Coming from a Christian, homeschool background, I have often heard the line, "I would never go/send my child to a secular university." Today I opened up a Christian magazine and the first article listed four reasons why Christians should attend Christian colleges rather than secular colleges.
Before I go on, I would like to make it clear that my purpose in this post is not to enforce my beliefs on anyone or judge anyone for their beliefs. Rather, I simply want to offer a fresh perspective, sharing from my own experience.
One year ago, I was entering my first year of college. It wasn't all that exciting. I had no clue what I wanted to do (career-wise), so I chose to attend CSUS since it was close and affordable. During that summer between high school and college, I became convinced that attending a Christian college would have been much better, much more exciting...and basically, that I was settling for less by going to Sac State.
But during the first week of classes, I sensed that I was there for a purpose. That God was going to use me being at Sac State for something great.
Fast forward to last May - end of freshman year. I realized that I wouldn't trade that year at Sac State for a year at any other college, even a Christian college. Why? Well, a few reasons...
I got to:
-meet two of my very best friends at CSUS (we encouraged, prayed for, and studied with each other)
-talk to a couple Mormons and learn first-hand how Mormonism and Christianity differ
-learn how to interact with non-Christian professors and students, using truth and grace
For me, a secular university was the place God chose to work in me during my freshman year. I completely understand the reasons behind going to a Christian college. It does seem to make sense that every Christian should attend a place where the majority of professors and students proclaim Christ. But it also begs a few questions...
-Are we afraid of being in the world?
-Do we rely on our environment to determine our faith?
-What if there's someone at a secular college that hasn't really heard about Christ?
-Are we looking to Christian colleges for safety (from spiritual warfare)?
-Do we believe that God's Presence can show up anywhere...even at a worldly university?
For me, it comes down to an issue of trust. Basically, do I trust God to be "big" enough at Sac State?
At a worldview camp last year, a speaker told his audience, "Don't be a lizard on a rock."* What he meant was, don't find your spirituality (warmth) from your environment (rock)...you have to have your own personal relationship with Christ.
So whether you're at a Christian college or a secular university...or wherever you are, my challenge to you is draw near to God and trust Him. He will come through for you.
*Gregg Harris, Summit Ministries, Session 3vac