On His Way to Harvard

Faith and Intellect As One

Preston Moore is an MPCS alumnus (’12) who, I had recently learned, will be entering Harvard University Law School after graduating Magna Cum Laude from Georgetown University this past spring with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy. I listened intently to his story, and the conversation once again affirmed and validated the essential value of a faith-infused and intellectually challenging education. 

There are those in our society who would demean the role of providing a Christian worldview in intellectual pursuits. Some would even say these are two polar-opposite considerations. Others attempt to proclaim that exemplary Christian education is, by its very definition, inferior to secular education, whether in public or non-sectarian private school environments. Still others proclaim it to be exclusive and narrow. They are wrong.

Mount Paran Christian School not only stands for exemplary academics as a foundational priority, we believe that apart from faith, which must grow alongside intellectual development, academics is less than complete. If there was ever a time in our national discourse where the truth of the Gospel is to be proclaimed and taught, it is now. All truth is God’s truth, and His message clearly condemns the racism, hatred, and bigotry that is plaguing our nation. Although some in secular education are about the business of denying the essential value of an intellect enlightened by biblical truths, our founding fathers acknowledged that critical and fundamental truth all too well.  Allow me to remind you of the words of just a few of them:

“It has been the error of the schools to teach astronomy and all the other sciences... as accomplishments only; whereas they should be taught theologically, or with reference to the Being who is the author of them; for all principles of science are of divine origin. Man cannot make, or invent, or contrive principles; he can only discover them; and he ought to look through the discovery to the Author.” —Thomas Paine

“Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.” 
— George Washington

“Let statesmen and patriots unite their efforts to renovate the age by impressing the minds of men with the importance of educating their little boys and girls, inculcating in the minds of youth the fear and love of the Deity... and leading them in the study and practice of the exalted virtues of the Christian system.” —Samuel Adams

Veritas – All Truth is God’s Truth

More evidence could be offered, but the truth remains the truth. So, Preston, we are proud of you and excited for what God is about to open to you. Go to Harvard as the intellectual you are; go as a man whose confidence is in the One who knows what lies ahead; go and prepare to make a profound difference in our legal culture; and go as the committed Christ-follower you are, remembering that education and intellectual pursuits divorced of faith is lacking. Because academics and faith have grown together in your mind and heart, you will enter Harvard more prepared than most because you are truly an educated man.

Dr. David Tilley is serving his eighteenth year as Headmaster of Mount Paran Christian School. 

Click to learn more about how faith helps MPCS students excel academically in rigorous subject areas.