Christians : a theoretical question about your children's education...?

Question

Let's say your teenage child approaches you with two envelopes in hand. He/she says, "Mom/Dad, I've received two full scholarships to two different universities. One is (any ivy league school -- Harvard, Yale, etc), and the other is to (any religiously based school -- Bob Jones, etc.). Which should I choose?"

Which school would you advise your child to attend, and why?

This is simply a curiousity question, no right or wrong answer.

Answer 1

Actually, I would go with my child to the schools she/he is interested in and see exactly what kind of school it is. People are under the wrong assumption that all 'christian' colleges are a safe place to send their 'christian' child.

It is probably better to send a child off knowing that the teachers are not all Christians at a secular college, and prepare them for it... than to assume that all teachers are going to teach 'the same Christian thoughts' as you in a christian college.

I would also check into the colleges' background on the degree that my child was interested in pursuing. It isnt all about 'going to a Christian school' for us. It is achieving a goal while staying strong in our faith.... and you CAN do that at a secular college.

Answer 2

I would be thrilled if my child was accepted into Harvard, Yale or Princeton. And if financially possible, I would want to make that work for him or her.

However, we would need to look at lots of things before selecting a college.

I wouldn't be concerned about my child's faith. I can raise my child and show him or her my values and my faith by what I do. In the end, that doesn't lead my child to a relationship with Christ. Its up to them to initiate and cultivate that relationship, no matter where they are.

And honestly, I think I'd rather have my child at a very secular university than at many religious universities. Religious universities often value their own ideas above Christ's and can really mar a person's point of view towards Christianity because of hypocrisy.

One can find Christian community at any university. You don't have to go to Lee or Bob Jones or anywhere else to find that. And when I think of where I want my children to someday go, those schools never even enter my mind.

Answer 3

As an alumni of a Parochial University, I would choose the Ivy league school.

My experiences in Religious University were mostly good, but there is an added pressure of having to go to church and attend religious classes that doesn't exist in regular schools.

I wish I had the opportunity to take non religious classes while in Uni so that I could have learned that much more.

Answer 4

If my child received a full scholarship to a Christian university, I would assume that they are strong enough in their walk with the Lord and I wouldn't worry about their choice for post secondary between the two.
As a parent, by that time it is only my job to pray for my child, support their choice and hope that they consult me if they feel so led. I would likely sit with them (if they asked) and weigh the pros and cons, prayerfully consider their path and options, and whichever school fit that criteria - that's what I would feel they should pick - but it's their choice.
The thing about education is, it's never finished. If the child decided on Yale, for example and after a year it was not working out for them, then we would reconsider our options, regardless of the scholarship. Or they could finish their education in one, and certainly continue on with the other.


blessings :)

Answer 5

Bob Jones University would NOT be an option. I'd prefer they attend a Christian school. I could live with him/her going to an Ivy League school. Not EVERYONE there is a pagan!
Just kidding.

By the way, please don't think that Bob Jones U. is a typical Christian school. I'm not even sure they still have their accreditation, but I might be wrong.

Answer 6

Interestingly, I attended a Bible College for one semester. I didn't learn much I am afraid. I also went to a public university and learned a whole lot, even some things of a spiritual nature. If I was still a Christian I would send my child to the ivy league school. Because if we only exist in the rarefied atmosphere of the Christian world, what triumph would we ever achieve in being spiritual?

Answer 7

I would advise my child to make a list of positives and negatives for each school and go with the one that had the most to offer. Being a mom I would probably want my child to go to whichever was going to be closer to home, lol . . .but I would not push it. It would be a decision that they would have to make. I would also let them know that to be accepted at Harvard or Yale. . . was amazing.

Answer 8

I would think that a child who has earned 2 full scholarships is smart enough to make his or her own choice. I would therefore advise my child to consider both schools, before making a decision. If you're trying to make an issue out of this, it's not working. Chrisitans are supposed to be a beacon of light, not isolate themselves from the world.

Answer 9

It would really be up to him, and depend on what he wanted to study, etc. I have no problem with him going to a secular college, if that's where he wants to study. I wouldn't select a Christian school ONLY on because it's Christian. Academics would be the main criteria [or sports, or music, or whatever he's into].

Answer 10

I hope I would have made such a good job with my future children that she or he would make the right decision. Then mother and father can just hear what the child has decided.