Discourse on diversity or "higher thoughts on higher education"

The mantra of the liberal arts colleges (at least ever since I attended one in 1971) is "The purpose of college is to expose young people to diverse opinions so they can see the world is a big place with many different viewpoints." The corollary is "We need to correct the narrow worldview of the conservative kids" or "narrow minds are bad; open minds are good." There are, admittedly, elements of truth to these statements. When I attended college, I saw the value in this and I did grow by rubbing shoulders with other viewpoints.

Yet, what does the Master say about this? "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." Are we ever commanded (or encouraged) to try out other ideas, to have an "open mind?" It seems we are commanded to seek the truth, and that is found only in the Book.

Even our denominational magazine, in an editorial, praised the value of diverse viewpoints and condemned staying safe in our own little enclaves. Fair enough. There is truth there, somewhere. Yet, something doesn't quite ring true about this. I have yet to fully work this out in my little (enclaved) mind.