Worse than that, the teaching of Christian colleges often includes a strong emphasis on ‘higher criticism’ particularly within the religion departments. This is even more harmful than the straightforward atheistic/naturalistic teaching presented at secular schools – this students can more easily be prepared to fend off. The partial mixing of truth, compromise, and illogical positions being taught in so many Christian schools is enough to make any parent reconsider sending their children anywhere for college.

In Already Compromised Ham presents the findings of another Answers in Genesis survey conducted by Britt Beemer of America’s Research Group. Ham then explores these findings as he skillfully points out the discrepancies between what school officials claim they believe and what they actually believe. It is a tricky business to be sure. Ham of course focuses upon determining if school officials hold to a literal understanding of Genesis. While this certainly isn’t the only measure of ones Christianity (and Ham makes this clear), it does clearly point to whether an individual is holding solely to the teaching of scripture as the foundation of their worldview or if they are muddying the waters with man-made theories and trying to integrate them (in often preposterous ways) with scripture.

Far more than exploring the beliefs held at major Christian colleges however, Greg Hall of Warner University also writes chapters on worldview to help parents and college-going students understand the battle that is before them. There are also helpful appendices included that point out some of the major fallacious teachings that students are likely to find at colleges to help families prepare to counter them with truth. An appendix including fifteen questions to ask colleges to determine their worldview and the answers you are ideally looking to hear provides an invaluable tool for evaluating whether colleges take Genesis at its word.

Though this is a fairly short book it took me some time to read through. The worldview sections were hard slogging at times, and some of the theories put forth by professors in their attempts to reconcile an old earth with believing in a literal Adam and Eve were…bizarre at best. Ham doesn’t hesitate to call people on the mat by name and to quote from them directly in order to point out their errors. The book is incredibly well annotated, with copious references, and a wealth of scripture – always nice to see.

While Ham’s findings aren’t particularly surprising to me, they are unfortunate. We have never felt led to send our children away for college and this only serves to strengthen our conviction – I’m glad that more online learning options are becoming available as technology progresses.

For families who do feel led to send their children away to college – this book is a must read. It will help you prepare for what you might find even on Christian campuses (only in terms of worldview – moral conduct is another issue entirely!) and teach you how to screen potential institutes of learning before handing over your children. Dig in, Already Compromised is wildly thought provoking!

Reviewed at quiverfullfamily.com