About Us

 

The Institute For Principle Studies was founded in 2005 as a research and educational organization that provides a Christian alternative to the many well-established secular think-tanks. These public policy think-tanks, on both the right and left, have substantial influence on public opinion and on public policy. Their research is the basis for many of the media stories that we see, hear, and read each and every day.

Although there are hundreds of these organizations, even some with a conservative perspective, there are very few organizations seeking to do research, analysis, and teaching from a Biblical perspective. It is this void that the Institute For Principle Studies works to fill.

 

Principle Versus Practicality

In our modern world, we tend to analyze issues from a practical perspective. This practical perspective cares very little about absolute truth, Biblical principles, or having a consistent perspective. The practical (or pragmatic) view cares only about what may appear to work, not about what is right or wrong. Unfortunately, our society is crumbling from our unbridled pragmatism. A return to principle is the path to restoration and it is this "principled path" that the Institute For Principle Studies researches and teaches.

 

A "Biblical Worldview"

 

This phrase has become commonplace in modern Christianity, but we need to go beyond the phrase to a concerted effort to first define and then to teach what a Biblical worldview means. We need to apply scriptural principles to all aspects of our lives and to all of our institutions. With a particular emphasis on government, economics and history, the Institute hopes to help reverse the decline of our nation (and our world) by restoring consistent, principled thinking to these areas.

 

The Institute's Work


Here is what we do:

  • Teach the lost principles relating to the three God-ordained institutions (family government, church government, and civil government).
  • Promote private, Christian education with a goal of significantly reducing the enrollment and influence of the public schools.
  • Teach and promote free market economics and the biblical basis for this economic system.
  • Promote private, Christian charity as a step toward reducing dependence on public assistance and strengthening the witness of the church.
  • Act as a catalyst for both thought and research. With precious few exceptions, the Christian community has retreated from intellectual rigor in our approach to difficult issues. We need biblically principled thought and the research necessary to support it.
  • IPS desires to be a clearinghouse for quality, well researched information. Assist the broader Christian community in developing and implementing effective strategies for promoting the biblical worldview. We believe that precious resources are often squandered in well-intentioned but ineffective attempts to positively influence the culture.



Here is how we do it:

  • "Biblical Principles of Government" class. This 10 week course is the core of our educational efforts. This class is designed for adults and teens, and covers everything from evolution to elections and economics. This program exposes students to a view of civics, history, and economics that cannot be found in the classroom or the media.
    • Sponsorship of high school debate leagues and clubs. Through the activity of academic debate, students gain an interest in government and public policy. Along with the invaluable skills of research, logic, and speaking, we work hard to expose these students to thinking that is both principled and biblical.
  • Teacher conferences and teacher education. The classroom of today is the world of tomorrow. Training and influencing teachers is one way that we impact our world.
  • Pastoral conferences and education. Since many of the principles that IPS teaches originate in the Bible, it is important that our churches be able to effectively teach these essential principles.
  • Publishing and other media. Through books, magazines, newsletters, curriculum, and the internet, IPS works to influence and educate our society and its leaders.
  • Training parents and home-schooled students with seminars and materials. IPS continues to teach and support these dedicated families.