Reinhardt College Statement of Faith

We believe in the freedom to explore and express faith.  

We believe that all individuals have inherent worth as given to them from God.

We believe that Jesus Christ taught us to treat one another with grace, forgiveness, and most importantly love.   

We believe in supporting an academic community where people from all faiths feel welcomed and accepted.

We believe, as an affiliate of the United Methodist Church, in the value of a cooperative relationship between the academy and the church, whereby both institutions respect and foster higher learning.

We believe that a life-changing faith is guided by the written Word, illumined by tradition, enlightened by personal experience and confirmed by reason.

We are continually developing an academic community that is just and kind and walks humbly with our God.

Approved 9/18/07

Background on the Statement of Faith

Reinhardt's Statement of Faith resulted from a year-long study of faith and what it means at Reinhardt College.  During the year, several lectures addressed faith on our campus, and an extensive written survey of faculty and staff views toward faith and the role it plays at Reinhardt was conducted.  A series of small focus groups were conducted by Reinhardt President Dr. J. Thomas Isherwood and College Chaplain the Rev. Leigh S. Martin. Isherwood and Martin distilled what they had heard into a written document, and faculty and staff feedback to the statement was considered.  The resulting statement above was approved by Reinhardt's Board of Trustees on Oct. 18, 2007.

Helping to Explain What to Expect

President Isherwood believes the statement helps to explain the College's faith atmosphere. "It is not a litmus test or belief statement that our employees must sign.  Instead, it strives to summarize how this institution addresses faith.  I hope it will help prospective students, faculty and staff have a better idea of what to expect.