<p>Sorry. I didn't mean to start any controversy. I think it's great that so many options are available for Catholic students and even for those of us who are non-Catholic. We're Methodist and were considering Southern Methodist University for a while, but then decided they definately don't stress anything "Methodist".</p>
<p>There was some statement years ago that many of the "Catholic" colleges signed, including NotreDame, that they opt out of the magesterium's teachings in higher education as a "freedom of conscience." Most of those colleges, I would consider to be Catholic in historical context only. If their radio station on campus is partially funded by Planned Parenthood (at Duquesne until last month) or if there is no true devotion to pro-life causes (does the school close down every January so students may attend the March on University busses? Franciscan does, Ave Maria does, Christendom does.) I think they might be Catholic in name only. There are even some "Catholic" schools which require no religion courses or allow one to substitute "The History and Truths of Islam" for "The Truth of Humanae Vitae." Some Catholic schools even have Islamic programs (DePaul) and clubs. If they have an abundance of pro-choice speakers on campus and offer birth control to students through the student health office (Catholic U of America), or host speakers who advocate anti-church teachings... they are not truly Catholic. </p>
<p>While I might say one can get a good education at a Jesuit school, the order has lost its Catholic identity (with the possible exception of Fr Mitch Pacwa) and if pushed, I doubt more than 10% of them would take a stand in support of actual Catholic teaching.</p>
<p>Ditto what MADad said in post #40.</p>
<p>Wow! I was looking for info b/c my kid wants to be able to easily attend Mass and be a part of a Catholic community on campus. As it turns out there are many wonderful schools...some of them not even Catholic in history...where she can do that. I really am grateful to all of those who gave me insight into Carroll College as well as the other lesser known Catholic Schools. I did not mean to begin a debate over the level or perceived level of Catholic identity on different campuses. It's all about fit right? Some students want the climate you would find at Steubenville...my Ds confirmation sponsor went there and loved it...some find the climate at Santa Clara more in in keeping with their goals. </p>
<p>Can we agree that any school which builds a strong community and has moral/social development at its core is bound to meet the needs of the whole student in a way that will help rather than hurt? That has to be a good thing right there.</p>
<p>I don't think I really want to debate all this online, but I just wanted to go on record as respectfully disagreeing with fencersmother, who (I think) espouses a very extreme view.</p>
<p>To get back to the question of climate on campus (for someone like toledo, who is wondering about the comfort level of his or her S or D) -- I would just like to say that the Jesuit colleges offer superlative academics and a caring, ethical, values-driven atmosphere. Service learning is big. Theology and philosophy classes are not designed to inculcate any one particular religious tradition but are thought provoking and excellent. Some of the urban campuses have things like gay-straight alliances; some of the schools have a more conservative flavor. The kids in general are very middle of the road, clean cut, athletic. Sports and activities abound.<br>
Preprofessional studies are a particular strength.</p>
<p>cinniesmom--</p>
<p>my daughter attends a small private university and has ample opportunity to attend Sunday mass (at least she tells us she has!). They also have all kinds of opportunities for Catholic kids to take part in various chaplain's office-sponsored activities.</p>
<p>cinniesmom--don't worry about the unintended debate--that is just how things develop on CC</p>
<p>Most state universities have Newman Centers or Catholic groups. At a large state school you may find more active Catholics than at a small Catholic school. Your child might find a very vibrant Catholic culture even at a public school.</p>
<p>Regarding the issue of tolerance, as much as we have "enshrined" this word in our culture today, it is a fact that all religion is about defining what should or should NOT not be tolerated (keeping/breaking the commandments, for example) by its members. </p>
<p>If a Catholic school describes itself as "tolerant," that doesn't mean it is tolerant of groups of students praying the evening rosary, pro-life demonstrations, chastity speakers, etc. It is meant to show that the school is tolerant of non-Catholic and anti-Catholic practices--which makes it, in effect, less Catholic. </p>
<p>Like others here, I've observed that fervently religious people tend to be intolerant (of things that are against their religion). And I've also observed that most of the people who pride themselves on being tolerant will tolerate pretty much anything . . .except fervently religious people. ;)</p>
<p>Atomom -- I do not have a problem with fervently religious people. I am a Catholic, born and raised, Catholic schools through university, and I have a problem with people telling me that I am not properly Catholic or Catholic enough. Dissent, discussion, and debate are as much a part of Catholic tradition and history as they are of any living, human entity or tradition.</p>
<p>dbwes - My sentiments exactly.</p>
<p>ato--I don't know where you think NotreDame isn't "Catholic enough." They are quite clear that their identity is first and foremost as a Catholic university. One of the hallmarks of Catholic education and one of the most admirable qualities of the Congregation of the Holy Cross and the Jesuits is the courage to allow intellectual freedom. Freedom is born of faith that a good education will lead students to what is right and true.</p>
<p>If you really believe what the Church teaches there is no harm in encouraging vigorous debate and opposing viewpoints; the truth will come out all right. </p>
<p>And on a more personal note...ND stresses Church teachings on human sexuality--all students are required to take a PE class which covers topics in health and human sexuality all taught from a Church perspective. There is a huge pro-life group on campus and there is a strong culture of life there.</p>
<p>Hmm...funny Notre Dame came up under obscure Catholic colleges. There are many wonderful Catholic colleges that are a little more obscure than Notre Dame that more kids should take a look at.</p>
<p>Toledo, I wouldn't rule out any college because it isn't "Methodist" enough. Without going into a lengthy dissertation on the role and understanding of education in Methodism (the quick-and-dirty is that it's very similar to the Jesuit approach), the fact is you're unlikely to find any United Methodist college which is much more than historically Methodist. But I wouldn't rule them out, because members of the United Methodist church have scholarships available to them at United Methodist colleges which aren't available to non-members. You should definitely check out your conference website or the Nashville site (here: GBHEM:</a> Loans and Scholarships ) to see what might be available.</p>
<p>Concerning the Franciscan University of Steubenville, not all of us Catholics believe that Scott Hahn and Mother Angelica are the fourth and fifth members of the Trinity ... which a lot a Steubenville people seem to believe (I'm being sarcastic).</p>