I want to major in Computer Science and Brigham Young University in Utah appeals to me because of the tuition, the surrounding area and it’s a generally good school. It is the last of 8 universities that I’m planning to apply to, though.
However, I am South Asian and I am not a Mormon (I’m Buddhist/Atheist) and I am aware that BYU is funded by the LDS Church and that it’s named after an LDS leader. I also know that the school is majority white, and an overwhelming majority of the school is Mormon.
To clarify, I’m Atheist but not Anti-Theist. I have gone to (Christian) churches before, I’ve learned a bit about Mormonism in a religions class and in that same class we visited a Mormon church, and I’m entirely accepting of Theistic belief systems. Also, I do realize that BYU has an Honor Code, but most of my current actions don’t conflict with the Code except minor ones that can be easily fixed (like saying the word G-- and/or mildly swearing).
I know I’ll be the epitome of a minority at that school if I do plan to attend (which isn’t very likely because there’s seven other schools that take priority over it). Should I bother to apply?
You just don’t apply to BYU because it is a cheap school that manages to get into some rankings. IMO no, don’t bother. If you have to ask, the answer is no. And not just because you might reject the school, but like as not the school will reject you.
@philbegas I dunno man. I’ve been reading about people’s experiences at the school and honestly it doesn’t seem too bad. Given my race and religion, I’ve grown up in a fairly strict environment. A lot of their restrictions already apply to my life. I’ve volunteered at a Vacation Bible School and taught kids about G-- and I’ve sang about G-- in a youth church choir all while not believing in Him, so I really have no problem with taking their religious classes.
I guess I was hoping that people would reply with personal accounts of their experience at BYU. Did you go to BYU or do you know anyone who was a racial or religious minority who went to BYU and if so can you share your/their experience?
@Sybylla I understand that, that’s why it’s 8th on my list and I might not even apply to it. I was just curious about other people’s experiences at BYU because all the detailed stories I found on the internet are few and far-between.
Also have you read through the honor code? It seems insane. No coffee or tea?
Also from their website:
"All students applying to a Church Educational System school, which includes Brigham Young University, Brigham Young University-Hawaii, Brigham Young University-Idaho, and LDS Business College, are required to have an Ecclesiastical Endorsement. "
It seems like people get expelled for speaking their mind about the school and its practices so it’s not surprising people tend not to talk about it online.
@philbegas Like I said I’m Atheist not Anti-Theist (I’m assuming you are the latter to some extent). I’m also part of a religion while being an Atheist, so I can sympathize with the Mormon lifestyle. If they did ask me to specify what religion I am during application “Buddhist” is what I will put down because that is my primary belief and my Atheism is an extension of that.
I heard that the alleged caffeine restriction portion of the honor code is a myth. According to a BYU newspaper: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints posted a blog on Aug. 29 in the newsroom section of LDS.org that read: “The Church does not prohibit the use of caffeine.” The statement was subsequently updated to read that “the Church revelation spelling out health practices (Doctrine and Covenants 89) does not mention the use of caffeine.”
I also believe that the Ecclesiastical Endorsement is provided by the school, and will be provided to students regardless of if they are Mormon or not.
I thank you for the Reddit link (and comment #7 as well, I will look into that further because I hadn’t heard of that before).
Right, I’m not saying you have to be a Mormon, but the way I interpreted the endorsement is that you needed it in order to apply? Perhaps that entails visiting a LDS church and getting approved by a clergy member. I’m not sure though.
Sure you could call me an anti-theist I guess. I’m against organized religion (although not personal spirituality altogether), especially when it pertains to restricting people’s rights - which often goes on in christian colleges. I was raised seventh-day-adventist so I know a thing or two about being surrounded by people with views that are considered outlandish even by other religious people.
@philbegas Although I don’t agree with the general Mormon beliefs on homosexuality and abortion, their conservatism in regards to drugs, pre-marital relations, etc. don’t phase me too much probably because that’s the culture I’ve been raised in.
@philbegas Like I mentioned previously, the caffeine ban seems to be a myth. I remember learning about Mormonism in a Comparative Religions class and a Mormon girl scoffed at the idea that Mormons weren’t allowed to drink coffee.
From what I read so far, yes, Mormons and Non-Mormons are held to different standards at BYU. For example, you don’t have to be Mormon to apply to BYU, but if you are a Mormon when you apply but convert while you’re attending BYU, then I heard that you will face adversity from school administrators and possibly even face expulsion. Also, BYU requires you to take a certain amount of religious courses to graduate and apparently Non-Mormons aren’t required to take as much as members of the LDS Church.
The ban isn’t on caffeine. It’s specifically on tea and coffee. See the Wiki link above.
Mormons may vary in their own personal practice. For instance, I know an LDS guy with a full beard. Doesn’t change the reality that he would have to shave (and abstain from tea and coffee) if he wanted to attend BYU, because that’s BYU’s rule.
Well sure mormons can pick and choose what they believe just like every other sort of religious person does. Hell, deuteronomy 25:11-12 says “If two men are fighting and the wife of one of them comes to rescue her husband from his assailant, and she reaches out and seizes him by his private parts, you shall cut off her hand. Show her no pity.” but I don’t see christians cutting off their wives hands.
I’m pretty sure strict mormons do not ingest caffeine because caffeine is a drug. So if BYU conforms to strict LDS rules it’s very possible.
Just your conversation here really is indicative the BYU is not for you. Just the idea that you think this stuff is somehow up for intellectual discussion LOL. Why not get a bishop meet set up and see how that goes?
