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Choosing a college – Is sending your student to a secular school dangerous?

I would say yes. And I’m not alone. Kelly Kapic’s article in the October 2019 issue of Christianity Today also basically said yes. So, what’s the problem?

The problem revolves around two things about raising children. The first is whether you want your student to maintain the faith that you may have spent close to two decades nurturing in them. The second is your definition of success.

I’ve heard giving away a daughter in marriage described as handing a priceless Stradivarius violin to a gorilla. At many secular and government-funded colleges, you are delivering your student to the mercies of professors who not only don’t agree with but actively seek to eliminate a Christian worldview from culture. Is your student ready for that?

On the flip side, if Christians pull out of culture, we are leaving it to those who oppose Christianity, and we’ll lose by default. There’s truth to that. I often give copies of J. Budziszewski’s book, “How to Stay Christian in College,” to college-bound students. It’s important to not lose influence in culture, but has your student been prepared to be a culture warrior?

I should also add that there are risks to your student’s faith, even on Christian college campuses. There are many, both professors and other students, who will challenge your student’s faith. Being challenged is a good thing. But being ridiculed out of your faith is not. That’s less likely on a Christian college campus.

The other issue in choosing a college is the definition of success. Too many people consider a good job, a house, vacations, and other material things their definition of success. That is an anti-Biblical definition. Even the common goal of your student being happy can be a wrong goal. Putting stuff or personal happiness first when we should be putting Jesus first is wrong. Even the goal of earning a lot of money so that you can support church and missions can be a false success.

When choosing a college major or a school, keep in mind that a strong and continuing relationship with Jesus Christ should be the ultimate goal. Any choice that moves you or your student away from that should be immediately rejected. No job, money, or stuff is worth the loss of your relationship with Jesus. Thanks for reading, and please share this with anyone else who you think would be interested.

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