Navigating the Challenges of College Life as a Christian
A Father’s Concerns
As a parent, there’s nothing more concerning than seeing your child venture out into the world, especially when it comes to their faith. Michael Kruger, president of a seminary and professor, recently sat down to discuss the challenges Christian college students face on secular campuses. His concerns are deeply personal, as his own daughter, Emma, is currently navigating her sophomore year at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Then vs. Now: The Changing Landscape of College Life
While some things remain the same, Kruger notes that the college experience has undergone significant changes since his own time at UNC-Chapel Hill in the late 80s and early 90s. New buildings, walkways, and structures have transformed the physical campus, but more importantly, the intellectual and cultural landscape has shifted as well. Despite these changes, Kruger believes that human nature remains the same, and the struggles students face are not new.
Unprepared for the Intellectual Onslaught
Kruger recounts his own experience of entering college unprepared for the intellectual challenges that lay ahead. Despite growing up in a Christian environment, he lacked a robust understanding of Christian theology and worldview. This lack of preparation left him struggling to respond to tough questions in his religion classes. Unfortunately, this experience is not unique to Kruger; many young Christians today face similar challenges.
The Lacking Dimension: Intellectual Engagement
Kruger attributes this lack of preparedness to a deficiency in modern American evangelicalism. While many churches focus on conversion and moral living, they often neglect to cultivate intellectual engagement with the Christian worldview. This oversight leaves students vulnerable to intellectual attacks on their faith and ill-equipped to defend their beliefs against non-Christian thought.
A Balanced Approach
In response to critics who argue that intellectual engagement can lead to an overly intellectualized faith, Kruger emphasizes the need for balance. A robust intellectual understanding of Christianity should complement, not replace, a lived experience of faithfulness and obedience in daily life. By fostering a deeper understanding of their faith, students can develop a more resilient and well-rounded Christian worldview.
Equipping Students for the Challenges Ahead
Kruger’s book, Surviving Religion 101, takes a topical approach to addressing the toughest questions Christian students encounter on secular campuses. By focusing on worldview formation and intellectual engagement, parents and churches can better equip young people to navigate the challenges of college life and emerge with their faith intact.
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