Is it ok for me to go to a Baptist College with my friend (who is Baptist)?

[Tis_Bearself]

To those saying it’s not wise – would you have similar concerns with a Baptist attending a Catholic college?

Depends. Is Baptist going to Georgetown or Steubenville?
Also, is Baptist ready for a curriculum that’s not all “The Bible Says…”?

I had a friend who was raised German Lutheran/ Catholic and taught college in a Baptist/ Evangelical area, and went nuts because her students rejected anything that contradicted their interpretation of “The Bible Says”.

I also had a distant Baptist relation who equated any sort of scientific knowledge/ interest with atheism.

 

[blackforest]

In short, a kid who goes there or anywhere else with a weak or non-existent faith (as in, the kids who attend Mass because their parents require it, or have quit because their parents don’t have the backbone to require it) is likely to come out of college or university with little or no faith - somewhat like the GIGO rule.

Alternatively, they become vulnerable to the lure of fundamentalist Baptist teachings, which can resemble a security blanket during the difficult times of transitioning to adulthood.

I also had a distant Baptist relation who equated any sort of scientific knowledge/ interest with atheism.

It seems that there are as many different Baptist groups as there are hairs on my head. Some can provide thought-provoking sermons, while others have a dangerous streak of anti-intellectualism.

 

[BT3241]

My problem with Baptist is they teach the Gospel of prosperity were riches are going to pour down upon you. I have seen the sermons - I saw one where they were selling pies for 1000$ claiming God would give back a 100-1 return. That was enough for me.

 

[Fati]

confirmed catholic but do not know if it is ok for me to go to

Each denomination has emphasized an understanding of scripture. If the Holy spirit is evident then ok. But realize catholic won’t approve it.

 

[otjm]

Alternatively, they become vulnerable to the lure of fundamentalist Baptist teachings, which can resemble a security blanket during the difficult times of transitioning to adulthood.

That does not require attendance at a Baptist school - it is happening across the US. My response was to a comment about ND. And in post 14 I noted a Baptist college would be somewhere around the bottom of page three of my list of colleges to attend; yes, the Baptists could take someone of weak or non-existent faith and spin them.

We are on our third generation of poorly catechized people, and that is not in any way the fault of Vatican 2; it is the fault of the bishops 50+ years ago who without much if any thought allowed the progressives in the Church to promulgate a vapid replacement for the Baltimore Catechism. When people age to the point they become parents and they have no solid foundation in the faith, it is not the least hard to understand they put little emphasis on faith in regards to training their children; and those children… end up in the outer fringes faith.

82% of Catholics between the ages of 18 and 29 do not attend Mass weekly (and that stretches from “most of the time” to “not at all”) according to a survey of Catholics by CARA several years ago. Attendance picks up somewhat as they get older, likely in part to having children.

We certainly are not as bad off as Europe, but that is faint praise.

 

[Minks]

I am a confirmed catholic but do not know if it is ok for me to go to a Baptist university. The one im thinking of accepts people from various denominations and some people who go there don’t even have a denomination.

Welcome to CAF, @MrGamer!

Although baptized Catholic as an infant, I grew up in a non-Catholic community which was often anti-Catholic, with strong emphasis upon anti-. Most Baptists I have known have been quite vocal in their denouncement of Catholicism. You’ll save yourself a lot of grief if you select another school.

Sometimes students talk about going to college together for a few years before high school graduation and continue with the idea because of a sense of obligation, thinking that they’re not really being a good friend if they change their mind.

Your freshman first semester will be like nothing else that you’ve ever experienced. You’ll instantly be in the midst of new everything: responsibilities (including church, meals, and laundry), ideas, issues, professors, other students, developing friendships; diverse and sometimes crazy thoughts, feelings, and worries to juggle, plus the nitty-gritty of attending classes, studying, writing papers, and taking tests.

Spare yourself the antagonism and worries created by the questioning and nagging from other students.
Don’t let that happen to you, because any Catholic in a Baptist setting will be the rabbit in the hunt. You don’t need that kind of emotional turmoil from your peers. Please discuss this with your parents and your priest—and find another college.

Best wishes to you in your search and decisions.

ETA: If you’re worried about what to say to your friend about going to a different college, I imagine that your parents would be willing to say that they have decided that you should go to SuchAndSuch College in order to avoid a falling out with your friend. Just ask them.