Welcome To
Charnock Institute of the Bible
Charnock Institute of the Bible has a unique and distinct philosophy of education. It is our privilege to present our programs on this site so that you might make an informed decision concerning your future with CIB. Listed below you will find basic information which will introduce you to Charnock's goals.
Who Was Charnock?
Stephen Charnock was a Puritan Pastor who lived in the 1600s. He was dedicated to understanding God, His Attributes and Character. He was highly educated with a great understanding of the original languages of Scripture. He lived his faith by laying his education, talents, abilities, and all of his treasures at the foot of the cross. "The regulating principle of his whole life was embodied in the apostolic injunction;- 'Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.'"(1)
Immense learning and thought were marks of the Puritan divines and Charnock was second to none. His greatest work was, and is, the monumental, THE EXISTENCE AND ATTRIBUTES OF GOD (1,130 pages). This classic text has never been equaled in depth or breadth and stands even today as the standard for this subject.
"The first time I read Charnock, I came to the benumbing conclusion that I did not know God. At least, I did not know God like this man knew God." Dr. Dennis Dickinson
"I could spend the rest of my life reading
Charnock's, 'The Existence and Attributes of
God,'" Dr. John MacArther
Charnock died while in the midst of His discourses on the Existence and Attributes of God. How befitting of Charnock that the final days of his life were spent in an intense study of God’s character so that men would better know who it is that they call God and Lord.
It is our desire to take this spirit of Charnock and imitate it at Charnock Institute of the Bible. For Charnock, the College and University were a place of ‘Spiritual-Birthing’ - a place to see God. This is our foundational goal.
Student Philosophy
"No man shall see the Lord without holiness." (Hebrews 12:14)
"Blessed are the pure in heart, they (alone) shall see God." (Matthew 5:8)
The Bible presents a REVEALED God. God cannot be known unless He chooses to reveal Himself. But He has told us that certain things are necessary to place us in a context to see and know Him.
Students who are not, "pure in heart" and, "holy" cannot see God; regardless of reading, memorizing and studying the Bible. Charnock begins with a FIRST YEAR approach and curriculum which addresses this up front. Holiness and purity are required for a student to understand Scripture, encounter God, and receive the wisdom, guidance and power of the indwelling Holy Spirit.
The goal is to have the first year student:
1. come to know the God of the Bible with Scriptural clarity.
2. become capable of entering into lively discussions defending a Biblical Worldview (Seeing God in all of creation, and seeing creation in light of God).
In a world created by God, no creature is, or can be, independent of Him. CIB believes that all humans are responsible and accountable before God for their lives. Because of this, the first year of study will focus heavily on ‘Practical Theology.’ Students must learn to ‘live out’ the Scriptures by demonstrating a life of purity, faith, and Biblical holiness.
Educational Philosophy
1. As Colossians 1 states, it is the will of God that Jesus Christ be preeminent in ALL THINGS. He is to be Lord of Education. At CIB, students will learn to see all things in their rightful relationship to the Creator and to see the Creator in His rightful relationship to all things.
2. Most first year students of College/Seminary are simply not ready to enter into intelligent discussion of the Bible and God. With this in mind, first year students at CIB will be required to complete the “Knowing God” series of classes. This first year instructs students about life, purity and holiness and prepares them for the Internship program in the second year. Old and New Testament Surveys will require first year students to read the entire Bible in the First Semester. Their Professor will also incorporate instruction taken from the Original Texts of Scripture (Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic).
3. In the English translation of the Bible many important distinctions of meaning have become hidden. For example, the Greek N.T. has 24 words for “the,” 27 words for “receive,” etc. Only in the original languages can these distinctions be seen clearly. All Degree seeking students will translate the entire Old and New Testament from the original languages.
For 2,000 years Latin has been the language of Education and Theology. At CIB, the study of Latin is required for the reading of the major works of History and Theology. Many of the other works studied at Charnock will require an understanding of Latin.
4. All students remaining beyond the first year will be required to enter into an Internship. All Interns will have 10 hours of ministry each week under qualified supervision. The Internship will continue for three years throughout the remainder of the program that includes summer ministry and language studies.
Curriculum Philosophy
The entire curriculum will be built upon a specific Educational Philosophy.
Biblical Authority - The Bible is the ultimate authority and its teachings on ANY and EVERY subject are held to be binding upon both Staff and Students. Each trustee, officer, faculty member, as well as other employees and agents of CIB, shall fully and enthusiastically subscribe and submit to this proposition (or they shall not hold ANY position).
Biblical Text(s) - The Bible will be taught in and from its original languages (Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic). Professors not having translated the New Testament will not teach the New Testament. The same will hold true for the Old Testament.
Source Texts - Source Texts on historical matters are the only reliable texts and will be preferred over any and all others. Unless good reason is provided, Source Texts will be the primary texts used in classes (primarily in areas of history. E.g. Church History will use the writings of Eusebius, Bede, Luther, etc.) This does not necessarily mean the Source Text must be in its original language (e.g. French, German, Aramaic, etc., with the exception of Scritpure).
Best Texts - The Institute will give preference to the best texts available. The terms "Old" and "New" do not mean "Best." There are acknowledged Classical Works which have stood the test of time as being great works. Many of these will be used in classes at CIB.
Original Languages - Texts in their Original Languages will be preferred when possible.
Technology - With today's Information Explosion, the Internet is a tool which must be understood and used. The very idea of a Library has changed. Each student must have a Lap-Top computer (APPLE brand) with Wireless capabilities. The Institute will make High Speed Wireless Internet available. We prefer that you use an APPLE brand which will allow the Institute to make sure that all staff and students are using the same Hardware, Software and Operating System so there are no unnecessary conflicts. Research on-line will be a required approach in many classes.
Ministry - All students must be in ministry while attending CIB. Some travel for ministry opportunities will be required in some classes. This is the only way to assure that studies are practical. Jesus taught the Disciples while they ministered. After the first year, Interns will be in ministry with full time Pastors, Missionaries, Etc. at least 10 hours per week for the next three years. Interns are expected to become a part of the ministry they are working in. All travel, housing, and meal expenses, both within and outside of the country, are the responsibility of the Student.
Thank you for allowing us to present Charnock's approach to education.
Charnock Institute of the Bible
427 14 Ave. N.
Payette, ID 83661
Phone
1.208.642.4632
email
registrar@charnockedu.com
Many other unique characteristics of CIB will be listed on this page in the future.
1. Symington, Att. p. 13
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