Essay Contest and College Guides
The Intercollegiate Studies Institute (ISI) is an excellent organization committed to enhancing the rising generation’s knowledge of our nation’s founding principles. They are holding an essay contest on for high school students, with cash awards up to $1,000. You can learn more on their website.
Great College Guides From ISI
Alex and I own two ISI books — “Choosing The Right College“, and “All-American Colleges” — far-and-away the most helpful and insightful books we have come across during our college search. Below are quick reviews of both of them:
Choosing The Right College is perfect for students — and their parents — who want an independent, truthful assessment of what is really happening at 134 of the nation’s top schools. WORLD Magazine wrote the following: “If prospective students and their families want a critical look at what is taught at America’s most powerful and celebrated schools, Choosing the Right College may be their only guide.”
Alex and I love this book because it focuses on the things that really matter — exposing the political biases of academe, the moral climate on campus, etc. It also provides specific advice on which professors to seek out — and which courses and departments to avoid. It is the only book we’ve found that covers these topics.
All-American Colleges contains personal, in-depth profiles of fifty highly-recommended schools and programs. Phyllis Schlafly, founder of Eagle Forum, had this to say: “All-American Colleges is a terrific guide to help conservatives choose a college that’s not committed to left-wing indoctrination. If you graduate from one of these lesser-known schools, you might even become president of the United States-just like Ronald Reagan did.”
Join The Essay Contest. Buy A Book (Or Two).
So, what are you waiting for? Join the contest. Buy the college guides (or have your parents buy them for you). Alex and I are really excited about the work ISI is doing and encourage you to take advantage of their numerous resources. God bless you! Keep praying for our writing (and the Great Horned Owl we caught this evening).
UPDATE: By popular demand, a picture of the Great Horned Owl we rescued yesterday and delivered to licensed bird rehabilitators this morning.
October 11th, 2007 at 9:10 pm
Wow! How did you catch your owl, how old is it, and will a picture be forthcoming? Thank you for posting about the college guides and the essay contest. It is encouraging to know that both are out there.
October 11th, 2007 at 9:12 pm
The owl is injured and was being attacked by a swarm of crows — we’re not sure how old it is, but it’s an adult. We’re taking it in to the Portland Audobon Society tomorrow morning.
October 11th, 2007 at 11:44 pm
That’s cool about the owl.
I think that finding the right college is a great thing, but sometimes we can become too focused on that. When I chose my college, the most important thing was staying close to my family. I am having to go to a more liberal college than I would like, but the challenges that I have faced have made me more compassionate towards those who are deceived. I believe that it has been better for me to face these challenges while still living at home with my parents (we have something to talk about every day). My spiritual growth has been tremendous as I pray and talk to those who are living in sin.
It’s also encouraging to find others who are not caving in under pressure to become more liberal and believe everything that a professor tells you. Two people in a class who know the truth are more than enough match for forty who are deceived.
Anyway, I just wanted to say that going to a conservative college is not the most important thing. In fact, college doesn’t necessarily have to be a part of a young person’s life plans (there’s a great article in the Home School Court Report about this, though it is a little biased
).
By the way, I just wanted to say that you guys are doing a great job at what you do. I admire you, and have prayed for you often. One day I’ll get around to writing my short paragraphs for admission to the forum, but I’m really busy with school right now.
In Christ,
Noah
October 12th, 2007 at 5:36 am
Thanks for the heads up on the contest and the books! That’s good to know.
I can’t believe you actually caught an owl…. that made me laugh.
October 12th, 2007 at 7:45 am
Thanks for the link! You have to tell us the whole story about the owl!
October 12th, 2007 at 9:03 am
Yes, post a picture of the owl! I love owls, and in Texas they are hardly ever seen…..*sigh*
Thanks for the link!
~Emma
October 12th, 2007 at 9:26 am
Thanks for the college guides recommendations. I’m only a freshman in high school, but I’m already researching different universities and these books will be a big help.
October 12th, 2007 at 9:40 am
Yeah, guys! You can’t tell us you caught an owl and then not post a picture. *shakes head*
Those books sound very helpful. I’m not looking for a college, but if I meet someone who is I’ll have to pass those titles along.
Praying for you everyday…
October 12th, 2007 at 9:52 am
That looks like a great essay contest! My teacher was just discussing the subject of Washington setting many precedents. Maybe I can talk my mom into some extra credit for U.S. History
About the owl– I went to the page and was somewhat grossed out to learn that Great Horned Owls are the only animal that dines on skunk. How revolting!!
Every blessing,
~Nella
October 12th, 2007 at 10:44 am
“–it focuses on the things that really matter — exposing the political biases of academe, the moral climate on campus, etc. It also provides specific advice on which professors to seek out — and which courses and departments to avoid.”
Sounds like the collage book of my dreams! I’ll definitely look into it. Collage is looming over my head like a big rain cloud. I can see it coming for me…
Oh! And the essay contest sounds tempting. Thanks for all the heads-up!
October 12th, 2007 at 1:59 pm
Aw, the owl’s cute.
The college guides sound interesting. Since I already know where I’d like to go to school it doesn’t affect me, but the subject of college comes up with friends, so it’s good to know of decent resources that might be helpful to someone who’s trying to choose a good college.
~Kelsey
http://setapart.wordpress.com
October 12th, 2007 at 2:26 pm
Well, Noah, it’s always neat to hear about other people doing something similar to what I’m doing. I have been challenged in ways that I wouldn’t have been had I chosen a more conservative school (farther from home)–and it does give something to talk to the parents about.
Alex and Brett, I’d get the first book if it had my school in it. Relying on very limited word-of-mouth to figure out the bad professors and classes is a pain and oft inaccurate.
It sounds odd to say it, but your rescued predator really is cute, in a way.
October 12th, 2007 at 3:10 pm
Thanks for adding the owl’s picture.
I just wanted to clear something up. I didn’t mean to sound negative in my last comment. I was just trying to say that there are more aspects to consider when choosing college than just how conservative it is. If you felt attacked, I’m sorry. In fact, if I wasn’t in college already, I would probably take a look at the book, just because you guys recommend it.
Noah
October 12th, 2007 at 3:40 pm
Ohhhhh, how cute
Owls are my absloute favorite birds.
~Emma
October 12th, 2007 at 4:37 pm
I meant “absolute”. Sorry.
October 12th, 2007 at 6:11 pm
I second the recommendation. I actually got to go on a field trip to ISI’s headquarters in Delaware, through PHC’s political theory teen camp in 2006. Dr. Mitchell is good friends with the organization and recently had a book published with them. They are an AMAZING bunch of people. ISI is definitely one of the best resources for getting a good liberal arts education (and for knowing what that is
in today’s education world.
Stephanie
October 12th, 2007 at 6:12 pm
I’m very happy at my university, but I was interested to hear about the book “Choosing the Right College.” Do I understand correctly that it gives specific advice on which professors to seek out? Such as “Go to Dr. Smith’s biology class.”? That’s amazing. Good to know there is such a resource.
October 12th, 2007 at 6:20 pm
Oh my! How cool that you guys caught that owl! Kirsten and I caught a wild sparrow we later named Miracle outside our house a way while back. Other sparows were swarming and attacking it and pecked it’s head all open, and kirsten and myself ran out and rescued it. It died loved and cared for that night. :o( But anyway, that owl is really cute (even with the missing eye… it is missing, right? or is it just closed? ).
~Elisabeth Gruber
October 12th, 2007 at 6:28 pm
Oh, the poor birdy!
October 12th, 2007 at 6:58 pm
just last year in my 5th grade class. we went to The Raptor Center , which is all about owls and hawks and big birds like that. it was a very interesting field- trip. i myself didn’t think it was very exciting to go to a center just about birds. but I underestimated the birds center.in a lot of stories I have read, girls rescue little birds but never big ones. God made birds in so many different ways . how they eat, how they fly, what they eat and they’re whole lifestyle is so so wonderful!!!! may god bless you and keep that owl. I think you should name it Bob or of a girl Jane. I don’t know why I Like those names but they are so generic. God bless- TRP
October 12th, 2007 at 11:03 pm
Phoebe: It doesn’t go through the entire faculty, but it does list a good number of the most highly recommended professors in different subjects.
October 13th, 2007 at 3:51 pm
Noah wrote: “In fact, college doesn’t necessarily have to be a part of a young person’s life plans ”
Noah, are you kidding? You need a college to have a *chance* at a well-paying job. There are a lot of companies who won’t even look at you without a bachelors degree. Granted, some people make it without college diplomas, but it is much harder on them. Jobs are going overseas by the truckload, and the market is getting much more competitive. I would advise anyone who thinks they do not need college to think again.
On a site note, I truly believe the people who don’t advocate college are worried that you might be exposed to new ideas and have some of your beliefs challenged. Having your belief challenged is a *very* good thing.
October 13th, 2007 at 5:28 pm
Mike, if you will pardon my asking, what do you think then about women going to college? What if a girl has decided to stay at home under her father’s authority until she gets married- do you think a college degree still necessary then? I am asking this because it is an area of my life that I am by no means sure of at the moment, and I am leaning more to the conclusion that it is be no means necessary (though of course, very useful :)) Your post sounded rather negative to me, and that is why I am asking this–but I am not trying to offend you! I am just interested to hear your response
God bless
~Emma
October 13th, 2007 at 8:07 pm
Hi Emma,
I didn’t mean for my post to sound negative. I hope I didn’t offend you. So, onto my comments:
So for men, I presume attending college goes without saying. But I think it is also of the utmost importance that women attend. Even if your intentions are to be a homemaker, it’s highly likely that you will be the primary educator of your kids (and that’s true even if you don’t home school them). So it’s very important you have the proper education. Also, you learn a lot of things at college when you’re living on your own that you don’t at home. These are skills that assist in being a wife and mother. The final reason you should consider going, even if you don’t want a career, is in the event your husband is unable to work, is put out of a job, death, or divorce. You have an obligation to support your kids if your husband is unable, and it’s important that you have a backup option. I don’t want to sound negative, but I just think it’s clearly the wrong decision not to attend college. I hope this helps explain my views, and I hope you didn’t find me offensive.
God Bless You,
Mike
October 13th, 2007 at 10:20 pm
Mike,
I wasn’t “advocating not going to college,” and I didn’t think it sounded like I was. If it did to you, I’m sorry. I was simply saying that college should be a choice and someone should not assume that he or she must go. I agree that most young men and women should attend college, even if it’s only for a degree, but those who don’t feel called by God to go to college shouldn’t go simply because society tells them too. We’re rebelutionaries, remember? The hardest thing some people could do is say ‘no’ to college.
I, like you, believe that college is important for most young people. I also disagree with those who say that college should not be considered. I’m just saying that we should make an intelligent decision, not just go to college because we think we have to.
In Christ,
Noah
October 14th, 2007 at 6:44 am
Oh, that owl is adorable. I’m not overly fond of birds, but his sorry condition begs for pity! So, is he actually blind in that eye?
Well, duty calls… I’ll participate in the approaching discussion later.
October 14th, 2007 at 12:36 pm
Emma- I would highly recomend reading So Much More by Anna Sofia and Elizabeth Botkin, regarding God’s divine plan for young women. I am still in the process of reading it, and I have been greatly encouraged by their insights. There is a whole chapter on whether not women should go to college. I believe that not everyone should go to college, especially if they are in doubt. God may have a better plan for your life. This issue calls for a lot of prayer and research. Also, I believe that it is very important that young ladies have a good education, but tht does not necessarily mean college. She can be preparing herself for a life of being an excellent helpmeet for her future husand at home, under the guidance and wise leadership of her parents.
Well, that’s my view. I hope it was helpful!
In Christ,
Amanda
October 14th, 2007 at 12:58 pm
Thanks, Amanda, you summed up my feelings nicely–beat me to it. I’ll check out those books you recomended
~Emma
October 14th, 2007 at 2:44 pm
Awww…It’s winking at the camera!!! *so cute*
October 14th, 2007 at 2:50 pm
You caught an owl? Neat! Some people have already asked and I was wondering as well, is the owl blind in one eye? My family has a rooster who is blind in one eye, and sometimes he runs into objects that he can’t see because of his handicap.
About the books and essay contest. It will be a few years before I graduate and go to college, but I have an older brother who is trying to decide where to go. I will definitely reccomend these books to him.
I am praying everyday for you guys,(and the poor owl:)) and I will keep praying.
October 14th, 2007 at 6:49 pm
Mike & Emma–
October 14th, 2007 at 6:54 pm
oops~ I’m so used to indenting my paragraphs with the tab button! What I was going to say was that I agree with both of you.
My sister is going to a Christian college in our area. She lives with a family instead of in a dorm, and she comes home every weekend. I have been praying about my options as well. While I agree with Emma, that being a homemaker is my principle goal in life, I still agree with Mike. I want to give my children the best education I can, and be prepared for anything that might happen.
I think that different people may get different answers. I have been considering staying at home after I graduate. But I still want to take a few local college classes, continue teaching music, and even take some online courses. I want to trust God with my future. But once again, this is just what I think He may want for ME. Does that make sense?
Extremely good points.
October 14th, 2007 at 9:02 pm
That owl is really neat!
We’ve helped stray cats and other birds sometimes, but never an owl….
October 14th, 2007 at 9:31 pm
cute owL…
hehe…
October 15th, 2007 at 6:07 am
Wow, look at those claws! No wonder girls rescue small birds
On the collage debate, collage is by no means the only way God uses to prepare his children for the careers He intends them to have. Although it is a common means in our society, I strongly suggest that the individual take as much time as needed to seek the Lord’s personal plan for them.
My brother, the Eldest, spent six years in the workforce before going to college to get a teaching degree focusing on biblical history,Greek, and Latin.
My sister, the middle child, went to collage right out of high-school and will graduate first with and teaching major in Latin and Greek, and a strong desire to write.
power outage will finish later
October 15th, 2007 at 9:43 am
I second what Amanda Bush said. I have read ‘So Much More’ by the Botkin sisters and I recomend it as well. Especially for any girl/young woman who is unsure about the college/homemaker path, but please read it with an open heart and mind.
I’m in my senior year of highschool and up till this past summer I was sure I was not going to college. After a month of struggling, trying to figure out what God’s plan for me was, I read ‘So Much More’, which helped me very much. I am back to my original thinking and am at peace that God does not have college planned for me.
If young women think that college is necessary, then I would probably say do on-line courses. That way you are able to stay under your father’s protection. They also have the wise input of their parents when young men start calling on them.
In my way of thinking, college for young women takes away the years they could be using to prepare themselves for a home of their own. I’m not sure how college can help prepare them for the home. If something does happen to their husband, they don’t need a college degree to provide for themselves and/or family. There are plenty of skills that can be learned in the home that could be used to help provide. If you need an example just read Proverbs 31. True, she has a husband, but she doesn’t need a college degree to assist him and help provide for their family.
As for going to college so you can teach your children better…. I don’t think so. They do have teachers manuals for a reason(epecially for homeschooling). I also think it would be more fun and have a greater impact on the child if you are learning together. It’s also enjoyable to see a younger person’s face when they find out that they know something you don’t:)
Okay, so I’ve said what I think about women and college, now about men and college….
This is an area I’m not sure about. I know in order to get a good-paying job, it’s helpful to have a college degree, but I’m not sure I entirely agree that it’s for every young man. My older brother is in college and I have a brother a couple years younger than me, that will probably go to culinary school. I am open to ideas and opinions related to this area.
I hope I made sense and was perhaps able to help someone. I hope I didn’t offend anyone, as that was definitely not my intention. May God bless those who seek His will for their life.
October 15th, 2007 at 12:21 pm
Amanda Howell:
God does not have marriage in His plan for all young women. Some women will need to be able to provide for themselves. I will not make the blanket statement that all men and women should go to college, but I definitely don’t think that any woman should rule out college as an option simply because she is female and thinks that women should simply be homemakers, because, as previously stated, God does not have this in mind for all of His daughters. I, for one, don’t know what is going to happen in my future, but I do know that I am a highly intellectual person, that I want to go to college, that my parents want me to go to college, and that God has called me to go to college. Although I love children and desire to eventually be married, I believe that higher education will be unfathomably valuable to my life in, at the very least, the intellectual enrichment it provides. Experiencing that kind of intellectual stimulation will indubitably bear innumerable fruit in the home I hope to build.
God bless,
Lindsay
October 15th, 2007 at 3:59 pm
Rats - I just wrote a whole long reply and my computer deleted it. So here goes round 2:
Thanks for posting the essay contest, Alex and Brett - my history teacher liked it so much she’s going to give credit for entering. Cool!
Amanda - as a young woman, the goal of my life is not to get married. The goal of my life is to honor God and to pursue His purpose, not mine, for my life. And *horror of horrors,* that may include remaining single. That may include me becoming a research scientist who practically lives in her lab and never gets married or has children. Don’t get me wrong - I want so incredibly badly to become a wife and mother. (right now, my dream “job” would be to be a homeschool mom) But remember what Paul said about the whole single/married thing - he definitely left the single option open!
I probably will get married - or at least I hope so! But even if I do, what if my husband dies or becomes injured, and can no longer provide for our family? I will want to have something to do to support my children. Since I’m interested in music, mayble I’ll double major in education and vocal performance so I can teach quality music education to children to support my family.
Besides - I want to go to college! God has provided me with a strong mind, amazing educational opportunities, and a rich future in front of me. The thougth of spending years honing my mind and training me for a specific field of interest that will have practical application to my life and others is so appealing to me! I understand that not all of us are called to go to college (oh, and Noah, that article in the Home School Court Report was pretty nifty), but we shouldn’t dismiss college as a male-only opportunity. Think about Deborah in the Bible - she was a judge! Nowadays, to become a lawyer, you need to go to college . . . and I know some fine, godly, women lawyers. Should Deborah have told God that she wasn’t going to be a lawyer because she was a woman?
And yes - it is fun to learn with your parents. My mom learns new things all the time, but she also knows a lot that I don’t know so she can lead me. (otherwise it would be the blind leading the blind!) She is an engineer, and uses the math skills she acquired in college to teach competitve math clubs (we’ve even gone to nationals multiple times) and higher-level math classes to our homeschool group. If she was learning the math with me, she would never have been able to do that.
But anyways -deep stuff And thanks for the discussion!
October 16th, 2007 at 7:55 am
I agree with Becky and Lindsay, not every girl is going to get married, andgirls can go to college. Amanda, you said that you thought that college took away from the time when us girls should be preparing for houshold duties. The time for that is now! During our teen years is the time that we should be getting ready for that.
You also said that you felt God hasn’t called you to go to college. That’s fine! God’s calling is different for everybody. Becky and Lindsay, you both said you would like to go to college. If you feel God telling you to go, then go!
One last thing before I go. When I posted earlier, I mentioned that I wouldn’t be graduating and going to college for a couple of years. I would like to rephrase that. I will be graduating in a few years, and then possibly going to college. I still do not know what God would like me to do.
P.S. I will get that book and read it. I may not agree, but I will read it. Who are the authors?
October 16th, 2007 at 8:04 am
Lydia and Becky, thank you for your responses. I rarely get to discuss this topic with other young women. Both of you brought up some good points.
First off I’d like to say, that Becky, like you my goal in life is not to get married, but pursue God’s purpose for my life. Though it would be wonderful to become married and have a family of my own.
I’m glad that you both brought up singlehood, since it slipped my mind during my first post.
I am well aware that marriage is not for every young woman. I haven’t ruled college out entirely for them, since many are strongly for it. But I would really hesitate in sending a young woman to an actual college, when she could learn many of the same subjects through online courses under a much shorter time, not to mention cheaper, and stay under the protecting guidance of her father. As I said before, there are many things a young woman could learn from home (or in the home) that she could use to provide for herself and/or a family if need be. I know that if God calls me to singlehood, I have skills (that I have learned in the home) that will benefit me and others, as well as support me. They are skills that will enable me to care for the ‘widows, fatherless, and the oppressed’.
My mom reccomends the book ‘Accelerated Distance Learning’. I can’t remember the author at the moment, I’ll have to look it up. Anyway, my mom reccomends the book for students who plan on going to college. My mom would say that since you both feel strongly for college, to go for it.
I’d like to say more, but I don’t have the time right now. I’ll try to post again later.
God Bless,
Amanda
October 16th, 2007 at 9:00 am
There are also well paying trades that do not require a college degree. My husband is a master plumber and learned all he knows either by hands-on experience or by working with other plumbers who were more experienced. There are many people who are not academically inclined, who don’t love to read and study, but who naturally work with their hands, make and fix things, etc. It is really a pity that for the most part, the apprentice model has disappeared, as that was the common way to learn trades in the past - even careers we now think of as requiring college could be and often were learned in an apprentice situation.
It is also debatable whether a woman left without her husband would need to support her family. In certain circles the woman’s parents would welcome their daughter and children back into the family home. In other circles the woman’s church would at least contribute to her support. And other women could earn a living if necessary doing home based things like baking, crafts, music and other skills which are not usually part of a college curriculum, and whose practice may in fact be driven out time-wise by the work required to keep up with college courses. Young women who don’t attend college can become midwives via apprenticeship, can be tutors of latin or some other subject for younger children, etc. They can also just be a part of their own families, participating in the work and life of the family, church and community without having any kind of “career”.
I am not saying that no woman should ever go to college, but someone said above that it is “clearly the wrong decision not to attend college” and that is an incorrect blanket statement for both men and women.
October 16th, 2007 at 9:11 am
I also wanted to add - someone said above that attending college will intellectually enrich their future home. That may indeed be true, but there are also plenty of intellectually inclined people who are autodidacts and experience all kinds of intellectual stimulation and have many intellectual interests and pursuits without being involved in a school environment
October 16th, 2007 at 11:18 am
College is a calling - just like any other area of ministry, some are called, some are not.
It really bugs me sometimes when people say as soon as you leave your father’s house you are no longer under his authority. Why? If he has brought his daughter up properly, his authority should not have a geographical limit. The whole goal of biblical parenting is to train your children to accept your standards (God’s standards) as their own and carry them with them wherever they go whether you are right there “watching” or not. If I go to college, I will not live any differently than if I were living at home. My standards are the same away from my parents as they are when I am under their “watchful eye”. I am no longer a toddler… I am a mature young woman, capable of standing on my own.
Carlin N.
October 16th, 2007 at 8:47 pm
Carlin, I just want to thank you for bringing up a point I had not considered before…it’s given me something to chew upon for the rest of the afternoon. Thanks!
October 17th, 2007 at 7:06 am
Amanda: I would like to commend you for wishing to stay under your father’s protection. That is something I would like to do also.
I am not overly fond of using the computer for education, but I am considering commuting to a college not to far from my home. If that does not happen then I will probably go to the nearest christian college I can find. While I am there I will most certainly keep in contact with my parents. Please remember this is all if God wants me to. I may not go to college at all, but I am leaning more towards going.
Thank also, for the other book I will put that one on my reading list as well (as soon as you find out the author’s name
)
October 17th, 2007 at 9:00 am
‘Accelerated Distance Learning’ is by Brad Voeller. I also reccomended ‘So Much More’ by Anna Sophia and Elizabeth Botkin.
I want to thank you, Samantha, for what you said:) I appreciated it.
Carlin N.,
Leaving your father’s house, you do to some extent leave his authority, even if you live no differently than you would at home. What you are doing when you leave home, you not only leave his protecting care and guidance, you are transfering the authority over you to someone else, because you are following someone else’s rules instead of or along side your father’s. However mature a young woman may be, she does not have the wisdom or understanding of the world her father does. While at home, she is to submit to that authority, when she leaves, the father can no longer protect her. A daughter is one of the greatest gifts a father can have and he is charged with the care of her. When she leaves home, that care would usually be switched over to the husband, not before. If not to be married, then she would remain in the father’s home, under his care, authority, and protection. There she would be able to serve her family and others.
Going to college. that authority changes. I, personally, would hesitate to say that college could be a calling, like a calling to ministry, especially for young women. I won’t go as far to say that it’s not possible, but reading God’s plans for womanhood, makes me seriously wonder.
Lydia D.,
True, that the teen years can be and should be used to prepare for household duties, but the years in college, I think should be used perfecting those skills and expanding them. Lord willing, I plan to use those years that way, as well as practicing the skill of serving others in the surrounding community. I pray that these upcoming years in my life will be used to God’s glory and preparing myself for His will.
Again, I have run out of time for now. God Bless,
Amanda
October 17th, 2007 at 10:42 am
You’re welcome, Anika… it’s something I’ve spent lot of time thinking about too. ( :
And just a little added note: There is a difference between my father’s authority and his protection. One does not have a geographical limit while, unfortunately, the other does, somewhat. This is something that really worried me at first, but then I realized, as much as my Dad is there for me at home, he’s not my real protector. Jesus Christ is the one who protects me and cares for me. Right now, my father is an instrument of protection in his hands, but I trust my heavenly Father to provide for my protection at college as well, even if it’s through the cultivation of my own personal courage. ( :
Carlin N.
October 17th, 2007 at 12:09 pm
Amanda:
I understand where your coming from. You can use the time normally saved for college to perfect and expand your skills in the house. But I for one would really like to be able to homeschool my children, (if I have any)and at least know the basics of teaching.
You mentioned earlier that that is why they have teacher’s manuals. Yes the manuals are helpful, but I remember multiple times when I’ve had to ask my mom about something I don’t understand, and the answers to these problems weren’t in the teacher’s manual. I would like to be able to answer my children’s problems.
Now I may not necessarily learn this at college, but I would still like to have some years at college under my belt, so that when my children go to college I will be able to help them prepare for it. Now I could just rely on my husband to help them through that, but what if he hasn’t gone to college? Granted, there are many “ifs” to this, but we don’t know the future, God does. We just need to seek His will and prepare for the future as best we can.
Please don’t feel like I am condeming you because you decided not to go to college, I just simply want to have a discussion with you about the pros and cons of going to college, and so far it has been a very enlightening discussion. Thank you
P.S. Thank you also for getting me the titles and the names of the authors of those books. It looks like I’m going to be doing some reading in the near future
October 18th, 2007 at 10:01 am
Thanks for the helpful recommendations!
And about the owl….good for you! I’m sure the little guy is really thankful!
Carly D.
October 18th, 2007 at 5:32 pm
I don’t feel that you have to go to college to be able to teach your children what they need to know. My Mom teaches my four sisters and I, and she never went to college. I think she is doing a great job at it too!
I feel the disadvantages of college far outweigh the advantges, expecially for girls.
We can get so totally wraped up in college that we miss what God wants for us. I believe God made women for the home. What better place to learn about taking care of the home and family than at home? If we go to college we miss out on many years of preparing for having a family. What if the man God has planned for you to marry comes along and wants to start a relationship with you, but you’re so busy with college you think you will not have time for a relationship and tell him “no”? Then you have gone and messed up God’s plan for you, just because you were in college.
I am sorry if I offend someone. I am just stating my views.
-Mariah
October 18th, 2007 at 8:35 pm
It is interesting to see the different opinions of people that are essentially like-minded! I’ve learned so much from these thought-provoking questions!
My question is this: if we are united in our purpose (to glorify God), and truly believe that we are following His calling for our lives, can we decide that this is a black-and-white issue? I’m sure that Amanda feels her calling to stay at home just as strongly as Lydia feels hers to go to college. You both want to serve the Lord.
Drawing another example from my sister (I onced called her my guinea pig, because I always use her as an example or test things on her… she didn’t like it very much
)– she feels called to be a missionary, or serve in some ministry area. But the specific organization she considered working with required their missionaries to receive a college education (part of the education was available online, but not all), whether that person be male or female.
If you felt called to this specific ministry, but you didn’t want to go to college, what would you do?
October 18th, 2007 at 8:45 pm
i think i like this site…it was introduced to me by a friend…well, i might visit this again…God bless!
October 19th, 2007 at 6:42 pm
Samantha - What is so wrong/unbiblical about a school environment?
Alex and Brett - God bless you as write the book!
Betty C.
October 19th, 2007 at 8:18 pm
I didn’t say there was anything inherently wrong or unbiblical about a school environment…it’s just that some of us can’t stand it or don’t thrive in it, and so do better intellectually and otherwise if we stay out of it
October 20th, 2007 at 10:03 am
My parents would not make us girls go or not go to college, I believe it’s our own choice, but my father much prefers we don’t. I don’t really believe it’s necessary, either. I know many smart people who never went to college.
Instead of going to college, I’ve decided I will take some advanced courses, help around the house more, and possibly help another homeschooling family by teaching their children. Someday I’d like to go work on the Doulos or in Yemen, but God will work all that out.
October 20th, 2007 at 5:24 pm
Mariah, you raise an interesting issue. If a girl’s future husband comes along while she’s in college, what then? Well, not starting a relationship with him while in college wouldn’t really mess up God’s plan. Saying “no” once doesn’t mean he won’t ask again. If he really is her future husband, he’ll be available when they’re both ready–and if that’s after college, God can work that into the plan. Saying “no” once could be part of the plan. Sometimes the guy needs it. (And I’m not saying a girl should say “no” just on the grounds that it might be good for the guy.)
Plus, college itself can be part of God’s plan. I could trace for you why my mother going to college led her to meet my father. I’ve learned a lot about interacting with people, using time efficiently, and handling stress because I entered college. I’ve also seen my faith strengthened by challenging subjects and professors. Whatever I end up doing after I’m finished with school, I’m confident that what I’ve learned will help me out a lot.
That’s not to say that all women should go to college. I have a number of friends who have chosen to remain at home. They have my respect for their choice, and I understand some of the reasons they do things that way. For them, the disadvantages of college outweigh the advantages. But please understand, for some girls, it’s the other way round. I feel that it is quite possible I personally will never become a wife and mother–I cannot count on that as my job, and so am taking this opportunity I have to find another job, another way of serving God.
October 20th, 2007 at 8:03 pm
Penny,
My point was that our desire to persue our college education may interfere with Gods plan for our life, not that saying “no” to a relationship was necessarily wrong. My Mom ended up not going to college because she met my Dad.
God is not under any obligation to work things into His plan for us just because we mess things up by persuing our own goals. Above all we should earnestly seek God’s will for our lives, but we women have an advantage as God has told us in Titus 2:4-5 that we are to be keepers at home. I do not believe a college education is essential for that.
I am glad that your faith has been strengthened by the subjects you take and by your professors, but for many it could be a pitfall instead of it being something positive.
There are statistics that show that the majority of college students who were attending church when they started college have quit attending church by their sophomore year. This is just one of the many reasons I believe college is detrimental to a persons spiritual life.
I hope this explains my veiws more thoroughly.
-Mariah
October 21st, 2007 at 1:23 pm
Mariah - I think we both agree that college is in God’s plan for some women, and not in His plan for others.
However, I disagree with you in that we should avoid college on the sole basis that college will hurt our relationship with Jesus Christ. Think about Job - God purposefully allowed his faith to be tested. Sometimes it’s good to have our views challenged so that we will draw closer to God - sometimes we need a good trial or two to drive us back on the right track.
As a homeschooled highschooler who’s really had no contact with “the world” while growing up, I am so eager to be in a secular environment where the light my parents and I have been cultivating in me will be able to shine strong. I am definitely aware that I may be challenged, but I pray that God will give me the strength to use these trials to strengthen my face, rather than to allow them to weaken it. Remember, we are the salt of the world, and salt shouldn’t stay in the salt shaker for forever. God wants us to go out into the world and witness for Him out there.
Though the power of Jesus Christ, we don’t have to become just one more statistic, one more young person who fell by the wayside. That’s why we’re on this site, exchanging ideas and “sharpening” each other as iron sharpens iron . . . we want to do hard things.
Well . . . there’s my take on the whole issue. Any thoughts?
October 22nd, 2007 at 1:38 pm
Becky: Your right. God has His own plan everybody. College is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Everybody (including guys) need to prayerfully consider what road they should take.
Penny: I agree. If the right guy comes along then God will work it out. In fact He already has! The right guy will come along at the right time if we just wait and seek God’s will.
October 22nd, 2007 at 2:39 pm
I do not want to raise a huge debate, so this will most likely be my last comment for this post. I would like to clarify a couple of points though. First, Job did not put himself in the trials he went through, God allowed them to happen. Job did not go looking for them, he did not ask for them, and he had no idea those things were going to happen to him. Our lives will be filled with troubles and trials, we don’t have to go looking for them. God will allow them in our lives as he sees fit.
Secondly even as a homeschooled highschooler we have plenty of opportunities to be in a secular environment. We all go to the grocery store, the doctors offce, librarys, ect. We can shine our light just as easly in these areas as we could in a college.
Finally, even if the only reason to avoid going to college is because it could hinder our walk with Christ, that in it’s self would be reason enough to seek out other educational opportunities. There are other ways to continue our education then just going to college.
I hope that anyone that is considering continuing their education spends much time in prayer about their options and seeks God’s direction for their life.
-Mariah
October 22nd, 2007 at 3:48 pm
Oooh, Mariah, nice point about Job - you’re so right. I missed that. (I love debating stuff
)
I guess we’ll have to agree to disagree about whether the trials college may cause are a large enough factor to completely discourage attendance. Or maybe we should just both go to Patrick Henry College
jk
October 22nd, 2007 at 7:33 pm
Mariah, I’m not sure going to the grocery store or the library provides the same kind of opportunity to shine as college. If you get into theological discussions with cashiers, you live in an unusual and fascinating place, and I wish I lived there.
I’m also totally mystified how anyone could mess up God’s plan. This gets into issues of omniscience.
Good point about Job, though.
October 22nd, 2007 at 8:04 pm
While I personally will attend college, I would never condemn anyone on here for not attending college. The fact is, if you had been born to my parents, and I had been born to yours, you would probably be attending college and I would probably be staying at home. For every time your parents either explicitly or implicitly discouraged college for women, my parents encouraged it. (Truth is, if we were born to parents in an Islamic country we would both be worshipping Allah right now.) I pray for the best in whichever course you take.
October 22nd, 2007 at 8:23 pm
Hmm . . . Michelle, that’s an interesting point. While I do advocate going to college, I am much more “anti-college” than my parents are. I’m still trying to convince them that it might not be in God’s plan for my life to go to college . . . just because in a few years, I might not think I should go to college anymore.
But you’re right - circumstances have a lot to do with what you believe. I just think you might be overplaying them a little.
Wow . . . I’ve never commented this much on a post . . . I guess this topic is very important to me!
October 23rd, 2007 at 7:20 am
Ok - Mariah - I just thought of something else. It was really bugging me that I couldn’t come up with a good Biblical example to back up my beliefs . . . but then God gave me one! (yay, God!
)
Jesus! He went to the synagogue and engaged in theological discussions with the “college professors” of the time - the rabbis and the Pharisees. He purposely sought out discussion with those who disagreed with Him.
I’ve got to go, unfortunately, but I just wanted to bring that up . . .
October 23rd, 2007 at 12:03 pm
I would like to add that besides going to a college and moving away, which may be less desirable for a young lady, there are plenty of other opportunities to further one’s education, such as getting a degree online or attending a nearby community college.
October 23rd, 2007 at 12:08 pm
My sister goes to Arizona State University (a very large public college with many educational offerings, research opportunities, and the other advantages of a large 4-year university) and commutes from home . . . best of both worlds, no?
October 23rd, 2007 at 12:50 pm
I’m back:) I haven’t been able to spend enough time on the computer to respond.
Lydia D.,
I would love to have the ability to homeschool my children (if I have any), but I don’t think that I need to attend college to do that. True, teachers manuals might not have all the answers, but neither will the professors manuals in college. Other than learning basic teaching skills, how do you think college will, if at all, benefit you?
Is college a personal desire, because of the adventure and excitement, and going with the flow? Or have you personally and seriously studied God’s Word accompanied by earnest prayer and then come upon the conclusion that God has called you to college?
I am learning to seperate personal desire from God’s will, something that can be very difficult at times.
I wish I could say more, but I need to go. God Bless,
Amanda
October 23rd, 2007 at 4:52 pm
Everyone has brought up such excellent points! It is good to seek the Lord’s wisdom and the councel of other Christians!
I think college can be very helpful to some, thought I agree it is not God’s plan for everyone. I am a sophmore at a university one mile from my house. It is a very liberal college, which is difficult sometimes, but I am able to live at home under my father and still be involved at my church. Also, my church is invovled in campus ministry with international students which is a great opportunity! If I did not have those things, I probably would not be in college right now. The reason I wanted to go is that God has given me a love of learning and a gifting in math which I want to further develop to use to serve homeschooling moms who struggle in math as well as homeschooing my own children. For me, college is a gift from God. It is amazing how many things I have learned in the past year being in a non-Christian and sometimes anti-Christian environment and going home to discuss it with my parents. I am certainly learning more than just achedemics!
God bless you all as you work through the decisions about college and God’s will!
October 23rd, 2007 at 8:33 pm
Ah, yes, college choices are a complicated and interesting issue. Great resources — I’ll try them out.
I’m in agreement that college is a calling. Not all need a degree nor the specific experience that college gives. The Lord has His plan for each of us.
October 24th, 2007 at 7:38 am
Thank you Amanda for asking those questions. A couple of them are ones that I’m still working on answering. I was pretty much convinced I would go to college, but after starting to discuss this with you, I am not so sure. I’m now really trying to seek God’s will on this, and thankfully I have a few years to answer that question. So far I am still leaning towards going to college.
To answer your question about the benifits of college. Besides learning the basic teaching skills, you can also start to become independent from your parents. You will still want to stay in contact with them, and not be completely independent, because you still want your father’s protection, but sometimes it is good to have a bit of distance so you can start making your own decisions. If you start having problems then you can very easily contact them considering all the technology we have today. I wouldn’t suggest moving to California if your parents are in Florida, but do you see my point?
Your very correct in saying that separating personal desire from God’s will is very difficult, but sometimes that is God’s way of saying that you should go. Now I’m not saying if you get the feeling to do something, that you should just do it. What I mean is that if you really want to go, but you think that God is saying no, then He will take the desire away.
Anyone else considering going to college should definitly ask themselves these questions before making a permanent decision about college. Here they are:
1) What are the benifits of going to college?
2) Is college a personal desire, because of the adventure and excitement, and going with the flow?
3) Have you personally and seriously studied God’s Word accompanied by earnest prayer and then come upon the conclusion that God has called you to college?
Thank you Amanda for these thought-provoking questions. I hope to be able to answer them truthfully, and come upon a decision that honors God.
P.S. I’m still trying to get those books you recommended.
October 24th, 2007 at 12:21 pm
Amanda H. - yes, I do believe attending college is a calling for those who have truly sorted it out as God’s will. It is a new mission field, a place where God has placed you to minister, an atmosphere where he desires his light to shine through you. Quite simply, a calling is something God is asking you to do - and I believe that could be either staying home or attending college.
To tell you the truth, I didn’t want to go to college at all until only about 2 years ago. I still may not go if the Lord closes a door. But I do believe I have experienced God calling me to minister in a small Christian college that’s a 16 hr. drive from my home. I believe there are certain situations wherein God will call a young woman to leave her father’s protection and live a single life of service. Look at Amy Carmichael! What if she had ignored God’s call on her life and refused to leave home? I have been reading her biography… what an amazing woman of God!
I’ve enjoyed reading everyone’s posts… a lot to chew on!
Blessings to you all,
Carlin N.
October 25th, 2007 at 6:23 pm
Penny,
I have been watching the debate between you and Mariah and, to be honest, I’m a little concerned with a couple of things you’ve said. You seem to think you cannot interfere with God’s plan for your life. I guess you have the belief that whatever ultimately happens in your life must have all been in God’s will. I’m afraid that many people have the same opinion, but it’s wrong.
There is no question of God’s omnipotence, but He did endow us with a free will. It’s not God’s will for us to commit acts of sin, but we do it everyday. Sometimes thoughtlessly, sometimes deliberately. We should be very careful when we choose to do something and then declare that it is God’s will for our lives, just because He allowed us to do it. This can also apply to Lydia D. who said that if God didn’t want us to do something He would take away our desire to do it. It’s quite probable that He just wants you to submit your own desires to His will. If you have any other question as to God’s omnipotence and our ability to interfere with His will for us, it can all be settled by reading II Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” Here we learn that it’s not in His will that any should go to Hell, but, as we all know, many will, and do everyday.
God is all powerful and all knowing. But could it be that what He knows about you, or me for that matter, is that we won’t submit to His will? For that reason I’m glad He is longsuffering, but we really shouldn’t be abusing His mercy.
Society has done it’s level best to tell us that college is “necessary”. Corporate America has done it’s best to ensure that college is “necessary”. But does God really think college is necessary? What is it that God wants of us? I know one thing He does not want for us. He does not want us getting all bound up with things of this world, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” I John 2:15. College is a very worldly environment. We need to tread carefully. We need to seek God’s will for our life. And we should not assume that everything we do must have somehow been a part of God’s will for our lives.
-Rebecca
October 29th, 2007 at 9:34 am
I do believe that college is for some people. God has a plan for each and everyone of us. He has put a great calling on my life, and college is apart of it.
I do not believe in putting down other people’s point of views. Mariah (the one who left one of the comments up top) is my best friend, i have known her my whole life, we do not have all of the same beliefs, yet we get alone better than most people. I think that not going to college is fine, my mom and dad have never been to college, but they want me too! It all depends on what God has called you to do! Not going to college is not wrong.
I hope that my point gets across.
Blessings
November 2nd, 2007 at 10:46 pm
After I graduated from homeschool high school, I had a good job and solid work experience that would help me continue in that field. But, I also began to realize that there were many things that I wanted to learn that I simply couldn’t learn while working or staying at home. I also realized that as a single young woman with relatively few obligations, if I wanted to go to college, now was the time! I attended a wonderful, non-christian, conservative liberal arts school thousands of miles from my home. The experience I had there - sitting and learning from people who are experts in their field - was simply wonderful, and opened my eyes to many aspects of the world that I’d never considered, or even knew existed.
Here are a few thoughts:
1) I attended a college with professors whose worldview was generally similar to mine. Though my school is not “Christian,” most of my professors were. This was very important to me, as I wanted to be able to trust what they were saying. In fact, several of my professors have published books through ISI.
2) I chose a small school with a very low student to faculty ratio (more like homeschooling!) The professors were invaluable, but I also learned much from my fellow students as we wrestled with hard questions and hard midterm exams together. We had a camaraderie that would have been very difficult to create in online classes.
3) As a young woman, I stayed under my parent’s authority even though I was thousands of miles from home. My parents are huge fans of the education I received at my college, and encouraged me to attend. I don’t believe you need to be in the same physical location as your dad to be under his authority. God has called many women out of their homes and comfort zones to follow and serve him (Amy Carmichael, Elizabeth Elliot, Mary Slessor, Mother Teresa, Gladys Aylward, and many, many others).
4) Being at school forced me to make decisions for myself. What kind of church to go to? Was I going to go to church? What kind of friends should I make? My faith was strengthened as I wrestled with these decisions far from familiar circumstances.
5) Now, two years after graduation, happily returned to my parents home, I can wholeheartedly say that my life is richer than before I went to college. I also believe that should I have children someday, I will be able to offer them a sound education because of the knowledge I gained.
I know this was long, but I hope that it will encourage you, and give you a few things to consider. In his perfect time and plan, God provided me with a wonderful (debt free!) education and I’m grateful that I was able to attend and graduate from college.