Christian colleges have been among the highest ranked schools in the nation for some time now, and it is no surprise that they are taking over the distance learning sector as well.  Online Christian colleges offer students around the nation a chance to learn from a college of their choice without moving across the country to attend school.  Instead, they can stay in the town of their choice and take classes at their own leisure, according to their schedule. 

Online degrees have begun to make more and more sense in the past few years, especially in light of the recession, which has sent many people home from jobs they thought would last them the rest of their lives.  Online schools have therefore met the challenge of allowing students to earn a degree from home without spending thousands and thousands of dollars for a new degree.  Online Christian colleges have especially been beneficial for students who wished to attend a similar institution, but found the cost to be much higher than anticipated. 

Online Christian colleges offer students the same degree realm as typical universities do, without the stress of attending a school that you may not morally agree with.  Many online Christian colleges are simply traditional classroom schools which have begun to offer degree programs online, such as Liberty University.  Rather than forcing their students to commute to Virginia, the school opted to post most of its degree programs to be available for its distance learning students, thereby expanding its student base and making itself more appealing as an online college.

Online colleges are on the fast track to taking over the education community as more and more students continue to earn their degrees through distance learning, many students who would never have had the chance to earn degrees otherwise.  Online schools are increasingly becoming more and more specialized, as is evidenced by the growth in online Christian colleges.  As trade schools begin to take over the online education industry and online liberal arts, engineering, and Christian colleges grow at an exponential rate, it will only be a matter of years before online schools will begin to rival traditional colleges around the nation.  Christian colleges themselves are growing in both sectors, but the online college approach has served to expand the student base even further.
 

Only a few years ago, Liberty University was one of the highest ranked Christian universities, ranking high within evangelical Christian schools by attracting a large number of students.  Since this time, the school has expanded to retain its title by reaching out to the online education community. Online accredited Christian colleges are one of the most rapidly expanding realms within the online education community. 

Gaining accreditation as an online college can be a tricky thing to do, especially if you have not attracted a wide student base.  Therefore, many online schools still lack accreditation despite the fact that they have decent degree programs and a good standing faculty.  Online Christian colleges have also encountered difficulties in attaining accreditation status, although schools like Liberty University were already accredited and took this with them in their transition to online courses.  Without accreditation, online Christian colleges will not survive very long and will not attract many students since their degrees will basically be useless.  However, the majority of online Christian colleges have accreditation and continue to attract students from across the country.

Online accredited Christian colleges come in many different varieties, as there have been recent developments within the Christian college community involving classical and traditional studies.  While most classical Christian colleges remain in the traditional classroom setting, there are a few that offer online courses which cater to students across the country who are interested in the philosophical roots of Christianity.  This classical approach has gained momentum in a variety of schools recently, although there is still a strong base in schools such as Liberty University, which leads in the online education realm. 

Online Christian colleges are not as widespread as traditional online schools, but Liberty University has nearly paved the way for future online accredited Christian college due to the astounding success the online degree programs have received.  After adding online courses, the student population nearly tripled and the school became one of the most recognizable online universities, very near the notoriety of University of Phoenix.  Online Christian colleges seem poised to take off as another decade comes to an end, and new technologies have made it possible for online courses to be taken with even greater ease for the technologically-challenged students.  Liberty University has risen to the top of many online education circles and continues to attract students to the online Christian colleges of their choice that are popping around across the interwebs and offer a new variety to the experience. 

The 150 students of New St. Andrews are one such Christian college that has spawned a new route for Christian education, going back to the supposed classical routes of Christianity.  As a result, the students of this Idaho college pore over Latin textbooks and Greek flashcards during their weekly disputatio, an assembly for all the students of this college held in a local movie theater because the college does not have enough room for all the students. 

The pastor who began this movement, Doug Wilson, maintains that this Christian college is much more than Latin rhetoric and philosophical principles, but is about “saving civilization”.  Taking a far leap away from the more traditional Christian colleges, Wilson has sparked interest in a new movement set to revive old principles of early Christianity.  The Classical Christian Education movement began a few decades ago with the students who entered Christian college after years of homeschooling, only to be disappointed by the lack of emphasis on literature and history.  While New St. Andrews is only one out of 200, it is the most recent to cause a stir in the community, as students attempt to “reinvent conservative Protestant education….essentially becoming medieval Protestants”. 

Students at these schools seem akin to early Puritan efforts at a regimented schedule, even starting classes at 7:30 AM (earlier than most college classes in general).  These schools and students additionally scorn Christian colleges like Liberty University and maintain that they are not interested in political ambitions, but are rather focused on Classical studies like philosophy, geometry, and literature.  New St. Andrews represents far more than a seemingly conservative Christian college, but represents a step back from modern society and back toward historical precedents.  Wilson himself contends that he is more right-wing than the rest of the town, opting instead for the ghost of Jefferson than any modern conservative candidate.

While this new type of Christian college is not meant for every student, it demonstrates the wide array of possibilities for students who want a different approach to Christianity.  Many Christian colleges have lost their sole status as a Christian institution in recent years and do not teach classes that cater to religious ideals at all, in an effort to appeal to a wide variety of students.  However, schools like New St. Andrews have opened up a new forum for the most idealistic of Christian students, who believe that both Classical Greek beliefs and Christianity can be molded together to become one entity.  However, the school is based on beliefs from the Christ Church and Trinity Reformed Church, forbidding students to follow any “doctrinal errors” from earlier centuries, including feminism or arianism.  They must withdraw after conforming to similar ideals.

Classical Christian college is a new face within the Christian college world and helps students find a foothold in life that would normally not fit in, in any college.  New St. Andrews does a good job of shielding its students from modern outside interests while exposing them to Classical ideals at the same time.  It has yet to be proven that this method of teaching yields a new class of graduates, but thus far, this school has isolated many in the community amidst the classical curriculum but still instilled many useful classical values onto their students.

By Britney Wilkins

Twitter is a great tool for getting the word out, and charities on Twitter are no exception. You can learn about humanitarian aid, animals, environmental issues, and more, all from your Twitter feed. To get tuned in, just check out our list of 50 wonderful causes that have a presence on Twitter.

General

These causes work for the greater good.

1. @Everywun: @Everywun makes it easy for everyone to take free, easy, and fun actions to support the causes they care about.
2. @ImTiredOf: I’m Tired Of… raises money for the world’s most important causes.
3. @globalhugtour: Follow @globalhugtour to learn about two people flying around the world in a small prop plane to deliver 100,000 hugs and $1,000,000 to important causes.
4. @projecthappy: This nonprofit organization is dedicated to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Education

If you want to support educational causes, be sure to check out these Twitter feeds.

5. @EIFdotorg: Follow Education is Freedom to support this nonprofit that works to eliminate the barriers to higher education and promote equality of opportunity in college.
6. @AEJMC: The AEJMC is a nonprofit association for education in journalism and mass communication.
7. @DougCovey: The Kids at Hope Association believes that all kids are capable of success.

Animals

Help support animals through these causes on Twitter.

8. @NCCF: Follow the National Canine Cancer Foundation to help support cancer research for dogs.
9. @AngelsforAnimal: Angels for Animals is a nonprofit animal shelter.
10. @savethefrogs: Save the Frogs is dedicated to amphibian conservation.
11. @FARMUSA: FARM Animal Rights promotes a vegan diet.
12. @caninepartners: Canine Partners for Life is a nonprofit service dog organization.
13. @FerretsFIRST: Ferrets First Rescue is a nonprofit no-kill ferret rescue.
14. @LOPETEXAS: @LOPETEXAS is a nonprofit racehorse adoption ranch in Texas.
15. @action4animals: Action for Animals promotes veganism and animal rights through educational outreach.

Minorities

These causes work to promote women and minorities.

16. @anitaborg_org: The Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology helps technical women connect with each other, resources, and opportunities.
17. @NationalBCC: The NBCC is dedicated to the economic empowerment of African American communities.
18. @thewomensmosaic: The Women’s Mosaic offers motivation to every woman.

Technology

Follow these Twitter feeds to learn about causes that advance technology.

19. @linuxfoundation: The Linux Foundation is dedicated to fostering the growth of Linux.
20. @grassroots_org: Grassroots.org offers free technical services to nonprofit organizations.

Health

Support cancer research, autism, and more through these cause feeds.

21. @GenRescue: Generation Rescue brings scientists, physicians, and parent-volunteers together to research the causes and treatments for autism.
22. @geneticalliance: Genetic Alliance works to transform health through genetics.
23. @LGBTCancer: LGBT Cancer supports all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people diagnosed with cancer.
24. @NWCRF: North West Cancer Research Fund offers funding for vital research on the causes of cancer, based in Liverpool.
25. @WalktheWalk: Walk the Walk is a breast cancer charity that raises money and awareness for breast cancer through power walking marathons and decorated bras.

Humanity

These causes fight poverty, hunger, and more.

26. @steveffeo: Food for Everyone Foundation offers help to those who want to help themselves.
27. @BetterHumanRace: Better Human Race converts searches and purchases into money for charities.
28. @The1010Project: The 1010 Project is a humanitarian organization based in Denver that is working to eradicate poverty in Kenya.
29. @AmeriCares: This nonprofit offers international disaster relief and humanitarian aid.
30. @PresNation: The National Trust for Historic Preservation works to protect, enhance, and enjoy historic places.
31. @eBiz4Youth: eBiz4Youth is a nonprofit program for at-risk youth.
32. @kidshopeunited: Kids Hope United works to protect children and strengthen families.
33. @sharestrength: Share Our Strength is working to end childhood hunger in America.
34. @CSolutions: Charity Solutions offers solutions to marginalized and vulnerable groups in Ghana.
35. @RunforWater: Run for Water supports running to raise funding for clean water in developing countries.
36. @rockforhunger: Rock for Hunger ends poverty with music and peace.
37. @waronwant: War on Want fights poverty in developing countries.
38. @FreshAirFund: The Fresh Air Fund offers free summer vacations in the country to more than 1.7 million New York City children from disadvantaged communities.

Environment

Learn how to save the world by following these causes.

39. @ClimateProject: The Climate Project works to increase public awareness of the climate crisis.
40. @RnfrstAlliance: Rainforest Alliance is an international nonprofit working to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoods.

Politics, Finance & Human Rights

Check out these causes that fight for rights around the world.

41. @ACLU: Follow ACLU National to support the basic civil liberties of Americans.
42. @LIFE_Foundation: The LIFE Foundation is dedicated to helping people make smart insurance decisions.
43. @NCPA: The National Center for Policy Analysis researches public policy to craft alternatives to government regulation.
44. @qvisorytweets: Qvisory supports the health, financial well-being, and career goals of the young.
45. @heartlandhelps: Heartland Helps is a human rights nonprofit that offers help to the neediest families and individuals.
46. @taxfoundation: Tax Foundation monitors fiscal policy at the federal, state, and local levels.
47. @Public_Citizen: Public Citizen offers citizen advocacy in Washington, DC.

Media

Learn about media reform and more from these causes on Twitter.

48. @freepress: Free Press supports reform in the US media.
49. @ChannelG: Follow Channel G, a nonprofit that produces documentaries for environmental, social, and health related projects.
50. @AHCJ_Pia: The Association of Health Care Journalists works to improve the quality, accuracy, and visibility of health care reporting, writing, and editing.

Christian college has the same extremists as many Christian churches have, including many founders who are politically motivated in their endeavors.  As a result, we have wound up with schools such as Patrick Henry College that is meant to deal with the home-schooled college age children of evangelical parents.  Named after one of the more conservative founding fathers, the college is situated not too far from Washington D.C. and was created to breed a new type of student that rests on conservative Christian values, serving to hopefully enlighten a new generation of Americans.

Patrick Henry College is only one type of Christian College that contains such a political message, but has attracted a wide base of students since its opening nearly a decade ago.  This new breed of Christian college has attracted a sizable number of students but remains a far cry from the traditional Christian colleges that preach ideals far away from Greek philosophy and political involvement.  Patrick Henry serves as a model for the most conservative politically ambitious young students who want to essentially change the world and its mindset of Christianity.

The many colleges that have sprung up as a result of Patrick Henry carry similar messages with them and do not appeal to every Christian student.  They are best suited for those students who have been brought up in this specific way, and mostly cater to previously home-schooled students who would have trouble fitting in at a regular college.  Christian college in this regard is the perfect place to cultivate like-minded individuals, making it into what Hanna Rosin refers to as “God’s Harvard” because it attracts a top tier of students. 

However, despite the relatively good intentions of the college, Patrick Henry has come under much criticism because of the way it chooses to teach science to its students and the supposed ties between the school and the Bush administration a few years ago.  Despite these accusations, the school has continued to attract a wide following of students, and is part of the Home School Legal Defense Association, thereby appealing directly to home-schooled children.  However, these ties with home schooling has also caused the school to come under fire due to claims that it only wants to recruit home-schooled children and even is prejudiced against allowing other students to enter.  Additionally, the link between the Bush administration and the school was spotted by political analysts when the school had a high ratio of student internships at the capitol. 

Regardless of its political motivations and supposed discriminatory practices, Patrick Henry College represents a new breed of Christian colleges that appeal directly to those students who have been immersed in their faith and political center since birth. These students would otherwise be unable to find a perfect fit at any college, and the new Christian college therefore allows them to step into a college that appeals to their faith and nurtures their previous home-schooled status. 

Liberty University is a school founded on deeply rooted Baptist beliefs and traditions, resulting in the largest evangelical university in the world.  However, the school has also become one of the largest online Christian colleges, with the vast majority of its students taking courses via distance learning options.  Online course offerings within the school offer degrees in 36 different fields, as well as an opportunity for many Christian students to study from home instead of moving to Virginia.

Due to the rising success as an online Christian college that Liberty has sustained, other Christian colleges have been influenced to expand their course offerings throughout the internet and help attract promising young students to their degree programs.  Christian colleges come in a variety of forms although Liberty University depicts one of the most traditional types of Christian colleges, compared to the new classical Christian college that has emerged around the country.  Rather than focus on Greek philosophy and condone various doctrines that have emerged, Liberty University offers most distance learning students the chance to earn a slew of degrees without the addition of any particularly religious classes.

Online Christian colleges serve the purpose of allowing students to take classes from home from a college they would feel comfortable in attending if they had the option to move across the country.  While the university does not promote religion through its degree programs, its notoriety as a high-profiled Christian university has increased its appeal to many students who wish to attend such a university.  Since it began offering online classes, the university has tripled its enrollment, proving to other Christian universities that if they begin to transfer their classes to online credits, they will be able to sustain a higher population of students.

Despite the controversial aspects many of these schools have been debated over, the schools remain profitable institutions and still offer students the comfort of attending an online Christian college.  As the network has expanded over the years, students now have more options other than Liberty University, but the school remains one of the top rated online schools despite its Christian background.  Offering more than 30 degree programs which rival other online universities, the school has maintained its course schedules and works well with its distance learning students in a way that was unprecedented in the online Christian college community.  As more schools pop up every day, it is no surprise that we have begun to find a more niche group of online Christian colleges and before long there will be an online college for every religion, but until that point, Liberty University remains the model for most online Christian colleges today. 

By Britney Wilkins

Movies are a wonderful form of entertainment, and for Christians, are a great way to affirm faith and learn more about Christianity. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, drama, history, or just a good Christmas story, you’ll find what you’re looking for here. Check out our list to find 100 of the best Christian movies of all time.

Inspirational

Watch these feel-good movies to deepen your faith.

1. Iron Will: This true life story of a brave young man in a sled dog marathon teaches a story of sheer will.
2. China Cry: The True Story of Nora Lam: Watch Nora Lam’s story to get inspired by her freedom from atheistic Communist China.
3. Dead Poet’s Society: English teacher John Keating encourages his students in this movie to live life to the fullest, seize the day, and make their lives extraordinary.
4. Chariots of Fire: Watch this movie to see the inspirational tale of young athletes in the 1924 Paris Olympics.
5. Woman, Thou Art Loosed: Michelle Jornal is raised in abuse and molestation, but meets with a Bishop who offers her guidance.
6. Facing the Giants: Grant Taylor is a coach who is facing troubles in his life, and asks God to help him as well as his football team.
7. Tender Mercies: In Tender Mercies, an unlikely couple help nurture each other back to happiness together.
8. Carman-The Champion: Boxer Orlando Leone counts on faith to win the fight he’s been called back to do.
9. The Ultimate Gift: A trust fund brat is forced to take a crash course in self discovery and reevaluation of his priorities.
10. Fireproof: Fireproof is a feel-good drama that encourages viewers to be faithful, honest, and let God help them.
11. The Note: A newspaper columnist finds a note from a passenger in a plane crash, and in a search to find the intended recipient changes her own life.
12. Boys Town: This Oscar winning movie portrays a Father Flanagan who opens Boys Town and helps set juvenile delinquents straight.
13. Dead Man Walking: This film features the true story of a nun who works to save Matthew, a condemned man.

Comedy

These movies show the funny side of God and Christianity.

14. Dogma: This comedy from Kevin Smith offers a story of two banished angels with excellent theological satire.
15. Life of Brian: Brian finds himself regarded as a Messiah, but he’s always in the shadow of Jesus from Galilee.
16. Bruce Almighty: This comedy features Jim Carrey as a temporary replacement for God while He’s on vacation.
17. The Princess Bride: Follow the love story of a lowly stable boy, princess, pirates, swordsmen, and more.
18. Evan Almighty: In Evan Almighty, Steve Carrell tells the story of a modern day Noah’s ark.
19. Oh, God!: In Oh, God! George Burns’ John Denver is chosen to be God’s contact to humankind in the modern age.
20. Jesus People: Jesus People is a Christian-made parody of evangelicals, which started out as a popular online series.

Action & Adventure

These movies are full of fast paced action with a Christian theme.

21. The Matrix: The Matrix features the Christian metanarrative for thinking Christians.
22. Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark: In this Indiana Jones thriller, you’ll follow a mission to recover the Ark of the Covenant.
23. Star Wars Trilogy: The Star Wars Trilogy is a classic tale of good versus evil.

Drama

These Christian movies offer lots of drama and intrigue.

24. Elmer Gantry: In Elmer Gantry, a salesman, becomes an evangelist to spread religion in America.
25. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest: This story explains why it’s important to become a part of a group of people to save them.
26. The Apostle: Watch The Apostle to learn of a preacher who commits a crime of passion, and works to find redemption.
27. The Sound of Music: The Sound of Music is a much beloved tale of a spirited young nun who leaves her convent to become a governess.
28. What Dreams May Come: This movie portrays a hell that is made up of selfishness.
29. Left Behind: Left Behind offers a dramatic look at the rapture and the ascendance of the Antichrist.
30. Going My Way: Bing Crosby stars in this movie as a singing priest who creates a choir out of local tough guys.
31. The Bells of St. Mary’s : The Bells of St. Mary’s is a sequel to Going My Way, featuring Bing Crosby as a Father who takes over a parochial school.
32. The Song of Bernadette: The Song of Bernadette tells the story of a legendary French peasant who has dialogues with the Virgin Mary.
33. Behind the Sun: This drama is all about an ex-Muslim turned Christian who returns to the Middle East to share the Gospel.
34. The Second Chance: Watch this movie to see a White pastor from a suburban church take on the challenge of working with an inner city Black church.
35. Inherit the Wind: Inherit the Wind takes on the controversial subject of evolution versus creation.
36. The Ten Commandments: Charleton Heston and Yul Brynner star in this movie that tells the epic tale of The Ten Commandments and the life of Moses.
37. The Other Side of Heaven: Follow the love story between a missionary to Tonga and his fiance that he left behind in The Other Side of Heaven.
38. God’s Army: Watch this movie to see the story of a missionary in Los Angeles who finds faith in himself.
39. One Night With the King: One Night With the King offers a look at one of the Old Testament’s most inspiring women, Esther.
40. Lilies of the Field: Watch this movie to see a handyman help impoverished nuns in the Arizona desert create a chapel and turn their desert town into a better place.
41. Ben-Hur: Through battles and enslavement, this movie’s star, Judah Ben-Hur gives up the sword for Christ.
42. Quo Vadis: This historical novel turned movie asks the question, "where are you going?"
43. The Nun’s Story: Audrey Hepburn stars in this movie that tells the story of a nun who faces challenges in her life as a missionary nurse.
44. The Robe: A man wins the robe worn by Jesus to the crucifixion, and believes that hallucinations and outbursts he experiences are part of a curse from the robe.
45. The Mission: The Mission tells the story of a Jesuit missionary who creates a church in the hostile jungles of Brazil.
46. Schindler’s List: Schindler’s List tells a haunting story of Jews in World War II.

Children & Young Adult

Check out these Christian movies that are made with a younger audience in mind.

47. Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe: This story is based on CS Lewis’ allegory of Christ’s life, and has good action for Christian teens to follow.
48. Spider Man: Spider Man tells the story of a teenager coming of age, struggling to be good and dealing with human emotions.
49. Shrek: This fairy tale teaches the Biblical value, "Man looks at outward appearance, but God looks at the heart" (2 Sam 16:7)."
50. Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie: This VeggieTales movie offers a friendly, fun story of Jonah.
51. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory teaches lessons of selflessness, charity, and love.
52. Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything: A VeggieTales Movie: The heroes in Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything learn that being heroic often means just doing what’s right.
53. The Prince of Egypt: The Prince of Egypt offers a good story of Moses and the burning bush.
54. The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring: Christians will be able to relate to The Lord of the Rings’ themes of good versus evil, friendship, and courage.

Christ

Learn more about the life and death of Christ from these movies.

55. Last Temptation of Christ: Last Temptation of Christ is a portrayal of the life of Christ.
56. King of Kings: Watch King of Kings to get a historical look at the life of Jesus.
57. The Nativity Story: See the tale of Christ’s birth in this drama set in Israel over two thousand years ago.
58. Jesus of Nazareth: This epic movie offers a full portrayal of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection.
59. The Passion of the Christ: This movie tells the story of the last 12 hours of Jesus’ life on Earth.
60. Jesus: Watch Jesus to get a realistic account of Jesus’ life based on the Gospel of Luke.
61. The Greatest Story Ever Told: Watch this movie to see the most famous period of Christ’s life recreated.

Historical

Check out these movies to learn about historical figures in Christianity.

62. Luther: Luther tells the story of spiritual leader Martin Luther as he leads an opposition to religious orthodoxy in the 1500s.
63. The Decalogue: This Polish series focuses on each of the ten commandments.
64. The Bible Collection: This gift box covers some of the most important themes and heroes in the Old Testament.
65. The Story of Jacob and Joseph: Watch this two-part story to see Jacob fleeing his tribe, and Jacob’s favorite son, Joseph.
66. End of the Spear: In End of the Spear, you’ll learn about Ecuadorean missionaries who were speared by a tribe they were attempting to evangelize.
67. Robber of the Cruel Streets: Watch this documentary to learn about George Mueller, who created homes and cared for thousands of orphans.
68. The Work and the Glory: This movie shares events from the life of Mormon Joseph Smith.
69. Paul: The Emissary: See Paul’s journey to bring the message of salvation to the world in this short movie.
70. John Wycliffe-The Morning Star: This historical drama focuses on John Wycliffe, who challenged the Catholic Church before Luther did.
71. Saint Therese of the Child Jesus: Follow the life of St. Therese of Lisieux in France.
72. Barabbas: Watch this movie to see the life of Barabbas, the criminal whose life was spared instead of Jesus’.
73. In the Beginning: This movie takes you through stories from Abraham to Joshua.
74. Constantine and the Cross: In this epic, you’ll see Constantine’s rise to power.
75. The Bible Series Box Set: This set features four movies about Genesis, Solomon, Jeremiah, and Esther.
76. Masada: Watch this epic miniseries to learn about the siege of Masada.
77. The Gospel of John: This movie covers the Gospel of John and the final years of Jesus’ life.
78. Moses: See the epic tale of Moses in this movie that was originally a six-hour miniseries.
79. Amazing Grace: Amazing Grace is a historical drama about abolition of the slave trade.
80. Saint Anthony: This film shares the inspiring life of St. Anthony of Padua.
81. The Apocalypse: The Apocalypse highlights the Christian era when Emperor Domitian pursued a campaign against Christians.
82. Becket: Watch this movie to learn about the relationship between Thomas Becket and King Henry II of England.
83. Bonhoeffer: Bonhoeffer is a documentary on Christian theologian and pastor Bonhoeffer who was part of a conspiracy to assassinate Hitler.
84. David and Bathsheba: In David and Bathsheba, you’ll see a Biblical tale of romantic obsession.
85. The Story of Ruth: This movie highlights the epic Old Testament story of Ruth.
86. The Radicals: In this movie, you’ll find the story of two of the thousands of Anabaptists who were martyred.
87. The Bible…In the Beginning: Watch this movies to see the stories from the first 22 chapters in the book of Genesis.
88. Mary, Mother of Jesus: In this movie, you’ll see the Biblical drama of Christ from Mary’s perspective.
89. Beyond the Gates of Splendor: This moving documentary tells the story of 5 missionaries in Ecuador.
90. Joan of Arc: Watch this movie to learn more about the story of Joan of Arc, a 15th century French heroine.
91. A Man for All Seasons: Learn about how King Henry VIII betrayed the Roman Catholic Church in order to divorce his wife and remarry in A Man for All Seasons.
92. Peter & Paul: Follow the story of Peter and Paul, who greatly influenced early Christianity, and were martyred.
93. The Omega Code: This TBN-funded biblical thriller is full of Biblical prophecy for Christians to study.
94. St. Peter: In this movie, you’ll follow the inspirational path of St. Peter.

Christmas

Watch these movies to find a good Christmas story.

95. It’s a Wonderful Life: Frank Capra’s much beloved film convinces viewers that life is most certainly worth living.
96. A Charlie Brown Christmas: A Charlie Brown Christmas offers a Christmas tale that highlights to true meaning of the holiday.
97. The Polar Express: Follow the Polar Express for a North Pole train ride of self discovery.
98. A Christmas Carol: Charles Dickens’ Christmas story teaches those who watch to be more kind and learn the true meaning of the holidays.
99. Elf: Elf is a genuinely funny and heartwarming Christmas tale.
100. The Muppet Christmas Carol: The Muppets tell one of the best known Christmas stories of all time.

Many people assume Christian colleges are only available to students whose lives revolve around their faith or students who want to go into a future in bible study.  However, this assumption is much different than the truth of Christian colleges; many students enroll for the environment and go on to become teachers, doctors, even lawyers.  Christian colleges are emerging around the world, in a variety of cultures and serve to help students find a place where they can be comfortable for the next four years.  The increase of available online Christian colleges has additionally helped this cause as students around the world are now able to attend a Christian college from home.

Christian colleges offer their students a variety of available course programs to prepare them for a future in any industry.  Rather than focusing solely on a religious future, Christian colleges attempt to mold outstanding citizens of society and encourage an environment that will allow their students to grow.  Most Christian colleges offer a wide array of activities for students, including work around the world through missionary work and volunteering experience.  These activities allow students to connect with their classmates who share similar interests and have a similar future in service work. 

Most Christian colleges additionally boast high numbers of test scores and rates of further education from their students.  Students at many of these universities have the drive to continue on with school and achieve greater success in the business world.  Many students additionally achieve honors rankings through their coursework and are challenged throughout their classes.  The label of a Christian college should not have a connotation of relating simply to biblical studies, but should relate to the more modern notion of universities around the world.

Additionally, Christian colleges are open to students of any religious background and foster a community where discussion is widely accepted.  If anything, many Christian colleges encourage non-denominational students to strive to do better in academics, instead of encouraging any type of religion.  The different points of views that are now observed through Christian colleges have allowed students to experience different notions of what they consider to be the answers to major life questions.  Furthermore, seeing the world through a different perspective is part of growing up and can teach students to be more accepting of people from different walks of life.  The next few decades will undoubtedly demonstrate an increasing number of Christian colleges, both online and traditional, but the underlying message will never change, much like the high caliber of students they attract. 
 

Whether you want to start saving for a new house, stick to your health resolutions or find helpful guidance from others, the Web has lots to offer. With so much at hand, there’s no excuse not to make big changes and have the life you’ve always wanted. Here, we’ve pulled together 100 tools and resources to help you start living your best life today, no matter what that means to you.

Managing Finances

For many, money is a constant concern and worry. If you want to get your finances under control and start saving for your future, these online tools can make it a little easier.

1. Mint: This Web tool can help you keep your finances on track. If they’re not, you’ll get updates and alerts to let you know.
2. Wesabe: Wesabe not only helps you organize your finances but offers a great community that can support your budgeting.
3. Yodlee Money Center: Managing your money is easy with this free online tool.
4. Geezeo: Whether you want to plan for 30 years in the future or 30 days, you’ll find great resources here that can help you do it.
5. Moneytrackin’: Do you know where your paycheck goes? This tool will help you discover what you’re spending on and help you find ways to save.
6. Prosper: Looking for a loan to get a new business started? This site may be able to help you find what you need.
7. DimeWise: Keep track of your expenses and income right now and in the future with this helpful tool.
8. NetWorthIQ: Check out this finance tracking tool that lets you establish your net worth and network with other savers and earners.
9. Foonance: With Foonance you create a "money store" and track your expenses and credits like a personal financial inventory.
10. BullPoo: Afraid of investing? Who wouldn’t be in the crazy market. This site can help you get the advice and knowledge to make sound investments that make your money go further.

Learning

Whether you’re just graduating from college or well into your golden years, learning can be a big part of what you want to get out of life. Here you’ll find instruction on learning about everything from physics to fixing your car.

11. NaNoWriMo: Once a year, this site offers a chance to write a novel in just a month. This can be a great way to finally get around to that book you always intended to write.
12. Instructables: Check out this site to find numerous instructional lessons to help you learn just about anything.
13. MIT Open CourseWare: You may not be able to afford to go to MIT but you can still take advantage of class materials through this site.
14. TutorLinker: If you’re looking to better understand a topic a tutor may be a great option. This site can help match you up with someone in your area.
15. SoYouWanna: No matter what you "wanna" learn you’ll find tutorials here to help you.
16. eHow: Learn how to do a wide variety of things on eHow, from computer troubleshooting to painting a portrait.
17. LiveMocha: This site allows users to connect with foreign language speakers around the world to build and improve skills.
18. Learnthat.com: From tutorials on things like overcoming rejection to classes in network training, you’ll find numerous learning opportunities here.
19. TrickLife: Wanna know how to trick out your life? This technology-focused site will help you learn how to do loads of useful things.
20. VideoJug: Here you’ll find numerous instructional videos that can teach you how to do everything from apply makeup to study for exams.
21. Dojo Learning: This site offers some public lessons on a wide range of topics.
22. NanoLearning: Check out this site for mini-lessons that can make learning new things quick and easy.

Goal Tracking

Everyone has goals for themselves, but meeting these goals can sometimes be harder than anticipated. Next time you feel bogged down working towards your goals try using one of these tools. You’ll get to see your progress bit-by-bit and see how far you’ve come.

23. Joe’s Goals: Whether you’re trying to start doing something or stop, this tool can help you manage your goals.
24. Ben Franklin Virtue Chart: Embrace your virtues by doing things the old fashioned way.
25. Don’t Break the Chain: This online tracking tool can help you track how long you’ve stuck to your new resolutions.
26. 43Things: Share your personal goals and get support from others on this site.
27. LifeTango: Start your "someday" today with this goal tracking tool.
28. Goalmigo: Use this free tool to set your goal, track your progress, share your dreams and join with people who have similar goals.
29. eLifePlans: Check out this site to set your personal goals, get excellent coaching, support and guidance from others online.
30. MyProgress: Keep track of your progress, even if it’s slow and steady, using this tool.
31. SuperViva: Jot down your personal goals and dreams in this online tool. As you complete them, you can check them off.
32. Goals Together: You don’t have to head towards your goals on your own. This tool allows you to get the support of others as you work your way there.
33. Family Goal Checklist: Where does your family stand in terms of their goals? This site will help you figure it out so you can get on track.

Health and Fitness

We all know we’re supposed to eat right and work out, but the reality is that sometimes, and maybe even often, we don’t. These tools are designed to help you create and stick to plans to get in shape and live a healthier life.

34. Traineo: Let your family and friends help push you towards your fitness goals with this great online tool.
35. We Endure: If you want to track your athletic performance, check out this site with great logging tools and an online community.
36. Daily Plate: Use this site to search for meals and exercises, track what you do each day, and monitor your progress and you work towards goals.
37. Bellygraph: Make your weight loss visual with this tool that graphs your personal progress.
38. Fit Day: This diet tool will help you monitor what you eat and your activity to help you reach your goals.
39. Coolrunning: Think you could never run a marathon? This site can help you go from a couch potato to a real athlete.
40. SparkPeople: This health site will let you lean on others for support in working out and eating right.
41. Gyminee: From working out to eating right, you’ll be able to monitor your fitness and meet new friends with this online tool.
42. PeerTrainer: Check out this site to get tips from others looking to lose weight in this community oriented site.
43. FitResolution: This community fitness site allows users to track their workouts, goals and get support and advice.
44. iTrainHarder: Track and plan your workouts and meals with this site.
45. Meals Matter: Use this tool to make your meals a little healthier. You’ll find menu planning tools, nutrition quizzes and more.

Getting Organized

When your life is a mess, you spend lots of precious time searching for files, tracking down appointments and managing your everyday affairs. That’s time you could be spending with your family or doing things you enjoy. These helpful tools will help you get your life in order and save you precious time.

46. Backpack: If it’s your work life that needs a little organization try out Backpack. You can store documents, information and schedules in one place.
47. NetVibes: Manage your online life with this tool. You’ll get a one-stop homepage with all your favorite sites in one place.
48. Remember the Milk: Sign up for this to-do list to keep track of everything you’ve got on your plate. It now has a Vista toolbar gadget so you can keep your tasks close at hand.
49. Stuffopolis: Track just about everything you own with this tool, even if you decide to lend things out.
50. Chore Buster: Divide up the work in your house without arguments about who is responsible for what with this online tool.
51. Time Tracker: If you’ve ever gone to bed wondering how you spent the whole day, this tool can help. It allows you to track you whole day.
52. Cozi: This online scheduling tool can help get your family organized. You can track games, piano lessons, meetings and more.
53. Mindomo: Do your thoughts need organizing? This midmapping tool can help.

Make a Difference

One of the best ways to live a better, happier life is by helping others. These online tools will help put you in touch with volunteer organizations, environmental causes and reputable charities.

54. Knowmore.org: Don’t let corporations control your life. This site helps you learn how to fight back.
55. ChangeThis: Spread your personal manifestos on this site.
56. Mind Petals: Have an idea you think needs sharing? You’ll find this site a great place to share your ideas and change the world.
57. Idealist: here you’ll find numerous volunteering and social action opportunities.
58. Volunteer Match: This site will help you hook up with organizations in need of a few good volunteers.
59. Network for Good: Check out this site to find charities and organizations in your area that could use volunteers or financial support.
60. Charity Navigator: Want to make sure your money is going to a good cause? This tool will tell you who’s reputable and who’s not.
61. Care2: Hook up with charitable groups, start petitions, take daily action and more through this action-oriented site.
62. Do the Green Thing: Start small in getting greener with this application that gives you small tips to be more environmentally friendly.
63. Find Your 100 Miles: Learn where you can get local goods using this tool. Put in your zip code and what you’re looking for and you’ll get a listing.

Relationships

The net doesn’t have to put distance between people, it can also bring them closer together. Try out these sites to find love, make friends and keep in touch.

64. Skype: Using Skype, you can connect with friends and family for little or nothing.
65. Socializr: This tool makes it easy to plan parties, family picnics and other gatherings so that all parties are aware and involved.
66. Zvents: Discover things to do in your city where you can meet current friends or make new ones.
67. PlentyOfFish: Those still searching for love can find numerous other singles on this free dating site.
68. My Family.com: Build your own family site to make it easy for all of you, no matter how far apart, can keep in touch.
69. My Heritage: This site can make it easy to network with your nearest and dearest.
70. Amiglia: Build a family tree of your relatives on this site and use it to keep in touch.
71. Match.com: One of the most popular dating sites, you’ll find loads of potential singles on this site with a paid membership.
72. Facebook: This site has millions of members, making it likely that old friends and family members are signed up as well.
73. Ning: Create a social network that matches your personal needs on this customizable site.

Spiritual Growth

Whether you want to connect with your religion or just get a little more inner peace you can find help from these sites.

74. bmindful: Post your positive affirmations here, share them, join a community and learn to be happy and grateful in your life.
75. Xianz: Advertised as the faith-based alternative to MySpace, this site offers many of the same features. Users can create their own homepages and profiles, leave messages for friends, and participate in groups and forums.
76. MyPraize: Join this social network for other spiritually minded people.
77. Christian.com: With an online community, instant messaging, blogs, podcasts and much more, this site is a great place for Christians to connect and embrace their faith.
78. Flock Finder: If you’re interested in connecting with religious institutions in your area you’ll find great listings here to make it easy.
79. Gaiam Life: For personal growth, spiritual peace, and increased happiness you’ll find numerous resources here.
80. BeliefNet: For tips and tools for prayer, inspiration and much more this site is an essential resource for those looking for more spiritual connection.

Career Advancement

Hate your job? Want to follow your true passion? These tools can help you take the first steps to making the connections necessary to move forward.

81. deviantART: Artists of all kinds can post their portfolios on this site and get some inspiration and feedback. Who knows, it might lead to a real job.
82. Side Job Track: Independent contractors can use this online tool to keep track of their work, even if it’s just side jobs. With the right initiative, side jobs can turn into a real career.
83. LinkedIn: This is one of the most popular online networking tools out there. Create your own profile and start making connections.
84. Worksolver: Here you’ll find help on making contacts, finding jobs and other great work-related tools.
85. JibberJobber: Check out this job search tool to find opportunities and make business connections.
86. Virtual Job Coach: Those currently looking for employment may appreciate this tool, offering a to-do list, job search assistant, contact manager and much more.
87. Biznik: You can connect with other budding entrepreneurs through this networking site.
88. Big Contacts: This site can help you manage your contacts, keep notes, track conversations and make helpful connections.
89. PayScale: If you don’t know if you’re being paid what you should check out this site. You’ll be able to see what the average salary for your position is. It might make a career change a little easier.
90. Career Values Tool: Do you know what you really want from a career? This tool can help you figure it out.

Getting Out and About

Want to see the world? Explore your own city? You can do both by giving these tools a chance.

91. Kayak.com: If you’re looking to get a deal on your next trip check out this site. It looks through several major sites to get you the best prices on airfare and more.
92. TravBuddy: Create an account on this site to share your travel experiences and read about those of others.
93. TravelPod: You can visit this site to read the stories of other travelers– a great way to get the lowdown on anywhere before you go.
94. Festivals.com: Find fun activities from arts festivals to Renaissance faires on this great site.
95. Chowhound: Whether you want to find some new cuisine in your home city or a great place to dine while you’re away, you’ll get access to thousands of restaurants and ratings here.
96. TripAdvisor: This site is a great one-stop-shop. You’ll get ratings, reviews, advice, suggestions and much more for places all over the world.
97. MeetUp: If you’re looking to get out in your own area, this tool can help you find others with similar interests.
98. Farecast: Worried that you’re paying too much for your tickets? This tool can help you figure out if prices are likely to go up or down in coming weeks.
99. TripHub: Those who want to travel with a big group or a large family will find this tool especially helpful in meeting the needs of everyone going.
100. TravelersforTravelers: If you’re flying solo you can meet people going where you’re going through this online tool. That way, you’ll get to travel and make new friends at the same time.

By Ashley Brooks

Colleges continue to include conduct requirements in contracts, despite accusation of discrimination.

Recently numerous complaints have been submitted to the American Philosophical Association (APA) in regards to ads that were placed by Christian colleges in their publication Jobs for Philosophers.  The jobs in question require applicants to sign a contract of agreement stating that they will not take part in any ‘un-Christian’ behavior while employed.

Wheaton College, one of the schools that posted ads which received complaints, has a contract which reads as follows:
 “We believe that these Christian standards will show themselves in a distinctly Christian way of life, an approach to living we expect of ourselves and one another. This lifestyle involves practicing those attitudes and actions the Bible portrays as virtuous and avoiding those the Bible portrays as sinful…Scripture condemns the following… homosexual behavior.”

The main source of outcry and complaint stems from the fact that the APA claims to follow an anti-discrimination policy that specifically forbids discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. 

Here is the APA’s supposed statement of policy:
“The American Philosophical Association rejects as unethical all forms of discrimination based on race, color, religion, political convictions, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identification or age, whether in graduate admissions, appointments, retention, promotion and tenure, manuscript evaluation, salary determination, or other professional activities in which APA members characteristically participate. At the same time, the APA recognizes the special commitments and roles of institutions with a religious affiliation; it is not inconsistent with the APA’s position against discrimination to adopt religious affiliation as a criterion in graduate admissions or employment policies when this is directly related to the school’s religious affiliation or purpose, so long as these policies are made known to members of the philosophical community and so long as the criteria for such religious affiliations do not discriminate against persons according to the other attributes listed in this statement.”

Opponents to the contractual requirements have condemned the APA for allowing ads to be placed in their publication that violate the APA’s own policy on discrimination as outlined in their policy.