Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said that “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education.”

YUAS was founded to provide a unique bible-based educational experience. While we aim to prepare students to become academically trained in Biblical studies, theology, ethics, preaching, and more, we also strive to offer a curriculum that encourages students to think critically about the past, present, and future in order to establish and solidify their individual biblical perspective.

I learned the value of critical thinking in both my academic and spiritual lives during my time as a law student, attorney, and during my theological training. Imagine a legal case where the jury only hears the opening statement, evidence, and legal arguments from just one side. Even if it isn’t the truth, the listener will believe what they’re told because it’s all they’ve been told. Unfortunately, at many bible schools and prominent seminaries, only one side of history, theology, and biblical concepts are taught year after year because critical thinking is deemed heresy and asking questions is discouraged. Practicing law taught me the importance of hearing all sides of an argument, examining all the evidence, using discernment, and considering all facts to arrive at the truth.

While attending Duke Divinity School, I also came to appreciate the value of an intentionally ecumenical academic environment. It was exposure to books, lectures, and even services from all denominations that not only gave me an appreciation for those varying belief systems, but even led to the adoption of some of those tenants into my own belief system. Similarly, YUAS strives to provide differing ecumenical viewpoints, both traditional and unorthodox, to allow students the academic freedom to discover what they believe for themselves.

At YUAS, we truly believe that it’s important for every one of our students, as aspiring leaders in the body of Christ to “study to show themselves approved by rightly dividing the Word, so as not to be tossed to and fro with every wind of doctrine…as children [are]” and that they must be resolute (fully persuaded) in what they believe first before they can truly minister to others (2 Tim. 2:15; Eph. 4:14; Romans15:5).

Welcome to YUAS,

Dr. Deborah Avery
Founder & President