I became an Alberta Bible College student in 1978 and planned to be there for one year before getting back to my studies in engineering but stayed at ABC until 1981 and received a degree.

I appreciated that the college was not a prescriptive school which taught that there was only one doctrine, one way of looking at things, and one correct answer. Students were taught how to think rather than what to think. We were not given one view of prophecy and revelation and asked to assent to it but rather were exposed to the variety of theological perspectives on the topic and encouraged to “search the scriptures day after day” to find the truth, much like the Berean church in Acts 17.

ABC was a place where a young student like me could strengthen my faith in God before taking on a degree in Molecular Biology at the University of Calgary. Because of my time at Alberta Bible College, I was prepared to think about how faith and science fit together.

Years later, when I was looking to do graduate studies, I looked for a school that once again taught me how to think and not what to think. The variety of denominations and theological perspectives at Regent College in Vancouver was well-suited to my style of learning.

Now, as an adjunct professor at Alberta Bible College, I  teach with the same approach that I have always valued: guiding students how to think about the subject matter. The primary course I teach—Science, Technology and Society—encourages students to critically examine the science of our day and how science integrates with our faith; or, in some cases, how a scientific idea must be handled carefully or even rejected. I seek to present a variety of theological perspectives and inspire the students to “search the scriptures day after day” to find God’s truth. We remind each other that if something is true, it is from God.

I am thankful for the foundational role that my studies at ABC have played in my life; I continue to value Alberta Bible College and contribute to the college in a number of ways. As we celebrate the past of Alberta Bible College, we must also look toward its future. May each of us consider our part in supporting the future of this valuable institution.

Sincerely,

Keith Shields

(June 2025)