Fides Quaerens Intellectum

The motto of ETF Leuven can be translated as ‘Faith seeking understanding’. The medieval theologian Anselm of Canterbury used this expression to indicate that a deepened knowledge of God should arise from faith and an active love of God. Faith gives food for thought: the reality of faith is the seedbed of theological reflection. Accordingly, at ETF Leuven theological inquiry is based on faith. This does not mean that critical thinking, research and self-questioning are limited by certain dogmas. On the contrary, it means that we trust that theological study on the basis of faith and with an honest approach to research leads to a better theological understanding of God, Church and world.

It is our vision to equip people to take their place in Church and society in order to make the good news of Jesus Christ known in our world. There are three elements we combine in our approach, which make ETF Leuven a unique educational institution in the Low Countries:

• Our teaching is Bible-oriented. The Bible as the Word of God is not only central to the Old and New Testament departments, but in various ways in our whole teaching process.
• Our education is academic. We offer recognized degrees at academic level (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD). We are convinced that education must be in touch with day-to-day reality and scientifically founded.
• Our institution is culturally enriching. ETF Leuven is a European educational establishment where students and lecturers of different nationalities and various Church backgrounds meet one another.