College Prep: Christian worldview vs. secular universities

[MelInKansas]

I have no doubt in my mind that HOD materials will prepare a young man/woman very well in terms of thinking skills, math, ability to work hard and be self-driven, and proper priorities in life. The thing that concerns me is will our children be unprepared for discourse in the social sphere they find themselves in in a secular university (or maybe even some "Christian" universities)? I am thinking of this especially if they are studying either in Biology, or social sciences like education, social work, areas in which a Christian worldview is really under attack. Things like mathematics, engineering, economics, business I would think are less of an issue (but then I was in college 15 years ago so I have no idea how things have changed on the college campus).

I am obviously far from sending a child off to college, but I am just curious what others think/see, or what your experience has been. I am sure the critical thinking/discussion skills taught in HOD prepare a child to intellectually discuss issues, if they are allowed to, but another concern of mine is that if they are not taught the theory of evolution for example, they will be behind their peers and have to "catch up" in order to get through courses that use that as a foundation. Or will they be taught the theory of evolution before they finish high school?

[LynnH]

I think the most important thing is that they are able to really look at something and analyze it and are able to argue their point backing it up with reference material. I see HOD doing that in every guide that we have used but especially in the older guides. As far as the topic of evolution goes the way it is presented in MTMM is wonderful. I have read through the book "Evolution the Grand Experiment" that is used in that guide and I am very impressed. They present what evolutionist use as their arguments and then what creationists use as their arguments on the same topic. It then has the dc analyze which argument seems to have the facts backing it up and ask them often "What do you think about this argument?" I learned so much myself and feel I am much better able to defend creationism in a scientific realm than I was before and that is without even watching the videos that are scheduled with it. Looking at the World Religions material that is scheduled in the High School World Geography guide I see the same thing there that the dc will fully understand what other religions believe and how that differs from Christianity and why that matters.

[MelInKansas]

Included in that, does it explain what the theory of evolution says and basically the current teaching on origins? Because, yes, it's great to be able to defend it and discuss it with others, but in a university, there is no room for discussion. You learn it because if you don't, you will not pass the class. Universities were once, and were always supposed to be, a forum for discovery of ideas but they do not look kindly on those who challenge the ideas that they consider to be foundational. Plus I'm sure they would say that you have to know and understand the theory before you can arrive at a place to discuss whether or not it is true.

We live in a university town and I know several professors at our local (large state) university so they are the ones telling me that this is how it is.

[LynnH]

Yes it does a very thorough job of explaining the current theory of evolution. It goes through the history of the theory and what things are no longer part of the theory because they have been proven to be false and the evolutionist abandoned them and also what things are still part of the theory. As you said it has to do this in order to then show them the fallacies of the theory and to enable them to draw some of their own conclusions. It has many quotes from both sides and I am pretty sure the videos show some of these interviews with both sides, but I haven't watched those yet. I will watch them when ds does. Even before MTMM many of the worldview books etc also present the basics of evolution, but then this resource in MTMM goes much deeper as is appropriate for the age. I imagine whatever Biology text Carrie uses for high school will also deal with the issue.

[StephanieU]

Something else to consider for those interested in education. The "problem" courses are mostly psychology. Many schools now offer these as distance learning courses, and I bet that will continue to be the trend. It is often easier to debate virtually than in person if you know your opinion is the minority. So, if you child is wanting to go into education or a similar field, I would have them start taking the psychology classes online, possibly before they graduate. Then you can be there to help them if necessary with how to word things and work through the "system." Most of the times in courses like psychology, it is a matter of learning to tell them what they want to hear rather than what is always the truth. And learning this while still at home is probably the easier way to do it.

[TrueGRIT]

StephanieU hit the nail on the head.
From what I have learned from professors, students, and staff at the nearby university (KSTATE), psychology is one of the biggest courses you see this - the teaching, but not allowing for much discussion. (i.e. cutting you off if you differ in opinion - From a grown man in a pscych class)
I also understand it varies slightly between colleges, although it is still somewhat difficult in the local Christian college ( at least by 2 students I personally know).
I can only go by what I know, by people who have personally been there. Based on that knowledge, I would probably take online courses for much of the classes.

[lucsch]

I think HOD will be more preparation than most Christians kids get for attending college. My eldest graduated from a Christian school, and they did teach an Understanding the Times/Worldview course. He has managed quite well in college and pharmacy school, without losing his faith and making straight A's. I have two other sons, also in college, studying engineering and economics. My middle son has had to deal with some liberal thinking, and I am very glad he decided to leave that university in favor of one nearby. He can commute while living at home. We also live in a relatively conservative area, and that helps.

Every new guide confirms to me that Carrie has a handle on every concern I have about life preparation, as well as college prep rigor in the academic area. I so wish I had been homeschooled with Carrie's curriculum! Of course, that would have been difficult, since I'm a bit older than Carrie.