CIBREST Scope and Scripture-Governed Research Statement
Is CIBREST Only for Theologians, Bible Scholars, and Biblical Educators?
CIBREST's Response:
The programmes of the ChristoPress Institute of Biblical Research Studies and Theological Education (CIBREST), including its Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, are not restricted to theologians, Bible scholars, or biblical educators. CIBREST is open to scholars and researchers across legitimate academic disciplines.
Research undertaken at CIBREST may be situated in the sciences, social sciences, arts, humanities, education, technology, business, law, health-related disciplines, or other legitimate fields of academic inquiry. What distinguishes CIBREST is not necessarily the academic discipline being researched, but the governing framework within which the research is conceived, conducted, interpreted, evaluated, and applied.
CIBREST as a Scripture-Governed Research Institute
CIBREST is a Scripture-Governed Research Institute. Therefore, while a researcher may investigate a subject originating from any legitimate academic discipline, research undertaken within the CIBREST framework is expected to engage that subject within a biblical frame of reference and remain accountable to the authority, coherence, and principles of Scripture.
Accordingly, CIBREST does not require every research project to become a work of systematic theology. Rather, it seeks to cultivate an academic environment in which legitimate fields of knowledge can be investigated through a Scripture-governed research framework.
Dele Ilesanmi (2026) expresses this distinctive educational philosophy as follows:
“Scripture determines the ontology of the learner, the epistemology of knowledge, the methodology of instruction, and the teleology of education.”
— Ilesanmi (2026)
In this formulation, ontology addresses the foundational reality and nature of the learner; epistemology concerns the grounding, acquisition, and validation of knowledge; methodology concerns how teaching, learning, and research are conducted; and teleology concerns the ultimate purpose and end toward which education is directed. Within the CIBREST framework, these dimensions are brought under the governing authority of Scripture.
This principle is grounded in the biblical affirmation that “all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Tim 3:16, KJV), and that in Christ “are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col 2:3, KJV). Scripture therefore serves not merely as material for theological study, but as a governing biblical frame through which knowledge, learning, instruction, research, and their ultimate purposes may be critically examined (2 Tim 3:16–17; Col 2:2–3).
The CIBREST Principle
Therefore, the CIBREST position is stated succinctly:
“Any legitimate academic discipline may constitute the subject of research at CIBREST; however, research conducted within the CIBREST framework is Scripture-governed. The discipline may vary, but the governing biblical frame of reference remains constant.”
Thus, a scientist may conduct scientific research, an educator may conduct educational research, an artist may conduct research in the arts, a social scientist may investigate social phenomena, and a humanities scholar may undertake humanistic inquiry—yet each may pursue that research within a Scripture-governed framework.
CIBREST consequently seeks to build a community of scholars who do not regard faith and legitimate intellectual inquiry as mutually exclusive, but who pursue academic excellence while recognising the supreme authority of God’s Word.
CIBREST is therefore not merely an institute for theologians, Bible scholars, or biblical educators. It is a research and educational institute for scholars and researchers across legitimate academic disciplines who desire to advance knowledge under the supreme authority of Scripture.
CIBREST Governing Maxim
“Advancing Knowledge Under the Supreme Authority of God’s Word and Raising Scripture-Governed Research Scholars for Kingdom Impact.”
— ChristoPress Institute of Biblical Research Studies and Theological Education (CIBREST)
