Surrounded by Non-Believers

[John MacK]

I go to college in Vermont, which in my opinion is possibly the worst combination for a young Christian. Today, more and more young men and women are abandoning Christianity, many during college; and Vermont is arguably the most Godless state in the United States. I do not hide my faith, and fortunately the student body at my school is very accepting of Christians, though most do not believe, which makes it difficult for me to find other people I can relate to. So I am wondering what the atmosphere is towards Christians on your campus, and why you think subsequent generations are abandoning faith?

Thanks for reading and I'm looking forward to your responses.

 

[Godislove94]

Hi there!
Christianity is moderate at the campus I attend, as there are actually quite a few Christian clubs there (more than you would think for it being a state school). As far as why younger people are leaving the faith, I think it has something to do with what I heard about stuff starting in the '60s and '70s with the rise of pop psychology and the focus on self esteem, self pride, self fulfillment, Self self self...not to mention all of the social changes,especially in the '60s.

 

[Savior2006]

I go to college in Vermont, which in my opinion is possibly the worst combination for a young Christian.

I'll come back to this later.

Today, more and more young men and women are abandoning Christianity, many during college; and Vermont is arguably the most Godless state in the United States.

I actually looked that up, and you are basically right. Vermont is probably the least religious state in the country.

Vermont - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I do not hide my faith, and fortunately the student body at my school is very accepting of Christians, though most do not believe, which makes it difficult for me to find other people I can relate to.

And here's my first issue. You say that being in college in Vermont is the worst possible combination. In spite of the fact that they are accepting of Christians as any good college should be. I understand that you would like to be around more like-minded people, but that hardly makes this college the worst place for a Christian to be.

So I am wondering what the atmosphere is towards Christians on your campus,

I just graduated. The University of Michigan-Flint had an Intervarsity (sp?) Christian group, as well as the Muslim Student Alliance, and Secular Student Alliance. In my opinion, public college especially are quite diverse.

and why you think subsequent generations are abandoning faith?

I imagine it's because fewer and fewer youths think they need religion in order to live good productive lives. It's really hard to touch on the subject in any particular detail and NOT stay out of the realm of politics, so I'll just leave it at that.

You can probably Google a couple articles on the subject and make of them what you will.

 

[parsley]

Are you still there?
It can help to get involved in the community while at college -- dig your feet into the resources nearby, and meet some Christians where Christians go.

There is a longstanding tendency for teens to leave the traditions of their childhoods for a few years while exploring the options. Everyone needs to break enough with their past, to start independent lives. Often that comes out at college, in the realm of religion. But then, people sometimes return to what they once believed after they have compared other belief systems.

 

[WeakSaint]

I feel your pain, I know how it is to be surrounded by snobby non-believers.

Just tell yourself that Jesus would have loved them and so should you, keep on loving them until they see the light!

 

[Savior2006]

I feel your pain, I know how it is to be surrounded by snobby non-believers.

Just tell yourself that Jesus would have loved them and so should you, keep on loving them until they see the light!

I think part of that love would be not calling them snobby.

 

[Shane R]

I am a non-traditional student: I have had a career and begun a family and my classes are primarily online. I attend a 'Christian college'. That said I would not expect college to be a place to nurture Christianity unless I were attending seminary.

Involvement with a local church is really the key to your situation. I understand it can be challenging; many churches don't embrace students in the same manner that they embrace locals - this is true of military personnel as well. You have to make an effort to be integrated into the church. Ultimately, spirituality is deeply personal and you have responsibility for yourself.

I don't know that I would describe people as abandoning faith so much as abandoning church. The 'spiritual but not religious' demographic is growing fast. I think this is due to poor catechesis, attempts to modernize what is inherently ageless, and the mess that so many have made of their personal lives - leading to a feeling that repentance is not possible. I have struggled as you have with these difficulties but I realize that the group cannot define me as an individual.

 

[Sketcher]

I go to college in Vermont, which in my opinion is possibly the worst combination for a young Christian. Today, more and more young men and women are abandoning Christianity, many during college; and Vermont is arguably the most Godless state in the United States. I do not hide my faith, and fortunately the student body at my school is very accepting of Christians, though most do not believe, which makes it difficult for me to find other people I can relate to.

Two words, campus ministries.

 

[Journey.In.Grace]

I definitely understand your struggle. For college, I do not go to a campus. I am doing college online so it makes it easier for me to juggle a job and whatnot, and helps me be surrounded around other Christian's, as it is an online Christian school. But I have many online friends that are non-believers, and it is very difficult. Cursing, sexual innuedo (and it can really go very far), and ill habits. It is hard to maintain the friendship and to talk to them when they will say and do things that makes you very uncomfortable. They don't understand your easiness either despite maintaining a mature and civil confrontation about it, because to them they aren't doing anything wrong; to them, they are being themselves. I truly understand where you are coming from, and though I can't give you much, I can give you this.

Trust in God. Yes, you are surrounded by ungodly people. In some ways, that can be a good thing! It could very well be a door opening for you to guide the unfaithful to Christ. It may not be successful with everyone and every person is different; they may be stubborn and believe they don't need Christ, or they truly believe they do. They need to hear God's word. You will be amazed by how much a talk about God and His Word can do to someone's heart. It can truly change their ways. Perhaps this is a good chance to help whoever you may be friends with that is unfaithful to become faithful.

 

[parsley]

Two words, campus ministries.

In case you're not familiar with these, there are several that host meetings on campuses; but they might not be allowed to list in the official activity board.

Campus Crusade for Christ
Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship IVCF
Fellowship of Christian Athletes FCA
International Fellowship of Evangelical Students
Universities and Colleges Christian Fellowship (United Kingdom)
Urbana Student Mission Convention

 

[Zono]

I live in SF which is arguably one of the most liberal cities in the U.S.

Regardless of which area we live in, we live in a Godless society and are put in our area for a reason to spread the Gospel.

 

[tyrathequeen]

I can really relate to this. I live in Sweden and started studying in a university this semester. I went to christian schools my entire upbringing so studying in a "normal" university is quite different. (There are no christian universities here) All my classmates seem to care about is partying and even though they generally are respectful their views are radically different from mine. Sometimes I feel like we come from parallell universes. Sweden is different from the US in that it's very unusual to come from a christian family here. The entire culture is very secular (Sweden is the 2nd most secular country in the world). So I find it very hard to relate to the people I'm studying with and even harder to befriend them. And that leads to me feeling rather lonely.

 

[Savior2006]

I can really relate to this. I live in Sweden and started studying in a university this semester. I went to christian schools my entire upbringing so studying in a "normal" university is quite different. (There are no christian universities here) All my classmates seem to care about is partying and even though they generally are respectful their views are radically different from mine. Sometimes I feel like we come from parallell universes. Sweden is different from the US in that it's very unusual to come from a christian family here. The entire culture is very secular (Sweden is the 2nd most secular country in the world). So I find it very hard to relate to the people I'm studying with and even harder to befriend them. And that leads to me feeling rather lonely.

Sorry to hear that. But if the people are respectful of your views then it seems the main obstacle between you and them being friends is you.

 

[tyrathequeen]

Sorry to hear that. But if the people are respectful of your views then it seems the main obstacle between you and them being friends is you.

What do you mean by that? With respectful I mean that they listen and respond to what I say without being mean (I've been in environments where people are mean too, that's worse) but they don't want to befriend me. All they ever talk about outside of what we're studying is partying and when I try to talk about anything else they either more or less ignore me or they suggest we go back to talking about what we are studying.

 

[Savior2006]

What do you mean by that? With respectful I mean that they listen and respond to what I say without being mean (I've been in environments where people are mean too, that's worse) but they don't want to befriend me. All they ever talk about outside of what we're studying is partying and when I try to talk about anything else they either more or less ignore me or they suggest we go back to talking about what we are studying.

OK,you clarified and I apologized.

 

[keith99]

What do you mean by that? With respectful I mean that they listen and respond to what I say without being mean (I've been in environments where people are mean too, that's worse) but they don't want to befriend me. All they ever talk about outside of what we're studying is partying and when I try to talk about anything else they either more or less ignore me or they suggest we go back to talking about what we are studying.

Is it really anything else? Or is it more one general area? I've never found anyone whose only interest is partying. I remember talking literature with a college student at a party were we were both half drunk. Locked in memory because he brought up "Three Cups of Tea" and it intrigued me enough that I bought a copy. I've discussed research students are involved in. It was a bit of a surprise how much some researchers care about their lab rats.

So have you tried talking about a new restaurant? How the Cross Country ski team is doing? If you were a Brit I'd ask about soccer (football).

IF (and I do mean if) you started out wanting to talk about Christianity, morals, ethics or other 'deep' stuff you may have created an impression that you mainly want to talk about topics they do not want to talk about. And once you get a 'reputation' for that it often seems that if you are even remotely close to those topics you will get a bad reaction.

Also be aware, unfair as it is, that a bit of hostility to certain topics can be the result of what someone else has done. Not your fault at all, but you end up paying the price.

I don't know how Sweden is, but I do know a few decades ago someone who would consistently volunteer to be the designated driver, the one who did not drink, was pure gold. The person who looks down on those who drink may soon find they have few friends, the one who makes no judgement and is sober to drive home has many friends.

 

[Ada Lovelace]

Are you still there?
It can help to get involved in the community while at college -- dig your feet into the resources nearby, and meet some Christians where Christians go.

There is a longstanding tendency for teens to leave the traditions of their childhoods for a few years while exploring the options. Everyone needs to break enough with their past, to start independent lives. Often that comes out at college, in the realm of religion. But then, people sometimes return to what they once believed after they have compared other belief systems.

This seems to be very true, though I haven't personally experienced it yet because I begin college in September. My boyfriend began college with the religious beliefs he had in high school which had been contoured by his family and friends, and they've since evolved. This is what my friends and family members have experienced as well. I think it's healthy and a part of expanding, examining, discovering, and taking ownership of your beliefs instead of just inheriting them from your parents or through cultural osmosis.

As for the OP - I'll be going to a college that has a primarily secular student body but fosters a very respectful atmosphere for people of all faiths. I'm also a very liberal Christian, so I anticipate less friction on a liberal-leaning campus.

 

[dude99]

I can really relate to this. I live in Sweden and started studying in a university this semester. I went to christian schools my entire upbringing so studying in a "normal" university is quite different. (There are no christian universities here) All my classmates seem to care about is partying and even though they generally are respectful their views are radically different from mine. Sometimes I feel like we come from parallell universes. Sweden is different from the US in that it's very unusual to come from a christian family here. The entire culture is very secular (Sweden is the 2nd most secular country in the world). So I find it very hard to relate to the people I'm studying with and even harder to befriend them. And that leads to me feeling rather lonely.

Does your university have a Christian club? If so then it will be great to join one and be with like minded people. I was not really a Christian when I went to University but if I ever go back to university I would of course join one. If there is currently none then start one. Advertise on campus on holding a Christian group.

I know what you mean by surrounded by unbelievers. For me the way I connect with an unbeliever is to find out their interests are and if there is somethings or something that I have in common then it is a starting point to make friends. Of course praying for the unbelievers is also very important.

 

[keith99]

Does your university have a Christian club? If so then it will be great to join one and be with like minded people. I was not really a Christian when I went to University but if I ever go back to university I would of course join one. If there is currently none then start one. Advertise on campus on holding a Christian group.

I know what you mean by surrounded by unbelievers. For me the way I connect with an unbeliever is to find out their interests are and if there is somethings or something that I have in common then it is a starting point to make friends. Of course praying for the unbelievers is also very important.

Almost all do. With some changes there may well be some schools where the only Christian clubs are not official school sponsored organizations.

It would also be worthwhile to ask any Christians who have been there a while about informal groups or even Churches that have wide attendance. over 40 years later I stall remember that a lot of students and facility went to Lake Avenue Church.

Also look into other clubs. I see many online complaining about everyone else only wanting to party, implying a lack of wholesome activities. Yet most colleges have a hiking club. These days many have a vegetarian club and many vegetarian clubs host weekly or monthly meals. Lots of other clubs that come and go depending on interest.

Also most college campuses have several social action organizations. Some may not be in line with certain Christian ideas, but usually at least a couple are totally in line with Christian ideals.

 

[NewEnglandGirl]

So I am wondering what the atmosphere is towards Christians on your campus, and why you think subsequent generations are abandoning faith?

Husband and I born and raised in Vermont. I have to agree with you that Vermont is one of the most, if not the most, liberal and Godless states in the nation today. In fact its former governor recently wrote a book testifying to its liberalness. Husband and I no longer live there.That said I think that there are a lot of factors contributing to young people abandoning the faith. But without going into great detail and naming them you need to seek out a Christian group at your campus and if there is none, maybe the nearest town/church might be able to direct you. Good luck to you God bless.