How present are Georgetown's Jesuit roots?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Georgetown University
1

<p>Georgetown is a Jesuit university--how religious exactly is the school? Where is the religion evident? Are the majority of students Catholic? Devout? Would a non-Jesuit student--an atheist--feel out of place or uncomfortable?</p>

<p>Thanks everyone!</p>

2

<p>I have a friend and her daughter is a freshman at Georgetown. They are Jewish, and her daughter does not feel an overwhelming presence of the Jesuit aspect of the school. She is happy and loves Georgetown.</p>

3

<p>That’s good to hear–thanks, LA Mom!</p>

4

<p>I actually find that disappointing, especially with the whole Fluke debacle. You’d figure there would be at least a few colleges that weren’t so left wing & void of traditional values. When you can’t find that at a CATHOLIC JESUIT university…</p>

5

<p>The Jesuit presence is there but it is not forced on anyone. There is a campus ministry for all major faiths. The school is approximately 50 -to 60% catholic. Two theology courses are part of the core curriculum but there is a lot of latitute on the course selections. Nearly all freshman take a section of POG (Problem of God). Our S sees the Jesuit traditions in the level of caring for one another, community involvement and teaching of the whole person. Neither he nor his roommate are Catholic and neither feels any pressure to participate in the religious functions or activities offered to students. I wouldn’t call the school left wing either. Based on S’s comments and experiences over three semesters, he has found a wide spectrum of policital viewpoints.</p>

6

<p>Religious pluralism was a founding principal at Georgetown.</p>

7

<p>My son is a freshman at Georgetown. He is Jewish, his roomate is Hindu. His next door neighbor on his dorm floor is a Jesuit priest. He seems to enjoy his discussions with him. Georgetown seems very committed to a religiously diverse student body; there is space in the student center for each religious community. Seems like the conservative Catholics have more problems with Georgetown than more progressives.</p>

8

<p>Faith, in all of its forms, and the exploration of it, is encouraged. Atheists are part of the conversation.</p>