In defence of secular education

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Sorry, but I must put by 2 bytes in after reading some of the posts.  I have a
lot to say to I will try to be brief (but hopefully not sacrifice clarity).


1)  I went to a secular University (Ball State University).  I never once felt
any temptation associated with secular schools (e.g. party lifestyle, etc.)  I
loved the Lord all the way through college (still do) and never had the desire
to partake in the type of sin that characterizes college life.  Not saying that
I am perfect, but any mistakes I may have made I would have probably made at a
Bible School as well.  In other words, college life never caused me to sin.

2)  I am a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  I received my calling before
I finished high school.  Bible School was not an option for me (long story).  I
had plenty of opportunities to preach in several different churches during my
college career.  More importantly, I was able to witness to many in need of God
at BSU and brought many people to church with me (a couple were even baptized
and filled with the Holy Ghost).  I still have many non-Pentecostal friends that
do not go to church, but they respect me and my beliefs and enjoy visiting the
church I attend.  God may still be working on them.

3)  One of my three majors as an undergrad was Religious Studies.  Sure, I was
introduced to false doctrines and strange beliefs, etc.  But, this only served
to cause me to appreciate and love the truth even more.  Besides, I think I have
a developed understanding of many "religious" issues to which most Pentecostal
ministers have not been exposed.  I also had the opportunity to represent our
doctrine and lifestyle to a couple of the professors at BSU.  I think I earned
their respect and admiration.  I still communicate with a couple of them on a
regular basis.

BTW, (mainly to Bro. Chris) public Universities such as IUPUI and BSU *CANNOT*
teach religion in a devotional manner.  All topics in religious studies classes
MUST be presented in a purely academic fashion without preference to any
established belief or doctrine.  If this is not the case at IUPUI, I would most
definitely speak to an administrator if I were you.

4)  Pentecost needs more professionals (doctors, lawyers, teachers, engineers,
etc.)  If for nothing else than to serve our own needs.

5)  Interesting, but all the Bible College literature that I have seen make it a
point to advertise the *secular education* achievements of their teaching
faculty.  In fact, it appears that most prefer to have faculty that have
earned advanced degrees.

6)  As far as I know there are no UPC Bible Colleges that are accredited
(someone please correct me if I am wrong).  Of course, you don't need
accreditation to train ministers, etc.

7)  An individual can study God's Word, learn to preach effectively, become
closer to God and do many other important things without attending Bible
College.

8)  Some of the BEST ministers I know received secular post-secondary education.



***I am not against Bible Colleges.  In fact my wife attended JCM for two years
before we met and I know that it benefited her a great deal.  Others have
pointed out some of the wonderful merits of Bible College and I would not dare
refute them on this matter.  But, I felt someone needed to speak up for the
benefits of secular education.***


Your brother in Jesus Christ, the ONLY wise God,
Bro. Kirk


***********************
 Kirk Van Ooteghem  
 00kmvanooteg@bsu.edu
 University Libraries
 Ball State University
***********************