Are the western institutions of higher education really cauldrons of radical leftist ideologies? Many are. Do they eat conservative and Christian students alive? The answer: Yes and No. It is possible as a conservative and God-fearing student to do well in such a seemingly hostile environment (after all, didn’t the early church thrive in the first centuries of Roman persecution?)
This author is one example that very principle: a new Christian when he went to university, his faith and spiritual life grew dramatically while being in an academic environment which was indifferent, contrary, and at times, hostile to what he believed.
However, there is also the risk of a student from a Christian family, with a Christian upbringing, who becomes angry (and miserable) social justice warrior in a matter of weeks while attending post-secondary school. Family and church are put on the back burner.
How can we properly handle this prospect? Some things to bear in mind:
1. Divine
guidance: Every major decision you make should be bathed in
prayer. You can do anything and go anywhere provided you are led by the Holy
Spirit. Don’t choose a major or university merely because it is a ‘good
idea.’ Pray, wait on the Lord, and make sure it is a ‘God-idea.’ Every other
point mentioned below rests on this foundation;
2. Reality:
Secular progressivism is the prevailing philosophy in many western
universities. This is can be found especially in courses labelled ‘studies’ (e.g.
Native American Studies or African-American Studies or Gender Studies), in
social sciences, and in humanities. Knowing this in advance is good for you;
for when you understand a situation, you are half-way towards a solution (Proverbs
4:7);
3. Find
like-minded faculty and students: When you are in the minority,
wisdom decrees that you find allies among the faculty and students who share
much, if not all, of your worldview. Such alliances will prove useful during
your studies, especially for support and note-sharing;
4. Choose
your battles carefully: Don’t be in the habit or looking for someone to argue
with. Chances of changing their minds are slim and it just wastes time and
energy. Only when you must contend with a progressive should you go out
to battle. Also, if you find an honest progressive who is willing to listen to
an opposing view - they are in the minority but worth the dialogue. As the
saying goes, keep your gun powder dry for the battles that really matter;
5. Self-control:
This is part of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). There
is something respectable, even noble, about a person who stays calm and in
control, reasonable and respectful, even in the face of deliberate provocation.
Proverbs 17:28: Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise:
and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding. Once
you lose your temper - you lose - even if you have the best argument. Tantrums
are not a mark of authority nor maturity; frankly, they are the sign of a
loser. You will have a better listening audience if you keep cool. So be
prepared, and then calmly, firmly, and authoritatively state your case;
6. Know
where you stand: If you are unfairly treated because of your views,
then know your rights. There are bodies in the university to which you can
appeal or from which you can get arbitration. This can be the case when facing
issues of religious freedom, freedom of speech, or academic integrity. This
author recalls an A-average student who was failed in a subject by a
progressivist professor who clearly disliked her views. Their excuse for the
failure was vague, arbitrary, and subjective. The student learned that she had
the right of appeal. So that right was exercised and the student passed with a
high mark;
7. Choose
your major wisely: Some university majors are more susceptible to
subjective bias than others. Economics, science, and even politics are more
even-handed. There are professors who will teach their subjects objectively,
regardless of their worldview - seek them out;
8. Integrity:
Those students who work and study with integrity will be respected, even
if they are conservatives. Do the right thing: study hard, use the best
sources, do quality work, show passion for what you believe and do. Remember
that your minority status can be an asset, not a liability, because it can spur
you on to try harder, think critically, and come up with great insights. While
you might feel outnumbered, like a ‘Daniel in the lion’s den’ and a ‘babe in
Babylon,’ you will come forth as gold.
9. Pray
without ceasing: People of faith have a very powerful weapon for
fighting the culture war - it is called ‘prayer.’ The Biblical exhortation to ‘pray
without ceasing’ (1 Thessalonians 5:17) takes on fresh meaning in light
of what we have learned. It also gives an unprecedented perspective - the
heavenly one (Ephesians 2:6; 6:12-13). For when you remember the
overriding principle that the culture war is ultimately a spiritual war - and
that our weapons must be equally spiritual - then prayer becomes mandatory, not
just a nice option. The throne room of grace is open to you (Hebrews 4:16)
so come in, pray without ceasing, and take heart that, ‘The effectual
fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much — James 5:16. When
prayer prevails, then people of goodwill on all sides become winners.
10. Discernment
Off Campus: It is possible to face a heavy bombardment of
indoctrination without putting your toe on a university campus or enrolment in
distance education. The media, including social media, can work on your
worldview from the comfort of your own home or smart phone. Reports of
manipulated information persist - to what extent they are true is yet to be
seen. In the meantime, if you are a Christian, practice Biblical discernment.
Juxtaposition what you hear or read with the Word of God. Let Christ, through
the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit, guide you into all truth — John 16:3.
— Taken
and amplified from the book Today/Tomorrow: Understanding the Present; Ready
for the Future.
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