How Religious is Fordham

<p>I realize that Fordham takes pride in being a Jesuit school, however would a Jew feel out of place there? Are there any Jewish students or organization?</p>

<p>yes there are Jewish students at Fordham. Fordham is about 60% Catholic, but even among that group, not all of them are practicing Catholics. Catholic Mass is offered on campus at the Church and in a chapel, but its voluntary attendance. Theology is taught at Fordham in the classic Jesuit methodology of inquisitive socratic method, NOT the Inquisition! You would be most welcome at Fordham, in my view. I believe there are even Jewish faculty members for that matter. </p>

<p>Fordham students bond together as Fordham Rams...and go into the city together, go to sports together, compete in club sports together etc. They dont separate according to religious preferences. So long as you are respectful of Roman Catholic traditions and open to the Jesuit ethos and educational experience, you will be welcomed. What I mean by that is how one is treated in life is often a measure of how we treat others. </p>

<p>My D is at Fordham now. We are not New Yorkers or Northeasterners. She was accepted READILY at Fordham by her dorm mates and class mates. </p>

<p>Its a great school.</p>

<p>Fordham has many non Christians. The Undergrad population is predominently catholic, but I have known many kids and families there who have no problem with the school's religious identity. It is not foisted on anyone. It's just there.</p>

<p>We just visited the Lincoln Center campus and the subject of religion, of course, was discussed.</p>

<p>First let me say that I was raised a Roman Catholic by two wonderful and very Catholic parents who were from New York. (I say this because I most likely have a pro-Fordham bias and may not be able to be objective here. Also, my father was a graduate of Fordham.) As for my personal religion -- I do not actively practice my religion but consider myself a Catholic nonetheless. </p>

<p>The student presenters made it abundantly clear that they have a strong acceptance for everyone and they have a large Jewish student group and also make prayer rugs available for Muslim prayer. Furthermore they insisted that Catholicism, or even a belief in God, was absolutely not forced upon any students. One of our presenters was not Catholic and the other was and they both agreed that the philosophy/theology credits were more morality and ethics based then specifically the study of Roman Catholicism. Probably courses in Catholic theology are available if you are interested. Just as a side-note Bill Clinton received his BS degree at Georgetown -- another Jesuit university. </p>

<p>Fordham and most Jesuit schools are top-notch schools. The Jesuits know how to provide a great education. The location is Lincoln center is amazing and my daughter just loved the visit. I sure wish that it wasn't so expensive.</p>

<p>I'm at the LC campus and I had a Jewish room mate last year. He never voiced any complaints regarding his Jesuit based education. There are various programs and activities provided by student groups. The Jewish faith is definitely represented. Just remember LC is crammed into the center of the city so most students go out into to the city to meet their needs. Really it's all good. You'll figure it out if you really want to be at fordham.</p>