Biola U vs. Point Loma?

ShortyPez · 02-03-2011, 11:31 PM

Applied to both and hoping to get in to both. Transferring from another small, private, Christian school up north.
Looking for a great next few years.
Social Work major. Also studying Spanish. Into Urban Missions and Study Abroad.
Outgoing and social. I'm a Christian, raised Evangelical. Generally, accepting and open-minded. Politically moderate.
I love, love, love the location of PLNU, but keep reading negative reviews.
Biola gets great reviews but sounds SUPER Christian-y, which can be suffocating.
Basically, which would you recommend?

BaseballFanatic123 · 02-06-2011, 06:21 PM

Biola is not super Christian-y. My sister attends and loves the balance that is there. I would go to Biola over Point Loma in a heart beat. Also, La Mirada is a beautiful place, i loved it when I visited.

sbjdorlo · 02-07-2011, 04:00 AM

OP, do you care about doctrine at a college? Pt. Loma and Biola are *very* different doctrinally. Yes, Biola is more "Christiany" in the sense that doctrinally, it's more aligned with historic Christianity than Pt. Loma. Pt. Loma has some very unbiblical views on a number of things, IMO. Understand going in that Pt. Loma isn't what people might call a "Christian" college, though there are many Christians on campus and some very nice kids and teachers. And yes, it's a gorgeous location. My son audited a physics class there about 3 years ago and he loved his professor.

I know a number of students at both schools. They all seem pretty happy. Those at Pt. Loma have had to learn to really think about what they believe and defend their faith because of the more "progressive" way of thinking. If this seems to be more of a match philisophically for you, then Pt. Loma would be your place.

ShortyPez · 02-08-2011, 06:00 PM

Thank you both for your thoughts, those are good things to know.
As far as my personal thoughts or doctrines, it's hard for me to define. I was raised Evangelical but am more so leaning away from that. I am looking for both a church and campus with a genuine and welcoming community, something authentic. Also, any Christian campus that is truly accepting (of different racial/cultural backgrounds, religions, homosexuality, etc.) is a place I would be comfortable.
And I will be looking to be involved in urban missions off campus. I'll also be looking for a church in the area, no particular denomination. I'm young, yes, but strong in my faith. I love God and others and am truly looking for that place where that is important, more so than theology.

susgeek · 02-08-2011, 11:23 PM

Westmont College might also be worth a look.

Westmont | A Christian, Liberal Arts College in Santa Barbara, California

BaseballFanatic123 · 02-09-2011, 10:50 AM

There are many great churches around Biola, and the student community is very strong

tracyvp · 04-07-2011, 08:51 PM

If you're looking for a more "inclusive" and "tolerant" environment, especially when it comes to accepting other religions, then Biola will not be a good fit for you. Every student is required sign a very specific and unambiguous statement of Faith that you might not be comfortable with. They are also required to sign a contract regarding behaviors involving alcohol and tobacco that might not feel right to you.

If you are "leaning away" from your Christian upbringing I am pretty sure you will not be happy at Biola.

OhYeahAbby · 05-01-2011, 09:03 PM

I was thinking
Point Loma Vs. Biola Vs. APU Vs. Vanguard
& have decided
APU(:
look into it.
although tolerant of homosexuality.