FAQ
How are Creighton University’s educational programs in Occupational Therapy, Pharmacy or Physical Therapy unique?
A Jesuit Education at Creighton University seeks to develop the whole person – mind, body and spirit. In additional to striving for academic excellence, we emphasize development of moral character through encouraging critical thinking, discussion of ethical issues, community service, especially to the poor and disadvantaged, and integrating Ignatian Values into our curriculum. We endeavor to develop health care professionals who are women and men of competence, compassion and conscience.
What are the “Ignatian Values”?
The School of Pharmacy and Health Professions has chosen five aspects of Ignatian Spirituality to emphasize in its mission of preparing health care professionals to provide comprehensive, patient centered care. They are: “Finding God in all things”, “Cura Personalis”, “Magis”, Men and Women for and with others”, and “Faith that does Justice”. These values are evident in the day to day life of the school (student, faculty and staff comments), integrated into course objectives, topics of retreats, ongoing staff and faculty development, and points of reflection for community engagement and service. Read more here.
What is the “Catholic, Jesuit tradition of Creighton University?” Do I have to be Catholic to attend Creighton?
Not at all. The Characteristics of Jesuit Education (1986) offers a description which has been amplified by Fr. General Kolvenbach (Former General Superior of the Jesuits)
The pursuit of each student's intellectual development to the full measure of God-given talents rightly remains a prominent goal of Jesuit education. Its aim, however, has never been simply to amass a store of information or preparation for a profession, though these are important in themselves and useful to emerging Christian leaders. The ultimate aim of Jesuit education is, rather, that full growth of the person which leads to action - action, especially, that is suffused with the spirit and presence of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Man-for-Others. This goal of action, based on sound understanding and enlivened by Contemplation (reflection), urges students to self-discipline and initiative, to integrity and accuracy. At the same time, it judges slip-shod or superficial ways of thinking unworthy of the individual and, more important, dangerous to the world he or she is called to serve. 1
Father Kolvenbach has described the hoped-for graduate of a Jesuit school as a person who is "well-rounded, intellectually competent, open to growth, religious, loving, and committed to doing justice in generous service to the people of God." Father Kolvenbach also states our goal when he says "We aim to form leaders in service, in imitation of Christ Jesus, men and women of competence, conscience and compassionate commitment." (Ignatian Pedagogy). Read more about Creighton University's mission.
I am not Christian, if I attend Creighton, will someone try to convert me to Christianity?
No. Everyone is welcome, no matter what your faith background, or whether you have no particular faith background at all. We endeavor to implement our faith-based identity in our academic mission of teaching, scholarship and service. Mission based issues, such as ethics, justice, moral reasoning and faith-related perspectives are highlighted in courses in order to contribute to the overall value-centered education of students. Ethics courses draw from Judeo-Christian traditions and Catholic social justice teachings, integrating diverse ethical perspectives while respecting individual moral convictions. Opportunities for reflection are abundant in academics, service learning and community engagement. Retreats and informal opportunities are available for personal and professional growth. Hear more about this at http://www.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/online.html (“Characteristics of Ignatian Education” by Fr. Andy Alexander, S.J.
Are all of the faculty Catholic or Christian?
No. Faculty represents a variety of Christian denominations and as well as other faith traditions, including no faith tradition. Faculty have ongoing opportunities to integrate Ignatian Values into their personal and professional life, and to integrate Ignatian Pedagogy into the curriculum and their teaching practices. Reflections from our faculty.
What is Spirituality?
Spirituality is a broad term that describes what gives a person meaning and purpose and how one expresses and lives that in their daily life. A person’s spirituality includes one’s values, often but not necessarily derived from religious, cultural, or ethnic teachings and traditions, as well as their own experience. Spirituality includes how one’s values influences and guides one’s decision making, actions and relationships with others, with all of creation, and with the Transcendent (God) . Some would say the purpose of spirituality is about transformation: whether it is individual, corporate, societal, or global transformation. Read More on Ignatian Spirituality and other spiritual resources at Creighton: (http://www.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/presentations.html)
How is Spirituality different from religion?
Spirituality is a wide-ranging term. Some people may describe their spirituality in terms of service to others. Experiencing oneself as connected and in union with all of creation may be the predominant theme for others. Even someone who doesn’t believe in God has a spirituality, i.e. a sense of what gives them meaning and purpose. Religion refers to a particular faith tradition with beliefs, rituals, traditions, teachings and a community. Some would say we are all born with the same spiritual questions: “Who am I?”, “Why am I here?”, “What is the purpose of life?” and religion is the way we have attempted to answer those questions through the ages.
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