In the Sept. 28 Princeton Review article, Stephanie Nalbantyan says that the rankings, “definitely describe the student population…. specifically on the one about God. I feel that there is an extreme anti-Christian sentiment here. This campus claims it values tolerance, but if you don’t think like Guilford liberals than you and your ideas are not accepted here.”I disagree with Nalbantyan’s interpretation of Guilford’s tolerance.

The Princeton Review says Guilford students ignore God on a regular basis, but this implies atheism, agnosticism, or other spiritual beliefs, not anti-Christianity.

In my experience, most students on this campus, despite personal feelings, are not critical of others’ religious preferences or ideals.

Many students will have lengthy debates on theories, but can still be good friends regardless of differences. As long as you do not threaten or try to convert someone to your way of thought, and instead have an intellectual discussion, then you will rarely find enmity.

One must be comfortable with their opinions to be able to understand, or at least acknowledge, perspectives dissimilar from their own.

This is how one learns, expands knowledge, and improves your understanding of the world.

I believe that there is a very religious presence on this campus.

Princeton Review’s lack of recognition of this is unfortunate.

However, the survey question is heavily slanted implying a single, monotheistic ‘God.’ It implies that this ‘God’ exists, because to ignore something, it must be there to ignore.

There are deep religious convictions at Guilford in Quakerism, Hillel, The Pagan Mysticism Group, or Buddhist meditation. Even though these faiths may not believe in the exact same version of ‘God’ as Christianity, they are still intensely spiritual.

As for the campus being anti-Christian, there are five Christian groups at Guilford (more than any other affiliation). Some students may be antagonistic, and then find opposition in response, but generally, Christianity is a very accepted faith.

Students may argue for hours, then have dinner together, play ping-pong, whatever.

If you are not willing to accept other beliefs, or listen, of course others will feel compelled to shut you out, stop accepting, or trying to bother to communicate with you.

For many, it’s not worth the confrontation and hassle.

Open your mind. Go learn about a religion or a political view you know nothing about.

You’ll be amazed to find people you may not have associated with are accepting of you, if you allow them to be.