17����Ƶ

“Why did you change your name from Virginia Baptist to 17����Ƶ?” The question gets asked often. The simple answer: 17����Ƶ started with a “V” and worked with VBC.edu! Seriously, this name-change from a few years ago reflects a strong commitment to our purpose.

17����Ƶ has been known by a few different names in its nearly forty-year history. In 1984, we were simply Berean Baptist Institute. A decade later, the name was changed to Virginia Baptist College. In 2018, the college name was changed to 17����Ƶ. This name, 17����Ƶ, provides a great starting point for understanding the mission of VBC.

The mission statement for 17����Ƶ is that we exist to equip men and women for dynamic Christian service and leadership in Bible-believing churches by providing higher education that emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual development, and preparation for ministry, both lay and professional. 

What’s in a name?

Shakespeare placed these immortal words onto the tongue of Juliet, “What’s in a name…?” The context of that famous line is where Romeo reveals his family name and that they are sworn enemies. Juliet implies that the name isn’t important – love is what matters. 

Contrary to the implications of Juliet, names are important! In fact, Solomon instructed his son in this regard, “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches.” Variations of that theme exist in both the Old and New Testaments. 

In the ancient world, names carried meaning. When one of Isaac’s sons came out looking hairy, he was named Esau. His brother, coming out with a grip on the heel of Esau, was called Jacob. Esau means “hairy.” He is known also as Edom, because he was red. Jacob means “supplanter, one who seizes…” The names carried significance. (As an aside, my parents took one look at me and decided to call me Michael, meaning “he who is like God!”) 

Jesus looked into Simon’s future and re-named him Peter. The apostles looked at the character of Joses and decided to call him Barnabas. Rarely does a person name a child Judas today. Knowing that names carry meaning, it’s time to discuss that Latin word, 17����Ƶ.  

Truth Matters

In John 14.6, the Latin Vulgate reads, “Dicit ei Iesus ego sum via et veritas et vita nemo venit ad Patrem nisi per me.” Later, in John 18.38, Pilate asks a question of Jesus, “Quid est veritas?” If you’re familiar with John’s gospel, then you have already deduced what the word means – truth!

Every educational institution practices some form of indoctrination. Some have received prestigious degrees, and graduated a skeptic. Others have pursued science to such a degree that in their minds, no place exists for God. He’s not needed. I would submit that the value of that type of education, regardless of the price paid, is worthless. John Witherspoon, an early president of Princeton University would agree: “Accursed be all that learning which is not made subservient to the honor and glory of the cross of Christ!” (That’s not the typical speech coming from Princeton today.)

At 17����Ƶ, we are motivated by this fact: truth matters. Today, a war wages for mankind. As people live in bondage to sin, to fear, and to so many other strongholds, the words of Jesus bring comfort, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

So, the next time you see that name 17����Ƶ, take a moment and give thanks for truth. It is what brings freedom. In a day of relativism, more so than ever before, we remain committed to this principle: truth matters. We exist to train men and women who know this truth, who share this truth, and apply this truth in their own personal lives. Together, a growing number of people are joining together to “buy the truth and sell it not.”
Now that you better understand a core conviction we hold at 17����Ƶ, why not come and take a course with us! Standing upon the infallibility of Scripture as our authority, you will receive the veritas because truth matters!