Wisdom for dealing with College and anti-religious attitudes

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J

Julien7

Guest
#1
#1
Hey,
Does anyone have experience with dealing with anti religious attitudes at college?

I just finished my first year of undergraduate degree and from what iv'e experienced many college students tend to be focused on sex, alcohol and starting an social revolution (e.g communism, " fighting toxic masculinity and the patriarchy" , unrestricted abortions and actively supporting gay marriage).

I was just wondering if anyone knows how to deal with these sort of attitudes and knows how to serve God while being in an environment with radically different values.

Bless you.
 
laughingheart

laughingheart

Senior Member
#2
Sep 21, 2016
1,709
1,669
113
#2
Been there. I found that the best way to deal with aggression is to love on them. It is revolutionary. In the beginning, having spent the previous two years at a Christian University, I expected attacks. I thought I'd have to debate but instead my heart was broken for the pain I saw around me. What I did was really invest in the lives around me. They knew my caring was genuine. I also did my best to be transparent. I didn't approach people with an agenda. I also didn't avoid sharing the reality of my life which was/is based around my faith. When it came to attending church I would say that I go to church because I need to. Who can argue with that? No one is going to feel like I'm looking down on them, and I am relatable. Humility and honesty is disarming.
Also, if people asked questions, I would answer but then I'd stop. They were always surprised I didn't use the opportunity to preach. What I did was let them come to me. I created a safe zone.
We don't know what role God will have us perform in someone's life, and because of that we need to follow His leading. Sometimes, like Sarah in the Old Testament, we get anxious and try and take things out of God's hands and push forward. It is OK to be patient and wait. He won't let us miss his will. Be obedient in what he puts before you and He will take care of the rest.
Remember that it is not an us versus them. Be a light, really love, be authentic and whether you know it or not, you will be testifying with how you live your life, and you will make a difference. Hugs, laughingheart
 
breno785au

breno785au

Senior Member
#3
Jul 23, 2013
6,002
767
113
39
Australia
#3
I haven't been in the current situation you are in but similar in the workplace being the only Christian. One thing I noticed over the years and still learning is to be comfortable with who I am. The people all around you are very comfortable with their own views and who they are and so should we.
Being afraid if they don't accept you, is paralysing and a prison. And Proverbs is correct, the fear of man is a snare.
 
Roughsoul1991

Roughsoul1991

Senior Member
#4
Sep 17, 2016
8,862
4,513
113
#4
Julien7 said:
Hey,
Does anyone have experience with dealing with anti religious attitudes at college?

I just finished my first year of undergraduate degree and from what iv'e experienced many college students tend to be focused on sex, alcohol and starting an social revolution (e.g communism, " fighting toxic masculinity and the patriarchy" , unrestricted abortions and actively supporting gay marriage).

I was just wondering if anyone knows how to deal with these sort of attitudes and knows how to serve God while being in an environment with radically different values.

Bless you.
Click to expand...
Number 1 is to know the Bible like the back of your hand. It is hard to evangelize if you dont know the Word. But here are some good resources that may help you be more confident.

Frank Turek a Christian apologist who travels to college campuses
https://crossexamined.org/

A Conservative think tank with 100s of videos that basically combat all anti American beliefs.
https://www.prageru.com/

Another conservative think tank but mostly focused on political issues
https://www.tpusa.com/

A Christian apologetics team that does a great job explaining different idealogies vs the Biblical worldview
https://www.rzim.org/

Focuses on the American Constitution, history and the Bible. And how they all connect.
https://wallbuilders.com/

A good book to combat communism written by a FBI agent and used by the FBI and CIA is called The Naked Communist.
 
J

Julien7

Guest
#5
#5
Inspirational laughingheart, I'll hope that it works, I can get preachy sometimes and I often find myself drawn into heated debates, but maybe it can be good to try to show some understanding and restraint and to open up surely is a challenge for me.
 
J

Julien7

Guest
#6
#6
Good point Breno, I think I am pretty comfortable with my own views, but I often notice that people tend to assume that I would judge them, And that they will quickly give criticism or slander me whenever they feel that their views are threatened (students as well as the professors) but maybe that's just my college.
 
J

Julien7

Guest
#7
#7
Thank you Roughsoul for providing me with those useful links, I appreciate the support!
 
Roughsoul1991

Roughsoul1991

Senior Member
#8
Sep 17, 2016
8,862
4,513
113
#8
Julien7 said:
Thank you Roughsoul for providing me with those useful links, I appreciate the support!
Click to expand...
If you hit the reply button it will notify the poster you commented on their post.

Of the topics you listed. None can withstand good logic, reason, and facts.
 
J

Julien7

Guest
#9
#9
Roughsoul1991 said:
If you hit the reply button it will notify the poster you commented on their post.

Of the topics you listed. None can withstand good logic, reason, and facts.
Click to expand...
Okay, great!, True logic, reason and facts are certaintly on our side.
 
Subhumanoidal

Subhumanoidal

Well-known member
#10
Sep 17, 2018
4,061
3,175
113
#10
Julien7 said:
Good point Breno, I think I am pretty comfortable with my own views, but I often notice that people tend to assume that I would judge them, And that they will quickly give criticism or slander me whenever they feel that their views are threatened (students as well as the professors) but maybe that's just my college.
Click to expand...
That's just liberalism. And the complaint about many young adults for the past few years. Afraid of opposing views, so they lash out. Really the only way to ever impact anyone is, first and foremost, live what you claim you believe. And try to be aware of negative stereotypes and avoid them. Even if you don't change their mind about Christians as a whole even changing their mind about you is a step forward.
But many won't take the time to find out. They'll just take shots and run.
 
R

Runningman

Banned
#11
Mar 4, 2020
8,614
3,691
113
#11
Julien7 said:
Hey,
Does anyone have experience with dealing with anti religious attitudes at college?

I just finished my first year of undergraduate degree and from what iv'e experienced many college students tend to be focused on sex, alcohol and starting an social revolution (e.g communism, " fighting toxic masculinity and the patriarchy" , unrestricted abortions and actively supporting gay marriage).

I was just wondering if anyone knows how to deal with these sort of attitudes and knows how to serve God while being in an environment with radically different values.

Bless you.
Click to expand...
That's a lot of places as far as I can tell. I guess we just need to know the difference between friendship and outreach. Generally speaking, light has no fellowship with darkness. You can witness to non-Christians by demonstrating your Christian walk, sharing your testimony, or preaching but they aren't your friends. I would find a good group of Christians to fellowship with.
 
Demi777

Demi777

Senior Member
#12
Oct 13, 2014
6,889
1,958
113
Germany
#12
Had some lgbtqxyz activists in class.just remember you do this for yourself and not for them. Push through your classes, reach your goal and leave. You will most likely never see them again anyway.
 
B

blueluna5

Well-known member
#13
Jul 30, 2018
658
393
63
#13
Julien7 said:
Hey,
Does anyone have experience with dealing with anti religious attitudes at college?

I just finished my first year of undergraduate degree and from what iv'e experienced many college students tend to be focused on sex, alcohol and starting an social revolution (e.g communism, " fighting toxic masculinity and the patriarchy" , unrestricted abortions and actively supporting gay marriage).

I was just wondering if anyone knows how to deal with these sort of attitudes and knows how to serve God while being in an environment with radically different values.

Bless you.
Click to expand...
You can't actually change anyone else. You can only change yourself. Focus on finding/understanding your faith. Focus on getting closer to God and finding answers. For example what are your thoughts on evolution, age of the earth, giants, mysteries of the world... The knowledge is out there so if you desire it, it will come to you. If you rely on only professors telling you everything you'll never have understanding.

For others, show by your actions and not your words. For example when they see you going to the soup kitchen and church instead of parties. Volunteer & help the needy. The wicked love being wicked so they won't listen to you. But..As others see your actions you can lead some by example.
 
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