By OBBM Network Editorial Staff

Robert Bortins

What drives a father of six to leave Idaho, shoulder the cost of accreditation, and launch a new Christian liberal arts college in the historic city of Oxford? Dr. Timothy Edwards shares how his family’s faith, a love of language, and a desire for a more intimate educational model sparked Selden College, a small but ambitious institution that blends ancient biblical studies with modern liberal arts.

From Homeschooling to Higher Education

Dr. Edwards began his career focused on “Educating Your Children at Home and the Blessing of a Christian Education in that Context,” a philosophy that later guided his move to New St. Andrews College in Idaho. There he served as Fellow of Theology and was soon appointed Academic Dean, overseeing a nine‑person faculty. “Seeing the fruitfulness of a broad generalist education with a robust theological backbone was very striking,” he recalled, noting how that experience shaped his vision for a college that would marry rigorous scholarship with a clear Christian worldview.

When his parents’ health began to decline, the family returned to the United Kingdom to be near them in Oxford. While the presence of the world‑renowned university initially seemed daunting, Edwards saw an opportunity: “We use the term college. It’s not just higher education. But in the UK at the moment, universities are just sort of big‑box institutions with thousands of students and almost as many degree options as students.” He wanted a smaller, more personal environment where students could engage deeply with texts and ideas.

Building Selden College: Challenges and Costs

Launching a new institution in England required navigating a government‑run accreditation process overseen by the Office for Students. Edwards estimated the expense at “in the region of 150 to 200,000 pounds and so let’s say about three hundred thousand dollars” for the entire process. Despite the financial strain, the college began with four first‑year students, soon adding three or four more in the second year. “I can’t employ anyone full‑time at this moment,” Edwards admitted, emphasizing the reliance on part‑time scholars and professionals who already possess expertise in theology, philosophy, or related fields.

The college’s curriculum reflects Edwards’ academic background—holding a PhD from Oxford University, an MA from Hebrew University in Jerusalem, and a degree from the Western London Institute of Higher Education. Students explore early patristics, medieval theology, and the Abrahamic faiths, though Edwards prefers to place “Abrahamic” in quotation marks, signaling a nuanced approach to interfaith study.

The Power of Language in Faith

One of the most compelling parts of Edwards’ philosophy is his emphasis on original languages. He argues that learning Hebrew, Greek, or Latin opens “a whole different world” and allows readers to see Scripture more clearly. “When Jesus got up and read in the synagogue on the Sabbath from a Hebrew text, it didn’t have any vowels,” he explained, noting how the lack of vowels creates ambiguity and invites deeper engagement.

Even while championing the beauty of original languages, Edwards maintains confidence in translation: “I am utterly convinced about the efficacy of translation. Jesus would have taught in Hebrew or Aramaic… And it’s the translations of his words that are the inspired scriptures.” This balanced view underscores Selden College’s aim to equip students with both linguistic tools and the ability to interpret translated texts responsibly.

Looking Ahead: A Model for Christian Education

Selden College plans to expand its offerings, adding philosophy courses and deeper studies of Islam and Judaism—subjects not traditionally part of a classical liberal arts program in the UK. Edwards believes that understanding these faiths is essential for the next generation: “Those two things go hand in hand in terms of the challenges that these students in their generation and their days are going to have to be equipped to deal with.”

While the college remains small, its ambition is clear: to provide a rigorous, faith‑centered education that prepares students for both scholarly pursuits and real‑world challenges. As Edwards put it, “Education fundamentally boils down to… it’s very hard to read a text the same once you’ve been in the place where the text happened.” The college’s field trips to historic sites like Caesarea, where early Christian scholars such as Eusebius and Pamphilus worked, embody this immersive approach.

Selden College’s modest start reflects a broader trend among homeschooling families seeking alternatives to large, impersonal universities. By grounding education in Christian tradition, linguistic depth, and personal mentorship, the college offers a distinctive pathway for students who crave both academic rigor and spiritual formation.

The full episode of Refining Rhetoric with Robert Bortins is available on OBBM Network TV.