<p>St. Olaf wants and encourages diversity. My D applied, but was not ready to take on being the non Christian in the crowd, despite it being an otherwise good fit and wonderful place. We asked pointed questions at the time of our visit, and my impression was that the religious classes were analytical, and belief was not a pre requisite in the slightest. My son’s friend graduated, was very happy with his education. But he felt a need to re affirm his Unitarian roots as a counter to the prevaling Lutheranism.</p>
<p>^Even if the religious classes are inclusive, they’re still religion classes–St. Olaf feels that Christianity is important enough for two classes’ worth of GEs. Compare to Amherst, Hamilton, Vassar, Brown, Wesleyan, Smith–all have virtually eliminated general education requirements altogether. Even for less radical curriculums, I’ve yet to come across a non-religious school that required religion courses (some, like Northwestern, do have a philosophy requirement).</p>
<p>St. Olaf wants diversity, but its student body is not very diverse. Not everyone is willing to “start” diversity.</p>
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<p>Could an atheist be happy at St. Olaf? Absolutely. Some certainly are. But I would put up a caution sign, and never recommend it without specific context.</p>