<p>Sorry if this sounds stupid, but I really would like to know the distinction between the two. Is it just that a non-affiliated college wasn't founded by a religious person or something? I'm just not clear on this topic, and any explanations would be great! Thanks!</p>
<p>I’d like to know as well. Opened a thread in the Christian Colleges forum, but no one has replied yet. I’m not applying to any colleges with religious affiliation, because I am not religious and really don’t want the bible to influence my education (like having evolution banned from the classroom and mandatory bible classes or whatever), if that is the case at Christian schools. And I also don’t want strict no-boys-in-girls-dorms-rules (again: if that is the case at religious colleges). That’s just stupid. I have a boyfriend and really don’t intend on sleeping around in college, but if I have a guy friend, and I mean really just a friend, I want him to be able to come to my room. I really don’t mind if people are religious, it’s a personal decision, but I don’t like it if people try to force their beliefs on me or make me follow some conservative rules. </p>
<p>Unfortunately, I don’t know anyone who goes to a religious college, so I don’t know what it’s like there, and people going to those colleges don’t seem to want to answer questions about it because there are TWO threads in the forum where NOBODY has answered.</p>
<p>You have some good points which I didn’t even think about because I’m pretty much oblivious to some things lol.</p>
<p>But besides that, someone HAS to know what the differences are. Can we please have an answer, or should we just ask an affiliated college and a non-affiliated college what their lifestyles are, or how they differ?</p>
<p>Affiliated means that the college/university has a formal relationship with a particular religious denomination. Georgetown U., for example is a Roman Catholic university, and is specifically associated with the Jesuit Order. [Georgetown</a> University](<a href=“http://explore.georgetown.edu/documents/?DocumentID=736]Georgetown”>http://explore.georgetown.edu/documents/?DocumentID=736)</p>
<p>It varies greatly. There are plenty of colleges that have a formal affiliation with a church, but that are run in a very secular manner. Many were formed by a particular church, but they do almost nothing to push that religion on students. Most have a chapel that is open for services of many religions. </p>
<p>For example, American University is officially affiliated with the United Methodist Church, but you would not know it, except that they have a tough policy on alcohol. They have “worship center” that is used by many different religions, including at least one eastern religion.</p>
<p>Catholic colleges vary greatly. Some are very conservative and push Catholic dogma. Others are very liberal and encourage other religions. However, if a person is determined to remain an atheist, they should be probably look for another college. The Pope has complained that some Catholic colleges don’t push Catholic theology enough.</p>
<p>Thanks both of you but, charlieschm, that was more of what I wanted to know so extra thanks!</p>
<p>And, you also need to be on the look-out for Christian colleges that state that they are non-denominational, or not affiliated with any particular denomination. Some of them will be very religious indeed.</p>
<p>One way to figure out whether or not the religious orientation will affect your life as a student, is to read through the graduation requirements. Some will require specific religion courses, some will have a wider selection of religion courses, and others will give you a choice of religion, philosophy, and ethics courses. Purely secular institutions might not require any coursework in philosophy or ethics at all.</p>
<p>But even at a completely secular institution, you still can be surrounded by members of a particular religious tradition depending on the culture of the state or region where you are studying. So, you may want to put in a bit of research on that issue as well.</p>
<p>As others have said, it varies wildly. Some schools (such as my own) have a formal affiliation, but you’d never know it, and it has little impact on religious diversity or related stats about the student body. Others take the affiliation quite seriously and have the restrictions that Nameless mentioned. Sadly, there’s no easy way to tell which is which, at least that I know of.</p>
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<p>Go to affiliated colleges’ websites and read their mission statements. You’ll be able to tell.</p>
<p>Here’s an example. Wake Forest and Baylor are both private universities that were founded by the Baptists. In the '80s, Wake became independent of the Baptists in order to not have academic freedom at the institution impinged upon by denominational politics, but still celebrates its historic connection to Baptist ideals. Baylor is still avowedly Baptist.</p>
<p>Here’s Wake’s mission:</p>
<p>"Wake Forest is a distinctive university that combines a liberal arts core with graduate and professional schools and innovative research programs. The University embraces the teacher-scholar ideal, prizing personal interaction between students and faculty. It is a place where exceptional teaching, fundamental research and discovery, and the engagement of faculty and students in the classroom and the laboratory are paramount.</p>
<p>The University continues to fulfill its ideal of a more diverse learning community, providing students an example of the world they will be called upon to lead. The University sustains a vibrant residential community with a broad-based program of service and extracurricular activities. The University recognizes the benefits of intercollegiate athletics conducted with integrity and at the highest level.</p>
<p>Central to its mission, the University believes in the development of the whole person – intellectual, moral, spiritual and physical. From its rich religious heritage, Wake Forest is committed to sustaining an environment where vital beliefs and faith traditions can engage secular thought in a climate of academic freedom and an unfettered search for truth. The University embraces the challenges of religious pluralism."</p>
<p>And here’s Baylor’s:</p>
<p>"The mission of Baylor University is to educate men and women for worldwide leadership and service by integrating academic excellence and Christian commitment within a caring community.</p>
<p>Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas and affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas, Baylor is both the state’s oldest institution of higher learning and the world’s largest Baptist university. Established to be a servant of the church and of society, Baylor seeks to fulfill its calling through excellence in teaching and research, in scholarship and publication, and in service to the community, both local and global. The vision of its founders and the ongoing commitment of generations of students and scholars are reflected in the motto inscribed on the Baylor seal: Pro Ecclesia, Pro Texana-For Church, For Texas.</p>
<p>Baylor is founded on the belief that God’s nature is made known through both revealed and discovered truth. Thus, the University derives its understanding of God, humanity, and nature from many sources: the person and work of Jesus Christ, the biblical record, and Christian history and tradition, as well as scholarly and artistic endeavors. In its service to the church, Baylor’s pursuit of knowledge is strengthened by the conviction that truth has its ultimate source in God and by a Baptist heritage that champions religious liberty and freedom of conscience. Without imposing religious conformity, Baylor expects the members of its community to support its mission."</p>
<p>I stand corrected, gadad. That does look like an easy way to find out which is which.
Also, Nameless (and others considering ruling out schools solely for their religious affiliation), don’t be so quick to judge. Many religiously-affiliated schools have little influence on their school because of the affiliation, and getting rid of a school that’s otherwise a perfect fit because of a minor religious affiliation is unwise. I speak from experience- I too started off unwilling to go to a religiously-affiliated school. I also initially ruled out schools significantly below the Mason-Dixon line. Now I’m attending a Methodist-affiliated school in Arkansas, and I’m loving it. :)</p>
<p>How about that - I didn’t know that Hendrix was affiliated with a denomination! :)</p>
<p>It is, but barely. As far as I can tell, the only effects of the affiliation are a few mentions in the Student Life building and regular availability of chapel services on weekdays.</p>
<p>Thanks again I’ll definitely check out the mission statements from now on!</p>