California Biblical University and Seminary

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California Biblical University and Seminary (CBUS), or California Biblical University, is an unaccredited fundamentalist Christian higher education institution in Irvine, California. It was founded in 2005 by Robert A. Morey who said its aim was to "give the liberals a heart attack by educating Bible-believing pastors, missionaries, and scholars."[1]

The school is co-located in the church founded by Morey. The building displays the church name as Faith Defenders, but weekly bulletins are in the name Faith Community. Faith Defenders has occupied this location for less than five years. Since January 2007 the building has been listed for sale [2] at $10.5 million.

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[edit] Ideology

In February 2005, Morey proclaimed that "schools in the area are under the control of humanists and liberals. We need a new school that will not compromise the truth for fame or fortune, and will stand against the wicked heresies taught on every hand today."[1]

[edit] Accreditation

California Biblical University and Seminary is not accredited by any accreditation body recognized by its country. According to the US Department of Education, unaccredited degrees and credits might not be acceptable to employers or other institutions, and use of degree titles may be restricted or illegal in some jurisdictions.[3] According to CBUS' website the school is "pursuing accreditation,"[4] but the 2007-2008 school catalog states that the school has not yet begun the accreditation process.[5]

In 2005, the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education granted Faith Defenders Church a "religious exemption," authorizing CBUS to grant religious degrees without being subject to the minimum California requirements of higher education.[6]

[edit] Educational programs

The institution offers certificates and bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs in Biblical apologetics; bachelor's degrees and graduate certificates in Biblical and Theological Studies; a Master of Missional Theology program; and an associate's degree program in Biblical studies.[7]

[edit] Controversy and criticism

On April 28, 2006 The Los Angeles Times reported a "clash" between Muslim counter-protesters and Christians who claimed "Islam denied believers freedom of expression and freedom of religion."[8] The article further noted "The critics of Islam, many of them members of the evangelical Faith Defenders, an Irvine-based Christian organization that runs the unaccredited California Biblical University & Seminary, chanted 'Remember 9/11' and sang 'God Bless America' and 'We Shall Overcome.'"

Critics of the institution also question some of the credentials and work of Robert Morey, the primary faculty member.

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b From the Desk of Dr. Morey
  2. ^ California Churches for Sale website
  3. ^ Educational accreditation. US Department of Education.
  4. ^ Official website
  5. ^ CBUS 2007-2008 catalog, page 13
  6. ^ California Department of Consumer Affairs Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education Directory of Institutions - Religious Exemptions, February 1, 2007
  7. ^ CBUS Academics
  8. ^ Susannah Rosenblatt. A Clash of Beliefs in Riverside. The Los Angeles Times. April 28, 2006.

[edit] See also

[edit] External links