Hello. I recently got into Pepperdine University and it is one of my potential top choices. I’m currently researching different colleges and was hoping to get some responses to my questions.
I was born and raised in a protestant church, but I actually have no idea what "church of Christ" is. Can someone explain what kind of differences are there? (I realized pepperdine use the terms such as Chapels, which is not familiar to me)
Although I was raised in a Christian family for my whole life, I really don't want any kind of forced participation on religious activities as much (I even played in a band for around 3 years, but I get extremely frustrated and uncomfortable when I am forced to do "christian" things and go to activities). Is there anything else you have to do other than services each week and 3 religious courses? And what are those courses like?
I got in as a Business Administration major, but it is stated as pre major. Does that mean Pepperdine have some kind of "weed out courses" like UC schools etc?
(#1) Many of your questions can only be answered by you once you’ve experienced the environment first hand. (#2) We rejected Fox after it appeared that their Quaker roots might be tighter reins than I would like but I’m comfortable with Pep’s religious requirements–but again, everyone is different. (#3) Pepperdine has a 77% 4 year graduation rate so I imagine that goes for a Bus Ad major, too. Also, there are numerous student testimonials on Niche and Cappex stating that the teaching staff really cares about student success.
Churches of Christ are independent, non-denominational churches that are part of what is known as the Restoration Movement, along with Christian Churches as well. Being independent, CoC’s vary quite widely. However, Pepperdine is known to be very accepting of many faith backgrounds with very limited religious requirement. It’s available if you want to be engaged, but not forced on you.
@Bigdan Thanks for that explanation. I have wondered myself and couldn’t quite figure it out. Our family is Catholic, and honestly that is my biggest reservation about Pepperdine. All the other colleges my daughter applied to were Catholic, but at least Pepperdine is Christian, so that’s something.
Actually, there are some interesting commonalities between the Churches of Christ heritage and Catholisicm. They would share some thoughts about the importance of baptism (differing in mode of course) as well as communion (observed weekly in CoC). Naturally the liturgy, worship service, approach to clergy, etc are different but CoC would be closer to Catholicism than say, Baptist, at least IMHO.