2026 Just Thinking Scholarship


The Master’s University is partnering with Just Thinking to help recognize and develop students who have the ability to tackle some of the most pressing and significant issues of our culture today. We are searching for students who have the courage and willingness to defend the inerrancy, authority, and sufficiency of the Scriptures, and who can develop a careful analysis and evaluation of information and ideas while carrying forth an unashamed proclamation of the Gospel of Christ.

Eligibility

The Just Thinking 2026 Scholarship is open to all Fall 2026 on-campus undergraduate students applying for the first time to The Master’s University. Students must complete the TMU admissions process and be admitted to be considered for the Just Thinking scholarship. Recipients will be required to attend a monthly symposium (usually 5-7pm) on campus August through November, and January, February and April, which include a discussion time, assigned reading and thinking, and additional guided exercises and mentorship.

Deadline

The deadline to apply for the Just Thinking Scholarship is March 1st, 2026 at 11:59pm Pacific Time.

Scholarship Amount

Qualified applicants submission will be evaluated by the Just Thinking team to select five (5) individual students to receive a $5,000 scholarship each. Scholarships will be applied directly to the students’ financial aid package. Standard financial aid eligibility applies for awarding and renewal.

Personal Information


Complete the following essay question:

Either upload a word document as an attachment, or copy and paste your essay into the space below. 

In Episode #129 “Gender Identity” of the Just Thinking Podcast, Darrell Harrison and Virgil Walker critique the cultural understanding of gender identity, arguing that it is a social construct rather than a biological fact. They emphasize the importance of defining terms clearly, maintaining a biblical perspective on gender, and understanding the implications of adopting secular ideas on identity. Darrell and Virgil warn against the dangers of gender ideology and its influence on society, particularly on children, encouraging parents to uphold biblical truths in the face of cultural pressures.

In 800-1200 Words, write your essay in response to one or more of the following prompts:

1. Cessationism vs. Continuationism
Explore the theological debate between cessationism and continuationism within evangelical circles, analyzing how these perspectives influence discussions on gender identity and social constructs.

2. The Role of Language in Gender Identity
Analyze how language shapes our understanding of gender identity. Discuss the implications of terms such as "gender," "gender identity," and "gender roles," and how their definitions have evolved over time.

3. Biblical Anthropology and Gender
Investigate the biblical perspective on gender as presented in Genesis 1:27 and its implications for understanding human identity. How does a biblical worldview challenge contemporary gender theories? 

4. Faith and Gender Identity
Analyze the intersection of faith and gender identity issues within the church. How can churches address the challenges posed by contemporary gender theories while upholding biblical truths?

5. The Influence of Education on Gender Identity
Critique the role of education systems in shaping perceptions of gender identity among youth. How do curricula that promote gender fluidity affect students' understanding of their own identities?