encouraged with the understanding that God's truth will prevail, as it did for Daniel and his
friends.
The importance of Christian scholarship
The sixth suggestion is to familiarize students with Christian scholarship. "Christian students
have available many books on Christianity and scholarship; they need to read these if they
are seeking a Christian perspective in their studies."{19} A friend of mine is fond of saying that
the early church not only "out-loved" the surrounding culture; they also "out-thought" the
surrounding culture. This was true even in the earlier history of this country. "The minister
was an intellectual, as well as spiritual authority in the community."{20} Tragically, anti-
intellectualism began to dominate in the middle of the nineteenth century and the church
and its leaders eventually withdrew into isolated pockets that had little or no impact on the
culture. The isolation of the church led to "the marginalization of Christian ideas from the
public arena, and the shallowness and trivialization of Christian living, thought, and
activism. In short, the culture became saltless."{21} The results of this demise are felt strongly
today. In fact, this outline is in large measure a result of it. It is gratifying to realize, though,
that the situation is changing, sometimes in dramatic ways.
Too many Christians have gone through their college careers with no idea there are
Christian scholars who have addressed every academic discipline. This situation hasn't
changed. Christian students need to know there is someone to whom they can turn. A
Christian scholar has written something that can help them sort out the many subjects that
come their way.
Admittedly, this is probably the most difficult of the suggestions we have offered to this
point. You may not know where to turn for resources. Begin with your pastor. If you don't get
the response you need, call a nearby bookstore, seminary, or Christian college that you trust.
Or call Probe Ministries.
Ask first, "Is it true?"
The last suggestion is to encourage students to ask first, "Is it true?", not "Does it work?"
Education in the United States has been engulfed in pragmatism to the point that many
students only see school as a stepping stone to economic stability. As a result, they tend to
think that study is only done to pass tests, to receive a degree, and then to get a job. In the
classroom this is observed through an infamous question heard by teachers everywhere: "Do
we need to know this for the test?" This question implies the student believes education only
applies to a future goal, not present growth and knowledge. It also implies he will not use any
mental energy to learn unless it will "work for him" immediately, or at least in the near
future. So in the process he doesn't ask about truth; he only asks about application. But he
should first be as sure as possible that truth is being applied. He should be encouraged to
seek after truth in all things.
There are things that are absolutely true and the student needs to understand this, especially
in a collegiate atmosphere that tends to deny truth. Jesus said:
If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you shall know the truth, and
the truth shall make you free (John 8:31-32, NASB). He also said, I am the way, and the truth,
and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me (John 14:6, NASB).
The Christian student who is dedicated to Christ has insights to the truth that many of his
professors, sadly, may never possess.
Probe Home