Click here to go to the NEW College Discussion Forum

I am enrolling in Georgetown this Fall. I like the school in many aspects, but my major concern lies in its Catholic/Jesuit tradition.

Aside from banning fraternaties on campus, I have heard that Catholics constitutes about 50% of the student body (far from any sort of diversity I'm told of!) I am an international student of VERY liberal views, some of which might be deemed as antagonistic towards organized religion in general.

If anyone could help me from their experience in Georgetown it would be of an immense help. Thanx...

By GU mom on Friday, July 19, 2002 - 11:45 am: Edit

My son came from a non-religious family but with a multi-etnic/religion background (3 major religions between his 4 non-observing grandparents). He feels very comfortable in GU, have many friends who are not catholics. They are required to take 2 theological courses as a core requirement. The one he took last semester was an overview of major religion - from Buddism to Islam. He was very enthusiastic about the class, reported to us weekly what they have studied, what kind of services he have attented. 15% of students are Jewish, they even have some kind of fraternity. Yes, it is a Catolic University and we had some concerns when he declared his intention to apply there, but we got an impression that the University tries to go beyond its Catolic image. The new President is not a Jusuit - the first such precedent in a Jesuit University.

By Yoshi on Friday, July 19, 2002 - 07:27 pm: Edit

Yeah when it comes with the Core requirement I am fine with that. Actually, I love studying theology myself but like nothing to do with preaching etc...

What was worrying me is the Catholic presence itself. I understand it as a tradition etc, just like Duke has its own religious affiliation (Lutheran, I think).. But GT seem to emphasize on that a lot (Mass beginning of the year, crucifixes all over campus, no frats.. etc)...

It's also funny that the University declares itself a community host to "different faiths".. What about people with no faith at all?

By danny on Monday, September 23, 2002 - 10:37 am: Edit

you will probably have found out by now that you don't have to attend the mass to celebrate the beginning of the year and that crucifixes on the wall are few and far between -- myself a non-Catholic who went to GU and loved it!

By hi on Saturday, December 07, 2002 - 12:00 am: Edit

You guys need to grow up. Going to college is about learning to except over people. If a Catholic person was to come preach to you or something you have the personal right to tell them that you are athesist but you still respect their views. DC is full of all kind of people. If you are going to be prejudice in any kind of way maybe you shouldn't go there. There are many people in the MD/DC/VA area of all different religions and you are going to come in close contact with all of them.

By Kahuna613 (Kahuna613) on Tuesday, December 17, 2002 - 02:14 pm: Edit

Is a Catholic atmosphere really that oppressive? How could any of the "Catholic things" really bother you?

By Bullzdawg on Wednesday, December 18, 2002 - 11:36 pm: Edit

Ignorance is bliss, I suppose.

I'd have to ask you tho...if you're going to be uncomfortable with a Catholic "atmosphere" then WHY go to Georgetown? Mass and crosses WILL be a part of campus because these things are important to the Catholic faith! If these things make you uncomfortable, GO SOMEWHERE ELSE!

Jesuits, btw, are among the most liberally minded Christians out there. You'll get a fantastic, well-rounded and diverse education at ANY Jesuit University (i'm also a Georgetown grad) The majority of my friends from college are non-Catholic. They never felt threatened by any of the Catholic traditions. I grew up in a very devout religious family, and i left Georgetown feeling liberated in my faith. I actually learned MORE about other faiths and cultures at Georgetown than I did during my public university graduate education.

By Iggy boy on Saturday, December 28, 2002 - 10:48 pm: Edit

Don't worry about your liberal views. My mom is a georgetown grad from the SFS and also has very liberal views, and loved the school.

By sierra on Sunday, January 05, 2003 - 11:09 pm: Edit

My kid is also considering a Jesuit college (BC) I am curious to learn about atheist student's experiences at these schools.

By Gtown4life on Thursday, January 09, 2003 - 01:16 am: Edit

Georgetown is a Catholic school founded in the Jesuit traduition but the school is losing its way and trying to be an Ivy league wannabe. They ban fraterneties on Jesuit campuses because of the fear that it rembles masonry which has been a huge affront to the Catholic faith and is a mortal sin to enter a Masonic temple. Georgetown is a Catholic University and everyone is treated fine. Noone should feel sorry by any politically correct wusses who feel offended by Catholic views. If you have a problem then don't go here. You knew it was a Catholic School. Personally I feel it's a disgrace. The school is going down the tubes and is run by people(not Jesuits) who want to increase the schools rank in US News and World Report at the cost of betraying its Catholicism and the Jesuit Society for that matter. 50% Catholic is pretty disgraceful not to be prejudice or anything but this is a Catholic university. It should be more like notre dame