An Atheist in a Christian College - Page 2

sunshowers23 · 07-12-2009, 04:21 PM

Atheist at most conservative, Christian colleges: Bad
Atheist at less conservative Christian colleges: Ok, but not ideal.
Atheist at most Catholic schools, especially Jesuit: Accepted, because they like the debates in class.

That's at least how I view it. I'm an atheist going to a Jesuit college, and I think I'll be fine. I went to Catholic school and was able to handle it pretty well. The difference between these schools is if they force their beliefs on you or not. They all should have core curriculums. Look into the course descriptions for their theology core. If it's all indoctrination and affirmation of what they believe, it probably won't work for an atheist. If it's broader- perhaps closer to a philosophical dialogue on god and religion- then you'll be fine.

dshinka · 07-12-2009, 10:51 PM

Yeah, I'd not recommend Pensacola Christian College if you're atheist...

behind_the_lens · 07-13-2009, 01:52 PM

my sister is going to a christian college next year (bethel u) and only applied to christian colleges. it seems that there are a fair share of colleges that do not require chapel daily. some do, some don't. check the policies of the ones you are interested in.

the main differences that i've noticed are:
-some (but not all) make you sign something like a honor code promising not to cheat, steal, and do other things like have sex and drink. but there are plenty of people who get away with it anyway..some are stricter than others
-some require chapel or religious courses. the sciences will stress how science and faith do not contradict.
-no bars/clubs on campus
-tend to be small, private LACs

they really do vary a lot though. (i.e. both wheaton and st. olaf have good programs, but wheaton is very conservative while st. olaf is quite liberal..after all, their head of the religion dept is buddhist.)

good luck on the college search!

El Huero · 07-20-2009, 02:11 AM

If you're militantly anti-religious, I wouldn't recommend it. The nature of Christian colleges varies, and while some have strict rules, not all will. I know a couple of atheists who go to DePaul, which is affiliated with the Catholic Church if I remember correctly. Since you're in Texas, SMU comes to mind. As far as I know, they don't have mandatory chapel services or strict rules, but they are affiliated with the Methodist Church.

kelis · 07-20-2009, 10:16 AM

I think whether or not you would like a particular Christian school as an atheist depends a lot on why you're looking into Christian schools as an atheist. Can you clarify that at all?

Keilexandra · 07-20-2009, 10:46 AM

Just wanted to note here that official religious affiliation != religious in character. For example, Macalester and Duke still retain historical religious affiliations but have no theological requirements whatsoever (100% sure on Mac, double-check Duke). I have also heard that Jesuit schools welcome atheists, although you WILL have to complete theology requirements.

joshmiller602 · 08-23-2009, 07:57 AM

there are athiests in Texas?

TheGrabler · 08-23-2009, 01:41 PM

I'm at Davidson (NC) which is affiliated with the presbyterian church. While there is undoubtedly a religious atmosphere (freshman convocation was held in a church), no one on my hall is even remotely religious, and the majority of kids here are liberal. Even still, it's often said about Davidson that for religious kids, it's the least religious place they've ever been, and for non-religious kids, its the most religious place they've ever been. I'm not religious and I love it here.