Good/bad fit for atheist?

[PAchick]

Long story short, I grew up in a private Christian school while living alone with my mom, then later public school while living alone with my Buddhist dad. I'm a real mutt when it comes to religious and spiritual beliefs, but of all the terms, I've called myself an atheist the longest. I'm culturally and religiously curious and accepting, given my varied background.

Would someone who labels herself an atheist even be considered at a school like Loma Linda? They say they are accepting of all faiths, but what if you don't have one at all? I live similarly to the ways outlined in their student guidebook, minus the chapel and Sabbath.

[dwolf]

You will be fine. Typically, there are a small number of SDA's in their program. There is required chapel and there is often prayer before class, as it is a Christian university, however, there is no hostility toward others with dissimilar beliefs.

[PAchick]

Thank you, dwolf!

[Z PA-C]

Hi all. So the religious aspect of Loma Linda doesn't bother me at all. One hour of chapel a week is no big deal. I don't even care that they are a dry campus. I rarely drink alcohol. HOWEVER, is anyone able to comment on whether or not students are permitted to eat meat and drink caffeine on campus/inside campus dorms. I am really unfamiliar with SDA beliefs and did not even realize meat and caffeine were prohibited until I went to the Loma Linda PA Info Session.

 

Any knowledge on this subject is appreciated.

[erptacmtkrazyso]

Aiviphung,

 

I went to LLU 11 years ago for their Physical Therapist Assistant program and I was the president of my class. They allow you to eat meat and drink caffeine on campus. I was president of my class, I once brought in a nice smelly slightly pink roast beef sandwich to a faculty meeting and they didn't say anything. They do promote a healthy lifestyle. They won't say anything about it because everybody is different and have their own beliefs and they respect that. Hope that helps. If you have further questions, don't hesitate to ask.

 

Eddie Ronquillo PA-S

[Z PA-C]

Thank you for clarifying! I hear the rules are a bit stricter in the on-campus dorms. Do you happen to know anything about rules in there?

[crissykim]

Hey aiviphung,

 

I lived in lindsay hall (women's dorm) for a year during my undergrad and it wasn't too bad. The kitchens are shared so they didn't allow cooking meat there since it may be offensive to others. And because I was in the women's dorm, there are no males allowed inside, unless you get a guest pass for them from the secretary.

[Derbingle]

I graduated from LLU 2010, im not too religious but I think the benefits far outweighed any concenrs. There was a good amount of understanding, personal interaction bwetween faculty, projects to improve on well being and remind us, not to forget to live, be thankful, consider others. Dr Hau has a job.....has a way to present very good infor to help make you strong. To stand up in clinic when your alone and a surgeon really is just dumpimg on you..for fun....inititating you into the OR. The staff, Together make up a very effective faculty. I went to chapel every wednesday. Often we protested quietly as we scurried over to get a seat in chapel however we found it restful, helpful, catch up to study. Mandatory down time which helps in the middle of the weak. It is a great program. And each year its impressing and moving forward. Stable, solid. Organzied. They listen to you. You lack of religion wont matter as long as you are respectful of others. Sometimes during very tough weeks we said a prayer. Other times we didnt. Oh...and they were always feeding us excellent food and beverage! Good luck to class of 2015. You are in for a real ride. Remember its up to you. (Edited due to prev post created under the influence of ambien! Night shifts mess you up! Fricking egads!) ;)

[uscbigdawg]

I imagine that if you don't make a big deal of it, they won't either.