Bible and Theology Essay

The Final Essay In this essay I am going to try to develop an understanding of Christianity and evangelism that directly relates to the liberal arts and sciences learning here at Wheaton College. With reflecting on the way many may approach these studies, it poses many questions as to how it really can affect Christians. This is when I believe having strong Christian doctrines, in which one lives their life by, are essential to a well-balanced learning environment. I plan to explore two different Christian doctrines in which I believe create the best balance and guidance for a Christian in these secular societies. Furthermore, I would also like to explore the differences between an education at a Christian College and a secular College. More specifically how a Christian student may handle secular teachings. My thesis in this paper is to relate two Christian doctrines to a liberal arts education and to our lives, but also explore the differences of a Secular College and a Christian college. My first Christian doctrine is the reminder that we are in the midst of spiritual warfare. Whether or not we would like to admit to this, we are in a spiritual battle all around us. Only through the Holy Spirit, are we able to see the evil and spiritual warfare that surrounds us. Not only does this warfare consume our inner-being but also affects us outwardly too. The bible is the key to helping fight this invisible warfare. Scriptures are able to help us, through the Spirit, identify and help us live in victory. For example, in Ephesians 6:11-18 it says: “[11] Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. [12] For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. [13] Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. [14] Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, [15] and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; [16] above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. [17] And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; [18] praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints”. With this being said, as spiritual warriors, we need to be aware at all times that Satan is looking to attack us. Thus, calls for a battle plan of our own, so that we can live a victorious life and help advance the kingdom of God. This battle plan is something that we can follow on a daily basis. One thing that is extremely important to be aware of is the teachings in a liberal arts and sciences education. One of the largest battle fields for students to really question their faith. The biggest priority in approaching these studies is to be sure you are taking the truth from teachings. My second Christian doctrine is that “Man did not evolve, he was created”. A very simple, and somewhat obvious statement to many, but something that should be kept close to us and reminded as we walk through many of the science class here at Wheaton College or at any other liberal arts school. This doctrine is stated in Genesis 1:26 “Then God said, Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” If we are to carry this around with us, knowing what is true and are able to apply this to what some science books may say. Or what random scientists say about tests they have done, none of that matters if we are able to rely on the truth and on God. Keeping the healthy balance between the truths from the scriptures, and taking what you learn in classes with a grain of salt should be your focus as you take your journey through school. Lastly, I would like to discuss the differences there are between the Christian College and the Secular Colleges in the United States. Primarily, the distinctiveness of the Christian Colleges is what set many apart from the rest. I believe that there are at least three components to a Christian College that differ from a secular educational perspective. First of them being, at a Christian College you are presented with a worldview rather than a secular/humanistic one. Also, something that is unique is the pursuit of high quality educators and academics. The Christian colleges are there for the students, working with, and striving to support the student’s efforts and interests. Furthermore, the commitment that the professors have to their student’s spiritual growth is undeniable. Something you cannot find in secular schools. All in all, between the reminder of the constant spiritual warfare and the truth that man was not evolved, he was created, we should now be able to move into our academics in liberal arts and sciences with a balanced and supported view of our Christian faith. The differences between a Christian and secular college are great. However, both something that can equally be a good experience for anyone with the right motives and doctrines followed. Christian’s have a great opportunity to influence this world and the communities they live in. We should all strive for excellence and to help advance the kingdom of God.