<p>I was raised without religion and honestly don't know enough about any religion to practice it. I'm not really interested in practicing a religion. There is, however, a college in my city that's a really good liberal arts school, and I LOVE their intensive summer sessions (haven't attended obviously, just like the way they sound and what can be done with them). The thing is, it's a Catholic college. I have no intention of pushing my liberal views on anyone, I can keep my mouth shut in respect of the fact that I'll be in a religious environment. But do I need to know the religion and practice it to attend? Or will I look like a moron?</p>
<p>Would you feel comfortable saying the name of the school on CC? There are some Catholic schools that are so oppressively Catholic that a non Catholic stands a good chance of being ostracized by the student body. Other Catholic schools, particularly the Jesuit schools, welcome non Catholic viewpoints.</p>
<p>It’s Saint Anselm College. Not hugely well known (it’s so well hidden in the city that I think there are residents that don’t even know about it) but the people who have attended and know about it usually have good things to say.</p>
<p>From what I’ve read about St. Anslem, it doesn’t appear to be a hardcore Catholic school. Since it’s in your city, you should try to visit and ask a couple of students whether a non-believer would feel comfortable there. Don’t just ask the tour guide, because you’ll probably get the sugarcoated “we love diversity and accept all students no matter their beliefs”. If at all possible, try to find a non Catholic and ask how he or she feels about the school.</p>
<p>Also, look at the class requirements and see if a religion class is required, and if so, what qualifies as a religion class.</p>
<p>According to Wikipedia, the college requires three theology courses to graduate, including a course in Biblical theology. FWIW.</p>
<p>St. Anselm’s Common Data Set says that Religious Affiliation/Commitment is “Not Considered” as a factor for admission so it sounds like it might work if you are willing to take the required theology courses. If not, there are lots of other appealing small liberal arts college in the NE area. As others have said, go visit and ask questions.</p>
<p>Oh, I don’t mind the theology classes. I’ll definitely talk to people at the college soon then. Thank you guys!</p>
<p>Their theology classes are not all specific to Catholicism, there are courses such as “Religions of Asia” etc.
I know someone who went to St. A’s and he was an atheist, but he still really loved the school. If the place had been too religious he wouldn’t have gone or stayed there!</p>
<p>Most Catholic schools don’t care what you are. </p>
<p>There are a few that probably do…like Franciscan, Thomas Aquinas.</p>
<p>I doubt that St. Anselm cares.</p>
<p>Usually the “theology” class choices can be very broad…like World Religions…which is more like a history class.</p>
<p>I’ve been wondering the same thing lately myself. One of the schools I’ve been looking at is Depaul, which is a catholic school. I’m not a religious person at all, so I’ve wondered if it would be best to avoid this school.</p>
<p>I do have a big interest in theology in general though, and I’m actually planning on taking a World Religions class as part of my humanities requirement before I transfer. So, in my case the theology requirements wouldn’t be much of a drawback, because I’m actually considering minoring in philosophy, and some of the classes I’d want to take would be religious studies anyway.</p>
<p>Anyone have any input about Depaul?</p>