Why College Matters to God: Academic Faithfulness and Christian Higher Education

by Rick Ostrander

At last, a brief, readable introduction to the unique purpose and value of a Christian college education. This book draws on the insights of a wide range of Christian philosophers, historians, scientists, and theologians, but communicates key concepts in straightforward language and analogies that will connect with today's college students. Brief enough to be paired with other 'first-year' texts, it is an ideal introduction to the Christian college experience for students, faculty, and staff.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, College, Education

127 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2009

About the author

Rick Ostrander is the provost at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States.

Reviews

[Read-n-Bloom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good book for students to choose a Christian college or if they are heading to one, why it’s important. Great insight on our society today and all it’s distractions. I don’t know if it really answers the questions of why College matters to God, but it gives it a great try and good reasons why to pick a Christian College. I really loved how the author spoke about the distractions of this world are noise and that God isn’t in the noise. He’s in the quiet. Look for Him in the quiet. But you have to quiet down first. I didn’t agree with everything that was written, but it’s still a good book for college students heading to college, particularly a Christian one. That you to #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review #WhyCollegeMattersToGod with my honest opinion.

[Jordan James · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was given to me right around my high school graduation along with a slew of similar "college christian devotional" type books. With this book I was pleasantly surprised. It did not attempt to dogmatize the university experience as I expected it to, but rather gave the interesting history of colleges in the United States and explained how a well-rounded liberal arts education helps a young person understand and deepen their relationship with God.
It's definitely not a "must-read" but if you happen across the book and a spare afternoon, it's worth the short time it takes to finish.

[Sarah Arwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I have to read for my orientation class as I'm transferring to a private Christian university and I was so excited I already finished it because IT WAS SO GOOD. It's supposed to be an introduction to Christian education but I really think it would be a good book for any Christian that is interested in learning and education at all- how everything we learn works together to give us a deeper appreciation for our Creator so we can better glorify Him and change our culture for better. There were so many good things in this book and I already want to read it again and highlight in it so I'm really glad I bought it to keep<3

[Sarah K · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overall, this book was okay. I read half of it when I started my current position as an academic librarian at a Christian liberal arts college in fall 2013... and the other half of it in the past few days in August/September 2015. Whoops. :) The good points were the push towards a a strong faith-based Christian worldview, an emphasis on the good of liberal arts education, focusing on how to integrate faith with learning, and encouraging study abroad (YES! Especially to places that you likely won't travel to later). However, maybe it was just me, but so much of this was common sense and these values actually can be found at (gasp) non "Christian" colleges. My undergrad institution, Wittenberg University, is a Lutheran college but isn't really faith-based at all...more service/social justice based, no required chapels, etc. I think Christian colleges are great and they do have a place, for sure. However, they aren't the end-all/be-all either. Some other reviews of this book praise it especially for those in Christian circles where higher education is devalued for women especially and that is a great point and target audience. For me though, my faith was challenged and grew MORE (I think) because I didn't go to a "Christian" school. It can go the opposite way for others though so both types of school have a place. I did appreciate that the author didn't craft an argument against non-Christian schools though! :)

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

My daughter had to read this for a freshman orientation assignment at her Christian college. It was a terrific book! It was especially helpful to her as she has been bombarded with the philosophy that college is a waste, especially for Christian girls. The author discusses the traditional/historical view of Christianity (Creation/Fall/redemption) and ties it into higher learning and equipping oneself in a Christian college setting. He discusses the importance of one's worldview and how college greatly molds and transforms that view. He also discusses the importance of community and reaching out globally with one's education. Overall, I would recommend this book to any college age student. It will stretch one to think of the purpose of higher education and get the most out of it.

[Bryan Boyd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good introduction to students and parents of students going to small private Christian Colleges. Discusses the need for a liberal arts education that focuses its worldview through Christian principles. Good subject material, but long and repetative.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for any Christian attending college (public or private). Ostrander presents the "why " of college in a very convincing way. I love how he relates the Garden of Eden to the purpose of mankind. Would definitely recommend this book!

[Brooke Walburg]

Good book that reinforced why I'm going to a Christian liberal arts school. :)

[Nicolas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good introductory book for conversations about the relevancy of a Christian education.

[Mackenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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