The Faith Factor: Why Religious Colleges Are Thriving in a Divided America
There’s something intriguing happening in higher education that’s flying under the radar. While many secular universities grapple with declining enrollment and financial strain, faith-based colleges are quietly thriving. Personally, I think this trend is about more than just numbers—it’s a reflection of something deeper in our culture. What makes this particularly fascinating is that it’s happening at a time when religion is often portrayed as outdated or divisive. So, what’s going on here?
The Loneliness Epidemic and the Search for Belonging
One thing that immediately stands out is the growing sense of loneliness among young people. Elder Clark G. Gilbert, a Latter-day Saint Apostle, recently highlighted this issue, pointing out that many students today feel adrift and disconnected. From my perspective, this isn’t just a generational quirk—it’s a symptom of a larger societal shift. We’ve prioritized individualism and digital connection over community, and the result is a generation craving meaning and belonging.
Faith-based colleges, it seems, are filling this void. What many people don’t realize is that these institutions aren’t just places of worship; they’re communities where students find shared values, purpose, and support. Gilbert’s own experience at BYU, where he felt a sense of belonging for the first time, is a powerful example. If you take a step back and think about it, this isn’t just about religion—it’s about human connection in an increasingly fragmented world.
The False Dichotomy of Faith and Reason
A detail that I find especially interesting is the way faith-based colleges are challenging the notion that faith and reason are at odds. Gilbert argues that this is a false dichotomy, and I couldn’t agree more. What this really suggests is that these institutions are fostering a holistic approach to education—one that integrates intellectual growth with spiritual development.
This raises a deeper question: Why do we persist in treating faith as the antithesis of critical thinking? In my opinion, this divide is more about cultural bias than reality. Faith-based colleges are proving that you can be both deeply religious and intellectually rigorous. It’s a message that secular institutions could learn from, especially as they struggle to address the crisis of purpose among students.
Disagreeing Better: A Lesson from Gov. Spencer Cox
Utah Governor Spencer Cox’s keynote on “Learning to Disagree Better” adds another layer to this conversation. What makes his message so compelling is its timeliness. In an era of polarization, Cox argues that we’ve turned politics into a religion—and religion into politics. Personally, I think this is one of the most insightful observations of our time.
What this really suggests is that we’ve lost the ability to hold sacred spaces—places where disagreement doesn’t devolve into contempt. Cox’s call for healthy conflict is a reminder that democracy depends on our ability to engage with those we don’t agree with. This isn’t just a political issue; it’s a cultural one. If we can’t learn to disagree better, we risk losing the very fabric of our society.
The Role of Faith in a Secular Age
Here’s where things get really interesting: faith-based colleges aren’t just thriving—they’re outpacing public universities in many areas. But this story isn’t being told widely, and that’s a problem. In my opinion, this isn’t just about marketing; it’s about recognizing the value these institutions bring to the table.
What many people don’t realize is that faith isn’t just a personal choice—it’s a social good. Studies show that religious affiliation is linked to higher levels of happiness and purpose. Yet, on many secular campuses, faith is either ignored or dismissed. This raises a deeper question: Are we doing a disservice to students by not creating spaces where faith can be explored and celebrated?
The Future of Higher Education
If you take a step back and think about it, the success of faith-based colleges isn’t just a trend—it’s a signpost for the future of higher education. As secular institutions grapple with declining trust and enrollment, they might want to look to their faith-based counterparts for inspiration.
From my perspective, the key takeaway is this: education isn’t just about imparting knowledge; it’s about forming whole people. Faith-based colleges are succeeding because they’re addressing both the intellectual and spiritual needs of their students. It’s a model that challenges the status quo—and one that could reshape the way we think about education in the 21st century.
Conclusion: A Call to Reimagining Education
What this conversation really suggests is that we need to rethink our approach to higher education. Faith-based colleges aren’t just surviving—they’re thriving because they’re meeting a fundamental human need: the need for meaning and connection. Personally, I think this is a wake-up call for all of us. Whether you’re religious or not, the lessons from these institutions are universal.
As we move forward, let’s not dismiss faith as irrelevant or outdated. Instead, let’s recognize it as a powerful force for good—one that can bridge divides, foster purpose, and create communities where everyone belongs. After all, isn’t that what education should be about?
