<p>How important is religion at Notre Dame? Are there any mandatory religious events (church, bible study, prayer sessions, etc.)? Would I be totally shunned for being an atheist?</p>
<p>You are required to take 2 theology classes, but there is quite a wide range of classes to choose from. Also is 2 required Philosophy, but again there are many choices. No other required religious participation.</p>
<p>Thanks for the reply! I wouldn’t mind taking theology classes, but is student life also centered around religion? Would I feel left out if I weren’t Catholic/Christian?</p>
<p>Each dorm has a chapel, often a nun or priest in residence, mass several times a week, classrooms have crucifix’s in them, you will be surrounded by faith, but it is not pushed down your throat.</p>
<p>Would you feel left out? That depends on what kind of atheist you are. A “religion is fine for others but it’s not for me” atheist? Or a “religion is responsible for all of the world’s problems and religious people are idiots” atheist? </p>
<p>Hard to imagine that a person in that second category would even consider applying to a University named after Our Lady, but stranger things have happened.</p>
<p>You will be fine as long as you understand that religion is more present here than at most universities. The requirements for Theology and Philosophy classes no matter your intended major, the priests/nuns in each dorm, crucifixes everywhere and masses are indeed quite evident. However, according to our non-Catholic alum child, you will in no way be pressured to participate. In fact, as I have posted before, not once did the priest in son’s dorm ever knock on his door and even invite him to mass during his four years living in the dorm.</p>
<p>As to applying, Notre Dame is top notch with regards to an education–we considered the fact that it was Catholic more of a minor issue. Son was more interested in the education aspect, period.</p>
<p>Just make sure you are comfortable with all of the above before settling on a decision to attend. Good Luck!</p>
<p>I would say it definitely doesn’t matter. As a student here, I’ve never felt like religion is forced down my throat, and the theo classes that are offered include a bunch of classes that are more comparative religion courses than a straight up Catholic theology course </p>
<p>and @claremarie - one of my quadmates is the latter. And although he definitely doesn’t like the administration (for obvious reasons), he fits in fine with the guys in my dorm.</p>