Christian/Private College

[gehenna]

Hi, I have an important choice to make and need advice.

I'm going to be entering college in fall of 2004, and I'm getting catalogues and prospectus from a lot of different ones. However, I have a problem. My parents want me to go to a private Christian college because they know I have a lot of doubts and questions and they think it would help to be in a private school. Also, it's probably safer and a lot of them don't allow alcohol or dancing so I can't get involved in such stuff.
However, I'm really not sure what to do. I believe in God but a lot of doctrine I'm not sure about, and I don't know if living the "Christian lifestyle" (as it's presented in catalogues anyway) is possible for me. I don't know if mandatory church attendance will help my faith or just frustrate me, and I don't know if I want to be confined while I'm in college. I think I'd enjoy a public college more, but my parents are really worried that if I go to a state school I'll end up partying all the time and stuff. What do you think? Does anyone go to private and can you tell me what it's really like?

 

[DaveKerwin]

I think your parents know you well, and they are wise people. Listen to them, the love you dearly.

I go to a christian college, and I have learned so much about the faith. I have taken a logic class by a christian professor, philosophy by a christian professor, and so on. I even got some bible classes. I thank God for my college. I am finishing my fifth year there this fall.

The school does not have a dress code, they do not have a doctrine you have to follow, and they have even had a formal dance at the school, it is great.

 

[oneiric]

I wish I went to a real Christian college, but instead I am attending a Catholic one.

 

[Misnomer]

I go to quite the opposite; very large public university. I like it here but it's definitely not for everyone. In my experience many of the students at the christian schools (around here) party and such almost as much as they do at my college.

As far as advice goes I'd say that you may want to look around at more christian schools and try to find one that isn't so strict and is non denomination. So you'll get the guidance to help you grow in your faith and assuage your parents concerns.

But of course if you choose a public college there are always christian groups you can join. And they all have a different atmosphere.

 

[49erfan]

I went to Virginia Tech (a public school), however I was involved in InterVarsity Christian Fellowship there and my faith grew tremendously.

I wouldn't have traded that experience in for anything.

 

[Clytie]

I agree with Dave "I think your parents know you well, and they are wise people. Listen to them, the love you dearly."

I went to a Christian College and it was the best years of my life! I made great friends atht will last a lifetime...not only because we went to school and spent time together but becuZ we have the greatest thing in common. God

 

[rach]

I goto a Private college. But there are no dress codes or requirements to go to chapel or anything. The only religion requirement is taking one semester of religion. Also people definately still party and everything. So even though it's private it's not really demanding with the God part. However, my faith has grown a lot since I've been in school, so it kind of all depends on your decision of how you act at school.

 

[Jenndiggy]

I've been to both. I went to West Virginia University when it was rated the #1 party school in the country. However, I was highly involved with Campus Crusade for Christ, and found those Christians more sincere and committed than those I went to the Christian college with. At the Christian college it was like Christianity was just handed to us and it was easy to become lukewarm, casual Christian, but not so at WVU. Going to WVU was the best decision I ever made spriritually (after becoming a Christian of course.) No lukewarmness there. Friday night Bible studies! Could barely drag people to Bible studies at the Christian college I went to. I suppose it depends on what Christian college you attend, though, but a friend of mine who went to a very well respected Christian college told me all the ways she learned to hide alcohol in her dorm room. I just looked at her and said "I don't drink". I couldn't believe what I was hearing!

I think Christian colleges are great for those going into the ministry or who would go wild at a state school, but I loved all the opportunities to share my faith at WVU. Of course, I was a pretty strong Christian by the time I went there, too, and already had friends who were involved with Campus Crusade so I naturally got quite involved right away.

Just my 2¢

 

[LifeInYou]

As you grow closer in your walk with the Lord, hunny, you will CRAVE to go to a Christian College. Well, that's what happened to me anyway. I just spent my first year at a State School, and as I re-lit my fire for the Lord, the more and more I wanted to switch to a private, Christian college. I applied to one two weeks ago and I am awaiting their response. As one focuses more and more on Jesus, "the things of the earth will grow strangely dim". And what I see when I look at the institution I am at now, is a lot of lost people, many of whom I can't relate to because I don't value the same things as they value. Every situation is different though, and I don't think you will get as much out of it (Christian College) if you truly don't want to be there.

Your quest now is to determine what you value.

If you want more of my story, pm me.

 

[JillLars]

I would say if you truly want to grow in your faith, it won't matter what school you go to. You can get involved with Christian groups at almost any college. Personally, I have seen no difference in my friends who have gone to Christian schools, and public schools. In fact, the two friends I have that go to Christian schools party a lot, if not more than most of my other friends. It would be naive to think that Christian colleges are better than public schools in that respect, it all has to do with the choices you make, and the crowd you choose to hang out with.

 

[paulewog]

I see major differences in friends I know that go to public and Christian schools (and even between Christian schooled and homeschooled!)...

 

[Bedwyr]

Hi there.

I'm the son of a professor at a small-midsized Christian private school and I've seen both sides of the college life. First off, listen to your folks. They've got some good concerns for you. However (and I'm making potentially false assumptions), if they're under the impression that you'll be educated by people who believe exactly like they do and come out the other side a strong Christian leader, they might be mistaken.

A place that imposes a somewhat more strict set of theological assumptions (Bob Jones, Oral Roberts) expects the faculty to toe the party line more often. Others consider themselves liberal arts universities with a Christian background (George Fox, Wheaton) who might have some faculty that are considered more "liberal" even though they usually request a proclamation that they are, in fact, Christians.

My father (a strong christian with an evangelical/biblical theology) has often said that he prefers to challange the assumptions of students whether he agrees or not in an effort to get them to think. This happens as he's introducing them to Plato, Rene DeCarte, John Locke and many others. He has noticed that even though it isn't his intention, every so often students who had standard sunday school assumptions about the world shirk their faith entirely. But most students come away having tested and parsed their beliefs and assumptions and, besides maybe some adjustments, they generally tend to take personal possession of their faith rather than believing because Mom and Dad do. Other professors might be more sympathetic or less sympathetic in class. It really depends on teaching style and often what the faculty have to ascribe to before they get hired. It also depends on the "culture" of the school. At my father's college, some professors take even more pleasure in making students uncomfortable (they really push this 'thinking' thing). Others are more nurturing about a student's thoughts and faith. All ascribe to a particular faith statement before they're hired. But it still leaves wiggle room for Academic Freedom to happen.

Anyhow, learning is a powerful thing, especially in philosophy and the humanities where ideas about people and God get discussed. And it can be dangerous, in good ways and in bad ways. Yes, there is risk even within the Christian College realm. That's just how a liberal arts education works; this isn't just job training.

Now at a secular/public university, sure you likely won't get any help from many of the faculty. You probably will encounter an overbearing, pagan professor. You also have support groups like Campus Crusade, IV, and Navigators who really are passionate about the Truth and Discipleship. So it's not automatic that you will wander a spiritually barren wasteland at a secular school, there is certainly still support for you to grow as a Christian. It just isn't as structurally integrated into the university.

Going back to the Christian school very quickly, there are party-ers and knuckleheads there too (oh yes, young Christians are always such little angels aren't they?). But there are also passionate faith-filled students as there are at the secular university.

The choice isn't obvious and you should gauge carefully what you see as you visit these places. Listen to wise people --parents are definitely included-- and pray for guidance. Don't choose based on the potential for mate-matching. Schools without football teams tend towards a 1.5-1 female-male ratio or better (or worse depending on your gender). That's the silliest reason I've heard for going somewhere and I always chuckle when I hear that parents send their daughter to a school to meet some fine young upstanding Christian. Believe me, it's not guaranteed!

All the best in your choice-making,
Bedwyr

 

[Clay]

Misnomer-i checked into the link you presented, and honestly its a very weak source for finding a Christian college. i know of many big name ones that weren't even listed. in the southeast region, it said there were only 6 christian colleges. only 6? in the Bible belt???

i attend a Christian college in Florida and i love it. the rules arent bad and the dress code is simple. i love college life and wouldnt trade going to a Christian university for anything! besides, its much easier to find good Christian women at a Christian college than it is in a public university.

 

[hiz_child]

There is an option that you haven't explored yet. How about attending a one year bible institute then transfering to a bible college or secular colege. The credits would be transferable to a bible college though. I went to a bible institute and it was great. It really grounds you in your faith. You get a chance to explore the Word of God yourself. Also bible institutes are usually small and your make some of the best friends in your life there. Yes, dress codes and rules are strict, but for anyone serious about studying the Word then it makes little difference and it is only a year out of your life. I know of two small bible institutes in the Northeast. If you(or anyone) is interested pm me.

 

[Misnomer]

Clay- Thanks for the heads up. I've never used it I just saw it on a website that I go to and thought it might help.

Sorry, if it was a waste of time for anyone.

 

[jenptcfan]

I went to a private college, and loved every minute of it! Go visit different campuses if possible. I also attended a community college during summer school, and the quality of the education was much better at the private school.

Different Christian/Private schools vary in how strict they are. Mine didn't have a curfew (my cousin went to one that did), but we did have to attend a 1 hr. "chapel" service once a week (my cousin's school did it twice a week). I really didn't feel like I missed out on anything by going to a Christian school.

 

[Speedpilot122]

LeTourneau University, Longview TX! Have to attend 38 chapels per semester. Found them to be very enjoyable, actually. Good education, too.

 

[pillarrocks24]

As of right now. I would go to any Christian College if I had the chance. Even though I'm young, I want to get into some form of Ministry for a job. Though go for what God leads you to.

 

[Clay]

Misnomer, i did get to find some colleges that i didnt know existed, but overall, it doest have very many on the site. ever seen those like 5,000 page books that contain every Christian college in the US? for some odd reason, i love digging through those things everytime im at a Barnes and Noble!

 

[pecan]

My only suggestion is that if you do decide to go to a Christian college, be very careful about the one you pick. Some colleges call themselves Christian, but can be worse for you spiritually because the professors are actually quite liberal and can be misleading. But if you decide to go to a University, make sure you get involved in a campus ministry.

Also, I think the one-year Bible college is a good idea. It's an excellant way to get grounded in your beliefs, and it also offers an excellant compromise between you and your parents. Can't hurt to look into it.
I know the Bible college I attended has an excellant one-year program, though you may not like the rules. If you're interested, check out Elim Bible Institue.