Cool to Be Christian in College - Are Attitudes Changing on Campus?

Some are reporting that the campus is no longer hostile territory to Christian students. According to Reuters, the uncertainty of life in these troubled times, has caused ministries like the Navigators and Campus Crusade for Christ to grow rapidly. Tony Arnold, Campus Crusade spokesman attributes the interest to a need for community and connection in a world full of crisis. "Life in the 21st Century seems increasingly fraught with danger, whether its a crazy with a gun in a classroom, or at the seat of a plane headed into a skyscraper," he said.

Eight out of 10 college students attend religious services, while 80% discuss spiritual or religious topics with their friends. At least 69% say they pray, according to a 2004 survey of 112,232 freshmen at the University of California in Los Angeles.

A fair amount of students do take the long way back to Christianity though. Some grow up in church, and then stray as they enter college, particularly if they are living independently of their families. Such was the case with Brian Friske, who joined a fraternity, made new friends and generally lived it up, when he initially became an engineering student at the University of Cincinnati. "For a couple of years, I partied it up, lived like a college kid. But a couple of years ago, I decided I'm done with this," he said. He now spends 40 to 60 hours a week involved with Christian activities and friends. He joined the Baptist college ministry, and moved in with other believers. He commented, "I'm just happier. It's a good environment."

The Christian Science Monitor has a different take, in their article Campus Christians: Not Always At Ease. While some colleges are beginning to embrace all beliefs with sensitivity, many Christian college students feel they are treated with disrespect and even discrimination. Since many colleges and universities were originally founded by churches, historically the persecution was directed at non-Christians. But not so today; it is Christian believers who are asking for more tolerance.