Just looking for some Christian values...

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hi everyone! So I'm wrapping up my junior year and I've recently decided to look outside of my home state of North Dakota for colleges. I really want to see the world so I think moving for college will be a good step for me. However, from everything that I've heard, morals are degenerating in much of the country, and I have no desire to be around that. So I'm looking for some advice on where I should think about going to school in Fall 2013.</p>

<p>I've started thinking this through and I'm pretty sure I want to avoid the New England area in general because they seem to have no morals (the idea of widespread promotion of unacceptable values, such as homosexual marriage and abortions, make me quite uncomfortable). I think it might be a good middle ground to stay somewhere in the Midwest so that I'm not too far from home, plus it's an area where most folks have faith, which is obviously very important to me. </p>

<p>So I guess at this point I'm just looking for suggestions. Until now I was planning to go to my local community college so I wouldn't have to leave behind my family, so I'm a bit lost right now. Jesus is helping me through it but I would love some guidance from those who have been there before. How do I go about finding a college that will give me new experiences without the moral degeneration found at most college campuses?</p>

<p>Thank you so much, and God bless you all!
XOXO Mary Beth</p>

2

<p>Mary Beth - There are a number of colleges that offer a values-based liberal arts education. Two organizations that I would suggest looking at for guidance would be the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities ([Council</a> for Christian Colleges & Universities - Home](<a href=“http://www.cccu.org%5DCouncil”>http://www.cccu.org)) and the North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals ([Home</a> | NACCAP](<a href=“http://www.naccap.org%5DHome”>http://www.naccap.org)) both have schools that agree to some principles that might be of interest to you. NACCAP host a number of college fairs around the country…the closest fair to you might be the September 27th fair in Sioux Falls, SD. You can check the fair schedule at [Home</a> Page | NCCF](<a href=“http://www.nccf.us%5DHome”>http://www.nccf.us). Hope this helps.</p>

3

<p>

</p>

<p>

</p>

<p>Gospelgirl, unless all you’re looking for in leaving home is a change of scenery, these two comments are inconsistent. Your current view of the world is based upon your home, your community, your church and your region. They way that you see things right now is largely a product of those influences. If you’re going to stretch yourself, you’ll need to visit other places and cultures with the realization that different is not necessarily wrong and that people with viewpoints that differ from your own community’s are not just failed attempts to be like you. To me, maintaining an open mind is a genuine act of faith.</p>

4

<p>Thanks for the suggestions mortbert! And gadad, I see what you mean but I wish you’d understand that I just want to make sure I’m keeping my values. I’m ok with being exposed to liberals and even atheists, but I’m afraid that being surrounded by them will just turn life into a constant struggle for me. I want to get out of my hometown and meet new people, but not people who are going to be negative influences on my life.</p>

5

<p>GospelGirl, just wanted to say your Christian values and pure heart are so refreshing on collegeconfidential. You are a rare person on this site and want to encourage you! I thank Jesus Christ for awesome people like you. I share your values!</p>

6

<p>Hey Gospelgirl,</p>

<p>I’m currently a rising sophomore at Rice University and love Jesus. I’ve been plugged into a fantastic Christian ministry and, although Rice is liberal majority-wise, I’ve found a wonderful network of friends that love God or at least respect the way I live my life. Remember one thing, Jesus wants us to come in contact with the world, just not to be influenced by it. In fact, some of my best friends in college are non-believers. Still, you certainly hit the nail on the head in seeking an atmosphere where you are not overwhelmed by the world. A large part of growing in our relationship with Jesus is learning to exit our comfort zone for the sake of the Lord’s calling on our life. If we don’t know how to witness and be a light in the midst of the dark (John 1:5), how can we grow with our relationship in Christ? Also, it’s important to to find a university close to a church that you could see yourself becoming a part of</p>

7

<p>I like how when this thread is posted in the Christian section, it gets positive comments, yet in any other section, the OP is told to open her mind…</p>

<p>If you don’t try to challenge your values, “simple-minded country girl” will be your sole character trait for the rest of your life.</p>

<p>I’m not saying you should denounce your faith and throw yourself into the “moral decay” but just keep an open mind in college… College is a time of your life where your perceptions of life should drastically change. Pick and choose your beliefs, don’t just conform to what your parents are or what every member of your old church is. Research the things you believe in and find evidence for your opinions. “It’s in the bible” isn’t evidence, by the way, you should be able to cite certain verses and your interpretation of them.</p>

<p>I could say so much more, but I won’t. Bottom line: keep an open mind because if your mind stays closed, you will remain in your hometown forever. But if that’s fine with you, go to your local CC. No 4-year university will be free of this “moral decay” you speak of.</p>

<p>Disclaimer: I don’t hate Jesus or Christians.</p>

<p>P.S. If your closed-mindedness comes across in your essays, no (decent) college will accept you.</p>

8

<p>Well, you are going to find moral degradation at all colleges to some extent. Even at Christian schools, some students are there merely because their parents won’t let them go elsewhere. It doesn’t mean they share the views 100%. You will also find genuine Christians at all colleges to some extent.</p>

<p>I have three boys… oldest wanted a Christian college because he wants to go into micro-finance when he graduates. He asked potential future employers where they recommended and we both checked out academic level of schools and he ended up at Covenant College in GA. It’s a really small school (roughly 1000 students), but he absolutely loves it there. He’ll freely tell you that, while most of the students are genuine Christians (and all profs are) there are some who don’t share their values. But again, he loves it there and I’m convinced he found the correct fit for him.</p>

<p>Middle son has opted to go secular as he wants extensive research options and neuroscience as well as a good set up on a pre-med path. The latter can be done from Christian colleges. The former? Not really. He just graduated, so will be a Freshman at the U of Rochester next year. He’s been open to his opportunities (including roommates), but ended up finding a Christian young man from another country who will be his roomie next year. He’s not alone in being a Christian heading out.</p>

<p>Youngest will be a junior in high school next year. He’s looking into environmental colleges and Botany is his preferred subject (at the moment). He’s keeping all options open.</p>

<p>I went to a large state U and enjoyed my time tremendously without “losing” my faith. It’s all a matter of choices and finding groups you fit in with no matter where you choose to go.</p>

<p>I’d agree with those who tell you to keep your mind open and see where God leads. I can recommend Covenant due to personal experience. I can suggest checking into Dordt due to hearsay, but it won’t really get you into a “different” area as it sounds like it’s located in an area fairly similar to what you are used to - just a different state. ;)</p>

<p>Look around and see what appeals to you. When you visit (hopefully secular and Christian places) be sure to attend Christian group meetings too - esp at the secular schools. You’ll find people who share your beliefs. You might still choose a Christian school as my oldest did, but do that because God is leading you there, not because you’re eliminating other paths.</p>

9

<p>You might look at Baylor. Husband and I are both graduates and our son is looking at going there. It might fit what you are looking for. It is in Texas, so it is far away. It is a Christian school. Here on cc, people view it as way too religious and conservative. Some conservative Christians say it isn’t Christian ( That makes me so mad. Yes, it is.) However, Baylor does teach old earth/evolution in its Biology classes. That said, you will find tons of creationists on campus as well. </p>

<p>My son is looking at majoring in computer science. As part of the presentation for a special weekend we went to, they had the engineers with a purpose or something like that and a computer group that is similar. The engineers had worked on some kind of solar chicken coop they had used in Africa to help the chickens produce more eggs or something. The computer scientists are using their skills to help nonprofits with their computer needs. </p>

<p>Both the Dean and the guy in charge of the computer science/engineering dorm talked about that although academics are important, (And they stressed several times that they have the highest passing rate on that engineering exam in the state.) they would have failed in the education if that is all they did. Computers will influence the world and as Christians that gives them a great responsibility and area of influence.</p>

<p>You will find all kinds of people at Baylor ( regardless of what people on here will tell you). Some are kids that are partying because they are away from mom and dad for the first time. Many are sincere, committed Christians. Some are not Christians at all. Baylor is becoming more racially diverse as well. </p>

<p>What do you want to major in? They have a good music school and pre-med program as well. I graduated with an education degree after switching my major from music ed. </p>

<p>Just a thought. ( From a biased point of view: Sic Em Bears!)</p>

10

<p>Gospelgirl, I’m not a Christian, but I wanted to offer one thought. This isn’t offered as a debate or an insult to your beliefs, believe me. But if you want to see the world and learn new things, here’s something to consider: You state that you don’t want to be with people with no morals, which you characterize as unacceptable values such as homosexual marraige and abortion. You certainly have the right to have your own beliefs. I’m not disputing that or trying to change your mind. But please know that someone who is pro homosexual marraige and pro choice can also have very high morals. They can be honest, reliable, faithful to their spouse, a hard worker, patriotic, etc. The world is a complicated place and if you go out and look around, you’ll find many situations and people that don’t fit into a neatly defined box. </p>

<p>I learned that when I went to college - and when I started getting involved in Internet discussion boards back in the 90s. I realized that people who I vehemently disagree with about politics and religion could also be my friend because they had the same basic values about family, friends, etc. They had the same day-to-day concerns. They had great senses of humor. They were smart and had great advice. As long as we didn’t talk about politics, we were fine. :wink: </p>

<p>And you know what? Even talking about politics was good as long as we could stay respectful - it was interesting to understand WHY someone felt as they did. Neither one of us might change our minds, but we at least could respect the thought process the other had taken to get to very different conclusions.</p>

<p>They were no more a caricature of a “midwest Christian conservative” than I am of an “East Coast secular liberal”. You hear all the nuts and extremists on TV, and everyone likes to make things black and white - good guys over here, bad guys over there. It’s great for ratings and it gets both sides riled up. But life is more complex than that. I think of all the non-academic lessons you might learn in college, that’s one of the most valuable.</p>

11

<p>Gospelgirl,</p>

<p>Good for you for being thoughtful about your faith and being realistic about the temptations you will surely face wherever you end up.</p>

<p>Mortbert gave you the link to a list of Christian colleges and that’s a good start if you plan on attending a Christian college, which it certainly sounds like you’d like to do.</p>

<p>How far from home (miles) do you see yourself going? Are you aligned with a particular denomination?</p>

<p>One thing about “Christian” colleges is that there is a lot of variance in their doctrine and practice. It’s important for you to know that at every college, even the most conservative of Christian colleges, there will be kids who drink, have sex, struggle with homosexuality (or embrace it), do drugs, and pretty much any other sin you can think of.</p>

<p>The big problem is…sin! We live in a fallen world and we, who are Christians, are, as Martin Luther put it, simultaneously sinners and saints.</p>

<p>So, please don’t be lulled into thinking that if you go to a Christian college, you won’t be exposed to anything. </p>

<p>Some kids in our youth group and their parents went through the series put out by Focus on the Family, “The Truth Project” (which I would recommend). In the series, there were students who attended Christian colleges who said, in some ways, it was <em>more</em> of a struggle to be there than at a secular school because they were so surprised and disappointed at what they found there.</p>

<p>Having said that, there are some really solid Bible believing Christian colleges with strong mission statements. I would take a look at Covenant (recommended by Creekland), Wheaton (there are some things I’m a little concerned about but with Ryken as president, I think they are headed in a good direction), Grove City College, and Taylor University.
I would also recommend Grace College in Indiana (small and creationist in bent). </p>

<p>For the record, I am a homeschool mom of three boys. My oldest is going to a secular college this fall because no Christian college has strong enough math and physics departments for him. He will be plugging into the Campus Crusade for Christ ministry, find a local church, and I pray that his faith would be strengthened by the challenges he will definitely face.</p>

<p>Lastly, I wanted to say that I’m a conservative Christian but have a definite heart (only by God’s grace) for my unbelieving friends including my bosses who are gay men with an adopted daughter. They’re really nice men and their daughter is sweet, as well. I can’t say I haven’t struggled within my soul at times, but Jesus rescued <em>me</em>, a sinner dead in my transgressions, and died for me while I was still a sinner, so I definitely know that He loves His image bearers and wants me to love them, too. Who knows what He’ll do!</p>

<p>May Christ give you wisdom as you make decisions about college, Gospelgirl! :-)</p>

12

<p>two books you may wish to read – “Out of the Salt Shaker and Into the World” by Rebecca Manley Pippert, and “The New York Regional Mormon Singles Halloween Dance” by Elna Baker.</p>

13

<p>I couldn’t agree sbjdorlo on the differences between Christian Colleges. They are a lot like a large extended family. While they may share the same DNA, I’m sure that at a lot of “family reunions” (or conferences) they look at each other and wonder how they can be related at all. That’s not a value judgement on them, just a reminder that they are not all the same. Which is why it is so important to first decide who you are, and where you are going before you simply choose a college because it fits in a category. Decide the person you want to become and then find the school that can provide you with the best opportunity to become the person you envision yourself to be. Evaluate colleges on where you want to be in 20 or 30 years…not on where you want to be the next four years! This is especially true when faith development is brought into the decision! (Although be prepared for God to change your vision of who you can become). </p>

<p>Sbjdorlo…trust your son will have a good experience and find solid fellowship on campus. I’m surprised he couldn’t find an acceptable math/physics program on any Christian College. Two of my kids are at Taylor…and while neither had any interest in Math or Physics (Philosophy and Psychology majors)…I do know that Taylor’s sciences are outstanding. In fact their Math professor won a fairly prestigious teaching award this past year ([News</a> Detail - Taylor University](<a href=“http://www.taylor.edu/news/news-detail.shtml?id=030a5c7b-7b0d-4725-a45c-5a21a89a5769]News”>http://www.taylor.edu/news/news-detail.shtml?id=030a5c7b-7b0d-4725-a45c-5a21a89a5769)) but with neither of my children being “mathematically inclined” it’s hard for me to really evaluate!</p>

14

<p>Hi mortbert,</p>

<p>Very sound wisdom.</p>

<p>My son visited Taylor as a sophomore and loved it. Unfortunately, that year he was taking differential equations, a junior level class at Taylor. He had simply taken too many college math and physics courses during high school and would have run out of courses in his intended major by his sophomore year. Even a math prof at Grove City told him he should go elsewhere. </p>

<p>I know God is at secular schools. :slight_smile: But, I can’t help but feel a little sad that he’ll miss sitting under some amazing Biblically-based teaching. I had always thought he’d go to Grove City College (at least ever since Iain Duguid began teaching there). </p>

<p>We trust God will meet him and other Christian students in a real and powerful way!</p>

15

<p>This thread made me laugh… At first. Then I realized it wasn’t a ■■■■■ post! </p>

<p>I’m not sure about heaven and hell and all that, but for a moment, let’s suppose I DID consider “christian morals” to be a good thing… Haha… Two of my best friends (they’re twins) are gay, but very, VERY strong with the Christian faith, and are conservative Republicans… So don’t be so quick to judge god-forsaken the evil homosexuals!=P By the way… You can be gay, and support abortion, and still have great morals… Elton John and his boyfriend have been together for forever… Does that not constitute loyalty and committment? Are those not morals? Can homosexuals not do just as much good as heterosexuals? A homosexual doctor who saves thousands of lives and donates thousands of dollars to charity is going to hell because he chooses to share his life and his love with another man, rather than a woman? Just raising a point here… We often need our views challenged in order to strengthen them, or change them when need be.</p>

16

<p>You don’t want to see any of the world. If you think NEW ENGLAND is evil. Try Canada, where they have legalized marijuana, homosexual civil unions nationwide, and <em>GASP</em> Socialized Medicine! Most countries are even “worse” than that, or are not majority Christian. So it’s safe to assume you do not wish to see the world.</p>

<p>Rather, it appears you wish to be sheltered in a new location. Since many cities in the midwest/south now resemble “sinful” New England/West Coast cities as far as having a diverse, liberal, open-minded population, you’ll probably want to avoid those as well. And since you think homosexuals and atheists are inherently amoral, you won’t want to be talking to any of THOSE at a more secular school like Rice, which has, of all things, allowed an LGBT rights group on campus.</p>

<p>Which will leave you in one of the numerous mentioned small, very conservative colleges in the middle of nowhere. Will your faith actually grow with no new experiences at all? Have you ever heard the phrase “in the world, but not of it?” It’s a catchphrase I first saw used by The King’s College, a very conservative Christian college in New York City. I don’t really support their ideals, but I admire them this: They train their students in their values in an environment where what they’re taught will have to withstand tests, rather than just being accepted at face value in a vacuum.</p>

<p>If you think that being homosexual immediately disqualifies you from having morality or worth as a person, you could grow - both as a person, and a Christian meant to follow Jesus’ teachings of love for all and regard for the unfortunate - by going somewhere where heaven forbid you might MEET a homosexual, or a liberal, or anyone who isn’t just like you.</p>

17

<p>EliKresses comments effectively capture the condition of our humanistic society. Lots of good intentions lost for lack of any basis beyond imo, I think I think. Homosexuals are not any more evil than others. Merely equally sinful. The primary difference is that drug dealers and bank robbers don’t seek approval, legalization and protection by society’s laws as well as special dispensation as some type of protected class. We all fully grasp society’s politicized approval, and ol’ Eli needs to work at grasping God’s unpoliticized approval. The two are distinctly different notions of good and evil.</p>

18

<p>Couldn’t agree more! Seeking shelter is not an exclusive activity of Christians…moral/ethical relativist find great warmth in the shelter of their “open-minded” communities. Gospelgirl never made comments indicating a belief that homosexuals have no worth or lack any moral behavior…yet these opinions are assigned to her as she is castigated as a close-minded, judgmental person…interesting response from open-minded people…</p>

19

<p>Why do you see testing as a negative thing? Testing has as its purpose the discovery of strengths and the evidence that learning and growth have been accomplished. A math test shows whether or not you’ve mastered the classroom material; a great car designer once said that you don’t know how fast a car can go until you reach its limit.</p>

<p>If you are strong in your faith, it won’t matter where you are or who you surround yourself with. Look at Jesus - called a glutton and a drunkard because of the people he chose to associate with. And to whom did he address most of his criticism? - the Pharisees who were so very proper and avoided at all cost anyone they deemed impure.</p>

<p>What is your intended major? Are you hoping for a career, or to meet a future husband? College is a means to an end - focus on what you want to accomplish by going to college and then pick the college that will help you to achieve that goal.</p>

20

<p>Mortbert, here is what gospelgirl said:</p>

<p>

</p>

<p>Seems pretty clear that she is equating having no morals with promoting values such as homosexual marriage or being pro-choice. I did not “castigate” her in my response. I was very respectful but wanted to advance the notion that the world is not black and white. People can having opposing views to you and still be good, moral people. </p>

<p>And whistlepig, if you’re equating drug dealers and bank robbers with homosexuals, I just don’t know what to say. One is stealing from others or hurting others. The other is a person loving the person they want to love. Not making you do the same. Not taking money from you. Just living their life, which might be very traditional in every other way. You don’t have to like it. You don’t have to approve of it. But you have no right to impose your viewpoints on someone else’s personal, private life. </p>

<p>It goes both ways. How would you like it if Christianity were not the majority religion in this country? And the majority religion declared that gay is how people should be, and heterosexuals can’t marry? And that they are sinful people akin to a bank robber? It would be absurd, wouldn’t it? As absurd as what you’re saying.</p>

<p>I’m normally very respectful of people’s opinions. We live in a country where you’re free to think whatever you want. But I can’t stand it when people think they are also free to determine how other people live their private lives.</p>