<p>So today I got accepted to Belmont University. I'm overjoyed because I know their music business school is one of the best in the country, which is what I'll be going for. I'm absolutely in love with Belmont's program. My only concern is that it's a Christian university. </p>
<p>Now I have nothing wrong with Christianity, but I'm really not religious AT ALL. I've even considered myself an atheist. If I go to Belmont, will I not fit in at all because I'm not Christian? And if that is the case, would I at least fit in with Music Business students? If music/music business students tend to be non religious like me that's cool too. </p>
<p>I'd especially appreciate a response from current Belmont students.
Thank you!
-Nora</p>
<p>It’s probably not as bad as some christian schools, but it is very christian. you will be required to take religion classes. You will hear people talking about jesus a lot! I ended up transferring away from belmont and the christian aspect was a big part of why I left.</p>
<p>The christian culture of the school means you will not have a lot of typical college experiences, especially when it comes to partying and stuff like that. That could be a good thing, it depends on what you want i guess. at belmont, alcohol is completely banned on campus even for people over 21 (something almost unheard of for non christian schools). A lot of people have been suspended and expelled for it. they also have a policy against students having sex, despite the fact that college students are legally adults. members of the opposite sex are only allowed in your dorm at certain times of day (very odd compared to most non-christian schools). It’s a weird place for an atheist, but if you’ve been in a lot of christian environments before maybe it won’t feel so bad.</p>
<p>I recently toured Belmont in September, and I absolutely loved it. I am also looking into Music Business. Our difference is that I am a Christian, so that environment at Belmont didn’t bother me. Maybe it’s because I am a Christian so hearing things that were Christian-like weren’t as “out of the norm” to hear, so maybe I’m just used to it. But I ran into a guy who is a religion major there and he said that a lot of people get into the Christian atmosphere, go to church, hold Bible studies around campus, etc., but that there are definitely people who are non-Christians who go there too, because their main draw is Belmont’s Music programs. I’m sure if you go there there’ll be people like you too, you might just have to search a little more. And also, I’m sure you’ll meet people who are Christians who’ll become your friends too…if your concern is that you’ll feel excluded, the one thing I took away from Belmont is that they are extremely welcoming, and they make you feel happy to be there. :)</p>
<p>While there is much that is Christian about Belmont, my own view is that Belmont is not at all “quite a conservative[C]hristian school.” Again, these things can be like beauty contests, in the eye of the beholder. Or POV. I’d say Grove City is quite conservative. Taylor is quite conservative. Pensacola Christian is QUITE conservative. Regent, King’s, Patrick Henry, John Brown, Liberty, Harding, Geneva, Moody, Cedarville are conservative. Belmont is Christian for many, perhaps most. For others, it’s a mid-sized metropolitan U. with a Christian commitment and framework but not much dogma. The grad schools are not at all such. </p>
<p>Well, in what you say Whistle Pig, compared to Liberty, Patrick Henry, and Grove City, it isnt that conservative. </p>
<p>However, It is still much more christian then the schools with no dogma and somewhat of a dogma. It is inbetween Biola and say, TCU. Perhaps instead of quite Conservative Conservative. I should have said a moderate-leaning to Conservative Christian College? :)</p>
<p>Totally agree! And you’ve posed, perhaps unintendedly, a really GREAT way of thinking about this issue …i.e. putting insititutions on scales that might appropriately and visually describe institutions relative to others. Scales such as … dogmatic, programatic, selectivity, reputation, quality of specific programs, size, location, etc.</p>
<p>I really think you’re onto something that could be of great value for many of us, and provides a better alternative to thinking of these places and measures in black/white, overly and inappropriately precise measures. Like the silly rankings attempt to do.</p>
<p>Well even though it was unitended, it wholeheartily agree. Im tired of seeing rankings that decide which school is #1 and #2. Also, for Christian Colleges rankings rarely matter. What matters in picking a college that can educate you, provide moral and spirtual support, and help you grow in your faith with other christians. I may start a thread that will be a Scale to help people see differneces between the colege other than the USNEWS and Forbes rankings</p>
<p>Not nearly as Christian as you would think. My sister(conservative family) went there and said most of the students were more liberal and atheist. But it depends on your pov. </p>
<p>Interestingly enough she flunked out second semester. Lack of a support system for students that get behind and she didn’t want to compete.</p>
<p>Agreed, that “how Christian” depends upon where one stands and what one desires and anticipates. More romances end in disappointment and mismatch than don’t. </p>
<p>That said, stating “most students were liberal and atheist” is open to question. I’m skeptical, doubtful that I’d agree, were I a student at Belmont. I would agree it’s not Bob Jones.</p>
<p>I’m in total disbelief that your sister flunked out as a victim of Belmont’s inadequacies, no matter what they may be. She flunked out exclusively because of choices she made. Period. Belmont is growing like crazy and is not so selective and competitive that its students cannot make the grade. And I’m betting your sister is not stupid. If she was ill-prepared, join the freshman crowd! </p>
<p>Your allegation exposes the entitlement mentality too many college students cultivate. I’m hoping your “pov” can be written off to immaturity rather than a firmly-embedded victimization mind-set.</p>