Consider if you will that Harvard was once a bastion for cultivating biblically-minded individuals. Burning with a passion to instill doctrinally-sound principles and practices, the first colleges of America made no qualms about their purpose.

Where are Harvard and the whole of the higher education system now? Fueled by billions of secular humanist dollars, higher education has degenerated to become an incubator for students who want to throw off the “chains” of parental and biblical authority.

How Colleges Undermine the Faith

Wielding their immense power over young people in the classroom, college professors seek to subjugate students’ opposing worldviews to their own. One university faculty member recently articulated this agenda with great candor when he said, “We need to encourage everyone to be in college for as many years as they possibly can, in the hope that somewhere along the line they might get some exposure to the world outside their town, and to moral ideas not exclusively derived from their parents’ religion. If they don’t get this in college, they’re not going to get it anywhere else.^[1]”

Regrettably, many Christian higher education institutions have also been infiltrated. My good friend Ken Ham of Answers in Genesis has warned that a growing number of faculty from conservative evangelical campuses are espousing evolution as God’s means of creation. Having surrendered their commitment to biblical authority, these faculty find themselves with no basis for discernment on essential doctrines of the faith. Truth itself is a casualty in the hands of these professors who embrace postmodern moral relativism.

Far more young people than we realize have experienced the undermining of their faith by the Christian college experience. In his book, Already Gone, Ken shares the staggering statistic that two-thirds of the young people regularly attending church today will have left the church after graduating from college. This is an epidemic. In fact, research shows that regardless of the Christian student’s public, Christian, or homeschool education, there’s no difference in the outcome.^[2]

The Debt Toll

Not only is higher education plunging generations of young adults into a quagmire of atheistic, evolutionary, and morally reprehensible philosophies, higher education is also enslaving them to a crushing burden of debt. Consider these staggering statistics:

• According to Finaid.org, 65.6% of students graduate with at least $23,186 in student loan debt.
• US college students owe $830 billion on government and private student loans, which is $3 billion more than the total balance Americans owe on credit cards, according to the Federal Reserve.

As grim as the higher education outlook is for young adults, the demand for college-educated people has never been higher. This is where conflict spurs a movement to disrupt higher education and reinvent college.

Leading this charge is CollegePlus!

CollegePlus! is the college option that protects students from our nation’s mediocre standards for education, provides a safe environment for effective ministry and service within the context of home and family, and creates a cost-effective approach to earning an accredited Bachelor’s degree without debt.

A college degree is not a prerequisite for success, and should be pursued only after prayerful consideration. However, as you consider the best long-term education approach for your children, I encourage you at minimum to learn more about CollegePlus! And I continue to give CollegePlus! my full support and recommendation.

Special Limited Time Offer: Enroll by September 30th

• A $250 Gift Certificate to Vision Forum
• Two Free Months of Coaching (value of $450)

This is a total discount value of $700! Use Promo Code VFM10 to take advantage of this offer. Promo Code: VFM10

Student Testimonies

“CollegePlus! helped me, a mother of 3 young children and a full-time homeschooling teacher, to finish my degree that I had wanted to complete for the last 13 years. I was able to complete 72 credits within a 13 month period and now have my Bachelor’s degree.” —Kelly N., Florida, BA Humanities Watch a video of Kelly’s story

“I started with CollegePlus! at 15 years old. Within 6 months, I earned 60 credits. At 17 I graduated with my degree and got a job as a financial analyst in Manhattan where they started me at $60,000 a year. I’m now in my second year of law school where I have a full scholarship.” — John S., New Jersey, BA Liberal Studies Watch a video of John’s story

“I enrolled in CollegePlus! at the age of 17, with great expectations, and the program has met and exceeded every one. 21 months later and for under $13,000 for the entire degree, I completed my BA in English.” —Cristina D., Ohio, BA English

“CollegePlus! minimizes every opportunity cost! I studied from home, I continued to work, and I remained involved with my family! I’m now studying for my MBA at a local university.” —Cole C., Texas, BSBA General Management

Posted by Doug Phillips on August 31, 2010 | Permalink

Calling all boys and girls with vivid imaginations and a love for adventure!

In less than two months, we will release the next radio drama album from our exciting Jonathan Park Creation Audio Adventure series, called The Voyage Beyond. Get ready for a thrilling journey down to the depths of the sea and up to the starry skies of outer space, exploring the mysteries of God’s creation the entire way!

With our new album coming soon, now is the time to catch up on your Jonathan Park listening - and we’re making it easy for you.

For five days only, save 50% when you purchase three or more albums from our Jonathan Park collection. That’s just $12.50 per album! Start shopping now before the sale expires on September 3, 2010.

Posted by Doug Phillips on August 30, 2010 | Permalink

We have a mission at Vision Forum to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ and encourage the restoration of the biblical family. One way we do this is by producing films that speak to the issues of our day, sharing an exciting message of hope while equipping families to biblically confront our humanistic culture and disciple their children for the glory of God.

To make as many of these important tools available as possible, on rare occasions we will bundle select DVDs into special bulk packs and allow our customers to purchase those packs at extra-low prices.

For 72 hours only, save 60% on fifteen of our customer-favorite DVDs, including our two bestselling films of all time, The Mysterious Islands and The League of Grateful Sons. Just $95 through Friday, August 27!

Save 60% on Vision Forum’s DVD Bestsellers Bundle

Posted by Doug Phillips on August 26, 2010 | Permalink

Mysteries of the Ancient World: Machu Picchu and the Lost Legacy of the Incas from Douglas Phillips on Vimeo.

Posted by Doug Phillips on August 24, 2010 | Permalink

Virginia Shares A three-Year Old’s Perspective on Her Big day With Daddy from Douglas Phillips on Vimeo.

Posted by Doug Phillips on August 21, 2010 | Permalink

It was the third adventure to a Father and Son Retreat for the Little Boy with the Red Boots.

The Little Boy With the Red Boots climbed to 12,000 feet with his daddy and two of his brothers.

His Daddy said that he was like a mountain goat.

Like most little boys, the Little Boy With the Red Boots likes to uncover mysteries wherever he goes.

Earlier that day he listened to a message on outdoor survival skills that taught him which bugs he could eat if he found himself on a mountain without food....so.....

Eating Ants from Douglas Phillips on Vimeo.

...he ate some bugs.

...and he got to spend lots of time with his best friend Honor.

They watched the men play with a big ball.

And they played tug-of-war with the other boys and their fathers.

What a great day!

Posted by Doug Phillips on August 19, 2010 | Permalink

This year at the 2010 Father and Son Retreat the boys and men enjoyed father and son walks (like the hike to the summit of this 12,000 foot mountain pictured above that I took with three of my boys), the preaching of the Word of God, and glorious fellowship with like-minded men. They also did push-ups—some did hundreds a day, and a few as many as 500. From the opening of the event, I encouraged the men to take control and discipline of their bodies—so we found ourselves dropping to the ground over and over again between events.

I love having a focused exercise program. It requires goal-setting, perseverance, great effort, and pain. But it also produces joy, blessings, and tangible benefits. That is why I sometimes think of exercise as a physical metaphor for the victorious life of Christ. Pushing our bodies reminds me that it is worth fighting hard to see the greatest goals realized. We need to fight hard and hold fast, even as we wholeheartedly “wait upon the Lord.” This waiting on the Lord is critical. It requires faith and hope. It means fighting hard and holding fast to the things we know to be true, as we wait upon the Lord. But there is a wonderful conclusion to the story:

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

Posted by Doug Phillips on August 19, 2010 | Permalink

Posted by Doug Phillips on August 19, 2010 | Permalink

Posted by Doug Phillips on August 18, 2010 | Permalink

The Vision Forum internships — which emphasize biblical manhood, practical business skills, and preparation for Christian leadership — are available to Christian, home-educated young men who possess a servant’s spirit, a teachable heart, and a desire to work hard serving a ministry devoted to the restoration of the Christian family.

We are still accepting applications for the 2010 fall Vision Forum internship but the deadline is fast approaching. Be sure to get your application in the mail by August 20.

Commendations from Former Interns:

Working in the Christian environment of Vision Forum as an intern was invaluable. I was taught biblical business skills by God-fearing men. I received a deposit of treasure from the godly friendships gained, the mentoring received, and the encouragement given. — Benjamin Dorin, Class of 2009, General Track

My experience as an intern has been an overwhelming blessing from the Lord. I have gained a clearer understanding of how a business operates, and have acquired rich, edifying and godly friendships with the men I co-labor with at Vision Forum. — Micah Pogue, Class of 2009, General Track

Posted by Doug Phillips on August 11, 2010 | Permalink

48 HOURS — Save 25%-50% on Homeschool Resources and Get Free Shipping* on Every Order!

It’s that time of year again — Back-to-School season!

If you homeschool your children, then you already know that “school season” never truly ends or begins. Every moment is an opportunity for education and discipleship! However, it is also true that there are times when our teaching is more structured than others, and for most homeschool families that time is just around the corner.

To help you prepare for an excellent year of education in your family’s “Home School,” for 48 hours only we are offering 25%-50% savings, plus free shipping,* on the Vision Forum resources that families find most helpful in their schooling.

Start shopping homeschool resources, plus receive free shipping* on every order. Learn more.

Posted by Doug Phillips on August 10, 2010 | Permalink

In our next, as-of-yet unreleased episode of Jonathan Park, we find Jonathan utilizing privatized space travel and examining key issues related to the earth, the moon, and the solar system.

Here is a question: What if the very special light of the moon just went out?

Answer: God has designed the earth and the moon in a symbiotic relationship where the former thrives because of its relationship with the “lesser light” that rules the night. If the light of the moon where to simply stop one day, or, even worse, if the moon were to distance itself from the earth or even to disappear, life as we know it would fundamentally change—seasonal cycles would change, tides would change, and life would begin to die.

Donald DeYoung writes that: “The moon does provide the earth with adequate night illumination. In contrast with the sun, it is a gentle, passive ruler of the night sky. Of course the moon’s large size is essential for it to provide significant reflected light on the earth. If its mass were reduced by 99% to make an “average size” solar system moon, then the evening light received on earth would be severely decreased by twenty times its present amount.”

Concerning the tides, another author wrote: “Apart from missing something beautiful, we would have seriously reduced tides, by almost two-thirds. The tide cycles are important for the sustaining of various kinds of life along earth’s shores, and tides create important currents that help sustain much of the sea life we have living today. Even worse, the moon has helped to regulate and stabilize earth’s rotation on its axis. In the long term, earth’s tilt would go haywire, due to tugs and pulls by the sun and the other planets. The seasons as we know them would shift and change with disastrous results. At some point, earth’s axis may even become close to coplanar with the ecliptic— the poles would point directly toward the sun a couple of times per year. If the moon disappeared, there’s no doubt that the consequences would be dire.”

Posted by Doug Phillips on August 10, 2010 | Permalink

At 4pm CST today, Geoff Botkin and I will join AFA’s Jeff Chamblee on the Nothing But Truth radio program for an hour to discuss Vision Forum’s recent Baby Conference. Nothing But Truth is heard weekdays from 4-6 pm on 140+ stations on the American Family Radio Network. Jeff is filling in today for Nothing But Truth’s regular host, Crain Durham.

To listen live to Nothing But Truth, click here.

Posted by Doug Phillips on August 9, 2010 | Permalink

Posted by Doug Phillips on August 6, 2010 | Permalink

New! Stories of Pilgrims, Patriots, Pioneers, and Providence: Discover America’s True Christian Heritage

Once upon a time, there were giants in our land. To America’s shame, we have forgotten about these giants because we have removed the ancient landmarks from our children. Those landmarks were the histories of God’s providential mercies, once told to every schoolboy and girl by grateful fathers and mothers. Now, to build a hopeful future for our children, we must remember America’s past. But, more importantly, we must view our past through the lens of biblical Christianity.

Toward this end, Vision Forum is pleased to introduce an exciting new audio collection called Stories of Pilgrims, Patriots, Pioneers, and Providence. Covering American history from the Pilgrim Fathers at Plymouth Rock to the patriots of America’s War for Independence and the pioneers of the American West, Stories of Pilgrims, Patriots, Pioneers, and Providence is an important and fascinating resource for every Christian who wants to understand and defend the irrefutable truth of God’s providence in our country’s past.

For six days only, purchase this 44-hour audio collection for just $65! Offer ends August 10, 2010.

Learn more and purchase Stories of Pilgrims, Patriots, Pioneers, and Providence.

Posted by Doug Phillips on August 5, 2010 | Permalink

For three days Texas historian Wesley Strackbein, military historian Bill Potter, and Faith and Freedom Tour founder Doug Phillips took one hundred men, women, and children on a journey that began in the ancient past of Texas history—a world teeming with mammoths and post-Babel settlers—and concludes with the great legacy of Texas in the Second World War. Now you can join them on this journey from the comfort of your own home as you listen to their messages from the field.

You will learn of the great events of the 15th and 16th century in Europe that precipitated the Spanish conquest, of how the flags of France and Spain came to Texas, of the rise of Mexican hegemony, and of the great battles for Texas independence that culminated at the gates of the Alamo. Meet fabulous characters from Texas history including Moses Austin and his heroic son, Sam Houston, Davy Crockett, Admiral Nimitz, and more. Learn of cowboys, confederates and great Indian warlords. Hear the amazing story of how Teddy Roosevelt raised the Rough Riders in San Antonio at the Menger just feet from the Alamo. Study the heroic path of German immigration through the lives of unusual famiies. Through it all, come to understand why after 500 years of a ferocious struggle for freedom, Texans still rejoin—“Don’t Mess With Texas!”

For sale tomorrow at Vision Forum.

Posted by Doug Phillips on August 4, 2010 | Permalink

Here is what some people have told us:

My brother, Nathan Serven, sent us a copy of your talk “A Hopeful Theology of Miscarriage”. My husband and I were so blessed by it, especially your point about God’s purpose in bringing souls into eternity. Thank you for your bold witness of biblical truth.

Another...

I’ve been listening to one of the Ladies Symposium messages from the Baby Conference on my iPod as I finished cleaning... it was one of the sessions I didn’t get to attend... Now I finish my evening encouraged and ready to start tomorrow. Thank you again for all that you guys do!

Posted by Doug Phillips on August 4, 2010 | Permalink

A whopping 250 films, totaling close to 250 hours of combined film review time, in about a half dozen categories, have been submitted for the 2010 San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival. This is the largest number of submissions in the history of the SAICFF. The deadline for submissions for feature films ended on Saturday. Now the work is in the hands of the judges who will be responsible for reviewing close to six business weeks’ worth of footage to determine the semi-finalists. One of these films will go home with the grand prize of $101,000.

Thank you for remembering both our judges and our contestants at this time. May the Lord be glorified through every aspect of the process, as we seek to take every [frame] captive to the obedience of Christ.

Posted by Doug Phillips on August 2, 2010 | Permalink

One of the most compelling and beautiful messages of The Baby Conference was the powerful testimony of love presented by R.C. Sproul, Jr., as he shared a very personal testimony of commitment to raising a special needs child. R.C.’s insights were pearls, and every parent needs to understand the heart of this message. Make sure to listen to it. (Available on bluebehemoth.com.)

Posted by Doug Phillips on August 2, 2010 | Permalink