<p>I've just recently started reading a little about Hope College in Michigan, and they kind of interest me! Generally I'm not looking for a Christian college, although I am certainly a Christian (I live very near Grove City College and find the "Christian college atmosphere" somewhat restrictive, and I'd rather make my own good moral decisions than have them codified).</p>
<p>But I'm very curious about Hope. Even their website sort of brags about an atmosphere that is distinctly Christian without being overbearing or restrictive, and that appeals to me a lot.</p>
<p>So, what is the college like? Are they very conservative (socially speaking), or more in line with the average LAC? Also, what are they like theologically? I'm a prospective philosophy or religion major and personally subscribe to the Arminian tradition. Due to the Reformed Church association, would Hope's classes be taught from the Calvinist perspective?</p>
<p>But anyway, any information would be appreciated. Thank you!</p>
<p>Hope takes its Christian heritage far more seriously than many so-called Christian LACs. Conversely it is not nearly so conservative, perhaps dogmatic as GCC. While the student body profile at GCC would trump Hope’s, the inverse on faculty would be true. </p>
<p>Perhaps posing a “what if” scenario might lend some insight. What if Hope and GCC sophomores were traded, each going to the others’ campus? I’d speculate both would assimilate readily, but there’d be tons more moaning and groaning from the Hopesters now in GC than the GCC students now in Holland. </p>
<p>The Hope campus is lovely, and Holland is a bit more of a town than GC. It is flat relative to what you’d be accustomed to. Lots more winter coming off the nearbye shores of Lake Michigan, which is nothing less than spectacular. Beats Wolf Creek and even Moraine by a mile. I’d venture to say that Hope’s might feel like a bit more “worldly” experience. There is a seminary there. The facilities are outstanding.</p>
<p>But each has its limitation. For example …</p>
<ul>
<li><p>As you know, walkng on the grass on the GCC campus will incur the wrath and legal action from the GCC gestapo. BAD BAD BAD!</p></li>
<li><p>Conversely, if one picks a tulip on campus and town during the world-class tulip festival in spring in Holland? A financial fine and hand-slapping will be coming your way. </p></li>
</ul>
<p>Seriously, these are both really fine places, but very very different brands of Christian colleges. Norman Vincent Peale (“The Power of Positive Thinking” and long-time pastor in NYC’s Marble Church) and his wife are products and great champions of Hope. Were, I should say since both have gone on to their just rewards.</p>
<p>That was both insightful and a lovely piece of literature in its own right.</p>
<p>I interpret Hope, then, to be a more open and less restrictive place. I like that. I’d love to have a Christian-friendly atmosphere, especially in the philosophy department. My philosophical interests lie partially in Christian apologetics, and I’d rather not have that squeezed out of me in college, but encouraged, in the hopes that I could go on to grad school or even (possibly) divinity school. Is there anywhere else that could fit the, ahem, “Christian-friendly” profile like Hope? Or is that more common than one would think?</p>
<p>Whistle Pig, are you from Western PA, by the way?</p>
<p>A yinzer @ heart! 
;)</p>
<p>Take the boy outta da 'Burgh, but not da 'Burgh outta the boy! Go Stillers and Beat 'em Bucs! My greatest inheritance is my grandpa’s green wienie!</p>