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| Wheaton Chapel |
Christian Colleges - know before you go
Wheaton College was in the news because statements by a professor were questioned. The communication became public. Since then I've heard that professors are being cautious or have been cautioned about what they may say.
Conservative Christian colleges declare their beliefs and values. Freedom of speech is restricted as is the freedom to pursue some lines of research. That's why I say, "know before you go." Know what you are committing to as a student, faculty member, or staff member; however, my focus here is on students. And for traditional students who share decisions with parents--this post is for parents too.
Conservative Christian colleges declare their beliefs and values. Freedom of speech is restricted as is the freedom to pursue some lines of research. That's why I say, "know before you go." Know what you are committing to as a student, faculty member, or staff member; however, my focus here is on students. And for traditional students who share decisions with parents--this post is for parents too.
Seven Facts About Conservative Christian Campus Cultures
1. The Statement of Faith is taken seriously.
Read the statement of faith and decide if you believe the words. Life's too short to put on an act. If possible, it's obviously best to learn or work at a place where your beliefs and values mesh with those of the organization. If your views or values change, move on. Organizations change slowly, so working for change may not happen during your time at the school. The Wheaton College controversy is one example of a conservative Christian college where specific professions of faith matter. Although Wheaton is characterized as evangelical, it is not close to the fundamentalism espoused by other Christian schools (i.e., colleges or universities).
Of course there are closet agnostics, atheists, and liberals at Christian schools and organizations. As in any culture, survival often requires they remain closeted until graduation. Some didn't take the statement of faith seriously when they came. Some students attend under pressure from parents. Some students discover their different beliefs and values while in college.
Living amongst people holding conservative values and beliefs helps define identities for those who share the beliefs and those who do not. And some schools (and organizations) change their policies to become more restrictive in response to constituent complaints and trends in the general culture.
Read the statement of faith and decide if you believe the words. Life's too short to put on an act. If possible, it's obviously best to learn or work at a place where your beliefs and values mesh with those of the organization. If your views or values change, move on. Organizations change slowly, so working for change may not happen during your time at the school. The Wheaton College controversy is one example of a conservative Christian college where specific professions of faith matter. Although Wheaton is characterized as evangelical, it is not close to the fundamentalism espoused by other Christian schools (i.e., colleges or universities).
Of course there are closet agnostics, atheists, and liberals at Christian schools and organizations. As in any culture, survival often requires they remain closeted until graduation. Some didn't take the statement of faith seriously when they came. Some students attend under pressure from parents. Some students discover their different beliefs and values while in college.
Living amongst people holding conservative values and beliefs helps define identities for those who share the beliefs and those who do not. And some schools (and organizations) change their policies to become more restrictive in response to constituent complaints and trends in the general culture.
2. Behavior codes
must be followed.
The behavior code of conservative Christian schools is a plus for those who want a setting that emphasizes abstinence from alcohol and other drugs, modesty in clothing, polite language, and restrictive rules on clothing, art, film, music, gambling, and sexuality. In addition to these cultural elements, conservative Christians enjoy the freedom to worship according to their faith tradition. Many students report favorable memories. Many faculty and staff enjoy their work at their school.
The behavior code of conservative Christian schools is a plus for those who want a setting that emphasizes abstinence from alcohol and other drugs, modesty in clothing, polite language, and restrictive rules on clothing, art, film, music, gambling, and sexuality. In addition to these cultural elements, conservative Christians enjoy the freedom to worship according to their faith tradition. Many students report favorable memories. Many faculty and staff enjoy their work at their school.
For some offenses students, staff, and faculty can be dismissed. Schools
post their behavior codes online or in handbooks and expect students and
faculty to comply. If you are not used to the rules, it can be naïve and risky
to believe you can make some newly reformed behavioral changes last for several years. If you are used to
drinking alcohol or smoking, what are the odds you will abstain for the years
you are at the school? Limitations on sexual expression are often clearly
stated and violations may lead to expulsion. Check the prohibitions and consequences for violations before you sign up.
Of course, some drink alcohol, use drugs, curse, have sex outside of marriage,
and gamble. But the official environment does not support those acts. There are various negative
consequences for those who are caught. Like I say, "know before you go."
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| 1920s swimwear |
3. Academic freedom is very restrictive.
Some would say you do not have academic freedom at a Christian school. If you agree with the doctrine and values of the school and the parent Christian group (e.g., Catholic, Baptist, Pentecostal), you will likely find the school to be a good fit. In fact, you may feel quite free compared to how you might feel at a secular school where certain Christian worldviews are debunked or treated with derision.
Although not anything goes at secular schools, the
contrast in what you can express at a secular school and a conservative Christian
school is noticeable. I've worked at both and I have many colleagues in both kinds of cultures.
In addition to being careful to comply with the school’s
theology, students, staff, and faculty must be careful about expressing views contrary
to the policies and official positions of the school. Be careful to note the
official position of the parent organization e.g., the specific church group
linked to the school.
At conservative Christian schools, faculty risk their livelihood if
they seem to openly support same-sex marriage, LGBT rights, evolution, alcohol use,
marijuana use, some forms of birth control, women as priests or pastors, and exceptions for abortion. Students may have a bit more leeway if they are questioning and not advocating practices contrary to the school's values, but don't expect support from faculty and staff.
In the US, you may be reprimanded or harassed for openly supporting Democrats and not supporting Republicans. You will be suspect if you criticize actions of the United States unless you are criticizing actions taken by a member of the Democratic Party. You must support the US military except for actions condemned by the denomination linked to the school. Just recognize the facts. Most conservative white Christians vote Republican. And criticism of one's country can be viewed as disloyalty. Foreign students, faculty, and staff should pay special attention to the range of freedom they may have to criticize the host nation at a particular school.
In the US, you may be reprimanded or harassed for openly supporting Democrats and not supporting Republicans. You will be suspect if you criticize actions of the United States unless you are criticizing actions taken by a member of the Democratic Party. You must support the US military except for actions condemned by the denomination linked to the school. Just recognize the facts. Most conservative white Christians vote Republican. And criticism of one's country can be viewed as disloyalty. Foreign students, faculty, and staff should pay special attention to the range of freedom they may have to criticize the host nation at a particular school.
Pacifists are rare at conservative Christian schools and have been harassed for what can appear as a lack of patriotism. Evangelicals support a strong military and honor military leaders and service members in their worship services.
But, try being an Evangelical Christian at a major State
University and expressing a conservative Christian worldview. Some examples below suggest limitations on free speech at public universities when that speech violates the values and beliefs commonly held at the secular institution.
4. Critical thinking is limited to safe topics.
If any of my faculty friends at Christian schools read this, they might object. Christian schools are places where students and their parents can feel safe that they will not be exposed to a non-conservative Christian worldview (at least not as a viable alternative). The Christian school is a place where the teachings of their church will be upheld. A conservative Christian school is no place for liberal Christians, people of other faiths, or no faith at all.
Some Christian school faculty are proud of the critical thinking of their
students and believe they teach critical thinking. But my point is, there are
certain topics that are not permitted in public discussion. Students who come
to the belief that human evolution is true, the universe happened as a result
of a “big bang,” or believe any of a number of conservative theological positions or
social values are not true need to be quiet in public settings. Because
the faculty are not free to openly discuss many controversial views, they
cannot help students fully explore thinking that is critical of core beliefs
and values. This should be common sense but it isn't.
Here's the risk. Any bright student who learns critical thinking in their discipline might apply the same analyses to the religious or spiritual beliefs and values of their school, denomination, or even Christianity itself. Because they are not free to publicly express their emerging views, those views are not subject to vigorous critique.
Here's the risk. Any bright student who learns critical thinking in their discipline might apply the same analyses to the religious or spiritual beliefs and values of their school, denomination, or even Christianity itself. Because they are not free to publicly express their emerging views, those views are not subject to vigorous critique.
5. Heterosexuality without sex is the rule
The official position of conservative Christian groups is that a Christian marriage is between one man and one woman. Conservative Christian schools are places to enjoy nonsexual relationships with the opposite sex unless you are married.
The official position of conservative Christian groups is that a Christian marriage is between one man and one woman. Conservative Christian schools are places to enjoy nonsexual relationships with the opposite sex unless you are married.
Nonmarital sex is forbidden. The plea for explaining what is and is not "sex" often results in funny and graphic descriptions- some examples below.
Sexual harassment exists. In recent years, Christian schools have created policies concerning sexual harassment and provided workshops on the topic. Unfortunately, sexual harassment has a long history in the general culture and in Christian cultures. Change takes time even when leaders are fully committed to keeping an environment free from sexual harassment. There is no excuse for sexual harassment, but it may be difficult to learn how safe a campus culture is when it comes to sexual harassment. Do check their policies.
Sexual minorities may find some schools unbearable. There is no way same-sex relationships can be endorsed by a conservative Christian college when leaders have publicly expressed their disapproval. Conservative
Christian schools can be a challenging environment for sexual minorities. (For example, see Zavadski, 2015).
Some
conservative schools have recently become more interested in providing a
supportive environment for sexual minorities but that is a long-way from supporting romantic relationships
and marriage. Messages can include condemnation of homosexuality (the old term
is still in use), testimonies of conversion to heterosexuality, expressions of "love the sinner and
hate the sin," and the importance of celibacy.
Of course, students of all sexual orientations attend conservative Christian colleges. Also, students, faculty, and staff have sexual relations outside of marriage. Single women become pregnant-- consider what might happen at a prolife school (See Lonas, 2019)?
Technicalities. Some students live by the subversive mantra "oral is moral" or the belief that anal sex preserves virginity. When it comes to sex, students draw fine lines between guilty and not guilty. But administrators do not view sex as some students do. However the school defines porn, it is forbidden (See Barna study about porn).
What about forgiveness for breaking rules? Good question. People interpret forgiveness in many ways. Nowadays it has been common to say forgiveness is for the person who has been victimized--it is a way to find inner peace. Some administrators may officially express forgiveness to a repentant student, but forgiveness does not mean adverse consequences will be removed. So, know before you go.
Of course, students of all sexual orientations attend conservative Christian colleges. Also, students, faculty, and staff have sexual relations outside of marriage. Single women become pregnant-- consider what might happen at a prolife school (See Lonas, 2019)?
Technicalities. Some students live by the subversive mantra "oral is moral" or the belief that anal sex preserves virginity. When it comes to sex, students draw fine lines between guilty and not guilty. But administrators do not view sex as some students do. However the school defines porn, it is forbidden (See Barna study about porn).
What about forgiveness for breaking rules? Good question. People interpret forgiveness in many ways. Nowadays it has been common to say forgiveness is for the person who has been victimized--it is a way to find inner peace. Some administrators may officially express forgiveness to a repentant student, but forgiveness does not mean adverse consequences will be removed. So, know before you go.
6. Women may have a lower status than men.
Conservative Christians are divided when it comes to legitimate roles for women in church and in society. Take a look at the administrators and board members--how many are women? Now take a look at the theology or Bible departments--how many faculty are women? Even if a school's theology embraces women as equals, the hiring practices of the school may not support their expressed views.
Of course, at some schools, women may not hold a position of authority over a man. This remains an ongoing issue (See Moon, 2014).
Other Christian schools are proud of their support of women in leadership (for example, Charisma, 2014).
The bottom line question: Can you support either the official or manifest attitude toward women at the school you want to attend?
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7. Racism is NOT in the distant past.
7. Racism is NOT in the distant past.
When I was considering a Christian college, I asked a friend about his recent experience. He told me some funny things he enjoyed doing with friends. We laughed. Then he told me that he was refused service at a local hangout. He is black. It's true, I am old so that was a long time ago. But take a look at the leadership on the campus where you want to attend. What percentage of board members, administrators, and faculty are ethnic minorities?
One of the subtext issues in the Wheaton College-Hawkins issue was the fact that Hawkins is an African American. News stories commented on the low percentage of African American faculty on the Wheaton campus. Let me be clear. Wheaton College is a fine college providing a quality education. When it comes to Christianity, they represent the thoughtful and traditional aspect of evangelical teachings and practice.
The issue of race or ethnicity is not just an issue at Christian colleges. It is a problem for all humanity around the world. But race and ethnicity get highlighted in the US. when discrimination persists in the host culture.
Who should care?
Students need to be careful to choose wisely because they are often bound to certain conditions for about four years. Of course, you may change your views during college and need to decide whether to stay or leave.
Parents need to be aware because the rules and expectations influence the 24-hour campus environment of their adult children as well as the content of what they will and will not learn.
Faculty need to be aware of the rules and expectations because it is not always easy to move from one setting to another once a reputation has been established. One friend has told me more than once he will not work at a particular school because of the international reputation of their administration.
Taxpayers have a stake in religious schools and organizations. The beliefs and values taught at religious schools influence society--especially when graduates become influential leaders. As a society, we support many, if not most, religious colleges and universities. Many students receive federal aid and many are on work-study programs. A tax exempt status obviously reduces revenues to the government. If we were to remove federal funds and tax exemptions, many religious schools would fall on hard times.
Parents need to be aware because the rules and expectations influence the 24-hour campus environment of their adult children as well as the content of what they will and will not learn.
Faculty need to be aware of the rules and expectations because it is not always easy to move from one setting to another once a reputation has been established. One friend has told me more than once he will not work at a particular school because of the international reputation of their administration.
Taxpayers have a stake in religious schools and organizations. The beliefs and values taught at religious schools influence society--especially when graduates become influential leaders. As a society, we support many, if not most, religious colleges and universities. Many students receive federal aid and many are on work-study programs. A tax exempt status obviously reduces revenues to the government. If we were to remove federal funds and tax exemptions, many religious schools would fall on hard times.
Tales of Christian Colleges
Some stories are funny. Others are not.
I was called by an administrator because a student thought I said something critical about then President George W. Bush. In a later year, I was given an Obama cap as a mild form of mocking my support when a student trip visited Kenya--home to Obama's father (by the way, the cap was made in China). There were no negative consequences for my beliefs, but it is a reminder that Christian colleges are Republican strongholds.
As a student, I wrote an essay for a public forum that referred to William James' famous quote about the "bitch goddess success." When I saw the posting, the word "bitch" was removed by the censors. I haven't tried to find out if "bitch" is acceptable nowadays.
As a student, I wrote an essay for a public forum that referred to William James' famous quote about the "bitch goddess success." When I saw the posting, the word "bitch" was removed by the censors. I haven't tried to find out if "bitch" is acceptable nowadays.
Friends across the US have shared their memories...
-Women report having their skirt lengths measured. Apparently the Christian battleground is the knees rather than the ankles of yesteryear or those clothing requirements of other faiths. Modesty is still more important for women than men.
-A psychology professor was investigated about his expressed view that there is a biological basis for same-sex attraction.
-A mower complained about the skimpy clothes the female students wore (presumably, he was not cutting a straight path). I never heard a complaint from male students. Nor did I hear complaints about skimpy clothes on male students. Sexism is real. But sexism exists in other cultures too.
-A Christian college professor apologized to a Rabbi for the questions his students asked about her salvation. She responded that she is used to Christian students trying to convert her.
-A mower complained about the skimpy clothes the female students wore (presumably, he was not cutting a straight path). I never heard a complaint from male students. Nor did I hear complaints about skimpy clothes on male students. Sexism is real. But sexism exists in other cultures too.
-A Christian college professor apologized to a Rabbi for the questions his students asked about her salvation. She responded that she is used to Christian students trying to convert her.
-An art professor complained that his students were deprived because he was not allowed to use nude models in art class. Conservative Christian colleges still vary on nudity in art issues.
-A woman from a local church complained about an empty bottle of alcohol used in a school play. Alcohol is prohibited at some Christian colleges.
- A male Christian college professor angrily complained about the low cut tops on female students--apparently interfering with eye-contact during his lectures. A more liberal colleague suggested the cold weather would take care of that.
- A male Christian college professor angrily complained about the low cut tops on female students--apparently interfering with eye-contact during his lectures. A more liberal colleague suggested the cold weather would take care of that.
- A Human Sexuality professor was not permitted to use textbooks that contained drawings of nude persons. That's changed a lot--I think.
- A school's swimming pool was reportedly buried underground to avoid dealing with issues of mixed bathing. I suppose conspiracy theories are everywhere.
-A woman opposed to gambling shut down a raffle fund raiser at her college. Rumors abound of students bragging that they lived off their winnings at casinos. Many Christians oppose gambling of any kind--including fund raising events.
- A school's swimming pool was reportedly buried underground to avoid dealing with issues of mixed bathing. I suppose conspiracy theories are everywhere.
-A woman opposed to gambling shut down a raffle fund raiser at her college. Rumors abound of students bragging that they lived off their winnings at casinos. Many Christians oppose gambling of any kind--including fund raising events.
- Challenges about evolution are very common. I have known several professors who do not disclose their views to avoid dealing with angry students and their parents-- not to mention the administrators and donors. Creationism is the norm. Sometimes you can tell a professor endorses evolution but they use careful language salted with the words creator and creation.
-A group of young graduates from a conservative Christian school, which teaches abstinence celebrated the event at a local bar and several came out as gay. And so it is, some LGBTQ+ young adults from conservative schools come out when they feel safe.
Old stories reflect changes in Christian campus cultures influenced by the changes in western national cultures. Past limitations are scarce if nonexistent such as limits on men's beards and hair length. Restrictions used to be in place for piercings and tattoos.
-A group of young graduates from a conservative Christian school, which teaches abstinence celebrated the event at a local bar and several came out as gay. And so it is, some LGBTQ+ young adults from conservative schools come out when they feel safe.
Old stories reflect changes in Christian campus cultures influenced by the changes in western national cultures. Past limitations are scarce if nonexistent such as limits on men's beards and hair length. Restrictions used to be in place for piercings and tattoos.
Dancing is more common-- at least for cheerleaders and in theatrical plays. Midwestern Christians forbade mixed swimming even as late as the 1970s.
Curfews vary as do regulations on dating practices but most are more liberal than was true decades ago.
But compared to the general culture, conservative Christian schools conserve values and traditions from the past.
For a happier experience, "know before you go."
And from the press...
Check out news stories about Christian values conflicts in Higher Education
These stories illustrate problems some Christians face on Christian or secular campuses.
> Bryan
College takes a stand on creation.
> ORU
professor appeared on Dr. Phil and lost his job.
> UNC
professor’s Christian views cause trouble
> The God issue at Wheaton
and professor Hawkins
> Professor Shea at Boston College
> CCCU
member schools and same-sex marriage policy
> Christian
Bethel College professor resigns over creationism
> Nazarene
University tenured professor gone
> Moody
Bible Institute and the ban on alcohol and tobacco
> Indiana
Wesleyan – heat over abortion views
> Azusa
Pacific, Fuller, and the case of Ryan Bell
> Professor at Bucks County Community College
mentions God- the letter
online
> Notre Dame and premarital sex 2019
>Evangelical Colleges, Azusa Pacific, and LGBTQ students RNS, 2019
"We're losing the freedom to disagree" 2021 Dailymail
Gordon College, wrongful denial of tenure for LGBT advocacy 2021 CNA
Christian colleges and harassment of LGBTQ students- research summary 2021 NBC News
Collin College, a social and political struggle - faculty and administration 2021 Dmagazine
Oral Roberts University, morality, and the NCAA 2021 Dennison
George Fox University/ students from 33 Christian universities sue Dept Education over LGBTQ discrimination and Title XI 2021 KPTV news WP news
Note: I use the word "school" or "college" to refer to institutions of Higher Education. Many of the comments also apply to the Christian cultures in conservative organizations.
Respectful comments are welcome.
Respectful comments are welcome.
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"I use the word "school" or "college" to refer to institutions of Higher Education. Many of the comments also apply to the Christian cultures in conservative organizations." Yes, the same holds true of many churches. Though I found my Pastor much more receptive to my thoughts than many members of the congregation. Sadly when one is only exposed to a limited or narrow perspective than confusion often comes when confronted by the world of other ideas.
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