| Choosing a college is one of the most significant | | | | secular schools challenge these beliefs overtly, the |
| choices a person makes in life. Underlying that | | | | greater challenge for the Christian student may |
| statement is my belief that a college environment | | | | be the unexpected collision of these two principles. |
| can have a profound influence that lasts a lifetime. | | | | For 18 years, most students in this group have a |
| The intention of this article is to offer what I | | | | basic and appropriate trust of those in authority |
| hope will provide a fresh perspective regarding | | | | over them. Their experience has demonstrated |
| the choice between a Christian college and a | | | | that the vast majority of people in authority |
| secular college. | | | | positions have their best interest at heart - |
| I'm confident that important characteristics such | | | | parents, pastors and even teachers. So what |
| as academic excellence, internships, school size, | | | | happens when authority figures suddenly have a |
| location, career opportunities, quality of faculty, | | | | very different set of values than the students, or |
| variety of programs, extra-curricular activities, etc. | | | | even a completely different agenda? While the |
| can be found at both secular and Christian schools | | | | student has learned the importance of respecting |
| across the country. With that being said, why | | | | those in authority, that authority figure may be |
| then should one consider enrolling at a Christian | | | | the very person ridiculing the student's faith, |
| college? | | | | values and worldview. Perhaps this represents one |
| According to the US Department of Education, | | | | reason why the above study discovered such a |
| one group of Christian colleges, CCCU schools, | | | | large number of students "walking away" from |
| grew over 70% from 1990 to 2004. During that | | | | their faith. |
| same period of time, all independent four year | | | | Does this mean that if you're a Christian who |
| schools grew 28%, while public four year | | | | attends a secular college, you will turn your back |
| institutions grew only about 13%. These statistics | | | | on your faith? Of course not. However, the issue |
| reveal that there must be something "different" | | | | is more personal than statistics and generalities. |
| about Christian colleges. I believe this difference | | | | The real issue is whether or not a Christian college |
| can be primarily attributed to the environment, | | | | is the best choice for you. While it's important to |
| and it is this difference that provides the most | | | | consider Christian colleges for what they offer, it's |
| compelling reason to enroll at a Christian college. | | | | also crucial to make an honest comparison to the |
| If you've been following higher education in the | | | | alternative - a secular campus environment. |
| media over the past couple of years, you've likely | | | | Some may think that Christian colleges merely |
| heard some alarming news from both state and | | | | offer a "safe haven", a place that is separated |
| private secular institutions. I believe most people | | | | from the "challenges" in the world. I believe this |
| would agree that institutions of higher education in | | | | view is unrealistic and flawed. It is disingenuous to |
| the US have promoted themselves as places of | | | | think that there are not challenges to overcome |
| respect, tolerance and diversity. The irony is that | | | | at a Christian college in terms of faith, lifestyle, |
| there seems to be an ever growing intolerance | | | | and ethical choices. However, generally speaking, |
| for diversity in regards to issues of faith, values | | | | the faculty, staff and students within a Christian |
| and even politics in higher education. | | | | college environment are concerned with seeing |
| Consider the following statement: | | | | the student develop in all areas of life. |
| At secular schools across the country, people of | | | | A Christian college offers more than just the |
| faith are often not respected and even ridiculed | | | | "addition" of Christian beliefs to the educational |
| for their beliefs. You may be surprised to learn | | | | experience. Christian faith is not merely an "extra" |
| that I generally don't believe this statement to be | | | | at Christian colleges, it is a critical element woven |
| true, nor do I believe this attitude would be | | | | into the fabric of the college experience. The |
| allowed at secular schools in this country. | | | | Christian dynamic is evident not just in chapel or a |
| However, adding a single word to this statement | | | | Sunday service, but also during pizza in the dorm |
| dramatically changes both the meaning and the | | | | at midnight, during an honest debate over moral |
| accuracy of the statement: | | | | and theological principles in the dining hall, and |
| At secular schools across the country, people of | | | | during a discussion of ethics in regards to career |
| Christian faith are often not respected and even | | | | and family. The Christian component is noticeable |
| ridiculed for their beliefs. If you disagree with this | | | | in the classroom, but it is not limited by those |
| statement, I challenge you to ask a few | | | | walls. I believe this is the real difference of a |
| committed Christians attending secular schools | | | | Christian college environment, as well as a key |
| how their professors and classmates view their | | | | reason why there has been such tremendous |
| faith. | | | | growth at Christian colleges. It is Christian colleges |
| While there likely are exceptions to this rule, if | | | | that must encourage true tolerance, respect and |
| you're considering the difference between a | | | | diversity, as these are essential principles within |
| secular and Christian school, the intolerance | | | | Christianity. |
| toward Christian values on secular campuses is an | | | | Christian colleges offer much more than a "safe |
| essential issue to consider. | | | | haven", they offer life preparation. Christian |
| Most fair minded people would agree that the | | | | campuses should not be viewed as an opportunity |
| environment where one lives has an affect on | | | | to avoid the world, but rather as an opportunity |
| that individual. In 1994 a study was conducted | | | | to influence the world. The years spent within a |
| that showed that approximately 52% of students | | | | Christian college environment can aid the student's |
| who attended public institutions either no longer | | | | ability to serve, thrive, and become a modern day |
| called themselves "born again" or had not | | | | follower of Jesus Christ - regardless of their |
| attended a religious service of any kind in over a | | | | profession. Christian colleges are in a unique |
| year. This study was done over ten years ago. | | | | position to honestly address the spiritual and moral |
| One wonders what this figure would look like | | | | issues that people of every age face every day. |
| today. | | | | People can spend years in training for their chosen |
| A traditional college age student begins their | | | | profession, sport, and hobbies. Christian colleges |
| collegiate career at about 18 years old. For a | | | | can offer all of those opportunities, but within a |
| student from a Christian home, there are two | | | | Christian context where the student becomes |
| sets of beliefs that the student likely takes with | | | | more prepared to impact and live within our world. |
| them that are particularly pertinent: | | | | Attending a Christian college means you don't |
| The student's Christian faith/values Respect for | | | | have to settle for only part of the educational |
| those in authority While it may be argued that | | | | experience. |