Why I Chose Humanities

Biblical Literacy and Living Well - Another "Shout-Out" for Bible Colleges

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I read this article before I started the second semester of my Junior year at Maranatha Baptist Bible College. I was a Biblical Studies major, and I was in the process of changing to a Humanities major with a Letters emphasis. An article by Dr. Bauder confirmed my decision to change majors.

He challenged me with the need to be Biblically literate. I was happy to be in a Bible college because I wanted to understand the Bible more accurately. I wanted to know God better. Biblical literacy is the main reason to attend a good Bible college. Honestly, what else makes a Bible college distinct from a secular university? The Bible education is key, and it is valuable to all of life.

He also encouraged me with my desire to study the Humanities. I wanted to know more about history, literature, and the art of communication.I wanted to learn how to think. I felt like I should understand my culture before I could change my culture. I believed that a liberal arts education was essential for leadership.

Finally, he encouraged me with the value of a liberal arts education. He says, "As the old quip goes, however, liberal education teaches you how to live, not how to make a living." I wanted to know how to live well. I realized that most people chose a career that is not related to their college degree, and I was convinced that my college degree would not determine my path in life forever. I wanted to learn about life, and that was equally as valid as learning to make money.

If you would like to check Dr. Bauder's article for yourself, read "The Future of the Bible College". Dr. Bauder teaches at Central Baptist Theological Seminary of Minneapolis. Enjoy!

How Will I Ever Choose a College Major

College is just a few short months away, and you are freaking out because you don't have a clue about a degree to pursue. Take a deep breath, and watch a slide show! Try to envision where you want to be in 10 years. What kind of career do you want to pursue. One way to narrow down the options is to consider the jobs that most sought after today. CareerCast.com just published a list of the Top 10 Jobs of 2011
Maybe there is something in this list that will interest you.

Top 10 Jobs of 2011 from Caleb Kobosh on Vimeo.

An Interview with Dr. Lincoln: College Prepares You For Life - Not Just A Vocation

 Christine Lincoln is the Elementary Education Chair at Northland International University. She recently received an EdD in Curriculum and Instruction from Bob Jones University. She has a passion for seeing her students succeed both academically and spiritually.   

            What is the value of a Christian undergraduate education?

College is a time in your life when you are thinking independently, and forming the philosophy that will guide you for life. You are considering your life’s work. You are also forming friendships that will last for the rest of your life. You will be challenged to live for a higher purpose than just a vocation.

          Can you study at a Christian University and be successful in the real world?

 For most major areas of study you can find a quality Christian school that offers a competent program. Christian schools will at least give you the foundational skills for any vocation at a Christian college. I argue that you will be better prepared for life (not just vocation) at a Christian school. If you go to a secular university, you need to be prepared to discern truth from error.  Most high school seniors aren’t ready to think at this level. Ultimately, you want to view the world 

the way God sees it. A secular university will not help you with that goal.

   

      How should a High School Junior or Senior prepare for college now?

 Start thinking about where you want to go in the future, and then you can come into college with some goals. You should visit more than one college and go to class and stay in the dorm. Get an idea about what college is about. Do well in your English classes, so you can write good papers. Take advantage of online college programs offered to high school students. Online education will allow you to free up your schedule. Work closely with an advisor because they know how the class schedule works. They can help you graduate on time.  

      What should they consider when deciding on a school?

 Look at the credibility of the school. Do they have a qualified faculty and a strong academic program? Look for a worthwhile investment. Don’t waste your money on a poor education. You should at least consider accreditation and know the pros and cons.  Look for a school that will give you a challenge academically and spiritually.

            What should they consider when choosing a program – or should they worry about a program the first year of school?

 If you aren’t sure go with a general studies or humanities. Don’t wait on school because you are unsure of a program. You can discover your passions at school.  School will give you many ideas and opportunities. But it is good to start thinking about a degree now – plan ahead and get information about programs you are interested in pursuing.

     What passion motivates you as an educator?

 In college I want to prepare students vocationally, so they will be successful. But I want to cause my students to consider how they can use their vocation to advance the kingdom.  I want to teach students to think. They will be out on their own, and they are the next generation of leaders. 

Christian Education Doesn't Mean Inferior Education

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I don't blame anyone for insisting on a quality education as they research higher education. But I do blame Christians for overlooking Christian education as a quality choice. In fact I would argue that Christian education has as much to offer if not more than most secular schools.
I understand the peer-pressure that claims Christian education is inferior to secular options, and I also understand that not all Christian colleges and universities are equal. But a little research will reveal that quality Christian education does exist.
But don't take my word for it...
Read about the 15 features of the perfect college and then compare those features with the opportunities available at these regionally accredited colleges: Maranatha, Clearwater, BBC, and Cedarville. You might be surprised by what you find.
Tell me what you think!