On Sept. 20, President Barry Corey composed a retrospective, which considers Biola’s founding principles and how the university achieves them. He listed six principles aligning with Biola’s commitment to Christian values.

SIX PILLARS

Corey detailed six pillars that represent Biola’s commitments to scripture, scholarship, virtue, evangelism, reconciliation and access. In his opening thoughts, Corey compared the commitment to mission to sheep grazing in a pasture. As sheep, he noted, Biolans must know the voice of the shepherd and recognize his call.

“The responsibility of university leaders—and by leaders I mean the trustees, the administration and the faculty—is to live into the present and to consider the future in light of the past,” Corey wrote.

Corey reflected on Biola’s founders and other figures of faith. He explained that each pillar responds to the changes and fidelity in Biola’s culture over the years and reacts to where they are presently. Corey noted that the founding principles are still pivotal to the university’s future.

MISSIONAL DRIFT

In his summary, Corey responded to concerns over missional drift. He emphasized that Biola must remain faithful to biblical principles and cannot succeed in its mission if it strays from “biblical fidelity.”

Biola is not the only university responding to concerns about missional or theological drift. In 2018, Azusa Pacific University faced similar concerns. Two APU board members submitted their resignation over theological drift, The San Gabriel Valley Tribune reported. The board members noted that the drift did not happen overnight—it took place over a 10-year period, according to SGVT.

Corey stated that by reflecting on foundational values, Biola is able to remain faithful to its initial goals to remain biblically rooted in academics.