The Samford Distinction

Students who attend Samford University recognize that it is not like other universities. There is a uniqueness here, an obvious distinction that sets it apart from other colleges and universities, large or small, residential or commuter, public or private. What is that certain distinction that causes students to apply in record numbers, to love the years they spend here and to hold dear their Alma Mater?

That distinction has many elements, but central is Samford's dedication to rigorous academic inquiry in a Christian setting. Samford seeks to nurture students to think and act in ways that reflect the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, to impact not only their college years, but the rest of their lives.

So, what does it mean to be a Christian university?

Some Christian colleges take a defensive posture, aiming to defend the faith, to protect students from moral evil and to be a shield against intellectual currents not consistent with Christian belief. Others identify themselves as Bible schools where young people study and plan for vocational church work. Still others seek to offer a standard college education in a quasi-moral atmosphere, with a few Christian appurtenances, but equally uncertain as to whether they want to be considered a Christian college or university. Some claim only that a religious denomination originally founded them. Not so at Samford.

A climate that nurtures faith

Until now, other people--parents, peers, teachers, ministers and friends--have shaped students' beliefs and actions. Students will continue to draw nurture from those sources; however, during college years, one begins to develop, strengthen and fine-tune personal convictions and to lay claim to personal beliefs. Samford respects God-given abilities, so persons are encouraged to think, reflect and reason. Individuals are challenged to weigh differing points of view and to arrive at their own conclusions and convictions. And all of this takes place in a community of Christ-centered values. It is a place where hundreds of students gather Tuesday nights at Shiloh, a weekly worship experience. Chapel services, Christian lectureships, Bible study groups, community ministries and outreach teams are available. It is a community where faculty members show Christlike concern for students' welfare and personal growth. Samford seeks to create a university climate that is different from most--a climate of Christlike living and unashamed Christlike commitment.

Respectful dialogue versus dogmatic confrontation

Part of Christlike living involves realizing that every person goes through different stages along a journey of faith, especially in college. Just as Jesus encountered and befriended individuals in various faith-stages, people at Samford--students, faculty, staff--are in different stages of spiritual growth. In some settings, people dismiss others whose beliefs are different. A Christlike community calls for people to meet others "where they are." At Samford, a lively witness is defined by respectful dialogue, not by dogmatic indoctrination. Respectful dialogue helps create authentic friendships that, when attention is turned to spiritual matters, provide opportunities to sharpen and share personal faith.

Who is responsible for my spiritual growth?

One might state: "It sounds like you place a lot of responsibility for my spiritual growth on me." That's right! While Samford offers many opportunities for spiritual nurture--as many as any college in America--ultimate responsibility for spiritual livelihood rests with the individual. Samford aims to help students be all that God desires them to be; but in the end, it's between the individual and God. That's how it should be at a Christ-centered university. Samford respects the right and ability of students to choose whom they will serve and how they will serve. At Samford, the student is encouraged both to celebrate this freedom and to act upon it--for each person is individually responsible to God for the way that freedom is used.

Mission embodies Samford distinction

Practicing personal faith is openly encouraged, and faith perspectives are applied to the inquiry of academia and the issues and realities of life. Samford intends to be a university where students are encouraged to think holistically, to reflect thoughtfully, to relate authentically and to serve lovingly, constantly striving to embrace those values that Jesus lived and taught. The Great Commandment that Jesus stated in twofold form is inscribed on the gates to the entrance of the Samford campus: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind; and love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:37-39).

Following these words of the Living Christ, Samford's mission is to nurture one another for God, for learning, forever.