mdebater

How strong is the spiritual life at bc? I'm a fairly strong Catholic and I'd like a school where there is a good religious student base that is visible yet not overbearing. thanks

metfan2121

the general consensus from what ive hear is that it's there if you want it, but theyre not forceful about it. so they wont go around trying to convert people

mnwinwin11

IF you are a strong Catholic you will find others who share your views. I'm a Catholic (but not uber-religious) , and I do occasionally go to the many masses that are available at BC with people in my dorm. I've met fanatically devout Catholics, Agnostics, Lutherans, Atheists, Buddists and kids who just fall into some other category. Everything seems to be accepted and since BC is a Jesuit University, you will find plenty of Catholic events if that is what you want.

Sachmoney

How influential is the catholic presence on the core/academics?

miragemage

i would say that catholicism is fairly influential on the academics here purely for the core curriculum here: theology/philosophy.

eaglet

...but just to qualify that observation about theology, look at the theology offerings...that is no heavy dose of catholic doctrine...lots of options. Jesuits are intellectuals, not fanatical table pounders trying to prozletyze unsuspecting students at every opportunity. As I understand it, the theology requirement is there to inspire spiritual growth and spiritual exploration which is a good component of education if you ask me. Also, look at the varied ethnic and religous background of the faculty. They even have Jewish Studies and abroad programs about Buddhism.

dlm.jorge

I'm sorry, eaglet, perhaps that's a reasonable image of what the liberalized college is today, but Jesuits are, per their guiding tenets, anything but even handed.

eaglet

Having had a Jesuit high school education, this is my understanding. They are intellectual and broad-minded. How is your experience different?

worried_mom

I'm sorry but I also disagree with you dim.jorge. Have you actually attended a Jesuit high school or college?

Jesuit universities are indeed inclusive and ecumenical. Follow this link and click at the bottom of the page for a booklet explaining the Jesuit perspective on higher education:

Jesuit Schools

jorr08

also, dlm.jorge, Jesuits are the most liberal of all Catholics, and often get into disputes with the vatican

If i remember correctly, Jesuits are pro choice and are open to gays.

learnmestuff

Yeaaahh, you don't remember correctly.

Reddune

I don't know if BC closeted all the conservative Jesuits because I haven't met one yet. I had a class co-taught by an Augustinian and a Jesuit. The Augustinian loved to point out the liberal ideology of the Jesuit order as a joke. Of course, being the soldiers of Christ, they can't very well openly oppose to the Church ideology. Whatever their private opinion is, they don't publicly announce it if it contradicts with Church's teaching.

jorr08

actually learnmestuff, here is something to learn, I did remember correctly

Jesuit University says support to gay organizations is “the Catholic thing” to do

Jesuits at Santa Clara

also, there is major strife between the Vatican and Jesuits because the Vatican is super conservative and the Jesuits are more open to discussion on qualities of the bible.

Point being, Jesuits are very liberal Catholics. They are scholarly, and are very open to discussion about faith and what they believe in and how they can connect science to it. Every Jesuit I have met is very open to discussion, and will listen to and often agree with points you make.

It is the Evangelists that you usually must worry about if you are thinking of conservatives