<p>Hi everyone,
I'm new here to this forum. Anyway, I've been searching the web these last couple of days and--I'm astounded--there are absolutely no resources out there regarding religious life at various universities. You would think with all the college ranking/review books out there, someone would come up with something about campus ministries. I am Christian (theologically conservative though often not politically so), and would really like to know the atmosphere at the schools I applied to, as well as how strong/numerous the fellowships and bible studies are. Unfortunately, from the dearth of information out there, it seems that "serious" Christians only go to Christian colleges. I am not afraid of my faith being challenged (hence my list of schools), but it would be reassuring to know that I'll be hearing other voices out there besides those of atheist professors telling me I'm wrong. </p>
<p>Most of the people here don't seem to be religious, but if you can provide me with any information on the college fellowships/religious life at any of the following schools, that would be great:</p>
<p>Princeton
Columbia
Stanford
Pomona
WashUstL
UCBerkeley
UCLA
UCSD</p>
<p>I wish I knew, but I don't. I'm there are other devout Christians out there not itching to go to Christian schools (no offense to everybody that is). I also want to go to a place where my faith is challenged at times. I know its not the answer you are looking for, but it's a reply.</p>
<p>I can't answer your question specifically because I don't know anything about those particular schools, but ANY significant school (and all of those are) will have several, if not many, Christian clubs, ministries, and groups to choose from. I go to an extremely liberal, ant-Christian university (NYU), but even that school provides their own "Protestant Campus Ministries". However, if you're really serious about it, I definitely recommend involving yourself with groups that are not affiliated with the school. At club fairs, you'll no doubt see several student-run groups represented, and you can also look up some of the larger Christian university groups online (ie - InterVarsity, Campus Crusade for Christ, the Navigators, International Fellowship of Evangelical Students, etc) to see what they have organised at each particular place.</p>
<p>Also, I understand what you mean about "serious" Christian students only going to Christian schools. Almost everyone in my highschool went on to Christian colleges and Bible schools. However, I feel very strongly (without getting into too much Christian "talk" here) that we can have more of a positive influence on people and be useful in the world by getting a good education and being related to our peers than by sequestering ourselves in a Christian school somewhere. Also, you will probably find that your Christian experience will become even more real and precious to you than it was before...</p>
<p>I agree with DanielJ, it is good for Christians not to segregate themselves, but to get out and minister to other students. </p>
<p>Darkling, I really wouldn't worry about whether or not there are Christian groups on the campuses - there are sure to be several on each. I was a little worried about the same issues when coming to MIT, but there are actually quite a few Christian groups here, and MIT makes up one of the larger Campus Crusade groups here in Boston/Cambridge. I'm sure it will be the same at all of your other universities. </p>
<p>Remember, when searching for campus Christian groups online, key in the specific campus, as the websites are more campus based then organizationally. Here are some links I found in just a few minutes of searching online:</p>
<p>thanks for the encouragment! I'm more concerned about Pomona and Columbia than the other schools, especially since Pomona is so small, I think they have like, 2 organizations (whereas UCLA and Cal have, like, 50). I do know, however, that UCLA has a very strong ministry with Grace on Campus. Almost everyone from my youth group who have gone to UCLA have ended up there...but that's sort of a turn-off for me, because...I'm afraid I'll just never get out of the Asian Christian bubble, haha.</p>
<p>At any major university there will be lots of opportunities to have fellowship with other students who share your faith. At UCLA you could go to Campus Crusade or something that isn't predominantly Asian if you really are trying to get out of the "Asian Christian bubble". For me, I have pretty much done the opposite. I go to UCI, I'm a white guy, and I take part in a campus (and church) ministry that is about 85-90 percent Asian. I guess I am getting into the "Asian Christian bubble". Haha, but seriously, we are all brothers and sisters in Christ.</p>
<p>well, UCI is like, 85-90 percent Asian. haha, jk. Don't get me wrong or anything, I'm not a twinkie by any means, but college is where you expand your horizons, right?</p>
<p>It's more like 50 percent and I agree, but I don't think that the expansion of horizons is curtailed by attending a university with a lot of Asians. At UCLA, UCB, and UCSD, you are going to have a higher percentage of Asians than Caucasions, it's just a little higher at UCI. But you have to figure out where you'll fit in best anyway. So goodluck.</p>
<p>For me, I was checking the websites and stuff of the different clubs before starting college but then once I got there, I went to the one I was most comfortable with and liked the best so I guess you just have to check things out once you start college. I think that IV and CCC are pretty much the same but idunno. My brother is in CCC and he likes it. One thing though, is watch out for clubs called "Christian Students at X university" cause it is a cult. There is a club at UCI called "Christian Students at UCI" and some of my hallmates and I went to their welcome thing and they appear to be fairly mainstream, but once you look into their beliefs more you'll find that they are very cultish. Also, they say they are non-denominational but they aren't really. Just a heads up. Carry on.</p>
<p>from what i've heard, ccc and iv are pretty similar, but navs is more "hardcore". ccc and iv are just fellowships, so you still need to find a home church. anyway, i'm sure everyone will find one that they like better and stick with it. dont stress too much about it, i'm sure God will lead you to the right one.</p>