Navigating the Challenges of Faith in College
As a Christian college student, you’re not alone in facing challenges to your faith. Many have walked this path before you, and it’s okay to acknowledge that it’s tough. You may have grown up in a Christian home, been involved in your church youth group, and committed your life to Christ, but now you’re encountering intense conversations, diverse perspectives, and even attacks on the Bible.
Give Yourself a Break
First, take a deep breath and give yourself permission to not have all the answers. It’s unreasonable to expect an 18-year-old to navigate complex issues without support. Remember, not having an answer doesn’t mean your beliefs are wrong. Most things we believe are based on authority, not personal investigation. Even experts rely on others’ expertise.
You’re Not Alone
When faced with doubts, remember that virtually every challenge to the faith has been made before – and answered before. There’s nothing new under the sun. This means that there are answers out there, even if you don’t have them yet. Let this motivate you to dig deeper into scholarly sources and find the answers you’re looking for.
Challenge the New Beliefs
When you start doubting your faith, it’s often because you’ve come to believe something else in its place. So, challenge those new beliefs! Put them to the test, and investigate their validity. For example, if someone questions the Bible’s creation account based on evolutionary biology, question the certainty of evolution itself. You may find that the alternative is not as solid as you thought.
Find Community and Support
The last thing you want to do when facing doubts is isolate yourself. Instead, find a solid church and campus fellowship where fellow believers can encourage and walk with you through these challenges. Remember, adversity can be an opportunity to grow as a Christian, equipping you to build up others and reach non-Christians more effectively.
Count it All Joy
As James says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness” (James 1:2–3). View opposition as a chance to grow stronger and healthier in your faith.
By acknowledging the challenges, giving yourself a break, seeking answers, challenging new beliefs, finding community, and counting it all joy, you can navigate the complexities of faith in college and emerge stronger on the other side.
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