Rachel was a university sophomore taking Spanish.
The professor, speaking Spanish, asked the class a question: “How many of you believe in angels?
Rachel was the only one to raise her hand.
The professor chuckled. “Tell us why you believe in angels.”
“I believe in angels because the Bible speaks of angels.”
Another chuckle. “Are you saying that you actually believe the Bible is true?”
“Yes, I do believe the Bible is true.”
The professor laughed aloud and continued to question Rachel while ridiculing her Christian beliefs. She stood strong while the rest of the class remained silent.
Three students caught up with Rachel after class to tell her they were also Christians and were silently praying for her. Rachel thanked them but in the future decided she would remain silent as well.
What would you have done? Have you heard of similar tactics in colleges and universities?
- If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. John 15:18
- Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8
- GIVE ME A HEART – Lyrics by Liana Wendy Howarth; Music by Kathleen
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This life is temporary. This life is short. When this life is over, our bodies will die and become empty shells, but our souls will continue to live forever. Where will the “real you” live? Will you live for all eternity separated from God? Or will you spend eternity in the presence of God in heaven? Learn more so you can make your most important decision: http://www.godlife.com/gospel/
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Kathleen, My freshman year in college I had an English professor who often asked questions of faith such as, “Are we all agreed that there is no devil?” I would raise my hand and say that I indeed believe there was a devil. The class would then have a discussion about it. The professor was never derogatory and the class was likewise considerate. However, I was alone defending my beliefs. When the semester ended the professor spoke to me in private and thanked me for standing up for my beliefs. He apologized if I felt on the spot and added that he likes to make students think about their beliefs and decide if they owned them or not. He said that we would not have had the lively discussions without my willingness to stand alone. I was very shy and doing so was very hard for me, but I could not deny my faith. I counted him as one of my best professors, even though I only earned a “C”. I feel I became stronger in my faith and my self esteem. The important thing is he never ridiculed me and lead the class such that the students, although they seem amused at my beliefs, did not ridicule me either.
I’d say yours was a good experience, Susan. Moreover, it made you stronger in your faith. You can be grateful.
Never had that experience in college. It was good that the other three Christians quietly prayed for Rachel. But it seems they should have also raised their hands when the question was asked, “How many of you believe in angels.” I realize that there could be some understandable reasons why they may have remained silent. For instance, perhaps they were babes in Christ and did not feel capable of standing their ground.
Yes, I agree, perhaps they were babes in Christ. University life can definitely be intimidating. Thanks for your comment, Pastor Frank.