<p>Hi, so I entered this this university as a Christian, but not a hardcore super religious Christian, but I’d definitely call myself a Christian. I’m a Biology major, and the more science classes I took, the more I, very slowly, shifted to atheism. So I’m an atheist at a religious college with a few months left before I’m outta here. </p>
<p>Is it dangerous to profess atheism, or am I being paranoid? Surveys from my school are asking me this now…and I want to discuss my thoughts on the incompatibility of evolution and theism in some discussion-based classes, but I’m not sure if it’s a good idea.</p>
<p>Having been at a few “Christian” universities, I would say it really depends on the institution. Here in CA, Azusa Pacific is totally Evangelical, so the fit for you would be horrendous, even if they were tolerant of a non-believer and even if they accepted you in the first place. Pepperdine, probably not as bad as they take students from any religion. The faculty don’t have to all be from the Churches of Christ (although at least 50%+ are for undergraduates), but faculty come from mainstream Christian sects (even Catholic) and there are Jewish professors–a few. The Jesuits: USF, SCU, LMU would not care in the least what you are or are not, but most “religious” institutions do have religion-oriented courses you select from for core requirements. The Jesuits are no exception, but the choices are vast and really cool. Best rec: get thee to the campus and find out yourself. Your info about the exact school is too vague to give an accurate assessment.</p>
<p>OK, now I see you are a senior. If the survey is truly anonymous, then speak the truth. Unquestionably, we change over time, but you have now been at the institution for four years, so you know if it is worth sticking your neck out now in classes. Does the institution truly value debate and exploration or do you risk shunning if you speak your mind? If you were at a Jesuit institution, you would be fine, but some other “Christian” institutions expect you to tow the line. Only you can be the judge of how to handle your exit from the building.</p>
<p>I find it interesting that you have become an atheist after studying biology. I dont’ see how that is really possible myself. The more I study science the more I believe in God. I would answer the survey in the most honest of ways. Would I go around making others mad by spitting out your Athiest points of view in a religious school? no. Would I have some debating questions presented to my classes? maybe. </p>
<p>Faith is often tested and you just never know where you will land.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t call it “unsafe” anywhere. You certainly won’t be targeted for physical abuse or anything like that. If you are at all discriminated against or feel threatened because of your beliefs, feel free to contact the University police or, failing that, any local civil rights organization to intercede on your behalf.</p>
<p>The question is, while you be ostracized socially and cause a scene in your classes for mentioning atheism. That depends, a lot, on where you are.</p>
<p>You say “Catholic University,” that could be a place like Notre Dame (which recently wouldn’t allow an atheist student group official recognition) or the Catholic University of America (whose President issued a statement about that whole contraceptives thing a while back to all students and faculty). </p>
<p>Although being Catholic is not a requirement to attend either of these schools, and indeed there are many non-Catholic students at each, faith plays a strong role in educational requirements, University Activities, etc, and I’d venture a guess that most students there are in some way faithful to Christianity or if not they are not very outspoken about being atheists. </p>
<p>But you could just as easily be at a more moderate Catholic school like Boston College or Fordham, where religious instruction is not considered the major focus of the university. If you were willing to share that would help.</p>