<p>I'm just wondering if anyone else has been in a similar predicament, and if so, how they dealt with it.</p>
<p>I've been assigned my roommate for the year, and saying we have a personality clash would be the understatement of the century.</p>
<p>Me: Double major Biology/Anthropology, studying Evolutionary Biology. Politically fairly anti-MNC, Atheist.<br>
Him: Transfer from Bob Jones University, fundamentalist christian, believes those who don't believe the bible is the direct word of god are destined to burn in hell for all eternity (which he was kind enough to reply to my "Hi, i'm xxxxxx we're rooming together so I thought I'd introduce myself..." etc. email.)</p>
<p>You’re going to have a pretty interesting year. I suppose it all boils down to respect. As long as the two of you can respectfully agree to disagree about certain issues, you may find some things that you have in common. Rather than focus on your differences, try to focus on the things (if you can find any) that you have in common.</p>
<p>It’s definitely possible to make this work. Most of my friends at home believe in young Earth creationism, a theory with which I disagree. But we still manage to be friends, and I refuse to argue about it. If you don’t fuel the fights, they won’t happen. Just find things to talk about other than your political and moral beliefs.</p>
<p>Should he bring up something that could turn into a clash, it’s your responsibility to control your emotions about it and change the subject. If that doesn’t work, then you find something else to do and stop talking. You already seem to be emotionally involved here, which is a big mistake.</p>
<p>there’s no need to be best friends. and most importantly you should give him a chance. just because he has certain beliefs does not mean he’s not a person you can hang out with. friends don’t always agree on all issues. no reason to expect your roommate to agree with you either on everything. but as others have said, keep it civil and see where it goes and avoid anything political and religious as that will lead to trouble (that should be the case in any kind of friendship to be honest). lastly, don’t get so emotional about trivial matters such as politics and religion. who cares what other people believe.</p>
<p>@BP (and a few others)
I agree, and someone’s beliefs normally don’t influence my ability to form a relationship with them, HOWEVER, considering his first response to my saying “Hey, I’m … …, and I’m a sophomore double majoring in Biology/Anthropology with a focus on evolution.” was to say “you’re going to burn in hell,” I think the situation is a bit different.</p>
<p>As soon as you guys meet, I would work out a roommate contract. In it, vow that neither of you mention religion/politics (?)/creationism/any other topic that could lead to a big argument around each other unless it’s agreed upon and you know neither will go storming out of the room. Keep an open mind, turn a blind eye if his bookshelf is covered with Christian propaganda, and remember that it’s only a year. Think of it as a learning experience! Haha.</p>
<p>long.897: so he said he’s a fundamentalist christian. how is that saying you’re going to burn in hell? I have a friend who is a devout christian (and I assure you much more conservative than you’re roommate probably is) and i’m not. everytime he comes here though we always talk for a bit. he’s a great guy and even though we don’t share the same beliefs we’re able to get along fine. unless this roommate of yours says you’re going to burn in hell, i think you’re reading too much into this.</p>
<p>If he did respond by saying, “You’re going to burn in Hell”, you could send this proof to the Housing dept. at your school and voice your concerns. Actually, this might be a good idea. This way they will have this piece of info in their records should any problems occur later.</p>
<p>Get to know the other guys on the floor ASAP—on the first day you move in.</p>
<p>He is stressed because you will be studying evolotion? I’m with nysmile: a letter to housing now might be helpful in the future. </p>
<p>Something like “Dear Housing, I want you to know that my assigned fall roommate sent me this email (enclosed) saying I am going to burn in hell because my beliefs differ from his. I am hopeful that once we get to know each other, we will find we can coexist in peace and that he will be tolerant of those (including me) whose beliefs differ from his. However, I am concerned and I wanted to forward this to you so the University of ABC Housing Department has documentation of this communication.”</p>
<p>I had very little in common with my freshman roommate but we ended up getting along very well and we roomed together again sophomore year. It might be fine. (Could he possibly have been being ironic? Maybe he was “just messing with you”)</p>