Who is Matthew Lewis, M.Div.?

I'm a Christian

Being a Christian means my life is Christ centered, which affects all facets of my life including my career as a professor and academic tutor. I am happy to share with you a window into my faith and life.

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In the politically divisive world in which we live, the declaration of "Christian" often provokes more questions than it provides answers. For example, I attend a local church and read the Bible every day. However, my life and the faith I profess is not at all indicative of the unfortunate but sometimes deserved stereotypes of hatefulness and self-righteousness attributed to Christians throughout history.

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I am transparent about my faith, but I never attempt to proselytize the students or families I serve. Additionally, I deeply respect all people regardless of their religious or non-religious views, and I maintain deep, meaningful friendships with many of the students and families I serve without concern of conflict of worldview or theological thought.

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I believe my faith makes me a more effective educator because I am continually reminded of Jesus's example of care and compassion. Teaching requires great patience and a genuine desire to maximize the potential of each student. 

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I'm a husband and father

I have a loving, ever-supporting, wife of 22 years and two amazing daughters in high school and college, respectively, at the time of this writing. My family is my greatest source of joy and no day passes that I do not feel richly blessed by them.

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I'm a college professor and academic tutor

You may be wondering what "M.Div." (the initials after my name) means. M.Div. stands for "Master of Divinity," and I am very proud of this academic achievement: An M.Div. degree is a four-year master's program—about twice the length of most master's programs—requiring a mastery of communication and  ancient languages as well as a rigorous discipline of academic writing unrivaled in scholarship.

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The Generational Connection

I was raised in the Lutheran church tradition (though I am presently a Presbyterian) with a several- generation legacy of Christian higher education including, and most notably, my great-grandfather, Erhardt Riedel, who was a college professor, an academic scholar, a published author, the founder of two seminaries, and the first Lutheran missionary (Missouri Synod) sent to China. My great-grandfather's passion for teaching and academic excellence was the primary inspiration for my career choice.