Integration Essay

Ben Capobianco
BITH 111
Integration Paper
Word Count: 1,205
Integration

God did not intend life as a Christian to be a compartmentalized list of doctrines, but
rather, Christianity should be a fully integrated, defining part of life. The Christian life should not
be composed of isolated aspects (i.e. spirituality, academics, relationships, etc.). Each and every
doctrine of the Christian faith applies to daily life. It is important to actively seek to integrate
these truths into life. For example, three doctrines play a large role in my life as a liberal arts
student, and one day, as an individual potentially working in the legal field. The doctrine of the
trinity, the doctrine of creation, and the doctrine of shalom are fundamentally important to my
life as a student at a liberal arts institution. A liberal arts education attempts to cultivate people
instead of specialized skills. Such an education prepares students for life as a whole rather than
for a specific job. This type of education necessarily includes spiritual development if it is to be
true to its cause. Spiritual growth is an integral part of academics, and as life progresses,
vocation. Mental excellence requires spiritual health.
Some theologians claim that the doctrine of the trinity is the foundation of the Christian
faith. Whether or not this is the case, the fact remains that it is a critically important truth of
Christianity. This doctrine explains that God exists simultaneously in three persons, and in one.
It teaches that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are separate, yet the same. They are all of
equal influence and importance, and one is no greater than another. In order to aptly integrate
this doctrine and apply its truths to real-world life, it is necessary to first identify the concrete,
practical truths taught in the doctrine. The everyday value of the Trinity is extensive, but the

Integration Essay
principles of community and sacrifice are of particular significance. Community is the very
foundation of a liberal arts education. The liberal arts seeks to develop all the faculties of
students instead of focusing solely on training for a given vocation. This type of education relies
heavily on community. The liberal arts brings together a vast array of professors and students in
order to develop cultivate a diverse, cultured environment. This would be impossible if students
and professors were unwilling to be in community with extremely different individuals. In the
same way that the foundation of the Trinity is community, the foundation of an education as a
liberal arts student is also community. A second aspect of the doctrine of the Trinity that is
important to the life of the mind is sacrifice and selflessness. In Mark 14:36 before Jesus goes to
the cross, he is praying in Gethsemane, and he pleads, Abba, Father, all things are possible for
you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will. Although Jesus
desperately desired to forgo his ordeal on the cross, he ultimately yielded to the will of the
Father. This type of self-sacrifice is important in the life of the mind. Such selflessness is
particularly important in approaching vocation. As a political science major, I hope to eventually
work in the legal field. Although the field has been somewhat perverted, the true goal of law is
to provide order and justice. For example, when seeking to clear the name of a wrongfully
accused client, a lawyer must be completely dedicated to the cause of justice, sacrificing his time
and energy in vast portions in the name of a higher cause: truth. In the same way that Jesus gave
of himself for a greater cause, a lawyer is meant to be selfless in the lofty name of justice and
truth. The doctrine of the Trinity teaches community and self-sacrifice, which are fundamentally
important to life as a liberal arts student and potentially as a future lawyer.
The doctrine of Creation is fundamental to the life of the mind. The practical truths
found in this doctrine are relatively obvious. To create is to be Christ-like. As God created

Integration Essay
everything from nothing, so we should strive to create. The value of creation is not only for the
painter or the poet, but it is also for the political science student, and the lawyer. Since we are
to be like our Maker we too should be making things of beauty and significance(Liberal Arts
for the Christian Life, 222). Although many people tend to think of creation as conventional art,
in reality, making anything of beauty or significance can be classified as creation, and therefore,
being like the Maker. As a student, the value of creation cannot be overstated. In every class,
professors desire to see the creation of beautiful and valuable things, whether it is an essay or a
painting. Success and good grades are generally rewarded to those who can create things that
possess a high degree of beauty and significance. In the life of the mind, the doctrine of Creation
is foundational.
Lastly, the doctrine of Shalom is absolutely critical to everyday life. The doctrine of
shalom is described well in Engaging Gods World, In the Bible, shalom means universal
flourishing, wholeness, and delight a rich state of affairs in which natural needs are satisfied
and natural gifts fruitfully employed, all under the arch of Gods love. Shalom, in other words, is
the way things are supposed to be (Plantinga, 15). Essentially, the doctrine of Shalom teaches
the value of peace. Peace should be lived out both vertically and horizontally. In other words,
humanity is designed to live in shalom not only with God, but also with one another. This truth
is critically important to the life of the mind. As a student studying political science, it is
abundantly clear to me that the world is in short supply of shalom. War and poverty reign
throughout the entire earth. This unavoidable fact only highlights the need for peace, both with
God and with others. Studying political science in order to one day become a lawyer, I feel
called to pursue peace and justice for all. Shalom is important in every field, but I believe that it
is a foundation of political science and law.

Integration Essay
In conclusion life was not created to be compartmentalized and separate from Christian
doctrine. It is important to actively integrate the various doctrines of Christianity into life. For
example the doctrines of the Trinity, Creation, and Shalom are all significant in my life as a
liberal arts student and perhaps eventually as a lawyer. The Trinity teaches the importance of
community and self-sacrifice which are both fundamental to the liberal arts and the legal field.
The doctrine of Creation highlights the importance of creating things of beauty and significance.
Creation is a foundation of academics. Finally, the doctrine of Shalom demonstrates the value of
living in peace with one another and with God. The peace of Shalom is absolutely necessary to a
healthy life of the mind. Ultimately, these three doctrines practically effect the way in which I
approach life as a liberal arts student and perhaps eventually as an individual working in the legal
field. Instead of neglecting the practical value of these doctrines, I hope to make them an integral
part of my daily life.