<p>In reply to the OP, if you’re not Southern, you might have a different understanding of the whole ‘youth group’ phenomenon, which is more prevalent in the South. Particularly if you’re from a small town (and we have lots of those in Virginia), going on a scavenger hunt with the youth group, a hayride, a bonfire, etc might be the only social activity available some weekends. Therefore everybody goes. It’s mostly social, though also religious. But the point is that someone who goes to these things is hardly a ‘religious fanatic’ – more likely, she’s just a kid in a high school in a small town who wants to hang out with her friends over the weekend. My nieces live in a small town in SC, and they’re heavily involved in Young Life. It’s better than a lot of other stuff you could get up to in a small town on a weekend.</p>
<p>A big thumbs-up to blueiguana’s post #19. It would be a shame not to be exposed to other religions, values, political beliefs, etc., in college - that’s one of the major benefits of a college education. Not only does it give the student the opportunity to examine his or her own values, it - ideally - teaches respect for people whose values are different, and an appreciation of the freedoms we enjoy in this country.</p>
<p>Some of my kids’ friends have been involved in Young Life, and my take on it is that it’s much more a social group than a proselytizing one.</p>
<p>Thank you for all of your responses. Just to clarify, I am not from the south, I am from the northeast, so I am not familiar with high school Christian youth groups. My daughter did attend a public high school, and we do have friends that are from other denominations. I attended a southern college in the 1980s, and I did experience some kids that were more “fanatical” about Christianity. I also experienced some major anti-Catholic sentiment, which I had never experienced in the northeast. </p>
<p>If you Google “Young Life” you get some responses that are a bit extreme–including words such as “cult.” I do appreciate the explanation of what value Young Life offers. It gives me a more complete understanding. </p>
<p>I guess my daughter will have to figure things out for herself, and I will have to find something else to worry about!</p>
<p>*I also experienced some major anti-Catholic sentiment, which I had never experienced in the northeast. *</p>
<p>Yes, that sort of thing used to happen. Not anymore…at least not in the bigger cities or college towns. The South may have low Catholic numbers overall (except LA), but the bigger city numbers’ are often much higher.</p>
<p>Try being Jewish in rooms where people don’t know you’re Jewish.</p>
<p>It appears that proselytizing and getting others to join is a big part of Young Life. If I were OP’s daughter, and the roommate seemed inclined that way, I’d make it crystal clear from the outset that I wasn’t interested so the relationship could move on without that element.</p>
<p>Maybe OP’s adult daughter will be interested in the roommate’s organization and what she has to say about it.</p>
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<p>I could say the same thing but substitute “Christian.” One time I attended a party with my friend’s friends, and I couldn’t believe the things they were saying. They had no idea I was a Christian. I was too timid to speak up, which I feel bad about now.</p>
<p>I think you could substitute any religious belief or orientation in that sentence and it would work.</p>
<p>Is the school JMU? I know they have a pretty big YL presence. BUt on topic, I would not worry too much about this. Your child’s roommate could be a big drinker, pot smoker, cheerleader, etc and try to involve your kid in drinking, smoking, going to all the football games etc ;)</p>
<p>I don’t think YL is a cult at all. Yes, they do invite their friends to things, but as others have said, it is good to learn about others practices. I’m sure your daughter will be confident enough to choose her own religious practices.</p>
<p>YL is a very popular non-denominational group in our area at the HS level. Ds did not participate since they were involved in their church. As with lots of things, groups can vary depending on the school you attend…when my girls went off I was happy that they attended any Christian group since the leadership and make-up of individual groups was more important that exact denomination. </p>
<p>It’s always good to learn about other views. D2 is a religion/math double major who spent a short spring term visiting monasteries. She really learned a lot and enjoyed talking to Benedictine monks. She understands a lot more about Catholic beliefs (and greek orthodox - also on trip). </p>
<p>Bottom line that if roommates respect each others’ views (in every area, not just religion) it broadens everyone’s perspective. If you child is invited to attend another group, take it as a genuine offer and either respectfully decline or, if curious, look for an event that meets your comfort level (bible study, service event, social event) more than actual service.</p>
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Something similar to this happened to me in class. There were a group of students, acquaintances, who were speaking against my religion and whatnot and then asked me what I thought about it. I said I was a Christian. They sort of stared and then stopped talking about the topic. It took some courage and to be honest I thought of not saying I was a Christian because I wasn’t sure how they would react. I would have never said anything if get didn’t interact with me.</p>
<p>I don’t believe you have much to worry about, OP. If your daughter feels some boundaries are crossed or she begins to feel uncomfortable, encourage her to speak to her roommate about it. A simple conversation can prevent future events.</p>
<p>My daughter attended a few Young Life meetings at her high school. A favorite teacher was running it.</p>
<p>Liberal in the extreme, not conservative, not dogmatic. Your daughter will be fine. Even if they disagree, everything will be fine, I’m sure.</p>
<p>Common courtesy transcends religious boundaries. The two young women should expect to act with courtesy across all matters and to act in the same manner.</p>
<p>nj2011mom- mom2collegekids is correct in that I meant in lieu to my Sunday mass. 
my roommate’s mass was the same time as mine, so I knew that I couldn’t substitute a Protestant mass for a Catholic one. </p>
<p>And as far as attending other sects’ masses, my family is very old-school and traditional. I grew up with my grandparents telling me to never go to a Protestant mass, and they defend</p>
<p>nj2011mom- mom2collegekids is correct in that I meant in lieu to my Sunday mass. my roommate’s mass was the same time as mine, so I knew that I couldn’t substitute a Protestant mass for a Catholic one. </p>
<p>And as far as attending other sects’ masses, my family is very old-school and traditional. I grew up with my grandparents telling me to never go to a Protestant mass, and they defended this claim with the whole Canon Law thing. I’m still not sure exactly what I can and cannot do according to that, and so far I’ve never been in a situation (except for the one with my roommate) to attend a non-Catholic function, so I think I’ll look into this further. </p>
<p>And these are great posts, by the way! I have a clearer idea of what YL is, and I’m sure the OP does now, too. :)</p>
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<p>What did they say would happen to you if you went anyway?</p>
<p>I’ve been with priests at Jewish ceremonies, from Bar Mitzvahs to Yom Kippur, so I doubt there is a commonly observed restriction. They are openly invited guests. </p>
<p>I’ve been to plenty of Catholic masses and various Protestant services and emerged unscarred by the experience. </p>
<p>Final note: I looked this up on a Catholic answers blog and it says there is no prohibition. Just don’t take communion from some other religion.</p>
<p>Middlebrook, just fyi, I believe mass is a term usually used by Catholics, Protestants tend to call it services. Anglicans, I believe may use the word mass. I believe Catholics can attend non Catholic services but are not suppose to take communion there and the service does not fulfill your Sunday obligation.</p>
<p>I am glad some of the old ways are disappearing. Our Catholic neighbor girls had to cross the street rather than walk in front of a Protestant church. Kids today would think that was beyond weird.</p>
<p>Middlebrook, my Protestant church is directly across the street from the local Catholic parish. I can tell you that from time to time, one of the priests (who is something of a character) comes and sits himself down in the pew of my church on Sunday morning to enjoy the service. We also have joint services and events with Catholic members of the community, as well as Muslim and Jewish members. THus far, no one has been struck by lightning.</p>