Knowing... Being... Doing...
The mission of McMaster Divinity College is to develop effective evangelical Christian leaders for the Church, academy, and society through graduate-level education, spiritual development, and vocational formation.
In order to achieve our mission, McMaster Divinity College has committed itself to the transformational paradigm of “Knowing…Being…Doing…” as the basis of both our professional and research degree programs. All of our courses impart a body of knowledge (knowing) that enhances our students’ understanding, insight, and perspective on the important issues of the Christian faith. We are convinced, however, that education must push beyond the informational to the formational (being) and result in an inner transformation, where all members of the learning community are conformed to Christ’s image. This paradigm of education includes advanced vocational competencies (doing) so that graduates from our degree programs are equipped for what will be required of them as they move from graduation to their chosen ministry vocation.
The following symbols have come to visually represent this paradigm:
Knowing...
the Word of God
Being...
transformed into Christ's image
Doing...
the work of ministry
Some visual qualities are shared amongst all the icons, such as unity of form, size, and line. This unity communicates a common message, while at the same time, because they are also separate entities, retaining their specific aspect of the overall meaning. The shape and design allude to the Christian ichthus “fish” symbol and the triquetra. Generally, the look also reminds one of stained glass works. The three symbols reference the three-in-one nature of God.
Taken separately, the eye refers to knowing. “The eyes of the Lord keep watch over knowledge, but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful” (Proverbs 22:12). The leaf refers to being and symbolizes life and growth. “Blessed are those who trust in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit” (Jeremiah 17:7-8). The hand refers to doing. It has a shape and position that imply lifting as in lifting our hands to God or lifting up others to God. “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17). “I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands” (Psalm 63:4).
McMaster Divinity College—Knowing the Word of God, Being transformed into Christ’s image, Doing the work of ministry. Knowing…Being…Doing…