Chris Chrisman Goes to College: and faces the Challenges of Relativism, Individualism and Pluralism

Mr. Sire is right on the money with this little gem of a book about the bias on college campuses that Christian students have to endure. His descriptions of the three "isms" of relativism, individualism and pluralism are easy to follow for parents of high school seniors whose sons and daughters may be college bound in a year, and for those who have sons and daughters already in college. He skillfully blends several typical student types from different backgrounds into a believable study of freshman year on-campus life, and explains how Christian students can guard against attacks by atheistic or agnostic instructors who, lacking belief in anything greater than themselves, seek to supress all faith-based views in the classroom. Although Mr. Sire was out in front on this issue when he wrote the book in 1993, many other voices have been raised since. One such voice is that of conservative activist David Horowitz, who has formed Students for Academic Freedom, a national movement recognizing that political partisanship by professors in the classroom is an abuse of students' academic freedom. Mr. Horowitz's Academic Bill of Rights, having been rejected by liberal college administrators and faculty who deny the existence of any problem, is currently making the rounds of state legislatures.In my book, The China Connection, I've also touched on the issue of relativism as it affects youngsters in religously-affiliated colleges; kids whose faith should be bolstered, not weakened or destroyed during their college years. Chris Chrisman Goes to College is an excellent starting point and guide for parents who have noticed what's being done on college campuses in the name of academic freedom and want to better equip their college age sons and daughters to retain their faith by fending off the pernicious attacks of cynical liberal ideologues posing as teachers at America's institutions for higher learning. I've purchased four copies and intend to give three away as gifts to parents of college age kids. If academic freedom is to have full meaning, then all students, not just secular ones, must be allowed to express their views and have them heard in the classroom. Parents and alumni are irate. This issue is now on the front burner. Don't look for it to go away any time soon.

James W. Sire continues to hit home runs. He writes about complicated philosophical stuff at my level and I recommend his books to the adult Sunday School class I teach. "Chris Chrisman Goes To College" is a good starter book for someone interested in apologetics. The adventures of a fictional "church kid", Chris Chrisman, demonstrate how Christian beliefs are assaulted on the secular college campus. In that context Dr. Sire shows both the force and flaws of secular humanism that permeates campus culture. I recommend it not only for high school students, but their parents as well.

Used for homeschool co-op class, excellent.

I am using the book in a Bible class for college singles. It directly addresses the reality of what young adults can expect from others in relation to faith in God. It is not a book on how to share your faith, but instead it is a book that reveals the actual mindset of the majority in our culture, which is: whatever you believe is good for you, just don't try to involve me, because I don't need you. This is a culture shock for young adults who grew up in a "normal family" but go to college and find out the real world does not define truth or faith at all, but instead teaches that the only truth is there in no truth at all. Eye opening book, I recommend it sincerely. Patrick Spence

In a world where relativism and conformity are pressured on college students in every university and college this book is a MUST read. While the issues discussed can get somewhat difficult at times, understanding the basic ideas presented by Sire will prepare every Christian student with an understanding of the world we face. If you are worried about your son or daughter going off to college and want to help them understand better how people think, buy them this book. Even better, read it with them and discuss it--you will know better how to help them and they will be able to work through these issues with you.