Free to
FLOURISH

 

Freedom is an idea at the very heart of Pepperdine. In our classrooms, this idea animates the University’s dedication to academic freedom and the relentless pursuit of truth. On campus, it is embodied in the abundant opportunities and resources enjoyed by students empowered to pursue their unique callings. Worldwide, it manifests itself in the efforts of Waves to extend their own freedom and flourishing to others around the globe.

If freedom is the beating heart of Pepperdine, flourishing is the work of its hands. To flourish means to grow luxuriantly—to thrive, to prosper. True freedom runs deeper than a mere lack of external restraints; it exists for a purpose and carries with it a responsibility to steward it well. G. K. Chesterton puts this idea powerfully in his book Orthodoxy: “The more I considered Christianity, the more I found that while it had established a rule and order, the chief aim of that order was to give room for good things to run wild.”

This phrase aptly captures the spirit of the flourishing community at Pepperdine—from the ocean-set Malibu campus to the historic Château d’Hauteville: good things running wild. At Pepperdine, we believe that the purpose of the freedoms enjoyed by our students is to empower them to become the people they were created to be—to allow them to flourish.

To be free does not mean to be disconnected from values or to be without foundation. A tree without roots withers and dies. Pepperdine is a place with deep roots. Its unapologetic commitment to Christian faith and values, its unwavering pursuit of excellence, and its steadfast dedication to its mission are the roots from which spring the abundant fruits of the flourishing university community we see around us.

In the world of higher education, Pepperdine shines as a beacon of freedom—freedom of inquiry, freedom of religion, freedom of expression. Ultimately, we believe that the freedom we have in Christ enables us to flourish in the world.

The kind of freedom Christ offers is true freedom—a life liberated from the obstacles that hold us back and a life empowered to fulfill our purpose. Our theme verse for the year, 2 Corinthians 3:17, reveals the source of this deeper kind of liberty: “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” Ultimately, Pepperdine is a place of freedom, because it is a place where the Spirit of the Lord dwells. It is a place where students, faculty, and community are free to flourish.