if a non-catholic goes to a catholic school does it affect the non-catholic?

Question

what if non-catholic wanted to go to a catholic school because it was the best school in the area and there really was no other option if the child was to get a good education, would him being in a catholic school affect his views on his own religion versus catholicism?

Answer 1

Pastor Billy says: truth has a strong effect on all of us. Sounds to me you have mixed values and if it is so important that Christianity does not play into the child's learning you show keep him/her as completely ignorant as possible and not send them to Catholic school.
If however you are open to truth there should be no negative affect on faith as you fear.

Answer 2

Depends.

I'm an atheist that attended a Catholic gradeschool and highschool, because my friends went there, and my parents wanted me to be thinking Jesus all day (they don't know I'm atheist). It made me... much more firmly rooted in my atheism, and also made me very cynical about humanity as a whole.

It didn't make me question my beliefs, if that's what you're wondering. It made me *think* about my beliefs, and sometimes I'd go back and make sure I wasn't just being stubborn. Other than that it got really old. We had mandatory masses, prayer services, morning prayer, prayer for everything, mandatory religion classes every year, the works. I'm not sure if your school has that though.

If anything, it might make you feel very alone when no one believes what you do. If you're talking a difference in denomination, though, my school was pretty tolerant towards say, Lutherans or Presbyterians, or the like. You're still forced to go to Catholic mass, and participate in everything. If you're worried about becoming Catholic, I wouldn't worry. It will most likely make you more of whatever you are.

The people at my Catholic school were fantastic though (friends). Wouldn't have traded them for the world.

Answer 3

I do not believe in organized religion.My ex-husband is Methodist.My daughter is a Southern Baptist. She went to a Catholic school. I cannot speak for all the Catholic schools out there,but she had to take religion as a subject. My daughter said that they did not push their religious beliefs upon her and allowed her to speak of her own religion and they had a lot of good conversations about the difference in religions.She did have to be present at the mass and other religious functions of the school if held during school hours,but she did not have to participate if she so chose.I think it is good to explore and understand others' beliefs...if more people did this and respected that everyone has their own opinions and that no one is right or wrong,the world would be a much nicer place.Education is priority in all facets of life.

Answer 4

Catholic schools are private institutions. When students apply for admission, they are accepting the Catholic education they are going to receive.

Catholic schools typically offer better education that public schools, and this does attract non-Catholics.

There is no way of knowing whether or not a Catholic education is going to effect the spirituality of the non-Catholic student. It may effect some but not others.

Answer 5

I agree w/ Holly C. My son goes to Catholic school and religion is a mandatory class. When I read the manual from his school whether your Catholic or Non-Catholic the school teaches you about Catholicism and mass is a regular event. I myself can't understand sending a non-Catholic to Catholic school if you don't want your child to learn about Catholicism.

Answer 6

My children all attended catholic school for 5 years, and loved it. We are not catholic. Initially, I was worried that they would try to convert my kids, or that my kids would get confused over religion. But that never happened. The religion teacher was conscious of the fact that there were non-catholics in the class, so she geared the lessons towards the generic.

If you are concerned about this, you should speak to the principal and the religion teacher, and find out how they teach religion so that non-catholics can participate.

Answer 7

In my experience, the modern Catholic school administration recognizes that many non-Catholics (and even non-Christians) are drawn to it because of its excellent level of education, particularly in terms of preparation for advanced studies and an emphasis on morality.

I think few students would questions aspects of the moral teachings, particularly within Christianity. While Mass is celebrated (as students in a non-Catholic parochial school would be expected to attend services of that denomination), the private beliefs of non-Catholics will be respected.

The moral teachings - opposition to abortion and war, rights for laborers and immigrants, a respect for diversity, sexual purity and faith - that are central to Catholic teaching are central to most Christian faiths. If you are concerned about any of the teachings, please talk with an administrator or principal. While students will be expected to treat one another with respect, to observe solemn occasions respectfully (even if they don't participate), and to refrain from breaking the rules, no student will be made to say a rosary or an Our Father if they do not wish to.

Answer 8

NonCatholics attending Cathoplic school are required to attend religion class and participate in Mass and prayer services.

The only 'danger' is that the non Catholic child will learn how many lies are told about Catholics...and stop people from perpetuating those lies!

Answer 9

My grandmother and I converted to catholicism when I was about 12 years old. The rest of our family was Southern Baptist. I have never felt out of place in a catholic church. Even now, I take my stepdaughter to Mass and my husband stays at home. People frequently tell me to invite him along and I do, but they are never judgemental about it.

Answer 10

EXACTLY what happened to me. How curious. Anyway, I am an atheist, though the Xaverian Brothers had me thinking about religion and what it was quite a bit.

Ultimately, they liked me, and I liked them. There was mutual respect and, yes, a degree of admiration for each others opinions. Plus, they were quite rigorous academically.

My experience says go for it. I had a great time - I loved Xavier.