Stepping Out of Our Comfort Zone

Why WCA students should go to a secular college.

Stepping+Out+of+Our+Comfort+Zone

From the class of 2016, almost half of Westminster students chose to attend Christian universities. That’s almost half of the senior class that will be attending a university similar to their high school; they chose to remain surrounded by people who agree with their worldview. While there is nothing explicitly wrong with wanting to be surrounded by people who think the same way you do, there are multiple reasons why a Christian should attend a secular university.

First, college is an excellent opportunity to discuss ideas with people who think differently than you do, and when WCA students attend a Christian university they miss out on the opportunity. At Westminster, many students feel that they are surrounded by people who agree with them, and at a Christian school this feeling will probably continue. But, at a secular school there is a great diversity of thought, religion, background, and lifestyles.

Second, attending a secular university can strengthen your faith. Even on secular campuses there are plenty of Christian organizations in which you can meet like-minded people. Additionally, your faith will be challenged by individuals who have opposing beliefs, and this will also strengthen your faith.

Third, secular universities are where Christians can make the most influence. At a Christian university, WCA students would have less of an opportunity to affect the spiritual lives of those around them. At a secular school, Christian students would have a wide audience in which to spread the love of Christ. While one can still spread the love of God at a Christian university, it is less likely to result in a change of heart or conversion.

However, many Westminster students feel that a Christian university is the only choice for them. This is mainly due to the fact that Christian universities often have rules and student codes that resemble the principles that are presented in the Bible. The desire to attend a school built on moral principles similar to their own is why many Westminster students choose Christian universities.

There is nothing wrong with wanting to be surrounded by people who think and feel the same way you do, and there are many well-respected religious institutions that WCA students could attend. However, secular universities should not be dismissed solely because of their lack of religious affiliation. Secular universities provide Christian students opportunities to grow in their faith and step out of their comfort zones.