<p>bluebayou you make a valid point except that it overlooks that the OP specifically asks about how atheists are treated at BC in general. He didn’t bring up the theology classes, scottj pointed them out. My interpretation of his opening question was one about the general social and academic environment at BC not 2 specific classes. </p>
<p>Generalgao,</p>
<p>First of all, BC provides a quality education including theology. That you find no particular value in the subject doesn’t alter their expertise in the field. Second, my point about research and defense was a general one based on my experiences at BC. While there will be classes wherein you will be spoon-fed material, many will require you to present opinions and research and then defend. There is a simple premise to the Jesuit education: an unexamined position is a weak one that is unlikely to withstand rigorous debate. If you haven’t analyzed all sides of an argument (for and against) your opposition will certainly find its flaws.</p>
<p>Third, I want to point out that your presented definition of atheism is incorrect.</p>
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<p>An atheist is someone who does not believe in the existence of a deity, i.e., God. That is not the same as being against religion. There are many people who believe in a deity outside organized religion. There are others who cannot accept the deities as they are presented in differing religions. Neither are atheists. An atheist believes there is no God, not that God exists but that the human constructs to worship that God are invalid.</p>
<p>Finally, your success and happiness at BC will have much to do with your attitude going in; if you choose to interpret every challenge as an assault on your beliefs, you will find BC to be a frustrating place. The reality is that most everyone will never know that you are an atheist unless you tell them. At that point the vast majority won’t care. If you choose to tell people and then are asked to explain your stand you can either intelligently defend your position or choose to be offended. You’re far more likely to be ostracized for being strident and unbending than you are for any beliefs you hold.</p>
<p>At the end of the day, if you were open to the intellectual challenges that self-questioning brings I think BC would be a great experience. If you choose to interpret every question as a slight (real or imagined) then you’ll probably be miserable. Of course, as bluebayou and I have pointed out, many of these same educational opportunities exist at other schools as well. Only you can decide if the “risk” of attending a Catholic college is worth the advantages.</p>