<p>I'm a senior and I applied to Muhlenberg. I am a very very very liberal person, and Im wondering if, seeing as Muhlenberg is affiliated with the Lutheran Church if this means the school's political climate is rather Conservative. It's not like I believe religion and liberalism can't go together (I'm very religious) or that I dislike people just because of their political views, but I like to talk about political issues and I'd rather have an environment where I wont be stuck arguing all the time (which I do a lot in my gov class). </p>
<p>Of course, this is all contingent on if I do indeed get accepted, which I hope I do, because I love most of the other aspects of the school.</p>
<p>If you were wondering, some of the other places I applied to were Bennington, Sarah Lawrence, Vassar, which definitely have the political ideals I like.</p>
<p>Thank you so much!</p>
<p>Muhlenberg is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), which is one of the more liberal mainstream Protestant denominations. The church’s governing body voted in 2009 to allow ordination of openly gay, non-celibate clergy, for example. Not all ELCA members were happy with the decision and some left the church, but I think that vote is a fair indicator of where ELCA stands. I don’t know much about Muhlenberg or the political leanings of its students, but any conservative influence won’t be coming from Muhlenberg’s affiliation with the ELCA. Some other strains of Lutheranism (e.g., Missouri Synod, Wisconsin Synod) are decidedly more conservative.</p>
<p>My D is a Freshman at Muhlenberg and politically quite liberal. In fact when she was making her final decision last spring Sarah Lawrence was one of her favorites. She is very comfortable at Muhlenberg. Muhlenberg has an active and supported LGBTQ community and great diversity in religious beliefs. Its church foundation seems to be reflected in its tolerance and support of diverse beliefs rather than an overarching Lutheran presence. The atmosphere is not as overwhelmingly liberal feeling as Sarah Lawrence but definitely open. And you can comfortably combine your spiritual side with your political side which is nice. For example, my D is active in the school’s equivalent of GSA and Hillel. :-)</p>
<p>I’m guessing from your name that you like to sing? If so, you will find a ton of opportunities at Muhlenberg. There are numerous a capella groups and other musical activities. Good luck!</p>
<p>Muhlenberg’s student population is reportedly around 40% Jewish, many of whom are from New York and New Jersey. That is traditionally a liberal population. I know many Muhlenberg students were involved in Obama’s 2008 campaign.</p>