A legitimate Christian education incorporating the liberal arts should produce a dramatically different outcome from a solely secular education. The ultimate quality of the experience depends on the institutional willpower to place the sacred scriptures above the entirety of the curriculum.  In other words, does the Bible authentically direct and interpret the educational vision? 

While Christian and secular liberal arts educations promote broad-based knowledge across diverse disciplines—such as humanities, sciences, and arts—a well-blended Christian liberal arts education prioritizes a biblical focus that accentuates Christian principles, ethics, and perspectives. 

In a Christian liberal arts education, the curriculum and community life might involve:

Biblical and Curricular Integration: The coursework often includes a Christian premise on various subjects, and students might engage with material reflecting how their faith in Christ interacts with their field of study.

Character and Ethics: There is a deliberate focus on Christ-like morality and ethics, aiming to instill a lifelong intrinsic system of truth and error inside the student’s heart consistent with Christian teachings.

Love for the Church: Through opportunities for worship, Bible study, mission trips, and other faith-based extracurricular activities, students are exposed to the best of local church life.

Mission and Identity: DCA’s mission statement reflects the school’s commitment to shaping students not just as scholars but as faithful Christ followers with a sense of service and community guided by Christian love and purpose.

In contrast, a secular liberal arts education emphasizes intellectual and cultural development without an inherent connection to the Bible, allowing for a more pluralistic and often secular worldview within the academic environment.

A well-rounded student in a biblical and liberal arts context often exhibits a balance of academic, personal, and social attributes that contribute to their overall development. The characteristics of a well-rounded student may include:

1. Intellectual curiosity: They maintain a genuine interest in a broad range of subjects and actively seek knowledge in diverse fields.
2. Critical Thinking and Scriptural Convictions: They can think critically, analyze various viewpoints, and develop reasoned arguments all within the protection of the unchanging Truthfulness of God’s Word.
3. Communication Skills: They possess strong written and oral communication skills, enabling them to express ideas effectively and engage in meaningful dialogue.
4. Practical Skills: They have developed practical skills that prepare them for real-world applications, such as problem-solving and teamwork abilities.
5. Personal Growth: They show evidence of personal development in areas such as emotional intelligence, resilience, and self-awareness.
6. Virtue and Responsibility: They demonstrate a love for their country and a commitment to their neighbor’s well-being.
7. Cultural Knowhow: They appreciate the presence of other cultures and show an openness to understanding and learning from people with different backgrounds and perspectives.
8. Civic Contrition: They actively participate in community service or civic activities, reflecting a sense of social responsibility and citizenship.
9. Leadership: They showcase leadership qualities, including the ability to inspire and motivate others, as well as to take initiative in various situations.
10. Emotional Balance: They maintain a healthy balance between academic, extracurricular, and personal activities, recognizing the importance of well-being in all aspects of life.