).

In Adventist education, our teachers must be competent—demonstrating solid content knowledge and effective teaching skills, serving as caring mentors, and committed to professional growth. However, while competence is vital, it is nonetheless insufficient on its own. Just as our Earth is surrounded by a life-giving atmosphere, so our professional competence must be enveloped in commitment. This concept of commitment is a biblical one. Paul wrote to Timothy, "The things that you have heard from me, commit these to faithful witnesses who will be able to teach others also" (2 Timothy 2:2).

Such commitment can and will involve a wholehearted consecration to God and seeks to consistently fulfill the mission that He has entrusted to each one of us. This consecration includes a faithfulness to the biblical worldview and devotion to a life of witness and service. It means that as educators we seek the opportunity to effectively represent the Master (2 Corinthians 5:20).

At Andrews University, we hold that the work of the Holy Spirit is essential to the success of the teaching-learning experience. As educators, we view our profession as a divine calling, focused on the salvation of our students. Above all, we together commit ourselves to be faithful, as God's representatives.

7.  Educating for eternity. Sometimes educators may adopt a limited vision of what students can become, and simply focus largely on helping them pass the course or seeking to ensure that they can graduate. At other times, that vision may be expanded by endeavoring to prepare students to be successful in the broader context of life—in their professions, their relationships with friends and family, and as responsible citizens. Adventist education, however, envisions an even broader scope of purpose: educating for eternity.

The concept of education with eternity in view is embedded throughout the Bible: "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life" (John 6:47). But "how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?" (Romans 10:14).

Because a God-like character is the only asset that we can take from this world to the next, character formation is a central value in Adventist education (Micah 6:8; Ezekiel 44:23). With this approach, education must not only be informational but transformational.

At Andrews, we believe that it is essential that each one of our students understands the true philosophy of education, including its ultimate and eternal dimension. As educators, we will see our students as God sees them—candidates for heaven. We prioritize character formation, building a life commitment to reflecting God's values and priorities.

In short, Andrews University seeks to exemplify and affirm the philosophy of Seventh-day Adventist education in tangible and life-changing ways. Together, we commit to offering an Adventist educational approach that is Christ-centered, Bible-based, mission-focused, student-connected and heaven-bound.


John Wesley Taylor V
President, Andrews University