Christian Colleges

[EvilSporkofDoom]

Well, I'm currently in a dilemma: I want to transfer to a Christian college this semester, but I don't know if this will be for the better or not.. I was wondering if anyone here currently attends a Christian college, and what their experience is like. I'm looking into Pensacola Christian College in particular, but there's some disadvantages, such as the fact that it's accredited, so the credits wouldn't transfer if I decided I wanted to go to another college. Also, it has extremely strict rules (no listening to any secular music, girls must wear dresses or skirts, even off-campus; couples can't go on dates without a chaperone, and other students will likely tattle on you if you're caught breaking rules, etc) , and some sources I've looked at even say it's akin to a cult. I know it's definitely fundamentally Christian, but I don't mind that.
Also, I've heard some say that Christians grow more spiritually when they're not in a comfortable Christian environment. What do you think of that..? And does anyone recommend any specific Christian colleges? (I've only looked into Pensacola and Bob Jones so far)

[Mangafanatic]

I wouldn't go to Pensacola if I were you. I've done some research, taken some high school courses through the High School (by video), and known some people who attended there. You pretty much can't breath without getting in trouble.

Similarly, I'd avoid Bob Jones. I have a friend who went there, and the way she talks-- well, I know that's not a school I want to go to. (For example: Female students have to wear hose on and off campus. But, take heart, you're probably allowed to take them off when you go to bed. Probably. )

One Christian college that's south- ish, is Bryan. I have alot of friends who go there and 99% of them really like it. More importantly, I've never heard any Bryan horror stories. Their dress code seems very reasonable, and their other policies don't seem overtly harsh or unreasonable. If I were you, I'd check it out.

Well, I hope that helps. Sorry about the overall negative feeling of my post-- I'm just a little frustrated with alot of Christian colleges right now.

[EvilSporkofDoom]

Thanks for your input ^_^ I've heard of Bryan College, actually; someone from my high school went there.. and I do prefer colleges that are more south than where I am (Maryland). I'll do some research on it..

[Ducky]

lol well this is my favorite topic of conversation. I currently atend Asbury College in kentucky. It definately strives for holiness and a Christian environment but at the same time there is a lot of flexibility. The dress code is reasonable (quite similar to the one at my public high school was. The biggest rule the makes people mad is about no public dancing and that pretty much means no clubbing/grinding so it isn't a huge deal. It's also rated quite high as a southern liberal arts college by USnews report so the academics are right up there to ... you might wanna look into visiting or something, but I highly recommend it if you think the Lord is leading you to a christian school.

[PrincessZelda]

Well, there's Ozark Christian college, which is in Joplin MO. And, Dallas Christian College, which is in, well, Dallas. They don't have as strick of rules.

[AnotherJounin]

If you don't mind going to a Catholic school, Ave Maria in Florida isn't fully accredited yet, but the people there are very holy and it's more Catholic -flavoured than Catholic, with lots of praise and worship. Their curriculm is excellent, though you have to take Latin for at least two semesters. They don't have a dress code, they trust their students on that, and they have moderately strict visiting policies etc.

[Counselor]

I went to a small but very good Christian college in the middle of Arkansas. The town is great and the area is awesome. We even had one class meet in the mountains one day. University of the Ozarks is the name. Its in Clarksville, AR. If intersted I can hook you up with some poeple who can show you around.

[agasfas]

I was thinking of attending a christian university but I just didn't have the money to go. But in all honesty, any school, regardless if it's private that has such strict rules can't be good. I mean that will only encourage people to do worse things I would assume. There's a christian college about a hundred miles from where I am, anyways they don't allow males and females to be within 2ft of each other. You can't date, hug or kiss. I mean, such guidelines are unrealistic. Actually much like the rules you have discribed. Also seems to me that they are trying to shelter people from the world. Just because you go on a date doesn't mean your going to hell. Just because you listen to secular music such as much of the music out there (including some christian artists) doesn't mean your going to start following Satan. You need to know where you stand w/ God and know your limits... if you trust in yourself then I doubt being closer then 2ft of the opposite sex will do anything. I mean I remember people saying dancing was secular and you would goto hell for doing it. But Jesus danced... Jesus wants you to enjoy life and what it has to offer you, but also be aware of the dangers that may come your way. Just trust in yourself and and God you'll be just fine. There are good CHristian Universities out there that don't have such strict guidelines. Though To be honest I don't know any off hand.

Counselor suggest Ozarks huh... I heard good things about that school. ANyways, I wish you luck w/ your search.

[indyrocker]

if you were talking decipolship schools i could help ya more but as far as christian school North Park in chacago is a good one i have a few friends there other than that another of my friends gos to Biola at leats thats what its calld i think. as far as decipolship school all the cbc ones are great theres one in ecuador, canada and i think in windsor coloralo.

[olorc]

yes christian schools are expensive, but they are also usually highly endowed meaning they have lots of $ to give out in the form of scholarships and grants if you apply early in the year (like january) Also, although you may grow more when you aren't in a comfortable christian enviro. you will also grow in knowledge and maturity significantly at a christian college. You would have the oportunity to attend and or major/minor in bible or ministries. You would be equipped for the world after college and grounded in the Word better (in my oppinion) at a christian school. I you are worried about getting to comfortable in your christian enviro. at a christian college, there is always the oportunity to go out in the community surrounding the college which most likely wouldn't be decidedly christian. That's just my take.

[EvilSporkofDoom]

Thank you all for the suggestions I will definitely check out the ones that were mentioned. I also don't mind going to a Catholic school, since I'm Catholic myself ^_^ and I wouldn't mind having to take Latin, either.
I'll also check out the Ozarks college as well as the other ones that were mentioned..
Just out of curiousity, do you think that most Christians will grow more spiritually in a wordly or Christian environment?

[Ashley]

I echo Osaka on Pensacola and Bob Jones...I can't say I've heard anything good from either of them. If you're considering Texas, though, Baylor is a public school BUT it has very strong Christian roots/organizations. Very openly Christian, just not private. Or maybe it is...I'm not sure, but I know Baylor is a very big Christian campus.

Another one to consider would be Trinity University in San Antonio; I very nearly went there.

As for your question about growing more in a non-Christian place, I think that's true. I attend the largest public university in the 4th largest city of the US. People of all religions from all over the WORLD attend. I've been in private schools before, and I think the comparison between the two is just unparalleled. In college, it's not enough to just talk like a Christian; there are some very distinct spirtual lines drawn and it's either put up or shut up. You have to know WHY you believe, and continue to believe even in the face of mockery and "scientific proof". I'm in the honors college, and I've been written off as idiotic because I choose to believe in a God, much less Christ. I truly believe if you want to grow, a public school can do it for you and provide a LOT of good training grounds for you. Private schools have their worthy, I'm not saying that, but a public school is good too.

I think people might fear a secular campus because horror stories happen. Some people DO get swayed away, it's a very dangerous reality. But if you are strong and cling to God's word, I know He will take care of you. I don't think it's very valuable to hope to live in a Christian bubble your whole life--so it's good to be prepared for the arguments you'll hear.

[indyrocker]

ya I would think that they would becaus of the challenges of it all and the fact that if you walk off a christian campos your immedelty paged as a christian.

[EvilSporkofDoom]

Oops, I didn't see your post, olorc, before I posted again with the question ^^; I think that what you said about Christian growth in a secular versus a Christian environment makes sense, though..

*edit* thanks for your input as well, Ashley.. I grew up in private Christian school and I felt a bit intimidated this year when I went off to a secular college.. I found a nice Christian fellowship group, but I still felt a bit dejected that Christianity was frowned at school as being close-minded, unscientific, etc.. I do know that I would love to stay in a safe Christian bubble for the rest of my life, but I agree that it's probably unreasonable..
Also, I feel like I'm being convinced more and more about the inconsistencies and fallacies of the Christian religion, which is what I'm most worried about while attending a public school..

[sanitysux13]

You should check into Crichton College in Memphis, TN. Their website is http://www.crichton.edu . Anyway, I came here kind of as a last resort because my main choice wouldn't give me full tuition, and I am so glad that God brought me here. It's only about 1500 people or less, and my biggest class last semester was about 12 people. Their dress code is just wear clothes, and they are pretty lax about everything but your relationship with God and your education. If you had a 26 or better on your ACT and a certain GPA and you haven't finished too many hours, you can get a full scholarship in the honors program. I would definitely recommend coming here. On the other hand, I went to a Baptist private school with close ties to PCC, and it was the worst school year of my life thus far.

[shooraijin]

Perhaps that kind of thing would be useful to force you to do your own research, although ultimately, certain things cannot be proven or disproven and require a conscious effort to believe in them.

On the other hand, if you think you would have a serious faith crisis outside of your regular environment, that might not be a step you'd be able to make yet.

[EvilSporkofDoom]

I've done quite a bit of research - but yeah, it seems that ultimately it comes down to faith. And lately, that just doesn't seem like enough for me; I wish it was. But my mind just keeps telling me one can have faith in anything, and it doesn't make it true. I guess I'm the kind of person who needs physical evidence to believe in something. More than anything I want to believe that God is there, but I feel like it's just more false hope and wishful thinking (I guess this is a bit off topic, but oh well..)

Oh, and the person that mentioned Crichton College.. it sounds like a good school to consider, thanks for the recommendation..

[Jman]

my friend goes to a christian collage in Pennsalvanya called Lancaster Bible Collage and he seems pretty happy with it...so thats where I'm going!

[Jeikobu]

Next year I'll need to look into some Christian colleges myself. I'll need to find some with teaching English as a major and learning Japanese as a minor, probably.

[Cap'n Nick]

Regarding public universities and faith, I'm somewhat torn. I finished college at a public university and for the most part it was a time of backsliding in faith. One afternoon, I decided it was all rubbish and renounced it entirely. Had I not gone downstairs and by some miracle run into the one person that knew exactly what to say, I would now be a secular humanist.

But, I did find that person, and from then on I learned not to let reason be my god, but also not to neglect the intellectual defense of my faith. Not that the public university helped with this. I still suffered constant attacks from students and faculty alike and it was entirely up to me to find the resources. But, it showed me the need, and I am much stronger in mind and soul because of it.

[Rev. Doc]

I attended Gardner-Webb University (it was Gardner-Webb College during my time there) in Boiling Springs, NC. It's an excellent Liberal Arts University, similar to Baylor in Texas. We also have a number of good Christian Universities here in South Carolina such as Charleston Southern and Anderson. While Bob Jones is also in South Carolina, these do not mirror that school in it's social regulations.

[jeezus_fureek]

Just out of curiousity, do you think that most Christians will grow more spiritually in a wordly or Christian environment?

I think it depends on what the Lord is armoring you for. Our faith can grow in any environment or situation. Just ask the Chinese Christians in the underground churches in Asia... or ask the martyrs in North Korea... I think Christians in a more comfortable environment with other Christians nurtures encouragement and unity amongst the fellowship. And Christians in a worldly environment can, yes, be influenced by the world, but also be tested and therefore firm in faith, as the Apostle Paul said. It sort of connects with the analogy of natural gold being melted down by fire, and being hardened and strengthened as the final result. Or the bone that breaks, will heal into a much stronger bone.
So in a summary:
Christian environment - learns to be in a family
Worldy environment - learns to be outside the family, but does the Father's will

[EvilSporkofDoom]

hm.. yeah, that definitely makes sense. Thanks for sharing..

[mitsuki lover]

It also depends on WHERE you want to go to College.My alma mater Dordt College,for example is in Iowa.(It belongs to the Christian Reformed Church)
If you like to expierence the Midwest...On the other hand if you perfer staying
closer to home then there must be plenty of Christian schools nearer to you.
In any case the important thing is to find a school where you are comfortable and
enjoy going to.Don't go to one simply because it's "Christian" if you think you're
going to be miserable.The point of going to college is to not only learn but also
to grow socially as well.Good luck.

[Chichiri]

Next year I'll need to look into some Christian colleges myself. I'll need to find some with teaching English as a major and learning Japanese as a minor, probably.

Two things:

1.) A Christian college that also teaches Japanese .. haha. Seriously, good luck finding that one. I'm sure they exist, but there aren't very many of them in the US. So I hope you're willing to travel far to get to one (which the further you go away the more likely students drop out and go to a school closer to home) or you're just lucky enough to live somewhat close to one.

Seriously, I have friends who go to a few different Christian colleges and the diversity at these schools are pathetic. At a lot of them, having international students is unheard of and often even overall good Christian schools have very poor language/international programs. My one friend goes to a good, popular Christian school in Ohio and the only decent language program they have is Spanish.

If you really want to minor in Japanese, you are going to probably have to drop the idea of going to a Christian school or vice-versa.

2.) English major + Japanese minor = wasted schooling (unless you are doing the Japanese only for fun). Why? Because if you are thinking of becoming an English teacher in Japan (through JET perhaps), you don't really need to be an english major. Just a native speaker. Would it help you get the job? Yes, but English teachers are in such demand they would take any native speaker.

Also, There really isn't any specific jobs in the US for that kind of thing. Any college that wants a Japanese teacher will 99.9% of the time take a Japanese native speaker over anyone with a Japanese major. This just isn't really a good combination. The languages could not be more opposite than they are and trying to further learn the mastery of English while learning Japanese while can be beneficial, will also be very confusing.

The only real majors that I can think of offhand that would be really beneficial to have a Japanese minor/major with would be business degrees (International Business, Marketing, Economics, Accounting, etc).

[Mave]

I think it depends on what the Lord is armoring you for. Our faith can grow in any environment or situation. Just ask the Chinese Christians in the underground churches in Asia... or ask the martyrs in North Korea... I think Christians in a more comfortable environment with other Christians nurtures encouragement and unity amongst the fellowship. And Christians in a worldly environment can, yes, be influenced by the world, but also be tested and therefore firm in faith, as the Apostle Paul said. It sort of connects with the analogy of natural gold being melted down by fire, and being hardened and strengthened as the final result. Or the bone that breaks, will heal into a much stronger bone.
So in a summary:
Christian environment - learns to be in a family
Worldy environment - learns to be outside the family, but does the Father's will

The question has been answered but I just want to enforce the fact that Christian education institutions are far less in certain areas in Asia. There may be limited Catholic high schools but from what I recall there is no such thing as a Christian college/university in my country, which is Muslim-dominated but allows other religions and cultures to be practiced. So we never had to make such a choice. I must add that we're grown accustomed to it that frankly, the idea of going to a Christian education institution is viewed as weird!

Good luck and hope you find the answers you're looking for!

[shooraijin]

Just to speak to your comment on needing physical evidence, Lina: while you will not find enough physical evidence to fully prove Christianity -- otherwise that steals from us the miracle of faith -- I challenge you to find physical evidence to *disprove* it. A position for or against Christianity can't be justified by physical evidence and supporting a position for or against Christ takes a conscious effort of belief. Ultimately, as God intended it, I think, the issue becomes one of personal decision over which side you choose to place your faith in.

Chichiri's comments on the kind of didactic diversity you would get at many Christian schools, however, are very well-taken. For my degree in linguistics, I had to go to the University of California. The breadth of courses available is improving, but slowly.

[Kisa]

I'd avoid Pensacol if I were you, they have awful strict rules and don't even let guys and girls walk the same sidewalks....
I go to Liberty University in VA. I absoluteley love it. So much to do and everyone is super nice. Rules are tolerable too, lol. Love to have ya! ^_^
PM me if you have any questions!

[Technomancer]

Also, it has extremely strict rules (no listening to any secular music, girls must wear dresses or skirts, even off-campus]

I have to admit I'd be leery of that already. They should be treating you like responsible adults not pre-schoolers. Given their views on personal decorum, I wouldn't hold any great hopes for the freedom or depth of their curriculum.

Also, I've heard some say that Christians grow more spiritually when they're not in a comfortable Christian environment. What do you think of that..?

Or (more likely I think), it simply sour you on the whole thing. It depends on the kind of 'discomfort'.

And does anyone recommend any specific Christian colleges? (I've only looked into Pensacola and Bob Jones so far)

The ones I know are north of the border. Definately don't go to Bob Jones, they're very anti-Catholic. Realistically, you should first decide what you want to do before you decide where you want to go. That will help you make your decision, by at least ruling many places out.

[termyt]

I guess I can plug Cincinnati Christian University, my brother's and several of my friends' alma mater. It’s a good school well grounded in the Bible, but, like so many have said, it really depends on what you believe God is calling you to be.

Also, I've heard some say that Christians grow more spiritually when they're not in a comfortable Christian environment. What do you think of that..?

I sincerely doubt that that is true. You can grow spiritually anywhere as long as you devote time to building the relationship. A Christian college can help you develop the tools to do just that. The persecution and alienation you may experience on a secular campus my help you remain focused, but unless you have the tools you need to grow spiritually already in place, the secular schools can be very trying places.