<p>As a slightly spiritual but not really religious person, I too had been a little worried about just how religious St. Olaf would be. However, it has been a complete nonissue this first month, and I actually enjoy talking to other students about their beliefs and having religion be something to think about and discuss. At home in VA, you were either religious or not, and I felt a lot of pressure to decide to be one or the other. Here, yes, plenty of events are held in the chapel, there are a ton of very visible religious groups on campus and the choral music is very classical/Christian, but I love it for the sense of community and happiness that it provides. There is NO PRESSURE at all to do or believe anything.</p>
<p>The topic of religion has come up in non-religion classes a few times (sociology & Great Con so far), and it is just another consideration in our discussions. No hostility or shooting down other people, and no forcing ideas down others’ throats. Just discussion.</p>
<p>Although there are religious clubs/group meetings every day of the week and plenty of people attend them, it has been surprisingly easy to completely avoid religion here (beyond class & friend discussions and random activities/meetings held in the chapel). Really, religion only plays as much a part of St. Olaf life as you want it to. It’s just always available. I love it. 
</p>
<p>Okay, I’m in a really good mood right now (and have been since I got here), so I’ve gotta shout it: I LOVE ST. OLAF!!! And I love talking about it, so feel free to ask more questions. Please?! :)</p>