Can we reach Christianity through reasoning alone? How do we go about reaching someone who does believe in reasoning alone? ANSWER



My government professor made it known on the first day of class that his classroom would be a battleground for heated discussions and debates. He believes that homosexuality is as "natural" as heterosexuality. How should I approach my professor with my standards concerning homosexuality without being disrespectful and snappy? ANSWER



In about a month, I'll be heading off to college, but I'm kind of nervous about it. When I come under ungodly influence, what can I do to make sure I don't waiver in my convictions? ANSWER



Do you think a student can belong to a fraternity and still fulfill god's will for his life? ANSWER
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How To Stay Christian In College
by J. Budziszewski

College campuses are overtly hostile to the Christian faith, and many Christian students give in to defeat. But Professor J. Budziszewski will help prepare you and your parents for the challenges you will encounter, and how to successfully overcome them.



Professor Theophilus has been holding office hours since his tenure at Boundless began in 1998, helping his students explore issues ranging from the meaning of life to abortion to the differences between men and women. Enjoy the full list of articles below.

Does It Matter Who You Live With? by J. Budziszewski
In this age of tolerance, you should be able to room with anyone, regardless of their beliefs, right? Not so, says Theophilus.

Katie's Choice by J. Budziszewski
For some singles, the pressure to marry threatens to overwhelm what they really desire.

Missionary Dating by J. Budziszewski
People don't plan to change their opinions, get pregnant, lose their virginity, fall in love with the wrong guy ...or do they?

The Peter Pan Syndrome by J. Budziszewski
Ever feel like running from responsibility? In many ways, college is the perfect place to hide.

Updating Eternity by J. Budziszewski
You hear it all the time: the old beliefs aren't believable any more. But what if you've never even learned what the old beliefs are?

What If We Love Each Other? by J. Budziszewski
Doesn't being in love and planning to get married make pre-marital sex OK? Theophilus wonders what's love got to do with it?

Who's on First? by J. Budziszewski
Are you dating or just friends? Maybe the other person changed the rules. Then again, maybe you just haven't been paying attention.



Office Hours: Full Retreat, Part 2
Tiffany's been telling her unbelieving friend Ruby that her faith in Christ is all sunshine and roses. And Ruby's not falling for it.
 

Office Hours: Full Retreat, Part 1
The student leaders of CrossTalk, a campus ministry, are having a problems planning a retreat to cover the basics of the Christian faith.
 

Office Hours: Praying for the King
But what should we be praying?
 

Office Hours: Just a Game, Part 2
Julie's brother, an atheist, has been playing games with her. Professor Theophilus shows her how to bring them to an end.
 

Office Hours: Just a Game, Part 1
Who created God? Julie is dealing with this question and more from her atheist brother. Professor Theophilus listens, but encourages Julie to quit playing her brother's game.
 

Office Hours: All Those Errors in the Bible, Part 1
Nathan has come to chat with Professor Theophilus about numerous errors he's found in the Bible. Feel free to listen in on their conversation.
 

Absolutely
Professor Theophilus and Nathan discuss absolutes. Do they really exist?
 

Office Hours: Katie's Choice
For some singles, the pressure to marry threatens to overwhelm what they really desire.
 

The Angry Tribe of Opinionated Professors, Part 2
Still searching for answers about handling their professors' hostility, Theophilus' students finish their lunchtime inquisition with the good doctor.
 

The Angry Tribe of Opinionated Professors, Part 1
Just taking a break for lunch, Theophilus gets cornered by some former students who are looking for answers, "Why is it that so many other professors treat us so badly?"
 

Confused about Everything
Just months away from graduation and still without a major, Julie is at Theophilus' door, desperate for some guidance.
 

Nativity
A look at the incarnation through the eyes of Theophilus' many varied students.
 

Jesus Was a Liberal — ?
Lots of people like to think Jesus would be a member of their political party. So would He?
 

Ballot Box Blues
When choosing between candidates, some elections it's easier to decide than others. Or is it?
 

Stifled
When Laura visits her parents' church she feels uncomfortable — she's the only college student there. Shouldn't she find a place more like her student fellowship group?
 

Harem Dating, Part 2
Prof Theo (with a big hand from his wife) straightens out Jordan on sending mixed signals, and on what women really want.
 

Harem Dating, Part 1
There may be more happening in a “group date” than you want to admit.
 

What Are You Afraid Of?
Our thoughts can be scary, especially if we find they’re always about the wrong things.
 

Whirl
Prof Theo talks about calling, zeal and service.
 

Passion
A few thoughts about Gibson’s blockbuster.
 

So-Called Marriage
Prof Theo talks about homosexuality, marriage and the law.
 

Who's Calling?
A little advice on finding God’s will.
 

Unmerry Christmas
What should you do when your family takes the focus of Christmas off Christ?
 

Monkey on My Back
The frustrations of pesky parents and the imperfections of those they’d like us to date.
 

The Worship Mall
Fast food, Sunday services and other consumer products.
 

Biology 101
Evolution was the method God used to create life? Neither the Bible nor your biology prof seem to think so. Professor Theophilus tells us why.
 

I Feel Like, Therefore I Am
Ever know anyone who can’t hear criticism without taking it personally? Meet Julie.
 

Commencement
The graduation address you should hear (but probably won’t).
 

Can War Be Justified?
Christians through the centuries have had ideas on when war is right, when it's wrong, and what the rules are. Theo's teaching a refresher course.
 

The Vixenette
Is trash TV OK as long as you know it's trash? Even if you know the answer's "no," you may not know why.
 

The Big Story
Sarah's professors tell her there's no such thing as absolute truth. Theophilus says even they don't really believe that.
 

To Judge or Not To Judge: Part 2
There are some people we shouldn't hang out with not because we're too good for them, but because we're not good enough.
 

To Judge or Not To Judge: Part 1
What does Jesus mean when He warns us not to “judge”? Not what most people today think He means.
 

Why Should I Believe My Belief?
Sometimes theology can be kid stuff.
 

The Moves
Courtship questions: Should you date someone you know you wouldn't marry? What if you don't want to get married at all? Theo has some words to consider.
 

Who's on First?
Are you dating or "just friends"? Maybe the other person changed the rules. Then again, maybe you just haven't been paying attention.
 

The Failure of Theophilus
Do you ever think of what you should've said when it was too late? So does Theo.
 

How to Become Educated Despite Going to College
Ever feel like your classwork is keeping you from becoming the person you really want to be?
 

Going All the Way
It's one thing to justify your "relationship" to your friends, it's quite another when Theophilus starts calling you on the carpet.
 

Old-Church Burnout
No one's perfect. So why are we surprised when churches follow suit? Once you realize the body's failings, what should you do?
 

The Peter Pan Syndrome
Ever feel like running from responsibility? In many ways, college is the perfect place to hide.
 

College Ruined Her
Sometimes, a trip home for the holidays can be a painful experience. Especially when you've changed.
 

Crisis of Faithlessness
Why do atheists seem so confident in their disbelief? It can be downright unnerving. Don't they ever have any faith crises?
 

Biblicism
After a five-day forum on the Christian voice in intellectual life, Theophilus critiques biblicists for not taking the Bible seriously enough.
 

The Seeker
The last time Theophilus had a conversation with a gay student, the complaints poured in. "That couldn't be a real dialogue, you said." Now that the events are real, the outcome may surprise you.
 

Missionary Dating
People don't plan to change their opinions, get pregnant, lose their virginity, fall in love with the wrong guy ... or do they?
 

Does It Matter Who You Live With?
In this age of tolerance, you should be able to room with anyone, regardless of their beliefs, right? Not so, says Theophilus.
 

Homophobia: An Unfinished Story
Accused of being homophobic, Theophilus goes toe-to-toe with a gay student.
 

Journey to the Edge of Night
When Don's roommate turns on him, Don turns to Theophilus for some advice.
 

Tough Talking
Many readers have asked questions about how to talk about their faith in tough situations. This month Professor Theophilus takes a break from his usual format to answer a few of them.
 

Theophilus Gives a Speech
Brought before his doubting peers, Theophilus shows them why truth can be known and why everyone, at their core, has faith in something.
 

Even Without the Bible, God Speaks
Last month Theophilus talked with Mary about faith and reason and homosexuality, this month they resume their conversation.
 

Is All Faith Blind?
Is morality ever a good reason to pass a law? Is religion defensible on secular grounds? Theophilus thinks so.
 

Can We Be Good Without God?
Goodness is a state of mind says conventional wisdom. But can we really be good if left to ourselves? In other words, can we be good without God?
 

Accused!
“But I'm not intolerant,” you insist. Is it possible to move beyond the labels to true debate? Dr. Theophilus says “yes” and shows you how.
 

A War of Words
Why true tolerance is a lot different than you might think.
 

A Skeptical View of Christianity
It may be more biblical than you realize.