W09 - The DPC

I was truly excited to reread Elders Bednar’s talk about how BYU-I was a DPC, Disciple Preparation Center, and how a school can be an instrument of furthering Gods plan, while developing each of us. The first time I went through college, I went to a non-church school. It was a great experience, but over time I’ve come to realize that it was insufficient. That was one reason I decided to enroll with BYU Pathway.

I’ve wanted to return to school for a long time and I’ve wanted to attend a church school so I could have the experience of studying academic subjects with a gospel centered lens. Elder Bednar’s comments about how discipleship prepares us for both temporal and spiritual advancements and success are one of my favorite talks I’ve ever read.

One point that he makes that is particularly impactful to me, is how he compares the university setting and the temple. In my experience, academics are particularly prideful about their work and its importance. For example, I’ve never met a math teacher than didn’t think his subject was the most important on campus. It’s very easy to see the culture of superiority that permeates academia today.

But Elder Bednar’s comments remind us all the education is a critical component of God’s plan for each of us and that we must value education to truly be disciples of Christ. That doesn’t necessarily mean a formal, university education is a prerequisite to achieve eternal life. But I do believe it means that God expects me to seek learning and the blessing and service opportunities that come with that light and knowledge.

A university, even if it only exists on-line, is truly a temple of learning. This university, that is led by the Lord’s restored church, is truly a specific type of Temple to the Lord. It would not surprise me to see the word’s “Holiness to the Lord” on my diploma, and I wouldn’t think it was inappropriate either. I look forward to studying temporal and spiritual things here at BYU-I and hope to make this discipleship preparation opportunity the very best it can be for myself and my family.