However, multiculturalism can also raise difficult questions for those committed to the gospel. How do we hold on to biblical truths in a world that celebrates diversity over unity in Christ? How do we engage with students from radically different belief systems while remaining true to our faith?
By Dr. Tim Orr
As an evangelical writer from outside the university, I often reflect on the complexities and opportunities a multicultural environment presents for students in the UK. Multiculturalism on elite university campuses is a powerful force, offering students the chance to learn, grow, and engage with the world in ways that go beyond academic study. However, multiculturalism can also raise difficult questions for those committed to the gospel. How do we hold on to biblical truths in a world that celebrates diversity over unity in Christ? How do we engage with students from radically different belief systems while remaining true to our faith?
Though I don’t belong to a university campus in the UK, I believe these environments have the potential to advance the kingdom of God. The challenges and tensions that multiculturalism brings are real, but so are the opportunities for sharing the love of Christ and growing in our understanding of faith. These campuses offer a unique chance to live out the gospel in ways that can profoundly shape individuals and communities.
Multicultural campuses are filled with students from around the globe, bringing many worldviews, religious beliefs, and cultural backgrounds. For Christian students, this can create tension. We are called to stand firm in our faith, yet we are also called to love and engage with those around us, even when their beliefs challenge our own.
This tension can, however, be a catalyst for spiritual growth. Conversations with students from different backgrounds often force Christians to think more deeply about their beliefs and why. As I’ve heard from Christian students at UK universities, these encounters can lead to a stronger, more rooted faith. A theology student, Emily, shared how a discussion with a Buddhist classmate pushed her to explore her faith more deeply. “It made me rethink some things I had taken for granted about Christianity,” she said. “Ultimately, it deepened my conviction that Christ is the truth.”
This is where the challenge becomes an opportunity. Instead of seeing multiculturalism as a threat, Christian students can embrace it as a chance to grow in humility, listen, and sharpen their understanding of the gospel. As Proverbs 27:17 reminds us, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
While multiculturalism can bring real tension, it also presents one of the greatest opportunities for sharing the gospel. The diverse nature of UK campuses means that students have the chance to meet people from all over the world—people who may never have encountered the Christian faith before. In this way, a multicultural campus becomes a microcosm of the global mission field.
This is especially significant for evangelicals. Jesus commands us to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19), and for students on these campuses, the nations have come to them. Arjun, an engineering student from India, shared how his experience meeting Christian friends at university opened him up to asking deeper questions about faith. “It wasn’t something I had thought about before,” he said. “But how they lived their faith made me curious, and eventually, I started asking more questions.”
This is the heart of the opportunity. Through relationships, conversations, and genuine care, Christian students can live out their faith in ways that draw others to Christ. A multicultural campus offers countless chances to share the good news of Jesus with those who may be seeking truth but don’t yet know where to find it.
Another reason I feel divided about multiculturalism is that it sometimes feels like the focus on diversity can overshadow the message of the gospel. But when we look at Scripture, we see that God’s heart is for all people, and His kingdom is diverse by design. Revelation 7:9 paints a picture of people from every nation, tribe, and language worshiping before the throne of God. This is the ultimate vision of unity in diversity—a vision that can be glimpsed on a multicultural campus.
Engaging with students from different backgrounds allows Christian students to reflect on God’s love and compassion for all people. Jesus modeled this in His ministry, reaching out to those who were marginalized or seen as “outsiders” in His culture. Similarly, on a multicultural campus, Christians are called to love and engage with those who may seem different from them, building bridges of understanding and sharing the hope of the gospel.
Sarah, a Christian student studying theology, described how her friendships with Muslim and atheist classmates stretched her faith. “It wasn’t easy at first,” she said. “But over time, I realized that I was growing in patience, understanding, and compassion through these relationships. And eventually, we had some deep conversations about faith that I never expected.”
This kind of engagement helps Christian students grow in Christlikeness, learning to love their neighbors as themselves, regardless of cultural or religious differences.
While I don’t belong to a university campus in the UK, I can see the incredible potential within these environments. Yes, multiculturalism can create tension—especially for those of us who hold to the truth of the gospel. But it also provides a rare opportunity to live out the kingdom of God in real and meaningful ways. It’s a place where students can learn to love others who are different from them, grow in their faith, and share the life-changing message of Jesus with those who may have never heard it.
For evangelicals, this is not something to shy away from. Instead, it is something to embrace with intentionality and purpose. The diversity on these campuses is not just a feature of modern life—it is a reflection of God's global mission. Through engagement, love, and gospel-centered relationships, Christian students can impact their campuses for Christ and grow in their walk with Him.
So, while I may sometimes feel divided about multiculturalism, I believe it holds tremendous potential for advancing God’s kingdom. And in the end, that’s what matters most. As students engage with the diverse world around them, they are part of something much larger than themselves—a kingdom that spans every nation, tribe, and tongue, united in the love of Christ.
The ideas in this blog are mine, but AI assisted in writing this blog.
Tim Orr is an Evangelical minister, conference speaker, and interfaith consultant with over 30 years of experience in cross-cultural ministry. He holds six degrees, including a master’s in Islamic studies from the Islamic College in London. Tim taught Religious Studies for 17 years at Indiana University Columbus and is now a Congregations and Polarization Project research associate. He has spoken at universities, including Oxford, and mosques throughout the U.K. His research focuses on American Evangelicalism, Islamic antisemitism, and Islamic feminism, and he has published widely, including three books.
