Why Fordham?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Fordham University
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<p>In the course of reading up on many posts that talk about the ambitions many of you out there have of attending Fordham, and remembering the great desire I too felt when I was applying, I began to wonder what the precise motives are for students wanting to be a part of Fordham. We all know that unlike most colleges out there, Fordham attempts to instilled in its students certain religious core values, you are after all required to take two theology courses as part of the liberal arts core; unlike most other universities in the country. In other words, religion is a part of Fordham. </p>

<p>Are you interested in Fordham because of certain religious beliefs or because of its academic reputation? Is it a combination of these and other factors? </p>

<p>I for one became interested in the school in part to the nature of its approach towards individual faith. Although it’s a Catholic university, it openly permits and encourages the study and exploration of other faiths, plus, it promotes due tolerance as well. I have been raised a Catholic, but for sometime I’ve questioned the meaning of following any specific doctrine. How and why we evolved (if you believe in evolution) from creatures that grazed the great plains of Pangaea (in theory) to individuals capable of splitting atoms, all the while believing in a being we have never seen. These and other questions drove me to Fordham, and thus far it’s proven to be the best choice I’ve ever made.</p>

<p>I invite past, current, and future students to participate in this little “survey”, and let everyone know - why Fordham?</p>

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<p>wow, after reading some ofthe threads that talk about how much anticipation some feel in getting application letters, I certainly didn't think this post would remain unanswered for long. maybe I guessed wrong!</p>

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<p>why fordham? honestly first reason: NYC second because I think its a good school even though I'm not catholic....</p>

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<p>New York City!! and pretty campus i guess</p>

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<p>so...being an athiest (even one who enjoys learning about the subject of theology) would not be a wonderful idea at fordham?</p>

<p>does it focus THAT much on faith?</p>

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<p>Not really, but it does emphasize a certain understanding and appreciation of religion, especially Catholicism.</p>

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<p>AMILkita do you know anything about fordham's political science programs such as international relations?? I'd really appreciate your feedback...</p>

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<p>Sorry, I'm not too familiar with that program. But why don’t you go to the website, and shoot them an e-mail, I'm sure someone will respond guiding you in the proper course.</p>

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<p>The religious aspect is one that's holding me back from Fordham... I appreciate all religons. Really. I'm very interested in learning about them... but I don't want to follow an organized religion. I have kind of complex views on this, but I'm certain. And a little worried about Fordham because of this... =&lt;/p>

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<p>At Fordham you're not forced to follow any organize religion, that's a common misconception some have of the college. It’s certainly a Catholic university, and they do force a certain understanding of the influence religion - mainly Catholicism - has on society and the history behind organized religion, but trust me; you will not be forced to convert or anything like that.</p>

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<p>I was hoping to hear from some Fordham Alumni on this thread.</p>

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<p>is this primarily true at rose hill or is it about equally true for lincoln center?</p>

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<p>it's true for all of Fordham.</p>

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<p>Ok, I'll bite. :)
I graduated in the early-80s from RH. I became more rooted in my Catholic faith while I was a student at Fordham -- because I wanted to, not because I was forced. What can I say? The 10PM Sunday Mass at the beautiful University Church sucked me in. :) That, and the fact that I came to admire the Jesuits so much. I'm on the liberal side of the political spectrum, and I felt a true kinship with the Jesuits in that respect. Honestly, I haven't felt much in common with the Church since I left Fordham, but I prefer to think the Church left me and not vice versa. I still go to Mass every week but I do struggle with my faith a lot of the time.</p>

<p>I met my future husband while he was a grad student and I was taking a graduate level course as an undergrad (which you could do back then if you had a high enough GPA). Our class met in that teeny-tiny honors house across from the tennis courts, and I have very fond memories of that building. Anyway, the future husband happened to be Jewish and he felt very comfortable at Fordham. We were actually married at the University Church a few years after I graduated. One of my favorite Jesuits married us, and he did our marriage prep classses as well so that we didn't have to do them in my NJ parish. Fr. P. (he's no longer there) was very comfortable with the fact that we were an interfaith couple and he put absolutely no pressure on my husband to convert, or to even consider conversion. He did ask my husband to consider raising our children Catholic, but we had already planned to do that. We had some amazing, stimulating conversations as I recall, and Fr. P still sends us a Christmas card every year.</p>

<p>The bottom line is that the Jesuits at Fordham are the last people who would ever make a non-Catholic or aethiest feel unwelcome. If you should develop a personal friendship with a Jesuit member of the Fordham faculty (and by all means leave yourself open to that even if you're not religious), you may find yourself in some lively philosophical and theological dialogues that you'll still appreciate many years later.</p>

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<p>Thank you so much PMcMScot for such an insightful entree. Stories like yours are what help students like me, and others find the energy and will to see things through. </p>

<p>I only wish we could get more input from other Alumni. Please keep in touch with us here.</p>