As a student at a private Christian university, I am often asked variations of the same questions time and time again. Some individuals don't understand how mixing religion and education works, and are curious about the process. Others are bigots, trying to corner and delegitimize Christian education. Many are prospective students and their families, "feeling out" the university through open houses and individual visits. But no matter what their motivations are, my fellow students and I find ourselves responding in similar ways. So, here are five facts you absolutely need to know about Christian universities and their students.
1. No, we are not all Christians.
Believe it or not, there are many students on Christian campuses who have never stepped foot in a church, never broken the binding on a Bible, and never listened to a worship song on the radio. Some of these are athletes, who come for their team, their coach, or their scholarship. Others live close to campus, and attend out of convenience. Some are even children of religious parents, or siblings of alumni, who are expected to attend despite their lack of religion. Even more are "on the fence" with their faith, having lived their lives in churches and youth groups, but were never fully committed in the way they should have been. In short, a great deal of students on Christian campuses are not "Jesus freaks" or prospective pastors, but we love them all the same.
2. We emphasize a Christian world-view, not just prayer and going to church.
A Christian world-view is probably the most emphasized philosophy on Christian campuses (on mine, at least). Seeing the world through God's unconditional love, His plan, and His will leads to a more positive outlook on life. We grow more secure in our faith, more confident in our life choices, and are better able to witness to others when we see the people around us as God does. Going to church on Sundays, chapel twice a week, and praying every night does nothing if our hearts and minds do not change, and that is the lesson that our universities are trying to teach us.
3. The chapels aren't that bad (but we'll do anything for chapel credit).
For my school, we are required to attend 24 chapels every semester. For a full-time student earning a four-year degree, that is 192 chapels (and boy is that a daunting number). Some are entertaining, some are uplifting, some are boring, and some are downright depressing. And while you will often find students complaining about their chapel credits and wanting to take a nap instead of listening to yet another guest speaker, we also enjoy our chapels. It's a time for us to come together as a body of Christ to worship and hear the message of God in many different ways. Oh, and a tip to event organizers: offer chapel credit for your event, and you're golden.
4. We tend to be stricter than other universities, but that's okay. (And no, nuns don't chase us with rulers.)
While some universities have no qualms about co-ed dorms, drinking, smoking, and promiscuity, most Christian universities set strict rules down for their students. Are these rules broken by some? Absolutely. There is only so much that the university can do to prevent certain activities on campus, but they try their best. Are they simply being mean and not letting us young adults live a little? You could see it that way. But I also see it as them keeping our best interests in mind. After all, the only outcomes of parties tend to be nasty hangovers and lost scholarships.
5. Ring by spring. Yes. It is real.
This one is fairly easy to understand. It's true, many engagements happen in or around senior year for couples, leaving everyone in a constant state of dread and excitement. Those engagement pictures are adorable, and we squeal a little every time a new one pops up...but that's the fifth one this month.
A Christian education is not fit for everyone, just like becoming a doctor or joining the military isn't. Christian universities, like all universities, have their strengths and their weaknesses. But in the end, we all chose to be here. And if you ever ask me if I regret my decision, I will always say no.
