<p>HI everyone,
I'm a non-Catholic Christian. Religious life is one of my most important criteria when choosing college because I want to have my faith in God grow stronger during my college years. Although I've always been willing to listen to different perspectives and be open-minded, I strongly desire to adhere to my current belief. In other words, I really want to go to a college when I can listen to different ideas but keep my current faith at the same time. What I heard about Notre Dame is that people of other religions and beliefs dont really feel a pressure to convert to Catholic, and the community is very open-minded when it comes to religion subjects. </p>
<p>What I'm concerned though is whether people who say they dont feel any pressure care about religion at all because if people dont care about something, that thing cannot affect them a lot. Let's face it, although some people claim to be Christians, they dont really care about the Bible and developing a relationship with God.</p>
<p>I wonder if serious believers like me will be uncomfortable because of our beliefs? Is there any supports for students of different Christian sects?</p>
<p>My kid is a non-catholic Christian and it is clear to us that his faith has grown stronger after his first year at ND. Can’t imagine that happening many other places with the academic standing that ND has.</p>
<p>there are lots of opportunities to attend Catholic mass every single day of the week. There are also opportunities to discuss the bible with your fellow students, as well as required theology courses. You will definitely be able to develop your faith, whether or not you are Catholic.</p>
<p>I think that the students who are most likely to have religious “issues” at Notre Dame are those who are barely Catholic and those who are atheist. Anyone who is serious and sincere about his faith is likely to find others of like mind, and will not be pressured (by Catholics, at least) to convert. Check the Campus Ministry page for information about programs available to non-Catholic Christians, including transportation to off-campus church services. This is one school where no one will laugh if they see you reading a Bible or getting up early on Sunday for church.</p>
<p>I think that’s a very good point that ND is a school where, even though the students might not understand or agree with your religious beliefs, they are going to respect them. I think it would be interesting to compare this culture to that of other schools where you’ve been accepted. Are any of them religious? Overtly anti-religious? There are a lot of good non-Catholic schools where you might also feel comfortable, although Catholic colleges universities do have a reputation for being very inclusive.</p>
<p>D is an atheist. yes, it comes up from time to time. no problem for her at ND. quite the opposite, in fact - interesting and lively deep and integrated discussion, according to her.</p>
<p>I’d say it all depends on how the football season is going/went. Like right now I know a lot more atheists than I did 6 games into the football season. Psych. From what it seems like you want…a place in which you can maintain your values, grow in your faith and relationship with God, deepen your understanding of your religious views, all the while immersing yourself in a balanced “tossed salad” sort of environment composed of people from all over the political/religious/ethnic/moral/give-a-shat-or-not spectrum, without having to fear for any compromise or discouragement of your proclaimed values…then notre dame sounds like the place for you. </p>
<p>note: by no means am I saying ND is extremely diverse nor am I intending to give the impression that every student appreciates this aspect of the school. welcome</p>
bump</p>