Week 1:

     For the voice project, I have chosen to explore the experience of non-Christian students at Christian universities.  As a former Catholic, my Loyola experience is unique.  I understand the faith tradition, and am comfortable with Catholicism, yet chose to leave the Church when I was an undergraduate student.  Shortly before arriving at Loyola, I formally became a member of the Episcopal Church.  I often find myself in the position of explaining that “I’m not Catholic, but I was raised in the Church.” 

     I often find myself wondering what others at the University think of my decision to leave the Catholic Church, but have never felt judged, shamed, or un-welcome.  In fact, the priests and nuns I am close to on campus have been more understanding of my decision than many members of my family.  Because of this, I have always believed the statement that Loyola is “a home for all faiths” to be true.  I am Christian, however, and I have wondered if my level of comfort is in some way tied to that. 

     In many ways, I don’t understand what would draw a non-Christian student to a Christian institution.  I assume that the students who would take on this circumstance would be quite confident in their faith, and able to somewhat ignore the religious activity around them, or not strongly tied to their religious tradition, and therefore open to new experiences.  I wonder, also, what the parents are thinking.  College is such a time of exploration; is it possible that students are succeptible to religious transition based on their university experience?

     Loyola’s Division of Student Development’s “Religious Life” web page lists the following:

“Loyola welcomes students of various faith traditions and denominations and encourages collaborative, constructive interfaith and ecumenical dialogues on campus. Celebrate your faith and explore other traditions through Catholic Life, Protestant Ministry, Hillel Jewish Center, the Hindu Students Association and student run Puja Room, and Muslim Students Association and student-run Mosque.”

     That certainly sounds welcoming.  In my five years on Loyola’s campus, I have seen evidence of true religious diversity.  I have seen posters advertising events, shopped at bake sales supporting Hillel, seen female students wearing veils.  But I don’t know what calls them to our campus, and I am very interested to find out.  This semester, I will attempt to explore the experience of non-Christian students at Christian institutions.  Specifically, I plan to interview three Loyola undergraduates involved in Hillel, Hindu Students Association, and the Muslim Students Association.  I will attempt to attend one event or student group meeting on campus, and will do online research to see what I can learn about national trends.