Debates discussion

Thanks for this topic Carina!

Is it better to go to a Christian college of a secular college and why?

I guess I’ll start. 😛

There are multiple aspects to consider (price, etc) but the main one for me would be- how would it affect you spiritually?

At a secular college, you are steeped in a completely different/anti-Christian worldview. It can challenge your convictions, which can be good for you to think through your beliefs and have your faith become your own. On the flip side, you can get into some really negative stuff, start doubting, etc.

At a Christian college, you are surrounded by (presumably) Christians (or at least people who don’t mind attending one, I honestly don’t know why an unbeliever would go to a Christian college but I suppose it could happen.) You get to learn from a Christian perspective. It can help you get become stronger in your faith, or you can coast along and not really focus on spending time with God, reading the Bible, etc. since you’re surrounded by that all of the time.

I’m currently attending a small community college in my hometown. While it’s in the Midwest and is fairly conservative, there’s a small but vocal LGBT group on campus, and you hear swearing all of the time, from both students and instructors. For me personally, it’s encouraged me to be strong in what I believe, but it’s also been really lonely because I can feel like the only person who doesn’t swear and do other things. Thankfully I have a good friend who also goes there. He’s a fellow Christian homeschool graduate, and so it’s been nice to know that I’m not alone.

Also, it’s important to consider that not all Christian colleges are the same. Some are conservative (for example, Bob Jones), while others may call themselves “Christian” but actually teach things that are theologically dubious (like theistic evolution, no literal Heaven/Hell, pro-LGBT, etc.) Personally, I would rather attend either a hardcore conservative Christian college or a secular one than going to a university that is “Christian” but has caved so much that they are indistinguishable from the world. One of my cousins almost lost his faith at a nominally Christian college. Thankfully, he emerged from that okay, but it was a very trying time.

Ultimately, I would say that if you’re a new Christian, a Christian college might be beneficial to you to get deeper in the faith, make like-minded friends, and learn more about God. If you have a solid church community that can support you, and someone godly who you can talk to if you have questions, I don’t see anything wrong with going to a secular college.

I would go to a secular college, if i were to go to college

For me, as a Christian, I want to be open minded to God's will. I would enjoy a Christian college, but I wouldnt be opposed to going to a secular college as long as the lifestyle and classes their won't be a temptation to lead me away from my faith!

Raini wrote: "I would not go to college but if so, I know that christian colleges teach things contrary to my beliefs so I would go to a secular college!"

Thats interesting! Im just curious, you dont have to answer if its uncomfortable, but could you give an example of some of those beliefs?

Raini wrote: "A few of beliefs are: Hell doesn't exist, LGBTQ+ is a detestable act, Jesus , God, and The Holy Spirit are all different, Heaven will only be for certain Christians!"

Gotcha!

Carsie Rose wrote: "I'm also super curious, Raini, what happens to people when they die, according to Jehovah's witnesses, if only some will go to heaven and there is no hell? (am I confusing religions?🤦‍♀️ I apologiz..."

I just read a Wiki page that answered all my questions on JW that you could check out.

Raini wrote: "You're not confusing religions!

They will cease to exist from what I know. If they are not good for Jehovah/ God and are horrible people then they will die and not be resurrected ! If they are go..."

You do believe that 144000 will inherit heaven, or something like that, right?

Carsie Rose wrote: "Oohhh. Wait I think I heard about that somewhere. Is it based off of the thing in Revelation with the witnesses?"

In Revelation it says that 144000 young men will fight with Jesus at Armageddon, but I don't read that it says that only they will be saved.