Janet McHenry

Finding God in college might be easier than many people think. In fact, many college students are finding him right in their classroom — even at public universities, which some might otherwise think are godless institutions.

At a time in his life when he was questioning his Christian faith, Justin, now 31, took a Religious Studies class called Christianity at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, California. A local pastor was the instructor for the class, and he offered solid evidence for the authenticity of the Bible.

            “For the prior couple of years,” Justin said, “my parents had been encouraging me to read the Bible to help me out of a depression, but I felt as though no one had proved to me that the scriptures were historically accurate — that those Bible people actually existed and that Christ was who he said he was.”

Justin’s college instructor provided that evidence for him, and he returned to his faith in Christ.

The university that may be perceived as the most godless — or at least as the most liberal in thinking — is the University of California, Berkeley. However, even Cal offers a class on Christianity that has guided students toward the Christian faith. An English course called Christian Love in Theory and Literature requires books written by C. S. Lewis as well as selections from St. Augustine, the Bible, and Martin Luther.

Current sophomore Bethany found her thinking challenged well beyond the Sunday school classes of her youth — but that the literature and discussion validated that one can indeed have a personal relationship with the God who created the universe. She recommitted her life to Christ her freshman year at Cal and is now an active member of a campus Christian organization. Bethany said she has found wonderful friends, who have helped her appreciate the craziness of her otherwise intimidating university.

So, how can you find God in a college class?

• Look in the course catalog. Check out departments such as religious studies, English, philosophy, and rhetoric.
• Check out the instructor’s course syllabus online and see what kind of topics will be covered and how the course will be slanted.
• Look in the bookstore to see what the course instructor is requiring as reading. A quick skim of the required reading can guide you as to the course content.

There are other ways to find God:

• Check out campus organizations such as InterVarsityand Campus Crusade for Christ — now going by “Cru” on college campuses .
• Look for signs in your dorm or in the student union about Christian fellowship groups and Bible studies.

God is very much alive in the university setting. In fact, many young people are finding God right in their college classrooms…and you could, too!

To see more about finding God in college, click on the Youtube below: