So... how bad is it?

[KeilanS]

Well I am going to start my grade 12 year in about a month and after that I'm headed to university. The university in my city is known for being liberal and I can tell that it will be a trying place to be. I'm probably going to go into education with a major in math or physics.

So, basically my question is what will I have to take? How liberal would a program like that be? And any tips for handling it?

God Bless,

Keilan

[rtwo]

Well, I don't know about Canada, but in the US, I've heard of instructors not only attempting to indoctrinate students with their own liberal ideals, but I've even heard from students whose grades have depended upon at least pretending to agree with them.

It's hard to find a college here without some degree of liberalism, often coming from instructors. There are two ways to come out unscathed. The first is to just keep your head down for two years and avoid political or religious discussion. It's a cop-out, but it can work. In your own situation, though, you're pretty much begging for a hard time - especially on a religious level.

The other, far more beneficial way, is to balance your own education. Every time you're given a liberal text, pick up something from a conservative Christian thinker. Every time you feel like you're being indoctrinated, test what you're hearing against Scripture and see how it lines up. Keep up your bible studies -- more, possibly, than you already do. Keep up your prayer life. Seek Christian friends -- remembering that they are going through the same thing as you are.

I may have a book for you. I'll try and find it. PM me your address and I'd be happy to send it to you. It's about this very thing, and how to deal with it.

[KeilanS]

The mark part is mostly what I'm worried about. I've gotten good at ignoring morally liberal thinking over the last few years, but I don't want to do badly in university because of it. Especially since I suspect teaching is becoming more liberal in how they think children should be educated.

I do like the idea of balancing my education. That way I'll learn the worldly way of doing things at the same time as I learn the Christian response to these ideas. I have wished at times I could go to a Christian post-secondary institution but it would be hard to justify when I live in the same city as the university with the 3rd best education program in Canada and I could save $5000 a year on living costs.

Also, could you just tell me the name of the book and I'll find my own copy. It's not that I don't trust you, but I live in my parents house and they would be upset if I gave away the address on the internet.

God Bless,

Keilan

[rtwo]

The mark part is mostly what I'm worried about. I've gotten good at ignoring morally liberal thinking over the last few years, but I don't want to do badly in university because of it. Especially since I suspect teaching is becoming more liberal in how they think children should be educated.

I do like the idea of balancing my education. That way I'll learn the worldly way of doing things at the same time as I learn the Christian response to these ideas. I have wished at times I could go to a Christian post-secondary institution but it would be hard to justify when I live in the same city as the university with the 3rd best education program in Canada and I could save $5000 a year on living costs.

Also, could you just tell me the name of the book and I'll find my own copy. It's not that I don't trust you, but I live in my parents house and they would be upset if I gave away the address on the internet.

God Bless,

Keilan

I'll try to remember... I think it's called "Chris Chrisman goes to College". No worries... you're probably right. But, if you can't find it, get your parents' permission and let me know. I'd just give you my address... but that wouldn't do us any good. In any event, look around for it -- I think that's the right title -- and I'll see whether I still have my own copy, just in case.

No -- wait... I have a better idea. PM incoming.

[KeilanS]

Well, I have learnt that I can get it from a local store for $14, which is pretty reasonable (not much more than we'd pay between the two of us to ship it across the border). And I can probably get it from the library, I'll check next time I visit the library.

[Iryssa]

Well I am going to start my grade 12 year in about a month and after that I'm headed to university. The university in my city is known for being liberal and I can tell that it will be a trying place to be. I'm probably going to go into education with a major in math or physics.

So, basically my question is what will I have to take? How liberal would a program like that be? And any tips for handling it?

God Bless,

Keilan

If you're going to the one I think you're going to, I've heard it's not so bad (not much worse than a public highschool) so long as you don't live in the dorms. The dorms are really the worst part of it (I have a friend who is forever scarred by walking in on her roommate and two other people while going there *shudder*). If you take their religion courses, be prepared for them to NOT line up with Christian thinking at all (I don't think those are a requirement for your program, though). The other students might be a bit of an issue too...but most Canadian schools take the "live and let live" kind of approach to various religions, so long as you remember to be respectful to your profs and fellow students.

[irishcowboy]

my wife received a very low grade because of her beliefs.... the assignment did not have specifics with it, as what to use and what not to use, and the paper was very well written, it was the subject matter that was pinged on by the instructor, and was even said so on the paper.....

there have been kids, not even in college, that have recieved poor grades because of subject matter (being Christ centered) and not bending to the instructors wishes....

stand firm, do not bend....

mike

[Wingwalker]

I was in school for elementary education. Not only is public school system is very liberal, the politics in the education board on campus were even worse. I dont want to discourage you from continuing your education in elementary ed. In fact, I believe we could use more Christian teachers in our public schools. In the future, that might be one reason for not letting Christians teach, but for today, it is what we need.

BTW my grades were mostly "A's" my senior year.

[KeilanS]

If you're going to the one I think you're going to, I've heard it's not so bad (not much worse than a public highschool) so long as you don't live in the dorms. The dorms are really the worst part of it (I have a friend who is forever scarred by walking in on her roommate and two other people while going there *shudder*). If you take their religion courses, be prepared for them to NOT line up with Christian thinking at all (I don't think those are a requirement for your program, though). The other students might be a bit of an issue too...but most Canadian schools take the "live and let live" kind of approach to various religions, so long as you remember to be respectful to your profs and fellow students.

I am definatly going to where you think I am. I've never been to a public high school, but I fear the worst. I go to a catholic high school and it's pretty bad, I don't want to think about how anti-religious a public one could get. Thankfully I can avoid the dorms (that would be the main reason for me going there, I can live with my parents and avoid the insane costs of living). I do plan to take the religion courses depending on how many electives I have available, and I have been warned that they are very very liberal, anything-goes kind of courses. I've been told there are have some Christian student groups, so it will be interesting to see what those are like. All in all, I'm looking forward to the challenge, although I'm sure I'll need plenty of prayer.

I was in school for elementary education. Not only is public school system is very liberal, the politics in the education board on campus were even worse. I dont want to discourage you from continuing your education in elementary ed. In fact, I believe we could use more Christian teachers in our public schools. In the future, that might be one reason for not letting Christians teach, but for today, it is what we need.

BTW my grades were mostly "A's" my senior year.

Well, I have no interest in teaching elementary. High school is my thing, and I admit I am worried about the possibility of Christians being unable to teach before the end of my lifetime. Oh well, I can't let that stop me. I agree that we need more Christian teachers though, even in my catholic high school we could use teachers that are a bit more concerned about their faith. (or at least a bit more willing to show it in the classroom).

[Iryssa]

If you're going to the one I think you're going to, I've heard it's not so bad (not much worse than a public highschool) so long as you don't live in the dorms. The dorms are really the worst part of it (I have a friend who is forever scarred by walking in on her roommate and two other people while going there *shudder*). If you take their religion courses, be prepared for them to NOT line up with Christian thinking at all (I don't think those are a requirement for your program, though). The other students might be a bit of an issue too...but most Canadian schools take the "live and let live" kind of approach to various religions, so long as you remember to be respectful to your profs and fellow students.

I am definatly going to where you think I am. I've never been to a public high school, but I fear the worst. I go to a catholic high school and it's pretty bad, I don't want to think about how anti-religious a public one could get. Thankfully I can avoid the dorms (that would be the main reason for me going there, I can live with my parents and avoid the insane costs of living). I do plan to take the religion courses depending on how many electives I have available, and I have been warned that they are very very liberal, anything-goes kind of courses. I've been told there are have some Christian student groups, so it will be interesting to see what those are like. All in all, I'm looking forward to the challenge, although I'm sure I'll need plenty of prayer.

Public Highschool isn't so bad, actually. Around here they're pretty serious about our right to religious belief and expressions thereof, so I've always found they actually go out of their way to avoid the appearance of persecution. I led a Christian club in my highschool, and we hosted See You At The Pole. Teachers weren't allowed to advertise it themselves (we students were allowed to put up posters for it) but a few of them even joined us in prayer the morning of.

I also used to write essays on Christian issues all the time, and I always got great marks on them. The trick is to phrase things properly: You can't go blurting through an essay on abortion (for example) with things like "I think abortion is wrong because God said so and everyone who does it is going to hell!!" You have to keep in mind your audience. Something like, "one reason many are opposed to abortion is a religious moral code, as is found in Christianity and Judaism, which asserts that human life both begins in the womb and is sacred from its beginning therein. Common arguments in support of these beliefs are..." would get you better grades while still upholding your point of view. So long as you keep stuff like that in mind, you should be fine as far as your grades go.

I'm really glad you don't have to live in the dorms...