5 Christian Education Myths That Need To Go
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5 Christian Education Myths That Need To Go

Picture of 5 Christian Education Myths That Need To Go
Campus Life Faith Higher Education

Christian universities offer an exceptional avenue to personal enlightenment and professional success. Unfortunately, sometimes there are misunderstandings of what Christian higher education is all about. The following are a few of the most bothersome and undeserved myths about religious education:

1. Christian Universities Are Only Good for Aspiring Pastors or Ministers

You don't have to have a long-term goal of entering seminary to succeed at a Christian college. Every professional benefits from a Christian worldview and it is therefore infused into a variety of degree programs. For example, students at Geneva College may study counseling, education, or accounting; no matter their area of focus, they learn how to integrate their faith into their work, and employers love having workers of purpose and integrity.

2. Students Don't Have Fun at Christian Universities

The party lifestyle isn't for everybody. Students can maintain active social lives while attending Christian colleges -- and social activities aren't limited to Bible study (although, of course, Bible groups provide a great means of deepening relationships with other students). Christian institutions boast well-developed student life programs, complete with intramural sports, concerts, and film festivals. Students enjoy a vast range of opportunities for making new friends and pursuing new adventures.

3. Theology Is No Longer Relevant

In today's secular environment, it's easy to get caught up in the belief that faith no longer matters. If anything, faith matters more than ever, as indicated by the personal emptiness that so many people experience. The lessons learned in faith-based courses can be applied to every aspect of daily life, from relationships to professional achievements.

4. Christian Universities Are Unaffordable

Religious education is a valuable long-term investment; it helps students mature quickly and develop into their best selves, while also growing closer to God and giving back to the community. There's no doubt that a Christian education holds great value, but it can also be surprisingly affordable in the short-term. Scholarship opportunities abound; at Geneva, students can score the Northwood Award, the Pro Christo Scholarship, or the Founders Scholarship, among others available at Geneva, community and faith organizations.

5. Students at Christian Colleges Are Sheltered from The Real World

Arguably, no college is quite like the real world. There are certain challenges students cannot anticipate until they actually enter their intended professions, although, of course, feedback from professors and mentors can prove helpful. While the communities fostered at Christian colleges are more supportive than what students might experience upon graduation, they are also instrumental in preparing students for the rigors of real life. Geneva College does not shy away from controversial, secular topics, and, in fact, welcomes the opportunity for students to encounter challenging issues while having access to the support of a Christian community.

Many students go out into the community while completing internships and service learning opportunities, and in doing so, they learn more about the complex issues in their chosen profession. Likewise, those who return to college after participating in the workforce appreciate the sense of community that Christian schools provide.

The right Christian college can strengthen your faith and character, while preparing you for personal and professional success. Religious education offers more breadth and relevance in today's world than critics suspect; if you desire a well-rounded education and spiritual growth, Christian college may be for you.

For more information on how Geneva College can help you pursue your personal and career goals, contact us at 855-979-5563 or web@geneva.edu.

Opinions expressed in the Geneva Blog are those of its contributors and do not necessarily represent the opinions or official position of the College. The Geneva Blog is a place for faculty and contributing writers to express points of view, academic insights, and contribute to national conversations to spark thought, conversation, and the pursuit of truth, in line with our philosophy as a Christian, liberal arts institution.

Feb 20, 2017

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