<p>I have heard about amazing music program at St. Olaf, so my D would probably consider it, but she is absolutely non-religious person. Are there many of such students at St. Olaf? How do they feel there? Do they fit socially? Are there any requirements on the religion studies and do non-religious students have any choice about attending any of them? How does religion affect the study of humanities at St. Olaf?</p>
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<p>My son has just decided to attend St. Olaf. He is a member of a Unitarian-Universalist Church and considers himself agnostic. Our tour guide told us that there are nonreligious students, although certainly not the majority, and that everyone's beliefs are respected. That is also what we've heard from current students who attended his high school. The requirements that I know of are 2 Bible/Theology classes as part of the General Education requirements. Students have said these are not indoctrination classes, and a non-Christian could take the class and benefit from an understanding of a Christian world view. </p>
<p>He is attracted to the friendly, relaxed atmosphere on campus; the opportunity to participate in music (voice,violin) and theater as a non-major; and the enthusiastic recommendations of current students who he knows from high school; and academically it seems like a good fit.</p>
<p>Of course, I'd be able to give you a better answer after he's actually been a student!</p>
<p>Our D does attend, is decidedly non-religious, is currently taking one of the two required religion courses, finds it is not an attempt to indoctrintate, just what it advertised, a survey course.</p>
<p>St Olaf has a relaxed and open campus, her roommate is religious, goes to Bible study on some evenings and our D goes her way, no pressure, no fuss, no religion, unless you want to seek it, at St Olaf it appears that both religious and non-religious persons get along, even roommates.</p>
<p>I am a current student and although my family is Catholic, I am not terribly religious. As for St. Olaf the expression/belief of religious views is not at all overbearing or overwhelming for non-Lutheran and non-religious students. The two required religion classes are neither dogmatic nor indoctinating. It is a place, however where you can have deep conversations about religion and God/god figure and not be viewed as a whacko</p>
<p>Thank you guys for your replies.</p>
<p>My son, also a Unitarian-Universalist and not at all Christian, really enjoyed his overnight at St. Olaf and didn't feel any religious pressure. The required religion courses don't daunt him either, since he's interested in learning about different religions. During his interview, the admissions officer said that respect for the view of others is the guiding principle, not adherence to any religious doctrine. If there is true tolerance for agnosticism and atheism, then I think he'll do fine there.</p>