Ben Merkle, Tom Price, and What They Learned about Learning at Oxford
Jun 10, 2024
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Ben Merkle, President of New Saint Andrews College, joins the hosts to discuss his time at Oxford and how those lessons are applied at NSA. They explore contrasts in educational systems, the influence of Oxford on students, navigating competition in academia, and challenges faced by educational institutions in the modern world.
NSA focuses on creating a classic Christian education movement impacting architecture, music, and worship culture.
Harmonizing natural law with legal establishment is vital for maintaining cultural integrity.
NSA envisions revolutionizing architectural practices through education, trade skill development, and legal reform in building codes.
NSA seeks students committed to Christian principles, intellectual growth, and cultural impact in shaping tomorrow's landscapes.
Deep dives
Building a Strong Educational Institution
NSA aims to establish a premier institution with a legacy similar to Oxford, shaping culturally significant ideas. They focus on creating a classic Christian education movement across the US, impacting architecture, music, and worship culture. NSA envisions expanding its influence over generations to redefine educational norms and inspire cultural shifts.
Preserving the Common Law Tradition
The podcast touches on the common law tradition rooted in biblical principles applied to legal systems, providing precedent for various situations. While some struggle to understand or uphold this tradition, the importance of harmonizing natural law with law establishment is highlighted, emphasizing its significance in maintaining cultural integrity.
Challenges and Opportunities in Architecture
Architectural choices reflect cultural values and aesthetics, impacting the environment and societal beliefs. NSA delves into redefining architectural norms through a comprehensive approach involving education, trade skill development, and legal reform in building codes. Emphasizing theological aesthetics, NSA envisions revolutionizing architectural practices.
Encouraging Intellectual Exploration and Growth
NSA seeks students who embrace challenges and seek intellectual growth in a rigorous environment, serving as pioneers in cultural transformation. The institution values commitment to Christian principles, individual growth, and societal impact, fostering a community of explorers shaping tomorrow's cultural landscapes.
Defining the Role of NSA
NSA positions itself as a dynamic institution not for everyone but for those seeking intellectual rigor, cultural impact, and Christian values. The college prioritizes building tomorrow's culture shapers, challenging students to uphold high standards, and prove their worth in shaping societal norms and values.
Recruiting Faculty and Establishing Foundations
NA seeks to attract and retain faculty members who align with its vision and play a crucial role in the institution's growth and impact. Building strong foundations in terms of facilities, faculty, and structure, NSA aims to establish a reputation as a transformative educational hub over the next decade.
Inviting Potential Students to Embrace Challenges
NSA invites prospective students who are ready to embark on a challenging intellectual journey, promising a rigorous and transformative educational experience. The college appeals to students who prioritize growth, impact, and cultural significance, offering a unique environment for those seeking to push boundaries and shape future cultural landscapes.
Today begins the first of the shows recorded in Oxford! Tom and Chris are joined by Dr. Ben Merkle, President of New Saint Andrews College. Ben was visiting Oxford at the same time as the Pugs, and this afforded an opportunity to discuss with Tom and Chris what Ben learned at Oxford about post-secondary education and how those lessons are being applied at New Saint Andrews College half a world away.
The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/trc-media/
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