tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738564385955889206.post6017473956386661152..comments2024-03-29T01:04:02.347-07:00Comments on Journey of a Catholic Nerd Writer: CINO (Catholic in Name Only) and Double MajorsMelissa Ceciliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14093144784715438143noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738564385955889206.post-90549332865070882402010-12-21T16:45:57.866-08:002010-12-21T16:45:57.866-08:00Emmy,
As a fellow anxiety sufferer I feel your pa...Emmy,<br /><br />As a fellow anxiety sufferer I feel your pain. However I truly feel that you might want to consider switching majors. I think you can lead the call for change in the education system, but not now. Also, I would speak with the dean about this teacher. There is a difference between leading academic discussions and punishing no believers, regardless of setting or personal beliefs.<br /> <br />I can tell that you are one of the VERY FEW young adults who understand and support and are willing to discuss the teachings. God wants those who can defend the faith, but I also know he wants us to be happy. I wish SCC was still around so that you could transfer, and if you feel called, perhaps you can help rebuild it. (I was a potential student, but chose another school. Despite this, I feel that it would have been wonderful given different circumstances)It would have been a great fit for you, despite the distance from home.<br /><br />I think you make a great point for the need for Catholic colleges and universities to change their image. Save a few mentioned, these schools are rooted in catholic tradition and provide spiritual guidance but exist mainly to educate students in areas outside of religion. They offer wonderful campus ministry, but students must chose to attend them. The are at heart catholic, but expect the students to grow in their faith outside of the classroom.<br /><br />I will play devil's advocate with respect to this as many catholic students (including myself) have been extremely lucky to have had a catholic foundation early in life. After Catholic High School, it is refreshing to be able to discuss the teachings of the church and the practices of the secular world and a few of the what-ifs such as the repercussions of condoms, birth control etc. <br /><br />It has allowed mt to learn the how's and why's of the church that are not so apparent when reading the catechism. By seeing many different ideas and faiths, I have been able to defend the teachings of the church, but have developed a greater understanding of why many people are turned off them.<br /><br />It seems to be a growing trend that many people have equated Catholic universities (who can teach whatever they want in most respects) to parochial schools.<br />I would like to see a greater disclosure to prospective students regarding this issue, as it has caused you and others such pain. I think many other students would have considered other schools had they known this.BlueandBluehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10965860640673628469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738564385955889206.post-73220227236742644372010-12-15T20:52:25.159-08:002010-12-15T20:52:25.159-08:00I can't tell if you already decided... ?:-O b...I can't tell if you already decided... ?:-O but on WDTPRS Fr Z gave a two thumbs up for a college in Wyoming... and forgive me, but about Steubenville, isn't it sort of charasmatic-ish? Also questionable theology beliefs as per some of the faculty,(?) No, actually I have heard that a few times so the question mark is pansy-ish of me to type. We ixnayed the idea of going to Steubenvilles youth conference there as chaperones for our parish because of trusted feedback we received... God Bless You as you decide or in the decision you've made :)UtahParadeofHomeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13340001966776585370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738564385955889206.post-88820109002346715302010-12-07T09:52:41.703-08:002010-12-07T09:52:41.703-08:00I'm so sorry for your experience! I ALMOST wen...I'm so sorry for your experience! I ALMOST went to a CINO college in the east. I'll be forever grateful to God for directing me elsewhere, to an amazing College and my husband as well! You have my prayers as you decide what to do. <br /><br />I also have some advice, as someone who spends a lot of her intellectual life discussing the church with less-than-orthodox Catholics, especially in the academic world. Part of the reason your professors are hard to deal with is because they are coming into the relationship (with you) with a mistaken understand of Who the Orthodox Catholic Is. If you respond in kind, allowing your perception of Who the Heterodox Catholic Is to color your reception of the goodness of the person and the ideas and attitudes he is trying to impart, than you will never have a chance. But, if you force yourself to see the person First, perhaps meeting with him and discussing how you feel about the class in a non-accusatory way, you may find you can work together, with mutual respect of the person, if not the idea. <br /><br />I do realize that this is not always possible, but I've never yet encountered a situation where it hasn't helped in some way. <br /><br />Good luck and God Bless.Mashahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06943998810222103926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738564385955889206.post-66034568118876366732010-12-07T06:32:47.880-08:002010-12-07T06:32:47.880-08:00Hi Emmy, Thank you for speaking up!
I attend coll...Hi Emmy, Thank you for speaking up!<br /><br />I attend college at Ave Maria University.<br /><br />I just wanted to let you know that I do believe we accept transfers with a cap of about 70-80 units...<br /><br />I work in admissions so I would be more than happy to help you out. <br /><br />here is our website: <br />http://admission.avemaria.edu/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738564385955889206.post-53562462236275200302010-12-06T11:54:38.052-08:002010-12-06T11:54:38.052-08:00As Bill Clinton might say, I feel your pain! That...As Bill Clinton might say, I feel your pain! That said, I'll offer a few unsolicited observations:<br /><br />1) Transferring can be problematic. I know, having done it -- twice -- before completing my undergraduate degree. I'd think long and hard about it.<br /><br />2) Unless you have specific graduate school plans in mind, in the long run your undergraduate major is probably going to become fairly irrelevant. Find a department that you're comfortable in and go with it.<br /><br />3) MOST IMPORTANT: Choose your courses by who's teaching them, not by their title or course description! Find the orthodox professors (or even the judicious and fair-minded liberals) and stick to them like crazy! This can make or break your academic experience. If there are required courses taught by unreliable professors, look into the possibility of doing them as reading courses/independent studies with reliable professors. IMPORTANT, IMPORTANT, IMPORTANT!<br /><br />4) Pray for the grace to take your college for what is rather than for what it isn't.<br /><br />And through it all, remember that God looks on the heart. He will honor your desire to glorify him in your intellectual pursuits.<br /><br />Good luck!stpetrichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11961792423937962991noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738564385955889206.post-88480400579222223102010-12-04T17:00:28.452-08:002010-12-04T17:00:28.452-08:00I have attended the summer conferences at Steubenv...I have attended the summer conferences at Steubenville for years and support that school and recommend it for anyone wanting a good education and campus life. However ... I would also put in a second for Ave Maria University, outside of Naples, Florida. Equally good school, great law school, and warmer. (I also am a supporter of this Catholic school).Do Not Be Anxioushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04607616214486933423noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738564385955889206.post-8240883864095577392010-12-02T21:11:09.027-08:002010-12-02T21:11:09.027-08:00I have written about my situation (updated news) i...I have written about my situation (updated news) in my new entry. Please read it. :)Melissa Ceciliahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14093144784715438143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738564385955889206.post-23524980125281264722010-12-02T18:01:25.173-08:002010-12-02T18:01:25.173-08:00As a part time instructor at a state university, y...As a part time instructor at a state university, your best bet for transfer may be to a public university. You will retain the most credits that way. My university will remain nameless, but is generally considered more Catholic than the Jesuit University in town, because the faculty is more understanding, and the Focus program is huge! Respond to my comment and I will email your the specifics. God Bless!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05125631823780589014noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738564385955889206.post-28213957673214221842010-12-02T12:21:52.413-08:002010-12-02T12:21:52.413-08:00Tears in my eyes as I write this - I will pray for...Tears in my eyes as I write this - I will pray for you Emmy. I pray everyday as a member of the Universal Living Rosary Association, so I will definitely add you and your situation to my intentions. At least the Internet is allowing the young, orthodox/committed Catholics to come together. As Colleen Carroll Campbell calls us - We're the new faithful. Before I go - have you been to www.savior.org? It's a live view of the Blessed Sacrament - one or two sisters are always adoring (though you won't see them). God bless!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738564385955889206.post-74632867341118832632010-12-02T11:16:53.788-08:002010-12-02T11:16:53.788-08:00I have a new post up: http://tinyurl.com/2be9q2j H...I have a new post up: http://tinyurl.com/2be9q2j Hopefully it answers some questions regarding my school situation.Melissa Ceciliahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14093144784715438143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738564385955889206.post-21221627828229831422010-12-02T11:15:31.064-08:002010-12-02T11:15:31.064-08:00Hey this blog post is something I can kind of rela...Hey this blog post is something I can kind of relate to. Here is some advice from my own personal experience; use it as you see fit:<br /><br />1. Sometimes it's a matter of finding the good professors at the College you are going to. Use ratemyprofessor.com to help find the good ones and which classes they are teaching. Look especially at the objective info. and specific examples of positives and negatives; sometimes people post on there just to hear their own voice and/or because they are slackers wanting to blame the teacher for their bad grades (the best worst posts are when someone complains about a class having homework).<br /><br />2. You are right- researching a College is important!<br /><br />When trying to find a good Catholic College check their website out. Look at the curriculum for the major you're interested in and who the teachers are. Look into the teachers via ratemyprofessor. That will help you out as well. Don't always buy into everything that their contact person tells you. I don't mean that they are all liars but by occupation their agenda is usually (first) persuading people to choose that College. They may try to get you to come by showing you nice things there that are less important than the things you are really looking for. Be sure to ask all of the important questions (ex. "is this school more theologically conservative/liberal compared to others?" "How much does it cost?" "Job placement based on my major?" -very important! "Will I be persecuted for standing up for what the Church actually teaches? I'm serious about this!") <br /><br />Also, I would see what other focuses the College/University has. If it's also known to be a good business school, law school, etc. this might be a good thing and it might be a bad thing. Sometimes a Catholic College will lose its identity in trying to promote the more secular studies and in trying to accomodate those who are less religious. A good Catholic College puts its Catholic identity first and foremost above everything else. I'm not saying that it shouldn't try accomodate other non-Catholic students/secular majors but that it should very well make sure it is accomodating to those who are going there for (gasp!) a solid Catholic education!<br /><br />I have more to add but I will perhaps later. Anyway, in the meantime, good luck out there!Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10490711144620801334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738564385955889206.post-17847989044743695542010-12-02T04:45:18.208-08:002010-12-02T04:45:18.208-08:00Hi Emmy, so glad I stumbled upon your blog!
Some ...Hi Emmy, so glad I stumbled upon your blog!<br /><br />Some of your other readers have suggested Steubenville - one of the Sisters in the Congregation I'm discerning with studied there and can't speak highly enough about her study experience. And she belongs to a habit-wearing order *wink* so it must be Catholic in more than name!<br /><br />All the very best. I was blessed in my study - I did my theology masters at a university that provided some fantastic, faithful Catholic lecturers and the material was top-notch... all in line with Magisterial teaching. However, I was surrounded by a large number of students who didn't really believe in what we were studying, who carried on in awful ways socially at parties and things. I understand at least on some level how hard it can be, and its NOT just you - ANYONE in that situation would feel the need to do something about it!<br /><br />Since you can't change the hundreds/thousands of people at the uni who seem to be a little 'dodgy' (forgive my Australianism) then you need to look at what you CAN change! You CAN change the situation by removing yourself from it. <br /><br />I hope that you're able to find another school with minimal cost and hassle!<br /><br />God bless!Bekhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07327580342172899846noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738564385955889206.post-21699063715771476132010-12-01T21:22:10.466-08:002010-12-01T21:22:10.466-08:00your blog is cool-I am enjoying it and sending pra...your blog is cool-I am enjoying it and sending prayers your way. Prayers especially with the battle you deal with daily at your college.<br />jmjteacherMiss Hirachetahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15546996760520707729noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738564385955889206.post-266531942109080012010-12-01T21:03:10.043-08:002010-12-01T21:03:10.043-08:00I'll post an updated entry either tomorrow or ...I'll post an updated entry either tomorrow or on Friday. Thank you all for you comments and prayers. :)Melissa Ceciliahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14093144784715438143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738564385955889206.post-59822913520281503372010-12-01T20:52:31.396-08:002010-12-01T20:52:31.396-08:00I am a grad theology student at Franciscan Univers...I am a grad theology student at Franciscan University of Steubenville, and I believe that there is no hour cap for transfer students. You can find more infor at www.franciscan.edu/admissions/requirements/transferCarlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17061670615704050291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738564385955889206.post-56972691570702975942010-12-01T18:37:48.834-08:002010-12-01T18:37:48.834-08:00If you didn't have the anxiety issue, I would ...If you didn't have the anxiety issue, I would say stay, and do the Spanish.There will be a lot of need for Spanish speaking people in religious education, for instance. I would also say that you could maybe satisfy the teachers by showing in your papers that you grasp what they are trying to teach before you say that you disagree. In other words, if it is some form of deconstructionist textual criticism, master their arguments before you express disagreement. Also, if you look at a paper, like a test, as a test of whether you understand what the teacher wants, it isn't wrong to give them what they want. You can phrase it in such a way that you are not saying you believe it. In nursing school I had to do this at times. I admit I was threatened with dismissal for things I said in the "Controversial Issues in Nursing" class though, which was really "Indoctrination into the currently Politically Correct Views on All Issues." I could be politic in writing, but not when it came to speech. Other people told me to shut up or say what I was expected to say, but I had a difficult time with that. Still, if you can accommodate yourself without betraying yourself, it isn't wrong to do so.<br /><br />However I am very concerned about your description of panic attacks. They are a big sign that this school has pushed your stress level above what you can take and stay mentally healthy. So why not try Steubenville? Why not go somewhere where your faith is supported instead of attacked? <br /><br />Good luck and God bless you,<br />Susan Petersoneulogoshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05307036781446427993noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738564385955889206.post-32661897943509539182010-12-01T18:30:28.487-08:002010-12-01T18:30:28.487-08:00I fully empathize with your situation. I was a The...I fully empathize with your situation. I was a Theology major at the University of San Diego until about a week ago actually (I'll be here an extra year because I couldn't stand the major anymore). I would also get marked down on assignments and I've heard some horror stories from friends. <br /><br />If you happen to be at USD you should let me know. It would be nice to have someone else to talk to about this stuff!<br /><br />Either way, my prayers are with you. Hang in there.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11629867525986182512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738564385955889206.post-88837277697332867892010-12-01T16:39:02.771-08:002010-12-01T16:39:02.771-08:00I attended a CINO college (not nearly as bad as yo...I attended a CINO college (not nearly as bad as yours) for my undergrad degree, but as I wasn't majoring in religious-anything, it affected me minimally by completely destroying what little faith I had in the one class I did have to take. <br /><br />However, I got my MTS through Ave Maria University and can testify to their faithfulness, their fidelity and...the work you do to earn your degree! I highly recommend Ave Maria!Adorohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02853244433854822731noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738564385955889206.post-25355390569315914772010-12-01T15:53:39.338-08:002010-12-01T15:53:39.338-08:00I second the suggestion of Franciscan University. ...I second the suggestion of Franciscan University. I am an alumnus and it us a wonderful school. I don't know about transfers though, you would have to ask them.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08713216211476103220noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738564385955889206.post-70072714200493415472010-12-01T15:21:12.459-08:002010-12-01T15:21:12.459-08:00I found my way here via Patrick Madrid's site....I found my way here via Patrick Madrid's site. My children are still quite young so college is in the far distant future, but I appreciate you sharing your experiences. My husband and I both feel it is extremely important for our children to attend authentically Catholic schools, should they choose college, and your story only solidifies our convictions. All the best to you and your studies! God bless you --Erikahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00603833264087242061noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738564385955889206.post-65843652766748475362010-12-01T13:41:59.771-08:002010-12-01T13:41:59.771-08:00Emmy,
You ought to consider finishing at the Fran...Emmy,<br /><br />You ought to consider finishing at the Franciscan University of Steubenville (we were rated in the top tier for Catholic schools faithful to their mission by the First Things ratings you mentioned). Our theology major is academically robust and faithfully and fully Catholic. We have many transfers who come here from situations just like your own. Contact me if you're interested and I'll put you in touch w/ the folks in admissions. Alternately, you can contact admissions directly yourself: <br /><a href="http://www.franciscan.edu/admissions/main.aspx" rel="nofollow">Admissions website</a><br /><br />admissions@franciscan.edu<br />msirilla@franciscan.edu<br /><br />I wish you the best.<br />-Dr. Michael Sirilla<br />Associate professor of theologyMichael Sirillahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16141067457270423460noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738564385955889206.post-15536476143320108092010-12-01T13:09:43.948-08:002010-12-01T13:09:43.948-08:00The Church needs you! I studied at a Protestant c...The Church needs you! I studied at a Protestant college at a time when there were not many orthodox Catholic colleges. You can still get a good education - it is just going to take great effort on your part.<br /><br />Now, I work as a Pastoral Associate. The Church needs young people with a passion for Christ, and the fact that you'll be bilingual only means you'll be much in demand!<br /><br />Keep at it! It will prepare you well for life.<br /><br />Elise<br />www.kissingtheleper.comElise Hiltonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14867102109603578104noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738564385955889206.post-67122593760275434932010-12-01T12:23:41.921-08:002010-12-01T12:23:41.921-08:00My prayers are with you. I decided to play it cau...My prayers are with you. I decided to play it cautious and take an Ancient Greek / Latin double major. I suppose I will have to take a few philosophy courses, but it will make me far more formidable in Theology.Patrick Jhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11686949727999242890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738564385955889206.post-71396239864379402572010-12-01T11:58:49.321-08:002010-12-01T11:58:49.321-08:00Emmy,
At Franciscan University of Steubenville (w...Emmy,<br /><br />At Franciscan University of Steubenville (where I currently attend) from what I understand, you can transfer however many credits you have as long as you finish your final, consecutive 30 at FUS.<br /><br />So, even with 82 hours, you would be able to bring in them all (as many as would transfer I would think). Religious Studies is not necessarily a major though, but the Theology and the Catechetic departments are phenomenal.<br /><br />Here is all the info if you want to give it a shot. God bless.<br /><br />Admissions Office <br />1235 University Boulevard <br />Steubenville, Ohio 43952 <br />800-783-6220 toll-free <br />740-283-6226 voice <br />740-284-5456 fax <br />admissions@franciscan.eduAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738564385955889206.post-19862105671116437862010-12-01T10:19:45.811-08:002010-12-01T10:19:45.811-08:00Hi Emmy. I was also a Religious Studies major wit...Hi Emmy. I was also a Religious Studies major with similar struggles. Here's my advice... It can be beneficial to learn the ways historical, textual criticism, etc. Even if you understand its limits greater than your professors there can be great value in learning the more secular approach to our faith. Earlier in my undergrad I fought this, but today I most appreciate the ability to relate and understand how secular academia considers Religion.<br /><br />I recall writing a paper in my final class on Islam that sought to "prove" the Crucifixion and Resurrection were not historical events (as is taught in Islam). I even had to debate against Christians in my class to "prove" their faith was based on a lie. (at the end of the debate I offered to explain weaknesses not brought up by my professor or fellow students). But today I know that I can argue against the Resurrection as well as anyone, yet I still believe. And that often makes my conversations to those who do not believe more fruitful.<br /><br />My advice is to be a student of these various philosophies, but only in an out-of-body sort of way. Your witness for Christ will show fruit when you know exactly how Freud, John Dominic Crossan, Hans Küng and the rest look at the world. This is not easy, and requires double the effort (learning what is taught by your professors as well as what the Church teaches), but it can be fruitful. Don't expect Religious Studies to grow your faith. Only to equip you to better defend your faith -- particularly to the other students who are not surrounding themselves with the faithful and are consequently losing their faith.<br /><br />Stay strong, Emmy. Students at schools like this need your help to stay faithful, or to become faithful.<br /><br />And to parents and others who read this... If you are not deeply grounded in faith and in a supportive and faithful community who can walk with you through challenges like Emmy is facing. Do NOT ever study Religious Studies at ANY school apart from a very very select few that are faithful to the Church through and through.<br /><br />God bless you, Emmy.Ryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14380475568044302184noreply@blogger.com