<p>Does it really matter whether a student is religious or not to attend Fordham or any religious college in gereral? I'm atheist and I have no problem attending a Jesuit college and taking religious core courses; however, I have friends saying otherwise, that I might not get a certain "respect". What do you guys have to say about this?</p>
<p>just don't tell people and keep quiet in religion classes :)</p>
<p>You wont have any problem at Fordham. If you have no problem taking 2 theology courses (and there are several options to choose from) in the core requirement, go into class with an open mind you wont have any problem. Its not a school of indoctrination. Its a school of higher learning. There are many people of different faiths at Fordham, no faith, or varying degrees of Catholic faith. Your scholarship(academic work product) is not based upon your faith or any litmus test.</p>
<p>umm? why would he/she tell she is an atheist? anything wrong with it?</p>
<p>Actually I haven't seen much religion present at all in Fordham, except for the required theology courses—which are more about analyzing different religions and why people believe in them than "Go pray or else" </p>
<p>There really doesn't seem to be much of a religious air to Fordham. You'll be fine.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone (:</p>
<p>Fordham is a jesuit university and you can get a good sense of how religious the school is if you understand what a jesuit education entails. I attended a jesuit high school and the jesuits are known for their intellectual research, social justices and are strong supporters of human rights. I was taught to think for myself, encouraged to express my opinions even when they differed from what I was taught in my religion classes. Being "a man for others" was the school mantra which basically comes down to having a strong sense of community and serving others. There is a generosity of spirit within the jesuits and a tolerance and support for views other than the traditional catholic dogma.</p>
<p>So I would say no you dont have to be religious but you will most likely find in having conversations with any jesuits an intellectually challenging and envigorating discussion. The teacher who most influenced me in high school was actually a jesuit priest who constantly challenged me and encouraged me to express my views and beliefs.</p>
<p>I asked this question previously, check out this prior thread:
<a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/fordham-university/571858-does-religion-matter.html%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/fordham-university/571858-does-religion-matter.html</a></p>