<p>There is already a discussion in the Parent Forums about this topic, but as a prospective Jewish music major (and I am not very religious), my mother is concerned about the role of Christianity at the university. From my understanding, Belmont considers itself a Christian college and has required theology/religion courses, but I also understand that plenty of students who are not of Christian faith attend the university, especially for the music majors. I will be visiting the campus in about a month, but I've heard a few differing views on religion at the campus and I was hoping for some more opinions.</p>
<p>Yes, the university takes the Christian title quite seriously. For example, you are required to attend a certain number of “spiritual life” convocations which are basically assemblies from public speakers about their faith, in order to graduate. It is a dry campus, the core curriculum does include Bible and theology courses, prayer is common at many events, I believe it is general rule that they only hire Christian professors, and there are visitation hours in the residence communities for the opposite sex. </p>
<p>You must absolutely visit and talk with students. It IS a very religious college that takes conservative Christian thinking seriously.
See if they have a Hillel and talk to the Hillel student leaders, see if they heave a rabbi on campus.
Ask to see syllabi for the required Bible and Theology classes - are they like philosophy and sociology classes where you ask question about religion, or are they doctrine-based, ie., “what one must believe”?
Do professors have to sign a statement of faith or agree with a certain creed in order to be hired (ie., absolute truth of the Bible, mariage is only between man and woman, only true God is …)
In and of itself, parietals (visitation hours) aren’t too bad, nor is a “dry” campus, but you have to see what it translates into. </p>