Assignments and examinations present another difficulty to a Christian student. Depending on the professor, although some materials are up for debate, others are affirmed as well-established facts. They are assumed to be true when assignments and examinations are given, and the student is expected to affirm and apply them.

For assignments and examinations, a biology professor is unlikely to ask questions that permit doubt regarding the theory of evolution, but he is going to ask questions whose answer depend on the assumption that evolution is true. Similarly, a physics professor will ask questions that assume his own view of the origin and operation of the universe. Both of these professors, of course, will assume the rational validity of the scientific method and scientific reasoning.

Therefore, the challenge for the Christian is to maximize his performance in such a setting while standing firm in the faith and refusing to compromise. He must demonstrate that he understands the course materials without even hinting at the idea that he agrees with any of it.

Part of the solution includes the careful and deliberate use of language. When you know what answer the professor expects in an exam question, but the correct answer is contrary to your faith, you must not state it as fact. But you can show that you understand what the professor is looking for by attributing the answer to the appropriate source in the context of the course.

So, instead of just stating the expected answer, say, "According to Darwin," or "According to the textbook (or the author of the textbook)," or state your professor's name. If appropriate, you might mention that not every expert in the field agrees with this expected answer. This makes it even more clear that you are not necessarily in agreement with what has been taught. However, there is no need to write a full-length rebuttal unless this is what the question asks from you or allows you to do.

It will require some skill to prevent the prose from becoming too predictable, but when this is done properly, a Christian student can demonstrate competence with the course materials and at the same time avoid compromising his faith. As long as your language refuses to embrace the anti-Christian teachings, you are leaving room for further disagreement and discussion.

In all my years in school, there was only one course in which my answers affected my grade in a negative way. Greatly vexed by shoddy anti-Christian scholarship throughout the semester, I was more blatant than usual, and in an exam question even used several biblical invectives against one of the professor's heroes. Anyway, the lower grade had no effect on my future, and I can look back and affirm that I did not betray the Lord, although there was a small price to pay.

This advice would not solve all your problems. For example, it is harder to get around multiple choice questions. College courses tend to use fewer of them, but otherwise, your general speech and behavior in class and how you answer essay questions become much more important. You must make it clear that you do not necessarily agree with what is being taught. Nevertheless, what I have said about the use of language can help you begin thinking about how best to handle your own circumstances.

Again, keep in mind that you are not in fact dealing with assignments and examinations but people – your work will be graded by professors and their teaching assistants. These people regard their own expertise with great esteem, and if you insult their work or even their entire field of study, there might be a price to pay. Therefore, do your best to avoid unnecessary persecution, but never compromise.

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