Last evening I decided to accompany a group of Christian high school seniors on a trip to a college fair in Saegertown, PA. I was disappointed that none of the schools were there that I have grown to appreciate–Bob Jones, Northland, Maranatha, or Faith. Piedmont, Applachian, Crown, and Pensacola weren’t there either. Instead, it was schools like Cedarville, Regent, Taylor, Valley Forge, Roberts Wesleyan, Tyndale, Geneva, Baptist Bible College, Lancaster Bible College, etc.
I visited almost every booth and was amused as the representatives tried to figure out exactly what station of life I was in. They weren’t sure to ask if I was looking for a college for myself or for my son. The latter wasn’t exactly flattering, because I would need to be at least 40 to have a son ready for college. But I sympathized with their consternation and didn’t get upset at all.
I wanted to get a feel for the characteristics of Christian colleges and universities outside of fundamentalism. No surprise that all of them featured CCM. All but one that I can remember made sure that there was at least one picture of students jamming in “worship.” A number of them said that they don’t require incoming students to sign a faith statement. Almost all said that they accept students from any denomination (I should have asked them if they accept Muslims).
One (Regent) even said that they allow a Catholic priest to come on campus once a week to conduct mass. This is the school where Pat Robertson is the president (for one more year). It’s also the headquarters for CBN and The 700 Club. When I asked the rep if she considers Catholics to be Christians, she said that she knew ones who are, but she was quick to add that she didn’t want to get into a theological argument. Neither did I, but I did want to at least ask her if the Protestant Reformation meant anything to her.
I’m glad I was able to go so that I could learn more about Christian schools. It grieved me greatly, though, to see how ecumenical and worldly these schools are. Students may come from conservative homes and churches, but by the time they walk out of these school doors, they are much more at home in the typical contemporary church, where demoninational differences are minimized and where the services are catered to felt needs. One rep came crom a conservative Christian Missionary Alliance church but now attends The Father’s House, where they serve you water with cucumbers or lemon (as she was proud to note). According to her, the worship has all the smoke, lights, and noise. Surprisingly, the pastor preaches for around 45 minutes.
I’m glad I got to say a few words to the students in the van on the way back. One girl was wanting to go to Regent because they have nice rooms to stay in, but I strongly encouraged her to reconsider. Thankfully, a girl asked me if I would recommend BJU. Without hesistation I said “Yes!” They are already familiar with BJU through LINC. I also recommended the schools I mentioned at the beginning.
What a blessing that there are still fundamental schools that have not compromised with the changing face of Christianity. We definitely need to pray for God to lead good students to these schools and that He would continue to keep their doors open.
That is SO SAD! We shouldn’t be surprised but it just breaks a person’s heart to hear how our schools are going. Today I sat a luncheon at HP and there was a Mom and Dad who pulled their two older kids out of the Christian School because it was their plan all along to put them into a public school after sixth grade so that they could learn to defend themselves amongst unsaved kids. I wanted to tell them that they are making a BIG mistake by doing that. Their kids will come out of that school being just like the wordly kids. What are parents thinking when they do that. Peer pressure is so strong and a teacher telling them Junk all day long will stick. I heard yesterday that Octobe is Homosexual month and they lift up homosexual people to talk about and look up to. The Lord has turned us, as a nation, over to our own thinking and desires.