Many parents have reported watching both a political and moral shift in their children after they started attending college.
Notable names include Barack Obama, whose time at Occidental College and Columbia University exposed him to heavily progressive ideas; Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, whose time at Boston University caused her to shift from her traditional Catholic roots to becoming radically progressive; and Pete Buttigeg whose time at Harvard shifted him away from his religious roots and toward more liberal ideology– eventually leading him to fully embrace the LGBTQ+ lifestyle.
More tragically and recently, a notable example is Tyler Robinson, Charlie Kirk’s murderer.
Tyler’s mom recounts in her statement that Tyler grew up with traditional ideals. He graduated high school with a promising future in the field of engineering that led him to receive a four-year, Presidential merit scholarship from Utah State University.
After just one semester at Utah State, Tyler dropped out and never went back.
His mom commented that in the past year, Tyler had “become more political,” more “pro-gay and trans-rights oriented,” and had even entered into a romantic relationship with a biological male who was “transitioning” into becoming a woman.
While every individual is completely responsible for his/her own actions, one has to wonder whether or not college is a common denominator in the radicalization of America’s youth.
In 2020, Pew Research Center revealed that adults who were college educated were more likely to identify themselves as either being liberal or Democrat.
This was one of the key reasons why Charlie Kirk dedicated himself to regular discussions across American college campuses.
He understood that college students are facing serious attacks from peers and professors over traditional, biblical ideals regarding marriage, sexuality, and government.
Parents, college is not neutral territory.
Sending your daughter or son to college is sending them into a battlefield for the mind.
“For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)
America’s colleges and universities (even those that claim to be Christian) have largely rejected biblical values and ideals.
In addition to this, America’s colleges regularly present opposing worldviews that are in direct opposition to Scripture. Without a firm foundation, students can easily drift from the faith.
The influence of peer pressure and potential for hostility against Christianity is also a key factor in America’s college students becoming increasingly progressive.
Parents, it is your God-given responsibility to equip and prepare your children for college and for the battlefield that they are walking into.
- Train them in apologetics so that they have the confidence to understand and defend their Christian beliefs without compromise.
- Encourage them to engage in Christian community through attending church services, Bible studies, and church participation.
- Emphasize the importance of one-on-one mentorship to provide them guidance, counsel, and support for the battles they may be facing.
Just as a soldier never goes into battle without a plan and weapons, so our children should not enter college unprepared for the spiritual and societal attacks that they will face.
Preparation is not optional.
It is essential.
