It
seems like yesterday; although it was over 12 years ago
I left BJ. I ended up going to BJ
because my controlling father liked the fact that the university
was also controlling. I don't blame my Dad; he
has since realized that forcing compliance isn't the right way
to develop strong Christians. My time a BJ was a
blur, I never felt like I fit in and had
to suppress my rights to question and have dissenting opinions.
If you have different beliefs you quickly become labeled
and watched. My retreat was to cut my self
off, at least from all but a few close likeminded
friends. I spent as much time as possible off
campus, usually playing sports. It was such a breath
of fresh air to be drive through those gates and
not be afraid to be myself. Those years were
so important to my development around my belief system.
Not because my parents believed this way or the faculty
believed this way, but because I could question and come
to my own realizations. BJU held me back from
doing this; in fact they pushed me the other way
because of their manipulative ways. Those of you who
have had a roommate turn you in for going off
campus without permission can commiserate.
Besides the social and personal
growth aspects that did not occur at my time at
BJ, I never realized at 18 years of age that
I would have to defend the legitimacy of my education
every time I changed jobs, even within the same company.
Is that a racist school? What is
with the interracial dating policy? I have answered these
questions more times that I care to over the last
12 years. My recourse was getting into an accredited
graduate business program; my undergraduate degree is now less relevant.
The amazing thing is that I never questioned the
schools policy on interracial dating while I was there, why
should I, I was a white male. I was
so indoctrinated at the time that I thought the policy
must be right. Sad...
I have gotten over my
experience at BJ and wish them no ill will.
If you are a Christian studying to preach or be
involved with music, it is a good training ground.
If you want a Christian environment for business training, where
you have the opportunity to make some decisions and grow
as a person I would recommend Liberty University or some
place similar. My nephew just graduated from there and
my understanding is that it is Bible based, yet lacks
the legalist control mentality that exists at BJ.
While BJU
has prepared many young people for the ministry, they have
also pushed many out. There will be many Christians
in Heaven that haven't listened to classical music throughout their
life and can make their own judgment about going to
see a movie.
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