Faith at Hillsdale

warriordaughter
Sun, 21 Dec 2014 18:17:44 +0000

Conservatism: most students come from conservative backgrounds, but there are many independents, some libertarians, and a few liberals. Most students are also reasonably politically aware (if not actively campaigning/protesting/etc) so there is plenty of intelligent political discussion inside and outside the classroom. I have found that the college is less conservative than it advertises itself to be; I half expected giant Republican rallies every day, but most students are far more low-key and are very open to discussion with all viewpoints.

Christianity: again, most students come from a Christian background. On my dorm hall, for example, I would say there are around 10 Protestants of varying denominations, 4 Catholics, and 5 “other” (agnostic, Jewish, and Mormon are represented). There is are active faith-based student groups on campus, such as the Catholic Society, Hillsdale Christian Fellowship, Lutheran Society, etc. as well as many student-run Bible studies. In the classroom, professors are not shy to discuss the Christian church and doctrine in the context of history and literature. But it is still a non-sectarian school-- there is no statement of faith, students aren’t pressured to attend a chapel, the biology professors teach evolution, etc.

Classical liberal arts: You didn’t mention this, but I think it’s one of the most (perhaps THE most) important influences on a Hillsdale education. Even if you’re a physics major, you will read Plato’s Republic and Aristotle’s Politics your first semester. A politics major must study the principles of biology and chemistry. English, psychology, and biochemistry majors alike must read works like the Iliad and the Inferno. In short, Hillsdale students have a great respect for the great tradition of scholarship that stretches beyond them, in all disciplines.

Hillsdale also has a beautiful and effective honor code. If you are unfamiliar with it, check it out on the Hillsdale website! It really binds the student body together in a pledge to seek the higher things.