<p>
[quote]
There are many folks who are interested in Christian colleges for their kids.
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<p>Might we simply say, "there are many folks who are interested in their kids." </p>
<p>Yes, unfortunately cultural assessments/evaluations and portrayal of "value" tend to virtually ignore intentional, spiritual designs for growth. Academe and thus current society have become enamored with the natural at the near-total expense of the super-natural. Truth is deemed to stem from the logical, the scientific, the provable. If man cannot figure it out, then it must not be "true." And of course this is all a reflection of a world consumed by the pursuit of consumption. </p>
<p>My personal perspective on this is that if one's home has portrayed and allowed for a firm foundation of faith beyond all this stuff that in the blink of a gnat's eyelash will become absolutely meaningless, the secular campus, which is virtually all but a few colleges and universities these days, may not be the cauldron that cooks one into the Kingdom, but it won't be to blame either for students heading for "heck" either. The concept of in loco parentis, which had some valuable partnership when many colleges honestly pursued the exploration and nurture of the Supernatural among their students (beyond angels, UFOs, witches, etc. all of which are extremely popular on campuses), is such a dead concept even at places discussed on this thread. When was last time you heard of a "house mother?" </p>
<p>So what might be points in my meandering? </p>
<p>*Places like Liberty can be terrific, or as limiting as their secular counterparts.</p>
<ul>
<li>A Christian college can overtly nurture or diminish faith.</li>
</ul>
<p>*A secular college will probably minimize the search for faith, at least overtly. Conversely, the hedonism can be the very thing that drives thoughtful students to the search for a better answer. And God is even on THAT campus. Maybe ESPECIALLY on that campus.</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Parents can be delusional thinking that by sending their children to a Christian college, they'll be sexually, sensually, "suds" and secularly safe. Girls and boys together @ age 20 nearly always trump a monastic night @ college vespers. Unless one's heart has been broken by the other ...</p></li>
<li><p>No matter what, parents in love with their children need to stay in touch, help students to stay grounded.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>One last thought that's an old one: Apologetics, i.e. arguing one's case for Christianity rarely leads or pushes he who's determined to dig in his hell-bound heels. Bravo for courageous, clear explanations and let all hear continue to offer up their glimpses of Jesus and his Kingdom that those nuggets of gold might entice ones to answer the knock they claim not to hear. Dammit! You know, "I ain't afraid a no ghosts!" </p>
<p>Many have offered the thought that the possibility of a Savior isn't necessary who believe they have everything right here on earth, and when it's over, it's over.</p>
<p>And they are literally banking every action, every relationship, every thought on that notion. Each person is his own little universe and god. Whatever is good for me, is well, good. All the information that counts is what we can prove, what science portrays is true, what we think we know from our own experience, what our intuition claims for us. (despite all those failed romances, imperfect jobs, drink and food that we consumed in excess, sexual interludes that were so wonderful on the frontend and nightmarish after the fact, etc.) </p>
<p>Christians conversely believe in and hope for tomorrow and work at living accordingly, to serve others because we are called to serve by He who saved us. On the surface, it seems like a bad trade. Gotta give up the "good life" for what! The trick comes like eating those things our parents told us were good AND good for us, but we couldn't stomach until we grew up. Hey fresh asparagus is great, brussel sprouts can be yummy, mushrooms really add to that steak, and on and on. And suddenly our meals become so much more than over-cooked wienies and PBnJ's. But none could convince me of that when I was 6! </p>
<p>But it doesn't end there...and that's what Christians discover. It only gets better and better. And the trick is not trying to not outlive either our bank accounts or our bodies or those who would pretend they'll take care of us in our old age.</p>
<p>And I'd reiterate what's been noted earlier ...the risk in wrongly answering this single most important question of life is everything, forever for the unBelieving. Conversely, for the Believer, all it means is he/she worked at trying to live a life of service to others.</p>