<p>Hi</p>
<p>What churches are near Reed? Are there Bible studies and fellowship? How do Christian students fare?</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>Peter</p>
<p>The closest church appears to be Hinson Memorial Baptist Church, about two miles northwest:</p>
<p>churches</a> portland or - Google Maps</p>
<p>Reed Magazine ran a feature on religion at Reed earlier this year:</p>
<p>Reed</a> Magazine: Getting Religion (1/5)</p>
<p>You should probably also know that the Princeton Review, in its (2003?) publication "The Best 361 Colleges," ranked Reed number one in the category "Students Ignore God on a Regular Basis".</p>
<p>There are closer churches - a Church of Christ on Holgate near the school and I remember seeing one at Steele and 34th I think (basically the corner of campus) but can't remember what it was (mainstream protestant probably - I read their announcements going by). Also a big evangelical congregation nearby (on 52nd -a few blocks south of Woodstock). I'm thinking the google map is not very accurate. There is a campus organization for Christian Students called Oh for Christ's Sake (which tells you something right there) which is sometimes funded by the student body. The college might be able to put you in touch with the signatory for the group.</p>
<p>Yes, sorry, I feel silly now, assuming that Google knew them all. I remember seeing other churches closer to campus.</p>
<p>I saw a Google video titled "Give Up Steam: Reed College Renn Faire" at </p>
<p>Give</a> Up Steam: Reed College Renn Faire </p>
<p>I guess this video was produced in 1990 but is this rather an accurate portrait of the life at Reed?</p>
<p>Some scenes in the video were rather contrary to my faith.</p>
<p>Thanks. Peter</p>
<p>I have never been to Renn Fayre, but based on our daughter's reports of the three she has attended, and other videos, I would say it's a reasonable portrayal of the huge once-a-year weekend party held before spring finals. This is not regular, day-to-day life at Reed. (Sorry to disappoint some!)</p>
<p>In spite of the obvious frivolity portrayed, keep in mind that these are quite serious students, eventually earning PhDs at the third or fourth highest rate in the country (behind CalTech, Harvey Mudd, and sometimes Swarthmore).</p>
<p>cpk011: It's a hard question to answer, because "Christian" means a lot of different things, socio-culturally. Some Christians feel strongly that they should avoid a lot of behaviors, people, and ideas they perceive as contrary to their belief system, and therefore, should make choices that avoid those things. Some Christians feel their faith is a personal one, and doesn't depend on the environmental circumstances to be practiced successfully. I know many self-defined Christians who would be comfortable at Reed, and some who <em>really</em> would not. It's not clear from your post what kind of experience you'd be looking for. </p>
<p>I strongly suggest reading the article from Reed magazine linked to in vossron's first response. I'd also ask you to think about what sort of environment you're looking for. The environment at Reed is geared towards questioning ideas, positions, beliefs -- and as a result, I think you could reasonable expect your religious beliefs to be questioned, poked at, and challeged, by your coursework, classmates, and professors. Some Christians really value that sort of questioning. (For example, I had confirmation classes that challenged students to be able to refute the arguments against points of faith.) On the other hand, some Christians feel strongly that such questioning and challenge comes from "ungodly" sources, or that people who question and challenge believers are sinful, ungodly, and even being driven by or in league with evil/Satan. It's my impression that Christians with the latter kind of faith might find Reed a very difficult, unpleasant, unwelcoming place. </p>
<p>If you attended Reed, you could reasonably expect to have a lot of situations occur where there were things that were contrary to your faith. You could probably avoid some of those situations, but not all of them, because irreverence towards some kinds of belief is, I would argue, a core value at Reed. Some believers find such challenges make them better believers, and so they welcome them. Only you can really know what sort of believer you are, and what sort of environment would best help you to learn and grow as a scholar and a Christian.</p>
<p>There is a great church near Reed called "Imago Dei". It is fairly large, but meets in a high school building. It is evangelical with a contemporary style and emphasis on service and arts. We visited there last spring while on college tour trip, so can't give much info. </p>
<p>My daughter is a fit with Reed in many ways, but the extreme non/anti Christian reputation concerns me. I am new here so will check the other threads to see if I can learn more.</p>
<p>gafromca</p>
<p>you're a christian and you want to go to the school with the unofficial motto "atheism, communism, free love" ??? ahahaha</p>
<p>I'm a Christian student at Reed, and I love it here. I think Vossron and TrinSF have pretty much covered it (their responses are insightful and accurate), so I'd just like to second what they've said and assure you that the motto boombox refers to is largely tongue-in-cheek.</p>
<p>Reed</a> Magazine: What's so funny 'bout communism, atheism, and free love? (1/8)</p>
<p>If you'd be interested in getting in contact with the (very awesome) guy who heads Oh For Christ's Sake, send me a PM and I'll give you his email. Or feel free to PM/post any other questions you have; I was also a little scared of Reed's reputation, so I understand where you're coming from.</p>