In this lively episode of Tearing Down High Places, hosts Average Joe, Pastor Jeff, and Pastor Tim dive into the emotional and spiritual journey of sending a child to college or other post high school education, with a focus on choosing a Christian education in today’s challenging cultural landscape. The episode starts with Pastor Jeff’s recent experience dropping off his firstborn daughter at Liberty University, sparking a heartfelt conversation about parenting, faith, and the critical decisions surrounding higher education. Jeff shares the overwhelming joy of arriving at Liberty, where enthusiastic students welcomed his daughter with cheers, music, and help moving her belongings. This vibrant community spirit sets the tone for a discussion about why Christian universities like Liberty stand out in contrast to secular institutions. The hosts reflect on the challenges of sending kids to college in an era where secular campuses often promote worldviews that conflict with biblical values. Jeff emphasizes the importance of a college environment that fosters faith, citing Liberty’s commitment to excellence in everything from campus facilities to its Christ-centered curriculum. The conversation takes a biblical turn as the hosts explore the concept of love and sacrifice, drawing parallels between parenting and God’s love. Pastor Tim, a new father, connects this to his hopes for his daughter’s future, while Average Joe questions the cultural shift toward prolonged adolescence, noting how government policies—like extended child support until age 23 in New Jersey—may undermine independence. The hosts critique the secular system’s influence, from free public preschool crowding out Christian options to the housing crisis exacerbated by inflation and immigration policies. They argue that a government without God as its authority risks becoming an idol, shaping children’s values in ways that conflict with Christian principles. A key theme is the discernment parents must exercise when choosing a college. Jeff shares how his daughter’s decision to attend Liberty aligned with her upbringing, but he stresses that parents must assess their child’s spiritual maturity. For some, a secular college with a strong local church connection might work, but full immersion in a worldly environment risk corrupting character, as 1 Corinthians 15:33 warns: “Bad company corrupts good morals.” The hosts contrast Liberty’s faith-filled atmosphere with their own experiences at nominally Christian schools like Eckerd College and Duquesne University, where secularism and skepticism undermined biblical truth. The episode also touches on broader societal issues, such as the New Jersey Supreme Court’s ruling that children of divorced parents have an “inherent right” to college, stripping parents of control over educational choices. The hosts challenge the assumption that college is the only path, highlighting trades like plumbing as viable, AI-resistant careers. They wrap up with a teaser for future episodes, including a discussion on no-fault divorce and a potential debate on Christian hedonism and pietism, which they see as fueling cultural disengagement among Christians. This episode is a must-listen for parents navigating college decisions, offering practical wisdom and a call to prioritize faith in education. Join Average Joe, Jeff, and Tim as they tear down high places and lift Christ-centered solutions.

Podcast Episode Summary: Key Transitions