<p>We're very excited that our son has been accepted at Furman and plan to visit soon. We're trying to get an idea about how much religion plays a part in the daily life of a Furman student. We live in the northeast and aren't church-goers. Our family is nominally Catholic, but that is only because we are descendants of superstitious peasants, like almost all Americans. How big is Jesus at Furman? Are there a lot of holy rollers? Do the students often speak in tongues or do that weird snake handling thing? I am sure the snake handling component is directly related to the number of West Virginians present on campus, but I need to ask.</p>
<p>I am hopeful that religion is in the background. Any comments or insight will be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>Are you serious? Furman is relatively conservative but not it’s not Bob Jones…that would be the other side of Greenville. My South Carolina nephew will be a freshman also. He is a Protestant church-goer but loves his nominally Catholic family living in the Midwest.</p>
<p>“we are descendants of superstitious peasants, like almost all Americans”, “Holy rollers”,
"speak in tongues or do that weird snake handling thing ", “I am sure the snake handling component is directly related to the number of West Virginians present on campus”</p>
<p>Some people from other parts of the country honestly think that is how it is in the bible belt. But of course they have been mislead.</p>
<p>My son is agnostic and has also been accepted at Furman. I don’t expect any religion issues at all. I read that there is actually an agnostic/athiest club on campus although I don’t expect my son to join it (whats the point).</p>
<p>I have been on campus at furman many times for several reasons and have no reason at all to think that there would be any religous predjudices, let alone any “snake handling”. Furman has not been associated with any religion for several decades. As someone else suggested, Bob Jones U. may be a different situation. </p>
<p>As long as your son ISN’T a snake handler and doesn’t “speak in tongues” I would think he would be just fine at Furman. He SHOULD be excited to be excepted there, it’s a great college.</p>
<p>two daughters went to Furman. I’d say we’re soft Catholics. Both thought Furman was great. There are some probably like at most colleges that are religiuos but its not pushed on anyone. There’s no underlying religious themes. The chapel there has services for almost all denominations. Your son will be fine at FU (the school has a cheer, FU one time, FU two times, FU all the time… then at basketball games after a player from the visiting team is annouced the students yell "FU)'. Now do you still think its a strictly religious school? LOL</p>
<p>I am currently a sophomore at Furman and I am agnostic at best. Though there are a good amount of religious and very religious students at Furman, everyone respects each others views. Your son will be fine. If you have any specific questions about that or anything Furman related feel free to send me a personal message.</p>
<p>Well, now, my Uncle Cousin Brother Billy Bob goes there and he ain’t said one thing about no snake handlers or tongue speakers down yonder. When your kid gets there, tell him to look up ole Billy Bob, he’s one of them handsome fellers…he’s the one with almost all his teeth. Seriously, I think the OP was just pulling our chains…maybe an early April Fool’s joke? ;)</p>