Pensacola Christian College

By Brian on Mar 20, 2006

Wow. I couldn’t make this up if I tried. It wouldn’t seem realistic.

From The Chronicle of Higher Education (subscription required):

A College That’s Strictly Different
Secretive Pensacola Christian controls student life with tough regulations and unwritten rules
By THOMAS BARTLETT

Pensacola, Fla.

The campus looks just like the glossy brochure: clean, green, and beautiful. The students are well dressed and well groomed, not a pair of jeans or scrappy goatee in sight. Inside the Commons building, two students engage in a spirited game of Ping-Pong. When one of them misses an easy shot, he cries, “Praise the Lord!”

Pensacola Christian College prides itself on being different, not just from secular colleges, but from fellow Christian ones, too. Some of those differences, like the way students dress, are obvious to any visitor. Others are not. Since its founding, more than 30 years ago, Pensacola has blossomed from a tiny Bible college into a thriving institution of nearly 5,000 students. Along the way it has become known as among the most conservative — and most secretive — colleges in the country.

Not to mention one of the strictest. The rules at Pensacola govern every aspect of students’ lives, including the books they read, the shoes they wear, the churches they attend, and the people they date. Many of those regulations are spelled out in a handbook sent to students after they enroll, but there are plenty of unwritten rules as well. Demerits are common and discipline swift.

It’s all in the name of preserving Pensacola’s “distinctives” — the word the college uses for what sets it apart. But many former students say the enforcement of the rules is often cruel and capricious. Dissent is never tolerated, they say, and expulsions for seemingly minor infractions are routine.

They also complain that Pensacola plays down (or never mentions) an important fact: It is not accredited. For many students, that lack of accreditation has not been a problem; for some, however, it has meant starting college over elsewhere or being rejected by employers.

In keeping with its distrust of outsiders, Pensacola’s administration declined repeatedly to comment for this article. A spokesman says college officials “don’t want to stir up a hornet’s nest.” But as interviews with dozens of current and former students make clear, the buzzing has already begun.

The Rule Book

Lisa Morris was walking to class with her boyfriend last October when something happened. At first Ms. Morris, a sophomore music major, is reluctant to divulge the details. Eventually, however, the truth comes out: He patted her behind.

Someone who witnessed the incident reported Ms. Morris and her boyfriend. At Pensacola any physical contact between members of the opposite sex is forbidden. (Members of the same sex may touch, although the college condemns homosexuality.) The forbidden contact includes shaking hands and definitely includes patting behinds. Both students were expelled.

Of Pensacola’s many rules, those dealing with male-female relationships are the most talked about. There are restrictions on when and where men and women may speak to each other. Some elevators and stairwells may be used only by women; others may be used only by men. Socializing on particular benches is forbidden. If a man and a woman are walking to class, they may chat; if they stop en route, though, they may be in trouble. Generally men and women caught interacting in any “unchaperoned area” — which is most of the campus — could be subject to severe penalties.

Those rules extend beyond the campus. A man and a woman cannot go to an off-campus restaurant together without a chaperon (usually a faculty member). Even running into members of the opposite sex off campus can lead to punishment. One student told of how a group of men and a group of women from the college happened to meet at a McDonald’s last spring. Both groups were returning from the beach (they had gone to separate beaches; men and women are not allowed to be at the beach together). The administration found out, and all 15 students were expelled.

Even couples who are not talking or touching can be reprimanded. Sabrina Poirier, a student at Pensacola who withdrew in 1997, was disciplined for what is known on the campus as “optical intercourse” — staring too intently into the eyes of a member of the opposite sex. This is also referred to as “making eye babies.” While the rule does not appear in written form, most students interviewed for this article were familiar with the concept.

As she tells it, Ms. Poirier was not gazing lovingly at her boyfriend; he had something in his eye. But officials didn’t buy her explanation, and she and her boyfriend were both “socialed,” she says.

There are three levels of official punishment at Pensacola (four, if you count expulsion). Students can be “socialed,” “campused,” or “shadowed.” Students who are socialed are not allowed to talk to members of the opposite sex for two weeks. Those who are campused may not leave the college grounds for two weeks or speak to other campused students.

Being shadowed is the worst of the three. Shadowed students are assigned to a “floor leader” for several days. A floor leader is a student who is paid by the college and has the power to issue demerits. Shadowed students must attend the floor leader’s classes and sleep in the floor leader’s room. During this time, the shadowed student is not allowed to talk to anyone but the floor leader. Shadowing is usually a prelude to expulsion.

Ms. Poirier was later told she would be shadowed after being spotted riding in a car in mixed company. She tried to explain that it was an innocent outing, but to no avail. When told she would be shadowed, Ms. Poirier decided to withdraw. “I said ’screw it’ and I left,” she says.

There are plenty of other ways to run afoul of the rules. Last spring Timothy Dow was caught playing the video game Halo 2. Such games are banned by the college. Movies are also forbidden, including those rated G. Music is restricted to classical or approved Christian (”contemporary Christian” artists are deemed too worldly). Students are allowed to watch television news at 6 o’clock, but that’s it. The TVs are controlled by college employees, who flip a switch to black out the commercials, lest students see anything inappropriate.

In the library, books and magazines are censored. One student says she saw a pair of black-marker boxer shorts on a photograph of Michelangelo’s David. Any books that students wish to read that are not in the library must first be approved by administrators. Those containing references to “magic,” for instance, are normally rejected. The rule book specifically prohibits “fleshly magazines and books.”

For playing the video game, Mr. Dow was campused. Later, in the cafeteria, he ran into a friend who had just been expelled. Mr. Dow had been told not to talk to his friend, who had previously been campused. But he figured it would be OK now that his friend was leaving. “I gave him a hug and said, ‘See you later, man,’” he says.

Someone witnessed the exchange and turned Mr. Dow in. Students routinely turn each other in for violating rules and are rewarded by the administration for doing so. According to several former students, those who report classmates are more likely to become floor leaders.

Mr. Dow was called to the office of the dean of men, where, he says, he waited for about four hours. Then he was expelled.

In The Beginning

Pensacola Christian College is “an idea that came from God,” according to its Web site. The college was founded in 1974 by Arlin Horton, who remains its president. It is Baptist but is not affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention or any similar organization. Both Mr. Horton and his wife, Rebekah, are graduates of Bob Jones University. While it appears that he copied his alma mater’s demerit system and some of its rules, there is a longstanding rift between the two institutions.

Several years ago, Pensacola publicly criticized Bob Jones University for using translations of the Bible other than the King James Version. (Pensacola’s policy is that the King James is the only divinely inspired English translation.) A group of Bob Jones faculty members fired off a lengthy letter responding to the attack.

It is true that students at Bob Jones are permitted to consult other English translations of the Bible. In the letter, however, Bob Jones professors objected to the implication that the university was not faithful to the word of God. “PCC appears to be bent on claiming exclusive right to the higher ground of Fundamentalism — in lofty isolation, not only from BJU, but from virtually every other Fundamental Bible college and seminary,” they wrote.

A representative of Bob Jones University declined to talk about the bad blood between the colleges.

When Pensacola opened its doors, it had one building and 100 students. Its mission was to offer an education “based on the Christian traditional approach in contrast to the humanistic, progressive systems of education.” Since then, as it has grown to nearly 5,000 students, it has built a large, gated campus featuring an art-and-music center with a 140-seat recital hall and recording studio; a 137,000-square-foot sports center with a basketball court, ice-skating rink, 12-lane bowling alley, four-lane jogging track, miniature golf course, and racquetball courts. There is a cafeteria, an on-campus restaurant, and a 300,000-volume library.

The campus also has several computer labs and wireless Internet access, although there is a catch. In the mid-1990s, Pensacola had e-mail and limited Internet access, but it shut the services down after several students started an online newsletter criticizing the college. (Needless to say, the students who created the newsletter were expelled.) Internet access was not restored until last year, and it comes with significant restrictions. There are a few hundred approved Web sites; students must ask permission to visit any other site. Amazon and eBay, for instance, are reportedly not on the approved list. Several students say they leave the campus to surf the Web.

Pensacola’s success can be chalked up in part to its reputation. It is known as perhaps the strictest Christian college in the country, one that has criticized Bob Jones, of all places, for being too liberal. For those searching for a college that is more-Christian-than-thou, Pensacola is it. It has found a marketing niche.

But that is not the only reason for its growth. Along with the college, Mr. Horton founded A Beka Books, acknowledged as the largest Christian-textbook company in the world. A Beka sells textbooks to more than 10,000 Christian schools across the country, offering a complete curriculum for kindergarten through 12th grade. It has also won a big share of the lucrative home-school market.

The company brings in about $70-million in annual revenue and is valued at $280-million, according to Dun & Bradstreet. A sizable chunk of that revenue goes to support the college, which does not come close to breaking even on its own. According to its 2003 tax filing, the university collected $20-million in tuition and fees and $3-million from contributions. The filing attributes $15-million in income to “royalties,” presumably from A Beka.

In the mid-90s, A Beka paid nearly $50-million in back taxes after the Internal Revenue Service ruled that it should have been classified as a for-profit entity. The college itself remains nonprofit.

Revenue from A Beka helps keep costs extremely low. Students pay $6,000 a year for tuition, room, and board. That’s about a third or a quarter of what most other Christian colleges cost. When asked what other colleges they considered, Pensacola students often mention Bob Jones, Cedarville University, Northland Baptist Bible College, and Abilene Christian University. Cost is usually cited as the deciding factor.

Just as the textbook company helps support the college, the college helps support the textbook company. Many of Pensacola’s students work for A Beka, operating binding equipment, packing books into boxes, loading those boxes onto forklifts. Some students complain about the working conditions; others say it’s a good deal. For women, A Beka is usually the only employment option because they are not allowed to hold off-campus jobs. Or leave the campus alone, for that matter.

In the world of Christian colleges, Pensacola is an oddity. It is not a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. It has little to do with other institutions. Several administrators at other Christian colleges declined to discuss Pensacola on the record for fear of seeming critical. One said he did not know enough to speak knowledgeably because Pensacola keeps mostly to itself.

While not wanting to criticize Pensacola, Carl A. Ruby, vice president for student life at Cedarville, in Ohio, emphasizes that his university doesn’t take the “bad-kid approach” to discipline. “On major issues of Christian doctrine, we are probably always on the same page,” he writes in an e-mail message. “In terms of living out our faith on a daily basis, significant differences emerge.”

Too Much? Or Just Right?

So Pensacola is strict. Sometimes very strict.

Is that necessarily a bad thing?

Not really, according to Isaac Blakely. “You get tired of some of the rules, but all in all the rules are not that hard to deal with if you have the right attitude about it,” he says.

Mr. Blakely, a senior commercial-art major, had a friend who was socialed for “sitting too close to a girl.” One semester Mr. Blakely himself came perilously close to getting kicked out by racking up 118 demerits. (A total of 150 means automatic expulsion.) The demerits were for small offenses, like forgetting to empty his dorm-room trash can or failing to properly clean the sink. Rooms are inspected regularly, and students who do not meet cleanliness standards are given demerits.

Even so, Mr. Blakely is loath to complain. “If PCC didn’t put restrictions on us, I would wonder about their standards,” he says. “I’m glad they’re doing it.”

Mena Ghobrial doesn’t mind the rules, either. “At first I thought it was too strict, but it helps me concentrate on my studies,” says the senior pre-med major. Mr. Ghobrial, who is from Egypt, thinks that some of the restrictions, such as making students sign out when they leave the campus and write down where they are going, help keep them safe.

Others are less enthusiastic about Pensacola’s approach. Lisa Daxer transferred to Cedarville from Pensacola. Like other conservative Christian colleges, Cedarville has its share of rules. For instance, students may not drink alcohol on or off the campus, even if they are over 21. They are also forbidden to listen to music that comes with a parental-advisory sticker. Most forms of dancing are banned (ballet is OK).

That’s fine with Ms. Daxer, who has no desire to attend a more permissive secular college.

Her problems with Pensacola go beyond the rules. Administrators there equate loyalty to the college with obedience to God in a way she finds objectionable. “They used to say that being at PCC is God’s will for our lives,” she says. “So walking out of PCC would be breaking God’s will for our lives. Then I’ve heard them say that you might end up dying because God can’t use you anymore.”

Darrell Dow has heard much the same thing. “There is this idea that if you go against us, you’re going against God,” he says. Mr. Dow graduated from Pensacola in 2003 with a degree in computer science, but by then he already felt disillusioned. (Timothy Dow, who was kicked out for hugging a recently expelled friend, is Darrell Dow’s cousin.) He says because rules can be “made up on the spot,” it seems impossible to abide by all of them. “There’s a feeling of helplessness and a spirit of fear,” he says. “Not to put too fine a point on it, but there’s a very 1984 feel to the place.”

Matthew Arnold agrees. He graduated from Pensacola in 1998 with a degree in commercial art and graphic design; his younger sister attends the college “going against all the advice I ever gave,” he says. Mr. Arnold is active in an online forum for former students, where many complain about the college and trade their best, or worst, stories. Some even call themselves “survivors” of the institution. Others, though, temper their criticism with fond regard.

Mr. Arnold argues that because the college claims that its authority comes directly from God, students who feel mistreated are put in an extremely awkward position. There is another, more practical fear as well, he says: Getting kicked out might mean starting over because other colleges might not accept unaccredited Pensacola’s credits. “You live in terror of losing all the money you’ve put into the college,” he says.

When Adam Peters enrolled at Pensacola, he believed that “the Lord wanted me to go there.” But last fall he accumulated 111 demerits and was asked to sit out for a semester. Mr. Peters, a junior majoring in Bible studies, says he has started “to see a lot of the weaknesses” in Pensacola’s system. “I can’t shut my eyes to those, even though there are strengths,” he says.

From his perspective, there are indeed strengths. Christianity is woven throughout the curriculum. Creationism is taught in science courses. Classes begin with a prayer. Along with mandatory chapel services, students must attend the campus church three times every week; they are not allowed to go to another church unless they are from the Pensacola area, and even then they need special permission. Mandatory small-group prayer meetings are held in the evenings.

A strong Christian emphasis is part of what Mr. Peters wanted in a college. But he has become disturbed by how Pensacola exerts its considerable power over students’ lives. He is also bothered by how many of his friends have left the college. “One day they’re there, and the next it’s like, ‘Where’s Samantha? Oh, she got kicked out,’” he says. “They won’t spell things out, and then they’ll yank you. There’s not always a lot of mercy there.”

Insurmountable Problems

Several previously unaccredited Christian colleges, like Bob Jones, have recently become candidates for accreditation. Pensacola, however, has shown no interest in outside approval of any kind. Nor does it advertise its unaccredited status. A search of the Web site turns up no mention of accreditation. It is not mentioned in the college’s viewbook either, which dedicates four pages to sports activities and two to campus facilities.

It is mentioned, in small print, on the inside flap of the course catalog: “Pensacola Christian College has never made application for regional accreditation as the College believes it would jeopardize the College’s philosophical distinctives.” The catalog goes on to say that getting other colleges to accept Pensacola’s credits “has seldom been an insurmountable problem.”

It was an insurmountable problem for Abel Harding. Near the end of his junior year, Mr. Harding placed a sign on his dorm-room door that said, “Welcome to the Party Room.” He glued cutouts from a magazine, including a beer bottle, to the poster. It was meant as a joke, he says, because the very idea that he would have beer in his room was laughable.

The administration didn’t see it that way. Mr. Harding was shadowed for three days.

That was one of several run-ins he had with the administration. All students join a “collegian,” Pensacola’s version of the Greek system. Mr. Harding’s collegian was nicknamed “the Scorpions” and one member got a tattoo of a scorpion to demonstrate his loyalty. Tattoos are not allowed, and the student was campused. In protest Mr. Harding and his fellow collegians wore all black to chapel one day. They were forced to leave the service and told they would be expelled if they wore black to chapel again.

The shadowing, however, was the tipping point. Even though the administration told Mr. Harding that he could return for his senior year, he decided to withdraw.

“I just couldn’t deal with it anymore,” he says.

He applied to the University of Florida and was told that none of his credits would transfer. “I had to start over,” he says. So, after three years at Pensacola, he enrolled as a freshman at nearby Santa Fe Community College and later transferred to Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, from which he eventually graduated.

He says he called Pensacola for help, and offi-cials there provided none: “There’s no label that says, ‘We’re not accredited.’ How many 18-year-olds know enough to ask that?”

When he was a student, Mr. Harding traveled with a singing group that promoted Pensacola. When prospective students asked about accreditation, Mr. Harding says the singers were instructed to tell them that Harvard and Yale are not accredited, either, and so accreditation doesn’t matter. (Harvard and Yale, for the record, are accredited.)

Lack of accreditation has been a problem for Amy Brown, too. She graduated from Pensacola in 2003 with a degree in early-childhood education. But because the college is not accredited, she cannot teach in public schools, she says. She had no idea what accreditation was before enrolling at Pensacola. “I never tried to transfer,” she writes in an e-mail message, “because I had friends that did and ended up with all of their credits as electives,” meaning that they had to retake required courses.

Mr. Ghobrial, the student from Egypt who doesn’t mind the rules, wants to attend dental school. His first choice, West Virginia University, has already said it would not consider his application, because Pensacola is not accredited. “I’m hoping they change their minds,” he says.

Many Christian colleges do accept Pensacola’s credits, as do some secular institutions. Several former students say they have had no difficulty transferring credits or applying for jobs. But others have. And as more states crack down on degrees from unaccredited colleges, it may get even tougher for Pensacola graduates.

Donald Barber asked about accreditation before he enrolled. The first time he asked, he says, a college representative evaded the question. Then the representative said it wasn’t important. “I had to ask three more times before he said no.”

Mr. Barber left the college in 2004 after “butting heads” with administrators over an event he was planning. He wanted to invite a speaker from Bob Jones to an off-campus Christian-revival meeting. Pensacola officials told him he could not. “I was appalled by that,” Mr. Barber says.

He did not object to the college’s many rules. But he did mind that Pensacola’s leaders would not tolerate dissent of any kind. “I felt like it stifled my personality,” he says.

Students interviewed for this article were asked whether they would recommend the college. Some, even a few who had strong criticisms of the college, said they would. Others said absolutely not. Matthew Arnold, whose sister enrolled in Pensacola against his advice, argues that it depends a lot on the student. “If God told them to go, then there’s not a lot you can do about it,” he says.

But, he adds, they should know what they’re getting into.

184 Comment(s)

According to this news broadcast, it doesn’t appear the
administration is doing a very good job at keeping them apart! Maybe they should
get demerits for that?

http://www.sermonaudio.com/new_details.asp?ID=21269

Tony Rose | Mar 25, 2006 | Reply
Such a sad and scary story. No wonder people want nothing to do with Christianity. They sure are not teaching the students how to think for themselves, take personal responsibility, and how to live in the real world. They certainly will leave handicapped and somewhat close-minded.

Existential Punk | Mar 27, 2006 | Reply
Wow! I am the mother of a preschooler looking into preschools. Several that I have spoken to referred to using the “A Beka” curriculum. Upon researching it, I came across this site. Now that I know the origin of the curriculum, I TOTALLY understand the creepy feelings that I got when visiting some of the schools using this curriculum. I mean they had 3 year olds sitting at little desks in rows tracing letters SILENTLY. They seemed like little robots. That doesn’t seem normal or natural to me. I think I am going to cross those off of my list, just based on principle. I do NOT want to support PCC. Eww!

Melissa | Mar 31, 2006 | Reply
I came across the A Beka name many times as I was searching for homeschooling curriculum. I had NO idea that this is where it was coming from. I’m glad I didn’t buy any…I certainly don’t want to support PCC and I will pass on to other moms this information also.

Unbelievable.
Thanks!

Kinda | Apr 1, 2006 | Reply
I’m a pastor in VA as well as a PCC graduate. I did not care for many of the policies at the college but I chose to go there anyway. The issue is not the rules, but understanding that each student signs a form saying that they will abide by the college’s policies.

As ridiculous as some of the rules where, when I signed that form, I gave my word that I would abide by PCC’s policies. I had the choice to not sign it and go to another school.

The problem is not rules but having the wrong attitude.

Do I live by the standards that I chose to live by while attending PCC? No. In fact I would be considered by PCC as having lowered my “standards” because I do not preach with a suit and tie and our worship service is filled with wonderful modern worship music. Do I allow PCC’s opinion bother me? No.

My existing conservative theology was fortified while attending PCC. After I graduated, I went on with my life and my ministry and I left the rules that I did not care about behind me.

Attitude is everything.

Ed | Apr 1, 2006 | Reply
My good god,that sucks! i have half a mind to join,and play video games all day,have my hair dyed bright pink and then……..go out with someone!!! my god this is twisted-GET A FRICKEN LIFE YOU SADOS!-Emma xx

Emma | Apr 6, 2006 | Reply
The way I see it, this place trys to control you from day one of going there. From the sounds of things, I wonder why people would want to go there in the first place, some of those rules are just pathetic. Telling you what you can read, where you can go, who you can date.

If I went there, I wouldn’t last a day with my music tastes and love of literiature (I am a BIG Harry Potter fan)

Ste | Apr 6, 2006 | Reply
Ed, you are right, “attitude IS everything.” That’s cool that you were able to go there and get your “conservative theology fortified” and be honest to your commitment to the rules, while also being discerning enough to leave the dribble behind. Sounds like you have the attitude of a person who doesn’t really need such rules.

Emma, Ed is right, “attitude is everything.” In your three sentences you managed to get in two blasphemies, an f-word euphemism, a name calling, and display an incredibly rebellious heart. Sounds like you have the attitude of a person who really does need such rules.

Tony Rose | Apr 7, 2006 | Reply
Yay! Let’s have a perfect world where everyone is straight and conservative and loves Jesus! YAY!!

>_>;;

Seriously… that’s so unrealistic. College is supposed to be your first step into the real world, yes?

Ben | Apr 9, 2006 | Reply
Agreeing with Ben on this majorly.

This place is trying you back 100 years, and its suppose to be preparing you for the future

Ste | Apr 18, 2006 | Reply
Unfortunately, this article sheds nothing new on the rules at Pensacola. These rules have been in place for years, and unless there are major shake-ups in the administration, there are unlikely to change. A friend who attended there for a year once told me that the rules were so convoluted that she could get in trouble for walking through the hallway in her dorm wearing only her underwear (men are never allowed in women’s dorms, and vice versa), but she wouldn’t be technically in trouble for walking around stark naked. Just bizarre…

The other thing that struck me is how much the school encourages students to report other students’ “infractions.” When I was a child, I usually got in trouble for tattle-telling, but here at a university (a dubious word to use for PCC), it’s encouraged!

Matt B. | May 4, 2006 | Reply
I am a conservative Christian. Assuming all of the article’s content is accurate, I too have a problem with some of their policies. However, this is a school for conservative Christians. If you are not like-minded, you should not go. I would not want my children to attend the liberal state universities that promote worldviews that I am opposed to. It always amazes me how Christians are called “hateful and intolerant.” It is unacceptable to judge others’ lifestyles unless you are judging Christians. Then anything goes.

Louise | May 6, 2006 | Reply
I went to PCC, I can’t tell you what issues I went through upon arriving home. Everything from being afraid of other people touching me to losing my faith alltogether for a while.

If you choose to go to school here, be careful. You will either change what you believe and who you are, or you will learn to be decietful and lie about who you are so that you can stay. You will not leave unchanged. My mother looked at me and said “You don’t laugh. Where is that joy? That smile that you were famous for?” I’ll tell you where it was. It was lost in the trying to be perfect, in the trying to BUY my way into heaven with my supposed perfection and lifestyle. Since leaving, I’m happy to say that I’ve found peace and joy again. I’ve even found my faith again.

Dare | May 8, 2006 | Reply
We may not agree with the rules of Pensacola (I most certainly do not), but what can we do about it? Nothing. It’s a private university and can therefore choose to make whatever rules it wants. I was kind of surprised however, at this statement in the article:
“When asked what other colleges they considered, Pensacola students often mention Bob Jones, Cedarville University, Northland Baptist Bible College, and Abilene Christian University.”
I’ll be at Abilene Christian next year… and it is nothing like that… whatsoever. The fact that it’s even mentioned in comparision to a school such as Pensacola is quite shocking. That being said, not all Christian colleges are insane like this university.

Kimmy T. | May 20, 2006 | Reply
I think that what is going on is crazy. If I was shawdowed by someone I am telling you that the shadower will not make it out alive. This just makes me want to enroll so I can buck on the whole school system. They better watch out because on judgement day they will be held accountable for what they have done and that is a lot of blood on there hands. God gives us a chance to choose life or death..

Ang | May 27, 2006 | Reply
poeple with power over others are alwalys tainted no matter what convictons they have. pcc has power and it abuses it. this happens everywhere, revolution is better than complaint. humble revolt via govt help can be used.

jack frenzy | May 29, 2006 | Reply
I think that most of the people quoted on this website need to think about their “heart condition” before they say these things about PCC. I go to PCC and I love it. I appreciate the standards of the school and believe that they are Biblically based. I know some of the people that are talked about in this newsletter and you are not getting the whole story. If you don’t like to conform to the rules that are at PCC, then don’t go or if you already attend, then leave.

Hannah Minteer | May 29, 2006 | Reply
I am in the ministry and have several children. Four of them attended PCC and three graduated (the other quit after one semester). All three of the graduates married PCC classmates and have done very well in their young lives. One received a full scholarship to the University of Edinboro and graduated with a PhD and is now teaching in a state university. Another became a stock broker, retired after 10 years, and is now a building contractor. The third is married to a successful Washington lobbyiest. All are actively serving the Lord in their local churches and they have given us 12 grandchildren. PCC gave them not only the academic background but also taught them character traits to become successful in life. I hope that our grandchildren will attend PCC also.

Roger | May 31, 2006 | Reply
I graduated from PCC. I got in trouble for having had one sip of a pina colada while I was home for the summer. BUT, the rules DO keep you safe. If a guy shows interest in a girl, she knows it’s not about what he can get! I learned that submitting to God brings joy–I didn’t think of it as submitting to PCC, because I was free to leave if I wanted to. When I graduated, my smile and joy were intact, the silly rules were left behind, and I was VERY well prepared for my career. Living in the world now, I sometimes wish I could visit PCC just to have a oasis from seeing and hearing sin. Even if some students have rebellious hearts, it’s a refreshing place for those who don’t.

Alice Corbett | Jun 1, 2006 | Reply
That’s a great attitude Alice. Thanks for sharing with us.

Tony

Tony Rose | Jun 1, 2006 | Reply
Let me say a word to those who have attended and to those who only know PCC by what they hear second hand.

I sent my two daughter to PCC because it had rules and because it was strict. I have no regrets and neither do they. I would rather a school have too many rules than too few. The school I attended changed its rules and lowered its standards. I didn’t raise my daughters for eighteen years to send them off and have them hurt by people who live by lowered standards.

Their education at PCC was second to none. One is an elementary teacher, and has been recommended for entry in Who’s, Who for the past three years. She is also certified to teach by the State of Florida. So much for those who complain about no certification. She is constantly used to show other teachers how to teach in her pulbic school.
Our second daughter graduated in nursing and has done so well she was asked to work in management.
She did such a wonderful job that they asked her to manage not one, but two floors of the hospital. Recently she received the highest rating of any manager in the hospital.
Both of our son’s-in-law attended PCC and are doing great. One graduated in Business and went on to graduate in a 2nd program from South Carolina. He now works as a head accountant. The other took broadcasting and works for a Christian T.V. station.

They all faced the rules and they all had diffenent experiences, but they didn’t come out bitter, they came out better.

After they graduated my wife worked for PCC for six years and even served on the appeals committee. I know how much she cared and I know how much the staff cared for students. I love PCC and being there is a lot like Heaven to me. Notice I didn’t say it was Heaven. It’s not perfect, but it is a great place. I would recommend it to any person young or old who wants to live for Jesus Christ.

Abeka books for those of you who wonder is the best material you can use in the whole wide world. We used the material before we even knew who printed it back in 1977 to teach our daughter in first grade. Our grandchildren are using it and the results are evident. It’s great material and I don’t profit one cent by saying this. I know first hand how good the material is. I would credit the material with leading both of our grandkids to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ at an early age.

Notice this, I’m not attacking anyone. I feel sorry for anyone hurt. I know students who were expelled. I know some that were disciplined.I spent three years in the army and it was not fun. The problem wasn’t the army it was me. The army isn’t for everyone and neither is PCC. The difference is I’m not writing about how bad the army is. Let me encourage you to move on and not spend your time tearing PCC down. From my experience and that of my daughters, it was and is a caring place and a learning place. It is not a perfect place. Anyone can tear down. Let me encourage you to spend your time trying to build something up. Get over being mad and find something to make you glad.If your faith has been hurt or your spirit made bitter, the only one celebrating it is the Devil and his crowd.

Frank | Jun 13, 2006 | Reply
I don’t understand why people feel the need to sit around at computers and attack a christian organization. Pensacola Christian College is accountable to God for the way that it influences young people, but the students (graduated, trasferred, or expelled) are also accountable to God for the way that they handle their lives and the way that they react to authority. I am a current student of PCC, and am extremely thankful for the way that Pensacola has helped me to mature, grow spiritually, and mentally. My decision to attend PCC is not a reflection of low intelligence on my part in any way, shape, or form. The faculty and staff has been so great to help me when I needed leadership, encouragement, a kind word, or even a listening ear. I encourage those who feel that they have been called by God to a Christian college to check into PCC. Not everyone should go there, but there are many who have attended, are attending, or will attend in the future. There is no reason for people to try to convince them otherwise. I’m sorry that some have had bad experiences, but there are many who have had wonderful experiences at PCC. Yes, the rules are difficult and sometimes irritating, but part of growing up is being able to follow rules enforced upon you even though they are not convenient or to your liking. I would not hire someone in the future who would not be willing to follow the rules of my organization. Good luck to All PCC students. Keep pressing on. God Bless.

minnie | Jun 20, 2006 | Reply
I am a student at PCC. The whole article takes the truth out of context. I love my school and see nothing wrong with it. I have awesome friends. My college experience is the same as other college students, minus the drunken parties, illicit sex, and other things that I’m glad I’m missing!
A school is a place to study—which I think many people forget!

A Boyd | Jun 23, 2006 | Reply
I would LOVE to see PCC’s Theology department;

I attend a Baptist “Christian” High School in Rosemount, MN that shadows the EXACT rules as the college, yet strictly applied to High school students.

I asked a Pastor at my school, “What is your take on Calvinism v.s. Arminianism?” He did not even KNOW what the word “arminian” meant and, when he discovered it’s definition, he held a private meeting with me alone and gently asked me to not discuss the debate in the eyesight of other students, because it might “shift their thinking away from the doctrine the school teaches as the ‘right’ doctrine of salvation”.

Parallel with THIS event the school restricted a group of students - knowing it was God’s will to start a STUDENT-LED Bible study - because the Bible study would be discussing debatable doctrines of Theology w/out the bias of the school’s beliefs. Premis: If you believe anything other than the school’s beliefs you are “of a false doctrine” and “pharasees are of false doctrines”, therefore (according ot their logic) making one a hypocrite, which means one diserves Hell by virtue of one’s “heretical doctrine”! (One of my friends was commanded by the same Pastor at our school: “You should question if you are TRUELY saved”. He was told this, because he had hair that was - (no exageration added) - an eighth of an inch too long and therefore showed “materialistic rebellion”!)

If one studies doctrines concerning the Sovereignty of God exegeting only, of course, the Infallible, Inspired, Holy Word of God one will find - using a True, Biblcial Worldview - that Pensecola Christian College is a school of [and for] ARMINIANS. Here is the scary thing: PCC holds the same traditions and doctrines that most “fundamental Arminians” hold fast to. PCC is not a Biblical school, but - in turn - is a pagan, Arminian school that is heretical and will be judged for IT’S judgment, namely: “morals” that are not approved and supported by Scripture and - in Romans 14, II Timothy, and Jude - are condemned by God by “making a brother stumble”.

I warn any one person attending PCC (or any other school of it’s “standard”): FLEE while one still has time! Find a solid, Fundamental Christian college that knows Theology - God’s Word - while spreading it’s purpose to glorify God through the exalting of Jesus Christ! FLEE before one is judged by the same measure that is so greatly disregarded by the corrupted faculty! FLEE, students, before it is too late!

I love - in Christ Jesus - these heretical Christians, however they are paganistic poison to the Body of Christ and will one day be judged by the Sovereignty of The Almighty.

-P.S. Wallick

P.S. Wallick | Jul 1, 2006 | Reply
God rewards the faithful not the perfect. Straight from the Bible. Check it out.

Christa (means "follower of Christ") | Jul 3, 2006 | Reply
Christa;

Oh dear… please don’t do this: you are putting words in my mouth. Please do not perform this dangerous way of attack upon another follower of Jesus Christ. I’ve been attacked by most “Fundamental Baptists” who right away CURSE me instead of USING GOD’S WORD to admonish me! :S

To answer your statement:

But by what motive? Faithfulness for the striving of perfection IS the faithfulness that God rewards. Mathew 5:48 declares the decree of God, which is: “Be ye perfect for I am perfect”. Christa, you are probably thinking of the parable in Luke 12:42 which speaks of the “faithful servant” that was “rewarded much” by obeying his master’s decree. However, if one studies the context of that parable the premis is not to conclude that we must be faithful and not be perfect in doing so; if one has that mentality one is blinded and is living a hypocritical life!

Being “faithful” IS striving for perfection. No, we are not perfect, yet God is daily perfecting us. Perfecting us on what basis? Our faith through His sovereignty. So in turn, yes - GOD LOOKS FOR PERFECTION. But what does the Bible say about God’s judgment upon man? The Bible states “God judges the hearts of men”, NOT the outward appearances! (Matt. 6:21, Matt. 12:34-36, Matt. 15:18-19, 1 John 3, etc…)

If, what you are saying, Christa, is true on the basis of not striving to be perfect, but having faithfulness following Christ then you have the wrong mentality! You are - then - NOT being faithful to Jesus Christ, but are just “living the life” which is a mentality that is from an evil heart.

For the Born-again believer, faithfulness should NOT be a goal or a vice, but a FRUIT by virtue of striving for perfection.

Fair enough?

P.S. Wallick | Jul 3, 2006 | Reply
(I don’t mean to come across too strong and I appologize if i do, Christa…)

P.S. Wallick | Jul 11, 2006 | Reply
I attended PCC and I can affirm that I saw most of this while I was a student at PCC. I don’t recommend the college and I certainly won’t allow my children to attend.

The latest thing they have done that leaves me speechless is their plan to build the indoor water park. What a waste of money that could be used for greater things for the Kingdom. Missions? Reaching out to their own city? Or what about better salaries and benefits for their faculty? This appears to me as another way to control the students. I won’t be surprised if students are not permitted to go to the beach after this new construction project is complete.

Michael | Jul 15, 2006 | Reply
Question for Minnie (#25 above).

Doesn’t the Bible say that we should admonish one another? If they are doing something wrong, don’t we have a Scriptural obligation to tell them what they are doing is wrong?

Michael | Jul 15, 2006 | Reply
How interesting. I am deeply saddened by the existence of PCC in general. I used to know the teacher who was a recent graduate of PCC and who is now on trial for having sex with one of her students. I initially felt some anger toward PCC, but when I sat down to write this all I feel is sadness. I think this is an establishment that treats Christian or at least church-going adults (I’m sorry, you’re not a kid anymore at 18, and just because you attend PCC doesn’t mean you are a Christian) like they need to be protected from the evil world and unclean people outside PCC’s gates, and all the while they are ignoring the ugly truth that all of us are sinners and we are VERY much like all the other humans running around on this planet (yes, even the drunks and criminals). I wonder how much Christ is also saddened by these attitudes when he gave us his example of eating and socializing with people like the tax collectors and the Samaritan woman. I am very familiar with A Beka books (the curriculum itself is actually very well-laid-out for teachers and homeschoolers) but I am afraid I will not be able to purchase these books if the profits go to this institution.

Students of Pensacola, if you happen to be home for the summer and are reading this, please, please consider your other options. Going to another college — Christian or otherwise– is not wrong. I am a strong Christian and I actually went to one of those “liberal” colleges … I will say, it isn’t easy to stand up for your faith sometimes, and you do have to know what you believe in before you go there, and you may even be forced to refine your faith a little through the fire of trials, but that may not be a bad thing. You are an adult now, you can think for yourself, and you also need to take personal responsibility for your relationship with God, NOT have it forced on you in so many external ways. I truly believe you can do better than PCC, as a Christian and as a student.

Ragra | Jul 18, 2006 | Reply
I attended PCC and I look back at it as the best spent years of my life and would do it all over again! I know that it is strict and I didn’t like all the rules either (yes, at first I broke a few) but I made my best friends in life there and I left there so on fire for God! My son is only 9 years old and he plans to go to PCC. Those of you reading this who are thinkgin of going there, PLEASE do not listen to a bunch of lies (satan is the great accuser)being spread by people, some that did not even go to PCC. Yes it is strict. Yes there are rules. Yes you will get into trouble if you break them. But is that any different than any other school or life for that matter? You may need to search your heart when you ask God if he would bless the activities you want to do that would break a PCC rules. It may not be the rules that are the issue it may be your heart. As Christians we need to submit to the authority that God has placed over us. I even got engaged there and somehow we managed to keep our relationship pure and within PCC guidlines and more importantly God’s guidlines. My nephew is 12 and my son is 9 and both plan to attend PCC.I thank God daily for that and pray that God will continue that desire in them. I have several friends that are on staff at PCC and they could not imagine being anywhere else. Thank God for Pastor Schettler and Dr. Horton and then rest of the amazing and staff and faculty. God has truly kept His hand of blessing over PCC and may it continue to draw the thousands of students each year in whose lives it may make a difference.

Ande | Jul 20, 2006 | Reply
I am from Pensacola, and while driving on the interstate and Brent lane you can see the college. It is really quiet and you never hear of anything it is doing in the community. To be a Christian College, they lack the greatest commandment in the Bible, Love. The College does nothing for the city of Pensacola. Pensacola got hit by two major hurricanes, and not once did I see or hear about PCC out in the community helping. I’m sure there are good hearted students that go their. But because PCC is censoring every walk of the students’ life I am sure they are telling them what part of the Bible is right and what part is not, and apparently Love “the greatest commandment” is not right, or in the hand book.

John | Jul 26, 2006 | Reply
(Response to Question 26)
I go to a BCM in Pensacola (Baptist Campus Ministries at UWF) Where I worship God, Listen to his word and fellowship with other Christian Students. I am a junior and not once have I been to a “frat party” or anywhere else that condemns that type of behavior. I also have life long friends, and two of my friends plan to attend seminary after graduation, also the BCM through the Florida Baptist Convention sponsors ANY student that wants to go on summer missions. You don’t have to go to PCC to have life long Christian friends. Jesus had Christian friends and I am sure he didn’t go to PCC. You know I wonder if Jesus went to PCC would he be kicked out. I’m sure he would because he was considered a rule breaker by the Jews. Every state College or University has some sort of Christian Fellowship. My Church which is in Pensacola even has a college ministry. IF you go to PCC you are welcome to attend out bible study at UWF, But don’t tell anyone at school because there will be contemporary worship. That means people worshiping a living God by raising hands and praying aloud. I know its crazy but turn to Psalms in the “Bible” it will tell you all about it there.

A Christian College Student | Jul 26, 2006 | Reply
Grace: It’s what I discovered when I stepped out of PCC in 97. Galatians and Warren Weirsbe’s “Be Free” helped me find it.

When I entered Pensacola, I was searching for answers about God and his relationship with me. (I was only 18.) Instead of studying the Bible for myself, I took everything I heard in chapel, in the classroom, in the rule book, etc… as fact. Everything was finally black and white.

There was no grace, no mercy… just punishment for sins. I was always trying to do the next good thing to beg God to love me.

I remember the evening when the Holy Spirit finally made it through my thick head, and told me that there was nothing I could do to make Him love me more or love me less. “His grace is sufficient for me”. I had sung Amazing Grace… but never understood what price that grace cost, and just how amazing it really was.

Pensacola is now a part of my testimony. I don’t regret going there because I never would have learned about grace the way I did. That all said, I would never knowingly suggest that college as an option to anyone.

I don’t write this out of spite or hate. I write it because it was just my PCC experience. No one can argue a testimony. I pray that Pensacola students past and present can find healing. I also pray that they can focus on the real goal: To know Him and to make Him known.

Thanks for listening,
laura

laura | Jul 26, 2006 | Reply
I also attended PCC for almost 2 years. I accumulated plenty of demerits, broke plenty of rules, was socialed several times, had numerous notes sent home to my parents concerning my “behavior”, and was finally expelled. I mean who really needs to be told what time they have to go to bed and how long they can talk on the phone even when it is with their parents. I was socialled for walking down a sidewalk with a guy to the sports center on a Sat afternoon. The security guard that turned me in was the same one who wanted to cheat off my tests in Bible class. I lived in Bradley towers and the Floor leader on first floor used to just wait for me to come down to write me up for something. I was eventually expelled because of something that my sister did while she and a friend were down visiting on their spring break - don’t worry, no spring break for me, it was all Bible conference. I was never even given a chance. I was not even involved and did not know she had done anything wrong until I was called downstairs to the model room. I walked in and there were all the women’s deans sitting in the room waiting for me. The rules at the college are a joke. No grown adult (and at 18 you should be grown) should need so many rules to make it in this world. I mean, really how are you going to make it in the real world. Jesus wants us to stand up for Him and to choose him, there they make sure you do that. Sure there will always be rebellious people, but really those rules were terrible. Unfortunatly, the rules were not the worst part of the college… you are basically brainwashed there to believe that you are better than anyone else that does not attend that college. That is pushed on you from day one. No one else is good enough or godly enough to even be associated with. I had friends in the Pensacola area that had been friends of my familys for years and I was not even allowed to go off campus to see them. They were not related to me directly and they were not facalty. That was crazy to me. If you have taken the time to read this whole article, please heed the advice that you have read about not going to PCC. You will be brainwashed as are the folks who say how good it is. Please do not attend this school unless you are just totally undisciplined and you need someone to tell you when to sleep, shower, eat and take care of any other basic elements that are required for day to day living.

Wendy | Jul 26, 2006 | Reply
I go to PCC and I just finished my first year. It is true the rules can get very annoying and you do want to break them on purpose sometimes. But in the end I feel that it is only making me stronger, because in the real world you are not always going to like the rules and things that your bosses make you do either. I do wish PCC would let students know “all” the rules before they come because when they get their they are blown away by all the rules and you have to be a strong person to be able to execpt the rules that fast. Thankfully my brother went to PCC before me and I new the rules before I went so I was prepared. I am disappointed that some people attack the school so hard, and about some people not know it wasn’t accredited, come on your supposed to be adults and you are making a pretty big life decision when you choose a school if you can’t do enough research to find that out you are not responsible enough to go to school

Nathan C. | Jul 29, 2006 | Reply
Well I’ve read the entire story and the replies and feel I need to reply. I had not heard of PCC until I read this, but to me the school sounds like it likes brainwashing kids into Hitler Youth types, or at the very least Right-wing conservative Christians who care only about their God, themselves and other Christians. Those who like it must have been brought up that way and those who don’t must like to think for themselves.
It’s sad also that the school did not seem to help in any way the local community after the natural disaster(s). Probably thought God did this because of all the sinners or something equally stupid.

Chocomel | Jul 31, 2006 | Reply
Just to reply about what people are saying about PCC not helping in the community after Ivan. I was not their during that time but I know alot of students that went out on the weekends and helped with the clean up. I was at school when Katrina hit New Orleans and Alabama and every week for a couple of months teams of people took 25 gal. containers that contained things that the people need that was totaly payed for by the PCC church. They also went and gutted out houses that had water damage. So before people start to judge the school on issues like that please make sure it is true.

Thank you

Nathan C. | Aug 1, 2006 | Reply
I am sure there are a lot of good-hearted people at PCC, and they did go out and help the surrounding community. But the school itself, with the money they have and use on the beautiful campus and to build extravagant things, some of that kind of money could have, and would have helped.

Chocomel | Aug 2, 2006 | Reply
I am a current student at PCC going into my junior year this fall. I have never quite been the cream of the crop from the college and I am often ridiculed and mocked by friends and family becuase I attend. Even though I do not agree with many of the rules and regulations of the college I still feel that I can’t sit idle and listen to PCC’s name driven in the mud.

I choose to go to PCC. IN MY OWN FREE WILL!!! I picked that college over other christian colleges and state unviversities. WHY? It’s not that I didnt want to go to school with all my friends from high school. I am a christian and I didnot want to put myself in the place of unnessesary temptation on a daily basis. I wake up every morning without fear of wondering what I did the night before, I dont have to see gross and indecent sexual acts in the dorms, Im not around drugs, alcohol, pornography, ect. WHY? Becuase I choose not to. And with that I choose to follow all the querky and dumb rules.

What I cant figure out is why is some many people getting upset about all these POOR, BRAINWASHED KIDS? We choose to be here. And to be honest I would rather be brainwashed with the Bible, Daily Chapel, Church Services, Sunday School, Prayer Groups, Bible-Based Curriculum than the preversion and obscene ways of the world. Those who truly have problems with the college generally have a problem with authority and their attitude toward God. So please quit whining about this school- if you have major problems with it, then fine thats your progative. But Just please worry about someone in need like millions of aid strikin children in Africa.

Refferring to the subject of Ivan. I was in Pensacola when the huricane struck and I have a huge problem with the truthfulness and the itegrety of the author. I saw hundreds of our college students go into the community for several weeks and help people. For months after they continued to hold meals outside of town for outoftown works. Check your facts next time before you say something thats unfactual.

To the comment in #40. I find your comments very offensive. please tell me what you know about Nazi Brainwashing? Please tell me the last time you came to PCC? And yes they do teach right and wrong. Thank God. But no they do also care for others. every week hundreds of students go out in the city through numerous ministries to reach others with the gospel of christ. The college and local church have a outreach ministry that will put almost any church in America to shame.

Now that I have defended the school.
Have I seen bad things happen? Yes.
Have I ever broken the rules? Yes.
Have I seen situations handled wrong? Yes.

Let me ask this-

When was the last time you saw something bad happern at work?
When was the last time you took an extra five min. on your coffee break or wasted time on the job?
When was the last time a situation wasn’t quite handled right within your church?

We live in a sinful world. We are all sinners and all make mistakes. And Im not condoning wrong. But lets get real-no one is perfect we can only strive to be Christ-like. Not everyone is perfect or close to it at PCC, but there are some sincere christian people who want something better than the norm. That want to make every effort to please God. I dont know about you but I would rather be over strict in life than have God tell me one day that I lived no different than the unsaved of the world.

In closing, I love my BRAINWASHING COLLEGE and I am thankful for the greatlengths it goes to keep me from unnessesary temptations. No I do not agree with all their ways but I have the character to respect them and continue to follow them until I have finished my degree.

Luke Boling | Aug 6, 2006 | Reply
I just wanted to say I agree with you Luke and I want to thank you for spending the time to defend PCC. It is so true that of course no place is perfect because we are all sinners. But for myself I can say that I am truly glad to be able to go to PCC no matter how much I may not like the rules some times.

Nathan C. | Aug 8, 2006 | Reply
Ok so I’m no expert on PCC, never been there and don’t care to. As I stated in my first reply I was just going by what I read as the basis to what I wrote. To respond to the Hitler Youth response I mentioned that offended you(sorry), let me just say that they, like you, were taught to “turn in your neighbor”. They, like you, were fed propaganda by their leader(s). They, like you, were censored in everyday life. They, like you, had a dress code. I could go on but that was basically my point. When I went to school I was surrounded by the same evils you mention, I didn’t need a school to keep them away from me. I had (have) a mind that knows right from wrong, it’s never that hard for me to just say no.
You, Luke, seem like a nice kid and a perfect fit for PCC.

Chocomel | Aug 11, 2006 | Reply
I would like to say that I completely support Luke’s view of our school. I am glad to see one of my friends standing up for our school. And to chocomel your coparison to nazism is offensive. It completely uncalled for to compare us with them. They were forced into the environment they were in without much hope of escape, whereas we knowingly choose this school and can leave at any time. We appreciate most of the so called brainwashing, that in reality godly instruction meant to help us better serve others. Yes I agree some of the things that go on there are not perfect, but show me any perfect place in this world. And Luke is a very nice guy whom I am proud to call a fried.

Lauren | Aug 14, 2006 | Reply
Obviously when someone writes something you don’t like you read it how you want to and not what it really says. Did I or anyone say you were forced into attending the school? The comparisons I made to the Hitler Youth are pretty accurate. Being “forced into the environment without much hope of escape”does not pertain to you and I never said it did.

Chocomel | Aug 15, 2006 | Reply
Why are you guys bashing this school? I mean, sure, it’s way too strict for most of us, myself included, but people choose to attend there of their own free will. To those who can go there and be happy, I say, more power to you! Again, PEOPLE MAKE THE CHOICE TO GO THERE!!! It’s not like the average prospective student doesn’t do research before applying to a school! I am in that phase of my life right now and I research schools before I apply! If, after careful research, people decided that this is the school for them, then that’s where they should go.

Maria | Aug 16, 2006 | Reply
Thank you Maria you summed it up very nicely. It doesn’t make sense for people to bash the school if they know nothing about it. I have no problem if somebody wants to speak their mind about it if they have gone there. That is their choice, we live in a nation that has lots of freedoms and if we want to go to a school with lots of standards I do not see why people should put us down for that. We made the decision to go there, we were not forced and we were not misled.

Nathan C. | Aug 17, 2006 | Reply
Ok Nathan C. Let me try and get this straight, the people interviewed in the original story never went to PCC? I commented based on their experiences. If they did not actually go there and the article was all made up then oops, my bad. Sure it was your choice to attend PCC, so? You also say you were not misled, that maybe you, but some kids according to the story were misled; unwritten rules, accredited/not accredited is that misled or just being sneaky? If a school is not being straightforward with students then they are misleading them.

Chocomel | Aug 18, 2006 | Reply
“Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.” Proverbs15:10
“A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.” Proverbs 15:12I love the word of God, the two-edged sword, the words of life!
These two verses say it all.
I put three children through PCC. I consider them great successes. Not financially, Lord knows, but in a way that is infinitely more important.
My son, Dave, who was excelling in the difficult mechanical engineering courses, and made it into the prestigious “Who’s Who among students in American Universities & Colleges,” gave it all up to serve the Lord as a youth/ assistant pastor. “Proud” doesn’t even begin to cover it!
By the way, PCC is known to have one of the finest nursing programs in the country. Hospitals covet PCC nursing grads. Also, there are colleges, who, being familiar with the excellent calibre and ethic of PCC grads, strive to enroll them, regardless of the non accreditation issue. If we do not compromise our standards, God will bless our endeavors.
My daughter Sara graduated after two years with a medical office degree, and is very happy working for a wonderful husband/wife team of doctors. She and her husband love the Lord. My heart rejoices!
My last daughter, Kris, is in her last year of pre physical therapy, looking forward to continuing to her masters. This is the greatest example of God’s working. Kris fought tooth & nail not to go to PCC. She was hoping for a more liberal college. But, Mom, who knows what an evil place this world has become, and how close we are to the Lord’s soon return, would not have it. We agreed that she would try it for two years. After she was there for a WEEK(!) she absolutely loved it. She made the best friends she had ever had. Yes, she griped about the rules at times, but acknowledges that due to the inherently sinful nature of mankind, they are necessary. She is naturally tenderhearted and has never been rebellious. I would like to see some things change at PCC, like the skill of the advisors, and some of the rigidness of the staff relaxed a little. However, I rested very well at night knowing that my kids were protected from many of the dangers that secular students were not. The college would rather err on the side of safety, and rightly so! Many of the rules came into existence because of the past behaviors of some of the more, shall we say, carnally-minded students: and I approve wholeheartedly. The spiritual and physical well being of my kids has always been of prime importance to me, and I suspect, any other good parent. Our children are our most important career in life, or should be.
So, yes, there are many very fallible people running PCC. And there are things which be improved. But, were it not for the affordable cost of PCC, and the rules which gave me peace of mind, I would not have ben able to put three of my kids through college. The college just continued instilling in them the precepts I taught them up until then. Discipline is so lacking in today’s schools, and indeed in all of society. We need discipline to make it through life.
It is my firm belief that we are witnessing all-out attacks on the word of God; the people of God; as well as all truly Christian institutions.
Satan’s last chance, as he sees the day approaching……

Barbara Dyjak | Aug 18, 2006 | Reply
Dear Barbara…

Chocomel | Aug 18, 2006 | Reply
Yes, sir?

Barbara Dyjak | Aug 18, 2006 | Reply
Chocornel,
I am intrigued to know why you care so much about PCC. You dont agree with the school and obiviously wont attend, so why do you care? Dont you have something better to do with your life?

Luke Boling | Aug 20, 2006 | Reply
Luke,
I don’t care about the school. I do care that there is a school that churns out misguided, narrow minded young adults. Sure there is nothing I can do about it, but I do feel that after reading about a place like PCC that I am entitled to my opinion, which is what I have done. I do not expect to change anybodies mind about their beliefs or where they choose to attend school.
To answer your question about don’t I have anything better to do? Yes, plenty, but taking a few minutes out of my day for this is actually quite fun. When I feel that a respose is no longer needed then I will be finished, but it certainly has not been a waist of my time.

Chocomel | Aug 21, 2006 | Reply
I’ve read most of these responses, and quite honestly, there is much truth in many of them. I will be entering my junior year at PCC in just 2 weeks. After high school, I ran from God and attended a community college. The next summer, God finally got my attention and I went to PCC, not because I was forced, not because I had friends that already attended, but becauseI felt it was God’s will. YES, it was GOD’S will.

During my first few weeks on campus, I realized many things. Pensacola has many many rules, rules in which I thought and still think are quite dumb, rules in which I did not want to follow, rules which I did not understand.

What are some of these rules you ask? Well let’s start with music. PCC takes a firm stand on good Christian music. In fact, their stand is so strong that they forbid students to even listen to Christian contemporary. Personally, I like alot of Christian contemporary music. Many songs like that uplift my spirit which good Christian music should. Now, why does PCC have that rule? I believe that PCC is not completely against all Christian contemporary music. But, if one person is listening to one CCM song that may be “okay” then someone else listens to a song that’s a little worse, but still “okay”, and so on and so forth, then if you go down the line, PCC would pretty much be allowing rock music. That is why they set their standard so high and only let students listen to certain kinds of music. It’s not because they think all CCM is bad. It’s called building your fences a few feet back so you’re not tempted to even get close to the edge.

Let’s deal with another rule… PCC enforces the rule that there is to be NO physical contact between guys and girls. NOT EVEN HOLDING HANDS!! Is that not one of the stupidest rules you’ve ever heard? Why do they have a rule like that? Well, let me tell you all something. I firmly believe that many of the administration, faculty and staff find absolutely NOTHING wrong with a guy holding a girls hand. Some may even be fine with guys kissing girls! So, why say NO physical contact at all? Well, unless you’re as perfect as God, then you are tempted. Let’s just say that PCC allows students to hold hands, okay fine. Guys and girls walk to class and hold hands. Oh, but wait! This couple seems to be a little closer than just holding hands, but when asked about it, they say “we were just holding hands”… Holding hands leads to things like maybe… hugging… hugging = more physical contact. Next thing, students take it a little further, and before too long, you have couples making out in the parking lot! Am I against making out or kissing? No! But that is why PCC has a rule like “no contact between guys and girls”… it’s called building your fences a few feet back so you don’t fall into temptation.

You people who bash the rules at PCC, and bash the college standards, you really need to open your eyes. You say PCC is hindering us from the “real world?” No, my friend, that is not the case at all. PCC, among other fine Christian institutions is one of the BEST ways to prepare for life in the real world. Sure, I could go to a secular college and get the best education possible. I could make straight A’s, graduate and move on into life. But what morals do secular colleges teach? How does a secular college prepare you for life in the real world except for the education? Not only has PCC given me a fine education so far, but through the preaching of God’s Word, PCC has also taught me more about the Christian life than I would EVER learn at a secular institution.

No, not EVERYONE that comes out of PCC at the end is going to be well-off in life. No, not EVERYONE that comes out of PCC at the end is going to feel the desire to live for God. But you know what? Not everyone that comes out of Bob Jones University, or Northland, or West Coast Baptist, or any other Christian institution comes out perfect either. We all have flaws and we all make mistakes. You people that bash on PCC’s standards need to realize that those standards are NOT there to make out lives miserable at PCC. They are there because the administration CARES about the students at PCC, and does not want them to fall into any temptation while at college that would hinder them from getting their education, but more imporatantly, their relationship with God.

Yes, it is true. The real world is much different than life at Pensacola Christian College, but I am confident that because of PCC, I will be able to face the real world more effectively, and I will learn how to deal with the many temptations of the world. Do I agree with all of PCC’s rules and regulations? By all means, no. But I am thankful to have a college that cares so much about it’s students that it sets up these rules to keep me safe. I love PCC, and I would encourage anyone seeking God’s will for college to at least look into PCC. Is PCC for everybody? Definitely not. But it is for me, and I will not sit back and let these bashings go unnoticed.

Thank you for taking the time to read this

Adam P. | Aug 21, 2006 | Reply
I am planning to attend PCC this fall. I am not going because I choose to but rather because my parents chose for me. In researching PCC I found this article and all these comments and had to say that I’m very glad everyone has responded to this article. Some responces have been from bitter ex-students and some from students that love the college to death….all give a great view of Pensacola. It’s true that you have to have a good attitude before going…but it’s also true that many of their rules are….harsh. I believe that you can get through it if you just try and you will be able to take more of what the world will dish out to you if you are under such…supervision. I also think that as an adult of 18, or whatever you may be, that you should be able to discern what is wrong and what is good in the sight of the Lord. But every person is different and some may need to be under such strict guidance. At any rate you should try something out with an open heart before you judge it….remember that’s what many Christians don’t do (for example, Harry Potter, CCM, many television shows, and other means of entertainment are considered evil and yet they know nothing about them). If you plan to attend PCC that’s great! I hope it will all work out for you there. But keep in mind that the people there that are teaching you are just that….people. You need to filter everything through your Bible.

Shelly | Aug 22, 2006 | Reply
Chocomel sorry your are right, in my statement I was to broad in my opinion I did not mean that they did not go to PCC and that thoses things did not happen to them because, I have no proof that they didn’t happen. I was talking more about the fact that one of the bloggers said that PCC did not assist in Hurricane relief. Which I can tell you they did. On a Wednesday night at chapel we had a $50,000 offering that went out to assits the relief efforts. I also still hold to the fact that anybody that is going to come to school can findout that it is not accredited. And also about the rules. There is a website that has been created by past students which talks about almost all the rules and what the school is like. I would warn you that they do go abit overboard, but that when it comes to the main rules they are mostly telling you the truth. In writing this blog I am not trying to say that PCC is a wonderful place and that everybody should go there because that is simply not true. I just ask people to at least keep an open mind about it. I do not think less of anybody that goes to other christian schools because I know that PCC is not for everybody. Last Semester I had a roommate who was a good friend of mine and he has left PCC because it was not the right fit for him. I go to PCC becuase I feel God wants me to be there. I will not try to convice people that they should come but if anybody has any questions about PCC email me at nathanic@go.com. I promise to give you a true answer.

Nathan C. | Aug 24, 2006 | Reply
To Adam P.,
Your reply was a pleasure to read.
To Shelly,
I like the fact that you still have an open mind about things. You call it an open heart, but I think they mean the same (in this case anyway). I just hope that you will remain as open minded after you attend PCC for awhile.
To Nathan C.
I see that you truly love PCC and I wish you happiness. Just curious though, you said “I do not think less of anybody that goes to other christian schools…” Do you think less of someone if they do/did not attend a christain school?

Chocomel | Aug 24, 2006 | Reply
Thank you for posting this article. I attended Pensacola for one semester in 1992. I literally quit believing in God while sitting in class one day, because there was no way I could believe that there was a God who demanded such misery, hostility and aggression from his followers. When I finally heard grace preached (years later, while at a secular university) I returned to Christ and the church.

I wish I could say something positive about my experience at PCC, but can’t do so. God help us all.

LP | Aug 25, 2006 | Reply
I am glad that someone has finally done an article about this horrible, little school to expose all the garbage that goes on in private! I had the misfortune of being forced to attend PCS elementary back in 1975, and hated every minute of it.

What a shame to see that Horton hasn’t learned anything in all these years.

Luckily I have been able to overcome the brainwashing and stupid rules that they tried to shove down my throat, and I would strongly urge anyone to NOT attend that place if they value their relationship with God, and their ability to think for themselves without being cloaked in an agonizing spirit of fear.

It doesn’t surprise me that PCC keeps a tight reign on what goes on behind closed doors; They have a lot to lose if the truth is exposed.

It’s a good thing that PCC is finally being exposed to the rest of the church. She should be accountable in the same measure that students are accountable to PCC.

Folks say that PCC’s Stalinistic rules are “a good thing” and “keep people safe”. Bah Humbug! Millions of American Veterans who spilled their blood on the battlefield fighting for you to be free of the Hitler’s and Horton’s of this world scoff at you from their graves!

justaguest | Aug 31, 2006 | Reply
Dear Luke Boling:

I am responding to your post number 42 in which you say:

“I find your comments very offensive. please tell me what you know about Nazi Brainwashing?”

Several years ago in 1994, a good friend of mine invited me to the Campus Church for Wednesday night revival. When I arrived that evening, they announced that three or four PCC preacher students would be competing against each other to see who had the best sermon.

The sermons were fairly mediocre and what one would expect from graduating theology students, but there was one sermon in particular that stuck out from all the rest, and really shocked me so that I never forgot it to this day.

Towards the end of the evening, this blonde haired student stood up and began his sermon with a few usual passages from the bible; I believe he was what the other students referred to as a “preacher boy”. But what really seperated this sermon from all the rest was the apparant fascination that this individual had with Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party.

He started discussing the SS, Hitler’s elite guards and their devotion to their fuhrer. I remember reading about the Waffen SS and how ruthless they were to their innocent victims. One such group within the SS was called the “Einsatzgruppen”.

They distinguished themselves on the battlefield by inventing the most hideous and sinister ways of butchering innocent women and children. This group basically roamed the countryside killing, raping, and butchering at will after the main army had captured the area. To put it more bluntly, they were like a “clean up crew”.

This student made reference to how he loved the exhuberance of the Nazi’s and how they pledged their eternal devotion to Adolf Hitler. He then made a statement that just about made me fall out of my seat.

When a German soldier became a member of the SS, he was required to pledge allegiance to the fuhrer, Adolf Hitler. Part of the quote included the phrase “here I am mein fuhrer, do with me what you will”.

This preacher lad expressed his great delight for this pledge and exclaimed “wouldn’t it be great if modern Christians had the same kind of dedication to Christ that the SS had for Hitler”.

To my amazement, he stuck out his hand in a Sieg Heil salute and exclaimed “here I am Lord, do with me what you will”, “Here I am Lord, do with me what you will”….as though to say “My Lord, Sieg Heil”.

To this day, I can’t recall who actually “won” that preaching competition, but it was probably because I lost all focus after that.

You probably don’t remember this sermon since it happened before your time, but I can put my hand on my heart and confess that it is indeed true. Perhaps there are other readers of this article who were there and can verify this?

I don’t see the offense in comparing the rules of a man-made organization like PCC to segments of Nazism , but I do find it very offensive to compare the Church to the same. PCC is definately NOT holy, but the Church IS!

That brings me to my biggest complaint about PCC. When I was a student in the mid seventies at PCS, I remember how the things of God ran perilously close to the things of man.

Dr. Horton proclaimed that he was “doing the will of God” and PCC was “the college that God built”. This is indeed a very bold statement and one that implies many things to the students.

When the “will of God and the holiness of His Church” start to run parallel to an organization such as PCC, it is tempting for a student to equate both as equal over a period of time.

If Dr. Horton says “I am doing God’s will” and then reinforces it with the presence of the holy things of God, namely the church, it is very conceivable that a student might become confused to what is truly of God and what is of foolish, stupid man. Ultimately this results in the worship of man and his creation at the expense of God.

Doctrines heard in the Church blend into silly rules and regulations at the college until both are seen as coming from God and punishable by his divinely inspired authority, Dr. Horton and his staff.

When Jesus railed against the money changers for selling in front of the temple of God, He knew the dangers to his people in blurring the lines between the things of God and man.

Dr. Horton operates a money making business selling religious textbooks using students that are also worshipping in his “church” or chapel, and I can see the temptation to equate the two as being holy and one of the same.

Selling Christian textbooks or bibles is not a bad thing by itself, but there is a problem when it gets too close to the church and the things of God and causes confusion.

I was interested to see that recent ruling from the IRS that forced A. Beka Books to pay 50 million in back taxes. This confirmed my convictions that man had crawled into bed with the church.

This is of course is not a new phenomena, but has been around since the creation of Adam and Eve.

In Medieval England, Kings and Queens used religion with an iron fist to conveniently blur the lines between Holy God and man’s authority as Emperor/King. Hence, Royalty was seen as Holy and deserving to act as God on earth.

It caused great suffering!

I think this just about to says it all for PCC.

justaguest | Sep 1, 2006 | Reply
Justaguest,
Your responses are really wonderful to read. I wish I had been at the sermon competition you mentioned, I wonder what the “preacher boy” is doing these days. Maybe he is forming his own army. People like that and places like PCC are just plain scary, it sickens me that people actually fall for that crap and think it’s the word of God. You will note that it was Luke Boling that said that he “loves his brainwashing college”, I don’t think that whatever is said will convince him about the school…sad.

Chocomel | Sep 1, 2006 | Reply
Thanks for this article.
I attended PCC in 2000 and stayed for about 2 months before leaving. I left, at the time, because I didn’t feel the science course would prepare me for a career in a medical field. I was surprised to find a biology text book with more bible verses than solid scientific information.
Once I had left and returned home, I realized the affects the college had had on me. Many of my friends thought I was brainwashed. I believe that I was. How could you not be after 8 church services a week and continual bombardment? It is hard to explain but it was hard returning to normal society.
I then went through a difficult time of rebellion from church and God. The effects of PCC are definetly long lasting and not positive in my life.
If anyone reading this is planning on going to PCC I have 3 pieces of advice.
1) Be informed. Read everything, good and bad you can find about PCC. This was one of my biggest mistakes.
2)Don’t let anyone convince you it’s right, make that decision yourself. If you’re not in it 100% you will be miserable
3)Whatever you do, read the sign above the elevators before you go in. Nothing is more embarassing than going up 3 floors before realizing your in the men’s elevator.
Thanks again, MB

MB | Sep 2, 2006 | Reply
Chocomel:

It was the first time that I heard someone try to relate Christianity with Nazism from the pulpit. My first thought was for the violin teacher at PCC. He was the nicest man I had ever met, and also a Brazilian Jew who trusted Christ and was teaching at the school.

I wondered if he had been insulted with the analogy in the message?

justaguest | Sep 3, 2006 | Reply
I attended PCC for five semesters back in the 80’s.

I’m now in my 40’s and I have to tell this. Ever since I left I have had a recurring dream that I’m back at PCC. As my life has grown and changed so has the dream. I have to go back under the opressive rules, then the dream mutated and I could no longer live with my wife, then after the kids came I couldn’t see them either, and so on…

Don’t get me wrong, I’m healthy, mentally and spiritually and the dream doesn’t pop up that often. I have since come to the conclusion that PCC has little or nothing to do with Christianity or a life of faith based upon the Grace of God purchased by the life blood of my Savior.

PCC claims to be a pillar of fundamentalism yet the most fundamental FACT of Christianity is the person of Jesus Christ. If he ever set foot on that campus he would be “shipped” in a heartbeat.

Don’t let people who’s minds are so narrow that their ears squeak together define Christianity for you.

Dave | Sep 5, 2006 | Reply
PCC is bunch of extremists. I grew up Pensacola and was always weary of the PCC crowd. My only objection to this article is referring to the college as “Pensacola” instead of PCC. That college in NOT Pensacola. Just a small group of crazy bible thumpers. I wouldn’t mind if God said “NO” and blew the whole damn thing to the ground. Screw that college!!! Sounds more like a day care.

John | Sep 7, 2006 | Reply
Wow!!! This is one article that will soon top google search for pensacola. I went there for four years and I did graduate witha a non-accredited degree and I am working for a big company making big Gs. The problem is not PCC but all of you being ignorant critics with no facts. Bad mouthing PCC won’t change the rules and obviously won’t change some parents vision to send their kids there. PCC is still growing and in fact they have more programs to study this fall. Did I like the rules? Hell No!! The question is why did I go there? Was I forced to attend? Heck No!! IT IS CHOICE!!! The answer is simple: You do not like PCC DON’T GO THERE!!! Don’t send your kids! They have thousands of colleges in the US. Let God do the Judgment! If PCC is doing wrong - wait and you’ll see his rewards. If you, in other hands, are posting your non-factual comments (diffamation, slander) here because you don’t like PCC then Screw you!! and Wait for your Judgment!!

Mike | Sep 7, 2006 | Reply
I went to Pcc fer my freshmen year, i am not going to lie it sucked. i dont think the critics of the school are wrong for expressing there opinion, much like those who like the school do. i now attend another christian school, that has rules and regulations, but they are applicable to life, and are not to hard to follow. there were things i did like about PCC , the friends i made………..lets faceit thats all i got out of it life long friends, and all my close friends from there transfered too.so, if you like the school like it , if you dont you dont , but everyone has there own opinion, dont criticize them for havin there own opinion.
Payce

Go Liberty…..lol

JoJuWa | Sep 7, 2006 | Reply
Pensacola is, by any measure, a conservative town. We have churches on every corner, a strong military presence, very conservative values, etc; however, few of us subscribe to the Pensacola Christian (as it is referred to around here)tenets. The elementary and high schools are in a huge gorgeous teal and peach colored South Florida designed complex. Students there get some things they probably don’t get in public school: discipline, self-restraint and they know their stuff academically. However, the downside-I knew a woman who pulled her son from the 1st grade when she learned the erasers were removed from their pencils so “they’d do their best”. These children, who should have been in a nurturing atmosphere of “let’s try;if we make mistakes, well that’s okay. We’ll try again”, were instead instilled with fear that they might and actually have to ERASE. (Imagine Jesus beckoning the little children to Him and then chastising them for making a mistake.) A high schooler was recently suspended because she went to the local Christianfest and listened to Christian Rock. (Again, WWJD? Be ired that His worship had a beat?) The girls arrive at county track meets dressed in loosely fitting shorts that come nearly to their knees-discrete to be sure but not very appropriate to run in. And, as a postor previously mentioned, we recently had the trial of a teacher in her mid-20’s, a PCC grad who had an affair with a student. In the trial, it came out that it was her first “romantic love”. She is now appealing her case to the Governor, asking that her sexual predator label be removed. How tragic! There are behaviors that are age appropriate. Perhaps if she had been allowed to experience shows of affection appropriate to a young adult, most certainly holding hands and kissing, this promising young teacher, who by all accounts was excellent at her job, would not be humiliated and ruined.

Linda | Sep 7, 2006 | Reply
Haven’t visited here in a while and saw post # 68 from Mike, so, of course when someone writes like that I have to respond. Good for you that you graduated from PCC! So you have a degree from a non-accredited college, cool! A non accredited school is dangerous if you have spent time and money there and want to transfer to another school. A legitimate school will not accept the credits you have earned at a non-accredited school so it’s not always wise to attend one. I’m glad you’re “making big Gs”, as long as you are happy. You say “The question is why did I go there?” I’d like to know, really, since you did not answer your own question.

Chocomel | Sep 7, 2006 | Reply
What amazes most about what I am reading here is that this website with all of these comments even exists. If PCC is such a great instiution then why are some graduates and the surrounding community berating it so much? If PCC was such an awful place, why does it keep growing? There is way too much controversy in and about this institution. Because of this controversy I would question spending any money going to school here.
Another thing that amazes me is that young ladies living in the 21st century would allow so much of their freedom to be taken away, cannot leave campus alone?! Must wear skirts or dresses? A nice pantsuit is not sinful.
WHAT are EYE BABIES? Perhaps someone should explain the birds and the bees to administration so that they will know babies do not come from eyes.
Finally, I would love to find out the racial diversity of U.S. citizens that attend PCC and their economic backgrounds. Other than the international students, I have a feeling this insitution is mostly upper middle class white people.

Susan | Sep 7, 2006 | Reply
When I graduated from PCC earlier this year, there was considerable racial diveristy on the campus. To say that it is mostly upper middle class white people is a gross caricature and would be typical of someone who buys into the false stereotype of the evil “arch-conservative.” In fact, PCC does not even have any problems with so called interracial dating. I went to many events on campus with girls from diverse backgrounds and ‘races’ and never once did anyone look down on me or them. PCC recognizes the fact that all people are one race: Human. The wicked insinuations of a racist view at PCC is absurd.

As far as dress code, if they are going to subsidize a good portion of my tuition, then they can have an over strict dress code.

Also, the rules apply only to students. Never are guests and residents from the community asked to abide by dress and institutional rules when coming to the campus church. The sole exception would be “fine arts” events, in which formal dress is expected.

I was bitter my freshmen year, but the following years, and especially senior year, I actually enjoyed it. I went off campus, dated girls and generally had a good time, oh and I graduated to. Clearly, the college is not for everyone, and anyone who complains about having to go to church and chapel, HELLO! its a Christian college. Don’t like chapel and church? Then go to a secular college of your choice!

The cute comment about Jesus being kicked off the campus is bizzare. The college staff and most of the students have a great heart for the community. Hundreds of students went out to help clean up after hurricane Ivan. And every year, probably 1000s line up to give blood. And weekly, many go out and share the gospel in kids clubs. and Ministry students go out to speak in LOCAL churches and help with local ministries.

Do I agree with every little rule? No! But alas, PCC, like every other human organization, is not without its faults. But it cannot be faulted for its heart to see souls saved and youth educated in a safe christian atmosphere. Looking at one of my relatives who went to a secular college; his faith was destroyed. I had to endure some rules, but my faith has been strengthened and my beliefs have been challenged and clarified.

God Bless

Michael | Sep 7, 2006 | Reply
Susan,
I’d recommend that you do as others have suggested, no matter what schools you’re looking at: read, visit, sit in on a class, stop students on campus and ask specific questions, spend a weekend in the dorm. I do know that nurses at our local hospitals JUMP at the chance to have PCC student nurses. They say they’re primo in knowledge, work ethic and pt interaction. Hurricanes notwithstanding, Pensacola really is a great place. #36 can tell you how beautiful the UWF campus is, and we have PJC as well. It’s just, that,for me anyway, I find PCC’s restrictions too stifling.

Linda | Sep 7, 2006 | Reply
I graduated from PCC two years ago. Did I agree with the rules there? No. Did I make the choice to stay there? Yes. It made me a better person. Why would a woman in the twenty-first century submit herself and go there? Because there is more to this life that wearing pants and dating guys off campus.
And you cannot judge a college by the people that complain about it. There are people from other contries that swear American is pure evil, but I know that they are wrong.
And I am sorry for the poor mother in post #3 who thinks that it is unnatural for her child to sit quietly and do his work. Good luck when he becomes a teenager.

Jess C | Sep 7, 2006 | Reply
In reference to Chocomel’s comment about only legitimate schools accepting Pensacola Christian College credits, there have been several of my classmates that have been accepted into prestigous medical schools around the world and they graudated from PCC. Are you telling me that schools such as Mercer University, Campbell University, Georgia State University, and Meharry Medical College are not legitimate schools ?? I recently graduated from PCC in 2005 and am pursing a graduate degree at an accredited university this fall, so get the facts straight or shut up. I did not agree with PCC or their standards, nor do I suppport or recommend the school. But don’t try to use the accreditation issue to start a controversy, you definitely are speaking from a child’s prospect, not a mature adult who knows how to make their own choices or make a reasonable argument.

Victoria | Sep 7, 2006 | Reply
P.S. correction:meant to put child’s prospective instead of child’s prospect.

Victoria | Sep 7, 2006 | Reply
To Chocomel:

I remark that you are one big comment reposter on here. Did you ever attend PCC? Did you get kicked out for disobedience? Or maybe you went there but you Can’t you get your credits transfered because your GPA was not high enough? then I am sorry! I know many PCC grads that have been and now attending accredited graduate universities.
Your hard feelings towards PCC are pitiful and therefore make you sound like a LOSER! My points are clear… I would not send my kids to PCC for college not because of accreditation (education at PCC is far better than a lot of schools - great teachers - solid biblical and ethical education- honesty….) but because I do not believe some of the rules make sense!

Simple: Don’t trashtalk a school when you do not know the facts or much simpler is don’t go there - don’t send your kids if you do not like the rules.

P.S. I did answer my question: I chose to go there!

Mike | Sep 7, 2006 | Reply
while i have neither the time nor the will to read and respond to each of the responses to this article, there are several things that i feel somewhat obliged to state, if only in the intrest of fairness

1. pensacola christian college (pcc) never tries to market itself to non-christians, or non-fundamentalist christians. so if you are in either one of these then in reality none of this concerns you.

2. a beka books curriculum is well constructed, and generally produces, well-educated and well-behaved alumni (even if you may consider them a bit naive -that is generally how they would prefer to be)

3. someone suggested relief for students through government intervention. this is neither the purpose or the privilege of our government, for a government with such powers one should try europe and asia. our government is not for medling in such affairs.

4. yes the students do “sign up” for the rules in general, for the most part. most students are not aware of the full scope of the rules, and yes several of the administrators can be capricious with their enforcement, that is through a lack of balance of powers (see the constitution for a good example of that) still others are compelled to attend pcc by their parents, who wish only the best for these generally fragile minds.

5. i went to pcc off and on for 5 years. yes i wasted much of my time, but that had little to do with the rules, i started attending college at 16 and though intelligent, i was easily distracted and easily led- mostly by my interesting and usually slightly devious friends. if i had the choice to do it again i would, i can never replace the many experiences through wich i learned many things about myself and the world in general, because of and, just as often, inspite of the school, and it’s rules.
i have seen these rules both hurt and help. power does easily corrupt and that is why no man should be afforded absolute power.

to sum all of that up: one should not consider pcc if his beliefs are not minimally in line with those of pcc or if one is apt to “kick against the pricks” but for those who agree with the stands of the institution and seek higher education to the ends of ministry, or even merely to bolster their faith while preparing for another career then consider pcc. but by all means research it and know what you’re getting into. i am neither for nor against pcc in the case of the general populace, but it may be right for you, as an individual. some things you learn over time are unimportant, others are seen as bigger than they are.

finally, there’s little reason or justification for mocking the institution unless you have in fact attended and are willing to share in the mocking. “ye speak of which ye know not” if you wish to discuss the school with me feel free to find me on the myspace groups that bear its name, i may not be active in discussions but i’m there and i’m willing to explain what i can about the institutions ideologies, though i cannot speak for the school directly.

woody | Sep 7, 2006 | Reply
I have lived in Pensacola for almost 5 years now. I attended 3 years at PCC and then transfered over to UWF for reasons that are not needed to mention.
Before transfering I was told by the adminstrators of PCC that all of my credits from PCC would transfer to UWF. When I sat down with the advisors at UWF I was told that many student transfer over saying the same thing. The advisor at UWF was actually a Christian lady adn could not understand why a christian college would continue to lie to there student when they know the truth (that no credits will transfer anywhere).
To remind ya’ll…I live in Pensacola, I work in Pensacola, I go to school in Pensacola, I go to church in Pensacola…so you get the idea. And neither at church (with christians) nor work (with non-christians) have I ever heard anything good about them. now this is my issue with PCC. not the rules…screw the rules…i don’t go there anymore, so I dont really care about the rules. my problem with PCC is the fact that they are trying so hard to keep their goody goody clean cut image that they have forgetton that they are supposed to be “like Christ.” when people in town see the khaki skirts and the collar shirts. they don’t make people think “wow, those kids look sharp and something is different about them.” they see students and faculty that are stuck up, rude, and people you would never thing carry the love of God inside them.
To sum it all up in a few words. I think that PCC has lost the whole reason that they started the school.

michelle | Sep 7, 2006 | Reply
Some people cannot accept the concept that PCC impose to their students, and I believe that PCC is not for everybody. Any parents, though, will definately feel safe that his/her son/daughter attends the college because they really protect their students.

It is true that the rules are VERY strict. I experience the four years as an undergraduate student and two years as a graduate student. As I think back for those years, I really believe that the rules kept my eyes on that goal of graduation.

If you are thinking of attending PCC, I believe that the Lord will help your every step and will guide you. I strongly believe that the education standards are high, especially in English. I thank God for my years there.

For the ABeka book comments, I worked on campus in the bookstore and they are the only retail stores that sell ABeka Book materials. I honestly believe that those materials are the best. I will use their materials if we decide to homeschool. Before judging anything, please contact them to review their materials.

Oh, one more thing, I was also one of the many international students in PCC.

Adam | Sep 8, 2006 | Reply
To Victoria;
First let me apologize, I did not explain myself thoroughly about accreditation /non- accreditation.
It is not as simple as I put it and there are certainly places on the internet that research can be done on the pros and cons. But generally schools will not accept ALL of the credits earned when transferring from a non-accredited school.
Sure those schools your friends went to are legitimate (2 in Georgia, 1 in Tennessee, and the other in New York, I think) hardly qualifies as medical schools around the world though.

To Mike;
When you said you chose to go there that’s not WHY you went there. Why did you make that choice? That’s what I was asking and that’s what a sentence like “The question is why did I go there?” means. Choice is the result of the conclusions you came to. So I was trying to ask why.

Your loser comment was going to get answered with a brief bio but it’s not worth it. If you think I’m a loser because I don’t like PCC then that is fine by me.

Your other remarks and questions toward me I figure are just rhetorical.

Chocomel | Sep 8, 2006 | Reply
Well, this was an interesting article to read. I went to PCC and graduated from there. Lots of people have stuff to say for and against the school and I guess it’s like that for many places, but PCC seems to bring out the best in people (HAHAHA)!!

Now I wanted to point out a few things after reading all of the other posts.

-Comments like “You chose to go there, if you don’t like it just leave” are ignorant and really quite stupid. Many students attending PCC do so because they can’t afford anything else, their parents are forcing them to do it, or they have completed one year or more and cannot see the point of starting over somewhere else.

-The college is unaccredited and they sure don’t tell you and try to gloss over it. i have personally not run into any problems so far because of that but the point is that the college should explain what accreditation is to prospective students because most 17 or 18 year old looking to go to college don’t have the slightest clue what this means unless you’re one of those ‘I have to know everything about college education in order to attend one’. Guess what most people that age don’t give a damn and would rather go out and have fun and think about college only when they have to.

-The rules are ridiculous and idiotic for the most part. Being treated as if you are five instead of an adult is tons of fun. I must admit I didn’t come from the best background to submit to these kinds of rules. But I managed to survive my years without too much hassle from my favorite people the deans. The trick in that place is knowing how much you can push, how to keep your mouth shut, who you can trust, and what will get you kicked out if caught and try to balance all of these. Which means that summer and Christmas vacations are a big party ’cause you need to get a lot of living done in that short amount of time.

I think that’s it for now. I’m glad I graduated because I think I deserved a diploma from that place after surviving it.

Later.

Miriam | Sep 8, 2006 | Reply
Just for everyones information, Pastor Schettler left the college. He felt that they “held him back” from ministry opportunities. I say Praise God he left—now he can reach people with God’s Word without fear that he’ll get reprimanded or fired for something he says.
As many people seem to point out, I too made lifelong friends at school and the education was of good quality, but it was definitely not the most memorable time of my life. I graduated with 143 demerits so i was not the best PPCer out there.
Many of the faculty have left the school-Tate Throndson, the Hazewinkels, Dr. Beemer, etc. That school is going downhill fast. I could say more but the article above has pretty much said it all. PCC has an obsession with some weird twisted sense of “Christian” perfection and encourage that in their students. To this day I have to laugh at myself because i still expect people to be scrutinizing every aspect of my life in case I’m doing something wrong. Please. How ridiculous.
So, all I can say is that I graduated despite being shadowed three times and ending with 143 demerits—what can i say i was lucky–yikes!!! but no my kids WILL NOT go to PCC. Who freaking