<p>"The Core Curriculum. All Georgetown students are required to take two courses in Philosophy and Theology. The first course a student takes in philosophy must be in either general philosophy or ethics. The introductory Problem of God course or Introduction to Biblical Literature plus one elective are required for Theology."</p>
<p>It gives me the feeling that this university takes great consideration in religion(Catholic) and it also says Georgetown's "goal of securing the future of American Catholicism through education "</p>
<p>I don't know whether a student will be influenced by Catholic culture too much since it has already influenced my courses I have to take.</p>
<p>I’m taking a Problem of God class right now and we haven’t had a single discussion about catholicism specifically (sometimes Christianity, but we usually discuss the nature of all religions). Other than that, there really isn’t much catholic influence, except for the crucifix in every classroom, which is tiny and out of the way. In my PoG class it was on the back wall and I didn’t notice it until I went looking for it.</p>
<p>Theology classes don’t necessarily translate to Christianity classes. Just look on ratemyprofessors.com, and you should be able to gauge whether the professor is someone who takes all religions into consideration or just focuses on Christianity, just because they have “Father” in their title doesn’t mean they do. Intro to Biblical Literature examines the Bible more in a book sense rather than as a religious text, so the professor won’t be giving sermons.</p>
<p>There’s also a couple of chaplains in every residence hall but they’re not necessarily catholic, some are Protestant, some are Jewish, some are Muslim.</p>
<p>You have to realize that for Georgetown to get as prestigious a name as it does, it had to shed a lot of its Catholic practices. It’s a very open school.</p>
<p>I transferred from a strict Catholic university, and I can contest that here it is virtually under the radar unless you would like it to be a part of your life in which case there are many organizations. </p>
<p>With that said, I am taking Biblical Literature right now and it may be my favorite class. I am Catholic, but not really religious. In fact, my professor’s tag line is leave your religion at the door, the class is a historical critique on the Bible as literature, the way it is written, time period etc. Don’t stress the Catholic part in making your decision if you want to attend Georgetown.</p>
<p>A teacher of mine told me that Georgetown is unparalleled in religious tolerance. They’re so tolerant that it almost affronts Catholicism, he says. There may be a strong Catholic identity but all other religions are very much welcome.</p>
<p>I’m just wondering if Georgetown is a religious university.
But according to you guys, the atmosphere is open and I agree that as a top university Georgetown should underplay her religion aspect in some way.</p>
<p>Its not underplayed, its there if youd like to explore it. Theology in general here is really interesting for the Atheist or Theist actually. However, nothing is ‘in your face’ and its a really great balance in my opinion.</p>
<p>Just because it’s there doesn’t mean it’s not underplayed. The fact that a pro-choice group, while not allowed to be affiliated with the university, is still allowed to meet and hold events on university property shows that Georgetown doesn’t strictly adhere to Catholic ideals.</p>
<p>I think it is difficult to ascribe a behavior or approach like “doesn’t strictly adhere to Catholic ideals” to a diverse group like “Georgetown” or “Georgetown administration.” In my experience as a Georgetown student and alum, Georgetown’s Catholic and Jesuit history and tradition produces an environment in which religion, values, ethics, service to others, and questioning in these domains is encouraged as part of the academic and personal experience of the university. Often, at other top universities, these topics and parts of life are considered “un-academic” and not emphasized in the educational experience.</p>
<p>Given this history and tradition, along with Georgetown’s history of being open to and encouraging diversity of religious/values views and members (by the way, Georgetown was much more open in this regards than the other institutions founded at the same time), the school is an incredibly open and welcoming place.</p>
<p>sounds complicated. I guess I have to give a visit to Georgetown before I can figure out but it is literally impossible because I’m an international student. I’m going to apply for WSFS, don’t know if it will make any difference. I think the religion factor influences more on social life right? academically it is unbiased I’d like to believe.</p>