Institutions of Lower Learning

By Dennis Rowan

"Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools..." (Romans 1:22 NIV)

I have had the opportunity of scanning the pages of college catalogs in recent times because our son Mark, a senior in high school, is looking at colleges in order to plan for his intended enrollment a year from now. I have seen practically nothing that has surprised me, but my review has rekindled a deep concern for our colleges and our nation.

A few weeks ago I read in the catalog of one of West Virginia's state colleges as to its position with respect to multi cultural affairs. The first sentence stating the college's position was 76 words in length. As I said, I was not surprised; educators are good at producing long sentences. Among other things, I understood that the college seeks to prepare students to have respect for and appreciation for the differences in sexual orientation. Excuse me??!! Respect for and appreciation for homosexual perverts is the way I interpret that. Again, let me state that I was not surprised, but this did indeed, rekindle a deep concern.

A later inspection of the college's student handbook showed that one of the organizations recognized by that institution is the Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian & Student Awareness Group. Then I decided to read the "Guidelines for Campus Organizations." I thought it would be interesting to learn how the college guides such an organization. The first guideline stated that the group must have an adviser who is a member of the faculty or staff of the same college. That, of course, says something more about the college. No surprise, just a rekindling of a deep concern.

Here's a real knee slapper from the guidelines: "The adviser and officers of the organization are responsible for the conduct of any social function."...Makes one wonder what would be considered misconduct, right? Of course the college indicated that the organization will be penalized if they fail to fulfill all regulations. Oh, boy, why bother!

Let me be honest....when I finished writing that last paragraph, I was instantly reminded why, after a life of 20 years on college campuses (four campuses in as many states), that I walked away 12 years ago. Romans 1:22 says it best, "Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools...."

There's more. Glenda, Mark and I made a trip to that campus because it seemed to have the curriculum he is seeking. I picked up two issues of the student newspaper and found them full of foul language, perverted writing, and Christian bashing. Fortunately, letters to the editor also revealed the desire of some committed Christians to oppose such low level rhetoric from people in "higher (???) education."

Still more. We met with a really pleasant and informative staff member who gave us a lot of useful information about the college. Glenda, having a natural concern for our son's association with others, asked if he could have any choice in his room mate, could he request to be placed with a Christian room mate. We were politely told (in regard to the application for a dormitory room), "We can't ask that question." (If one has a religious preference). No surprise.....just a rekindled concern about where we are headed as a nation.

On the day of our visit to campus I took note of two things that caught my attention. I saw and examined a publication from the college that had an outstanding look to it. I had colorful photographs, a well-designed format, and many characteristics of a job well done with respect to graphic quality. The second thing that caught my attention occurred while I sat in a well known fast food restaurant. While gazing out the window, I noticed the well manicured landscaping that made such an attractive entrance to that eating establishment. The college publication and the landscaped restaurant, they both looked good, but do they describe the ultimate nutritional benefit of what is found inside?

What is the real reason for an education? Most of us have forgotten, or never heard, why the first colleges were established in the U.S., to spread the Word of God by training preachers, and teachers. The Word of God is the only "higher learning" there is. People give all sorts of reasons for advanced secular education, but most ultimately center around self and not around Jesus Christ. In fact, most colleges, even some that were started with a missionary vision, now reject Jesus Christ. Remember, "we can't ask that question".

Jesus words in Mark 8: 36-38 (NIV) are appropriate here; ;"What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels."

This is not about Fairmont State College, Fairmont, West Virginia. This is not about college campuses across our nation. It is not about the condition of local, state, and national governments. It's not about which party is in the White House. This is not about crime, perversion, greed and general ungodliness as such. We all know that the U.S.A. has had a declining condition for decades. The question is, what will Christians do about it?

The Bible (1 Cor. 5:99-13) tells us we are to expect the world to be wicked, but we who claim to be Christian are to be less tolerant of sexual immorality, greed, idolatry, etc. This is about you and me, it is about the responsibility of Christians to take a stand, and "...stand firm". Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord." (1 Cor. 15:38)

We began as a Christian nation. Are we going to let the ungodly tell us otherwise? Are we ashamed of Jesus Christ and his words? If a man left a physicians office and purchased a new $800 wardrobe, and then wore it down the street, would it change the fact that he had a cancerous growth in his body according to the doctor: Do all the nice buildings, including church buildings, all the colorful publications, the manicured landscapes tell who we are? No, and let's quit pretending evil will go away if we only ignore it!

I'm naturally disappointed with what I see on America's college campuses, but I am more ashamed of the fact we have placed such ungodly leaders in Washington. Our present administration(Clinton) is a disgrace...., but so are we Christians who fell into the world's trap of His words. I charge all of us who call ourselves Christians to really seek "Higher Learning" through the Bible, repent for our individual sins, the sins of our nation and spend time in prayer seeking God's daily direction as to how we can regain what we have lost.

Sept. 27, 1994