That is, are they open to non-adherents who want to learn about the religion but don’t expect to convert? Does anyone have experience with this? My school doesn’t have a religious studies club or interfaith dialogue group, and I don’t feel qualified to start one.
I don’t know about school clubs, but I had friends that went to church (or church activities, like youth group and such) with their Christian friends out of curiosity, rather than faith. My (Christian) friend said that her fellowship had a couple of non-Christians that were always welcome, although they usually didn’t stick around very long. I don’t think it would hurt to check out the religious clubs or organizations at your school, and if you don’t feel comfortable or if they would prefer you to explore this interest in other ways (which I highly doubt, but I suppose is possible), you can always stop. My experience is only with various denominations of Christianity, but they have all been very welcoming and open to discussing their religion and having non-Christians participate. Assuming, of course, that you’re equally respectful and genuine.
A lot of religious student groups/clubs pertain more to the practice of something related to that faith (charity, community service, etc.) and don’t necessarily provide a lot of theological information/discussion. Aside from organizing events to celebrate important holidays on campus (Easter, Hannukah, Ramadan, etc.) most clubs seemed to be focused on service. At least that’s the case at my school.
But either way, they cant turn you away. They probably wouldnt even ask you if youre an adherent (though they’d likely assume you are but that is beside the point.)
I ran a club for secular/atheist students and we permitted religious students to be members. In fact, I think that it was against our school organization policies to discriminate against membership on the basis of religious beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, race, or other factors. Our religious members were very fun to be around and actually remained active for a few semesters and helped us organize events and social meetings.
If you do decide to join the club, I would explain to the leader of the group why you are interested. I’m sure that many of them would be more than happy to welcome someone who is willing to listen and learn.
Check and see if your college has a group that is connected to the Consortium of Christian Study Centers. I’m only familiar with Cornell’s Chesterton House, but their mission is to have intelligent discussions on different aspects of the Christian faith. See http://chestertonhouse.org/ for a sampling of what they do.
Yes.
There may be some religious groups that only accept people that are members of their given religion, but most religious student organizations are non-denominational, and don’t even necessarily require their members to be religious, but only to have a general interest in religion. I’m an atheist, but I find religion to be a fascinating topic to study from a sociocultural perspective. I’ve attended meetings for some of the religious clubs at my school before simply to join in the discussion of the history of religion.
If the religious clubs receive school funding, then yes.
Some religions want to “convert” people to their religion…e.g. Christians.
Others don’t place an emphasis on that at all…e.g. Judiasm.
If you have a genuine interest and don’t interrogate them about their religion, you will be fine.
I believe title ix or some such thing requires all clubs to be non-discriminatory to legally protected classes, which includes religion.