A Professorial Observation

College professors usually aren't supporters of Christianity. That's why it's surprising that a number of them "have noticed an occasional bright light shining out from the dull, party-going, anti-intellectual masses who stare back at them from class to class." According to Naomi Schaefer Riley, reviewing the book Souls In Transition by Christian Smith in The Wall Street Journal, these young adults are religious Christians.

They do well because they're more serious about their studies. Since they're grounded in moral absolutes from God, they have a clear sense of right/wrong, correct/incorrect and positive/negative conduct that directs them toward success. Their core beliefs give them strength, clarity, direction and motivation.

Compare this with the moral mushiness of their peers. One put it this way: "Morality is how I feel, because in my heart I could feel it. You could feel what's right or wrong in your heart as well as in your mind. Most of the time, I always felt, I feel it in my heart and it makes it easier for me to decide what's right and wrong. Because if I feel about doing something, I'm going to feel it in my heart, and if it feels good, I'm going to do it."

So the individual bases his perception of right and wrong on how he "feels" and there aren't any objective standards, especially from God.

This is scary. Under Pol Pot in the 1970's, much of Cambodia's population was marched into what were called "killing fields." An estimated 1.7 million people died of starvation, disease, overwork and execution. When his government was overthrown, Pol Pot remained on the loose for 17 years but was eventually captured. He subsequently offered a pearl of moral insight. He asked, "Am I a savage person? My conscience is clear."

If we make up our own moral standards there's no limit to the indecency, indolence, violence, greed or other vices we can justify. When left on his own, man is likely to choose selfish, destructive behavior. Christians, on the other hand, don't feel morality that changes with the wind. They've been taught morality that's solid regardless of the individual's whims.

Ms. Riley notes that "Not only does religion concentrate the mind and help young people to think about moral questions, it also leads to positive social outcomes. Religious young people are more likely to give to charity, do volunteer work and become involved with social institutions. They are less likely to smoke, drink and use drugs...and are less likely to feel depressed or to be overweight. They are less concerned with material possessions and more likely to go to college."

It's heartening that the difference is apparent. But it's distressing - and perplexing - to watch the same intellectual class that sees it turn around and spurn Christianity. Especially when it provides the moral framework our culture so desperately needs.

Have any thoughts or observations?


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