Loma Linda....How strict are they?

[KobeInnocent]

I was wondering just how strict and religious are they at Loma Linda. I am a Christian but not as hardcore as alot of them so I don't know if that is a good school for me. I heard that they force u to go to church and u can't drink period or else you'll be kicked out. If there is anybody here that goes to Loma Linda, please verify this for me. Thank you

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[Dr_Oh_DMD]

just wait to see their secondary ... you'll know how serious they are ....

 

[Sprgrover]

While I don't attend LLU nor will I, I am very familiar with it. It's a Seventh-Day Adventist school, so expect some strict rules if you attend. They are very religious and yes, they do have a policy on tobacco and alcohol use - it's forbidden and there is the possibility of expulsion if you violate this policy, which also includes activities off campus. In regards to the church policy, I think as a professional student you are excused from it, but don't quote me. Also, they observe the Jewish sabbath - sun down on Friday to sundown on Saturday. Thus, all of the facilities will be closed. So if you are looking to do some studying or get some work done on Saturdays, it ain't gonna happen.

 

[Sense]

While I don't attend LLU nor will I, I am very familiar with it. It's a Seventh-Day Adventist school, so expect some strict rules if you attend. They are very religious and yes, they do have a policy on tobacco and alcohol use - it's forbidden and there is the possibility of expulsion if you violate this policy, which also includes activities off campus. In regards to the church policy, I think as a professional student you are excused from it, but don't quote me. Also, they observe the Jewish sabbath - sun down on Friday to sundown on Saturday. Thus, all of the facilities will be closed. So if you are looking to do some studying or get some work done on Saturdays, it ain't gonna happen.

I applied there for medical school and recieved an interview. I'm also Christian but not that strict. I know for the medical school, they made you attend weekly chapel service and it was mandatory. Also, the curriculum had a lot of ethics in it and their mission was to create Christian physicians, serving to continue the healing ministry of Jesus Christ.

I ended up not getting in, but I would say that it helps to be a strong Christian, and they at least appeared to be religiously strict.

 

[asianpride]

yikes

run
run
run!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Sprgrover]

...they made you attend weekly chapel service...

There you have it. I thought maybe they had eased their standards. Guess not. Have fun!

 

[KobeInnocent]

dear god... so it would be like smoking pot everytime i want a beer? im definitely having 2nd thoughts about it

 

[Woodsy]

are you allowed to have sex in Loma Linda?

cna't drink...eh...

can't drink, no sex....that is not a good way to go throuhg life..

no sex is worse than no beer!

 

[RaiderNation]

Well, if you can't handle it, then don't apply. People always trash LLU because they accept so many SDA students and a few LDS students. Maybe it is because they trust that those students are more likely to live up to the previoously mentioned standards.

 

[AFVET]

Well, if you can't handle it, then don't apply. People always trash LLU because they accept so many SDA students and a few LDS students. Maybe it is because they trust that those students are more likely to live up to the previoously mentioned standards.

I'm not so sure about this but I do know they are very honest about the type of applicant they are looking for. They are a private school and have the right to give preference to whom ever they see fit. I believe this is a helpful thread as it will let people know what they are applying for so as not to go through the interview process and come away offended.

 

[RaiderNation]

Of course, not ALL students at LLU abstain from alcohol, tobacco, pre-marital sex, etc. but those are the rules. I know two dentists that graduated from LLU (both LDS) and they both told me that they pretty strict about the rules. Although it's more of an honesty issue since the admin can't follow you wherever you go. So, my understanding is that they look for honest people who will abide by their code of conduct, because if you can't do it, you will be nothing but problems and run the risk of being asked to leave.

 

[burton117]

Well, if you can't handle it, then don't apply. People always trash LLU because they accept so many SDA students and a few LDS students. Maybe it is because they trust that those students are more likely to live up to the previoously mentioned standards.

Excuse my ignorance, but what does LDS stand for?

Kawika

 

[ap7dgs]

Excuse my ignorance, but what does LDS stand for?

Kawika

Latter Day Saints?

 

[Sprgrover]

The Church of Latter-day Saints, a.k.a. Mormonism.

 

[ItsGavinC]

The Church of Latter-day Saints, a.k.a. Mormonism.

Or, alternatively, what 20-50% of your classmates will be if you attend dental school in the US. Just an observation.

 

[aphistis]

That's a *little* high, depending on the school you attend, but you can pretty much count on having disproportionate representation of Mormons. Vive la BYU, I suppose. 😀

 

[dane4695]

... do they have curfews and bedtimes too?

 

[tonycho82]

Sorry, for my lack of knowledge, ... now that someone from a previous post asnwered my question on LDS, what does SDA stand for?

 

[busdriver]

seventh day adventist

 

[Variance]

SDA univs arent that bad...
Im SDA and while the rules themselves are strict
they are usually pretty lightly enforced.

 

[trypmo]

Maybe this is a question that will betray some degree of social ignorance, but why is it that dentistry attracts so many LDS? Is it that spending time with family is such a high priority in that culture and dentistry allows for it? Do you ever see any female LDS in dental school, or primarily just guys? I'm genuinely curious; I find LDS a fascinating culture (culture = religion + social values, etc.).

 

[msf41]

Well I can't speak for the church at large, but I can tell you my motivations for dentistry. I am a Latter-Day-Saint. I served a two year mission when I was twenty. When I came home I really wanted to become a doctor. This was motivated by two things strongly encouraged in the church and by my parents: 1) service to others, and 2) fulfilling one's greatest potential. I worked hard in school. My gpa was 3.62 majoring in chemistry. I've worked in the medical field for 4 years as a nurses aid and EMT. I've done 3 summers of research and continued volunteering: childrens hospital, community medical/dental clinics, public television, school repair, national forest reclamation projects, roof repair, nursing homes...I could go on (sounds like I'm tooting my own horn a little, but I AM NOT UNIQUE IN THE CHURCH. I am not and outstanding member by any means. This is what normal members do). I thought I had a good shot at medical school, but As I started preparing to take the MCAT I just didn't feel right about it.

I've seen too many doctors hanging around the hospital at 8-9 pm at night hurying to get home to see their families. Physicians seem to me to have a hard time escaping the STRESS of their work. Then add in the holiday and weekend hours and I began to see that my future career in medicine and the type of family life that I wanted would not work together well. Members of the LDS church are expected to spend a portion of their time serving the church and community. For me right now I spend about 10 hours a week teaching a youth sunday school class. It's great for me and for them (I hope). I want to continue serving in the church and in the community in the future.

Husband and father is by far THE MOST IMPORTANT job I will ever have in this life. I've been married for almost 3 years now, and I'm expecting my first child in the spring (very excited)! I want to do things with my life like take my kids camping, coach a Little League team, etc. Another aspect of working 12 hour days in a hospital is that when you do come home, you are exhausted and aren't very social or want to go out. Long story short, I want a challenging rewarding career that won't consume my life (ie family, church, fun).

As for why you may see a large percentage of LDS students at your local dental school? Well, the church does encourage people to pursue education. In addition many LDS students perform well in school. Could be because LDS students are not distracted (theoretically of course) by premarital sex, unexpected pregnancy, alcohol, tobacco, coffee, or generally crazy college party scenes in general (although you should check out some of the crazy church dances...ha ha just kidding). This lifestyle may equate to more successful students, becuase they are at school to learn (not party...what a concept).

In addition, Medical/dental schools clearly give preference to students who volunteer. Members of the LDS church are involved in volunteer activities regularly. If not on a weekly basis, at LEAST, on a monthly basis. Therefore, most LDS students are likely to have a resume with a diverse variety of volunteer service over a LONG PERIOD OF TIME (not just a few hours right before applying to school).

just my point of view. Go dentistry.

 

[Smooth Operater]

This might be kinda off-topic.

msf41, I don't know too much about the teaching of Christianity yet, but I am interested to learn more about it. Many Christians who I've met tell me that Latter-day Saints aka Mormons are considered a cult. I was kinda shocked to hear that in the first place b/c I knew a Mormon at my highschool who heavily participated in extra-curriculum and showed care to other students in the school. Everyone just loved to hang out with him. But as I am exploring the teaching of Christianity in university, many of my Christian friends constanly put Mormons and Jehovah's witness in the same category as a cult saying that they've been deceived. So, I did a search about Mormns on-line and found out that they are viewed as cults by othordoxy Christians. I can give you the links if you want. I am NOT here to attack your belief. I have no stance to anyways since you definitely know the Gospel more than me. I just don't understand what's up with all the Chrisitan denominations outta there and Chrisitans calling other Christians preverting the truths, therefore, consider them cults😕 Maybe you can help me out here..

This also lead me to a question regarding Loma Linda. Would schools like Lomda Linda reject you if your belief is considered a cult to them?


thanks...just something I am curious about..

 

[busdriver]

...Could be because LDS students are not distracted (theoretically of course) by premarital sex, unexpected pregnancy, alcohol, tobacco, coffee, or generally crazy college party scenes in general...This lifestyle may equate to more successful students, becuase they are at school to learn (not party...what a concept).

i thought it was hilarious how coffee was in this list. the following sentence made it even more funny. just wondering...so mormon's aren't allowed to have coffee???? (not that i'm a coffee drinker...in fact i dislike drinking coffee...)

 

[trypmo]

Yep, as far as I know, any caffeine is out of the question. Basically, anything that contains a drug which alters your state of consciousness in any way is off limits. I had a good buddy who's a Mormon and we've had many interesting conversations about his religion. There are parts of Mormonism I don't personally agree with, but I certainly have respect for it.

 

[hockeydentist]

Let just say its a close knit group with different views from everyday life.

I have several cousins and an aunt who is mormon, its true, no caffeine. What the mormon church according to my aunt is that it brings a sense of closeness that she could not find in a catholic church.

There are many other rules they have or rules they live by as well.

 

[onetoothleft]

What msf41 says is very true. I grew up mormon, did my undergrad at BYU and a 2 year mission. At BYU it seems like everyone is pre-med or pre-dent. It is viewed as a very noble field to serve and service is very important.

As to the Cult question, there are opinions on both sides.

Mormonism is often seen as a cult because:

1. it was started recently in 1830 and membership growth is exponential
2. It has a lot of doctrines that are very hard to swallow at times or are theologically unusual, (as illustrated by that simpsons episode) like believing in a modern day prophet.
3. It has a rich history, yet kind of bizzarre.
4. Has additional scripture (book of mormon) that no other religion uses
5. has very strict guidelines

Here are some reasons it is considered mainstream:

1. Has over 11 million members (making it top 10 in US)
2. Is Christian, with traditional Christian beliefs.
3. Uses the Bible
4. so far no mass suicides or anything like that.

As to the OP question:

I would advise going somewhere else. Loma Linda is very religious and is catered to those who are SDA's or people who tend to do well in that atmosphere like former BYU students. In my opinion it would not be worth it. Personally, even after BYU (or possibly because of BYU) I could not do it again for 4 years.

 

[BiteWing]

Wow, Onetooth. So you used to be Mormon, served a 2-year mission, returned honorably, went to BYU...and turned gay? Why? I don't mean to offend anyone, but this just seems odd, and I have never heard of anything like this before. Where did you serve your mission?

 

[Sprgrover]

...and turned gay? Why? ...

Did I miss something?

 

[BiteWing]

He said he was gay in another thread

 

[busdriver]

i've HEARD that some mormons become gay because they have to go on a 2-year missions trip or something and since they're with one other person the whole time (which is a pretty long time), they start falling for each other....hmm....

 

[edkNARF]

Or, alternatively, what 20-50% of your classmates will be if you attend dental school in the US. Just an observation.

Gavin, do you feel that there are 20% LDS in all dental schools, or just those in the midwest? It may be that I have been living in a northeast bubble for my entire life, but I have never met an LDS member in person. I actually never heard of BYU until I first saw it on these forums.

 

[BiteWing]

i've HEARD that some mormons become gay because they have to go on a 2-year missions trip or something and since they're with one other person the whole time (which is a pretty long time), they start falling for each other....hmm....

That is some real ignorant slander. Are you from the backwoods of Alabama or what? Welcome to the real world bud.

 

[onetoothleft]

Wow, Onetooth. So you used to be Mormon, served a 2-year mission, returned honorably, went to BYU...and turned gay? Why? I don't mean to offend anyone, but this just seems odd, and I have never heard of anything like this before. Where did you serve your mission?

Wow, good memory. I served in Culiacan, Mexico. Yeah, I grew up Mormon and was very active until I started college. It is a long story that I don't mind telling, but it is not very dental related. But I did realize that it was much harder to fit in or feel comfortable at BYU once I did not fit the social norm (which is why I didn't apply to Loma Linda). BYU was fun, hard, a growing experience, an eye-opening experience, and BYU (you would never know it) had many students in the same situation as me. But I was very honest with the administration and my ecclesiastical leaders (ok maybe a little bit less so towards the end).

i've HEARD that some mormons become gay because they have to go on a 2-year missions trip or something and since they're with one other person the whole time (which is a pretty long time), they start falling for each other....hmm....

Serving a mission does not really have any effect on your sexuality one way or the other, and I never developed feelings for any of my companions. That was one of the nice things about the mission is that you are so focused on the work, you are pretty well distracted from dating/love situations.

 

[busdriver]

That is some real ignorant slander.

dude i think you need to calm down. that's why i said "i've HEARD". someone else actually told me this. but onetoothleft made it clear that that is not the reason for his sexuality and that's cool. 👍

Are you from the backwoods of Alabama or what? Welcome to the real world bud.

i have no idea where you're coming from with this...

 

[msf41]

This might be kinda off-topic.

...many of my Christian friends constanly put Mormons and Jehovah's witness in the same category as a cult saying that they've been deceived. So, I did a search about Mormns on-line and found out that they are viewed as cults by othordoxy Christians. ... I just don't understand what's up with all the Chrisitan denominations outta there and Chrisitans calling other Christians preverting the truths, therefore, consider them cults😕 Maybe you can help me out here..

thanks...just something I am curious about..

Well Smooth-- with your preliminary investigation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints you have come to a very important conclusion already...
there are somethings that make us very MAIN STREAM christian when you look at the nuts and bolts of the faith (belief in Jesus, Bible, etc), but you also noticed that OTHER CHRISTIAN FAITHS CRINGE to catagorize Mormons as Christian.

Here's why we stand alone. Just for grins open up your local telephone book and look up "churches". You will find dozens, or maybe even hundreds of different churches in your home town. Some of them may share similar beliefs, but many of them have a many differences in doctrine. This is because these hundreds of churches basically are started by someone who reads the Bible, and finds their own interpretation of it, and then starts up a church (example: Bob's Bible Church). Because there are different interpretations, you find differences in doctrine, and thus leading to the many listings in the phone book.

The mormon church is not established in that method (someone reads Bible, Someone interprets Bible, someone starts another church). The mormon church in FUNDAMENTALLY different than ALL OTHER CHURCHES, because we believe God leads his people through prophets (just as he did for thousands of years as we read in the Bible). In old testament times God appeared to Moses and called him to lead his people. In New Testament times Jesus called his Apostles, like Paul. Why would god have leaders like these men for thousands of years and then not have a prophet for us TODAY? Does God change? No, he is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Mormons believe in a MODERN DAY PROPHET. There is a prophet at the head of our church today just as there was in ancient times.

It is because we believe in this "modern prophet" that you see it is "mainstream christianity" against the mormons. They call us a cult because we are NOT one of them (the many bible churches).

 

[busdriver]

...It is because we believe in this "modern prophet" that you see it is "mainstream christianity" against the mormons. They call us a cult because we are NOT one of them (the many bible churches).

i dunno, it seems to me (upon doing some research as well) that the mormon doctrine is quite a bit different from the "mainstream christian" doctrine in addition to the "modern prophet" bit.

 

[msf41]

Sure there are differences in doctrine, but there are MAJOR differences within the mainstream chrurches as well. The big difference is one of Catagorization. LDS is just in different catagory. There are 3 main catagories of christian churches.

1. churches that claim to be the continuation of the church Jesus established when he was on the earth (that is ONLY the catholics)

2. churches that claim the ORIGINAL church jesus established apostitized (was lost) and no longer exists as it did in christs time (all Protestant, Baptist, etc.)

3. church Jesus established apostitized (lost the truth) and was restored by Prophesy (aka: modern Revelation)

 

[Smooth Operater]

but from what I've heard, many of Mormon's beliefs/doctrines are non-bibical. For instance, I 've heard that Mormons believe for every human born to Earth, a spirit baby is born in heaven and there 3 differet sections of heaven. One of my co-worker told me that when her cousin got married to a Mormon man, his parents can not attend the wedding b/c it's in Mormon teaching 😕 Can you clear up if these are true? Thanks ! 👍

 

[RaiderNation]

but from what I've heard, many of Mormon's beliefs/doctrines are non-bibical. For instance, I 've heard that Mormons believe for every human born to Earth, a spirit baby is born in heaven and there 3 differet sections of heaven. One of my co-worker told me that when her cousin got married to a Mormon man, his parents can not attend the wedding b/c it's in Mormon teaching 😕 Can you clear up if these are true? Thanks ! 👍

1 Corinthians 15:40-41 talks about different 3 different degrees of glory in heaven, hence the 3 sections of heaven you speak of. Your co-workers parents couldn't attend the wedding because it was probably in a temple. When a temple is first built, tours are given where any and all are welcome to come inside, but once dedicated only the worthy members of the church can come in. You can't be involved in any pre-marital sex, drinking, smoking, you have be an honest person, pay tithing, etc. When Moses was on earth it was the same way with the temples then. So, Christ's church always had sacred temples in the Bible. I'm not trying to argue with anyone. There are so many erroneous comments floating around about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and I just wanted to clear up that the teachings are in fact biblical.

 

[Smooth Operater]

This is what I've on my NIV bible.

1 Corinthians 15:40-41
There are also heavenly bodies and there are earthly bodies; but the splendor of the heavenly bodies is one kind, and the splendor of the earthly bodies is another. The sun has one kind of splendor, the moon another and the starts another; and star differs from star in splendor.


I don't see this verse really indicates that there are 3 sections of heaven. There are heavenly bodies, but the splendor of the heavenly bodies is ONE kind....Therefore, there wouldn't be any difference. So, I am not sure how you can interpret that hevean has 3 sections, can you enlight me maybe? 🙂

and I don't quite get your explanation regarding Mormon parents refuse to attend their son's wedding ceremoney. Are you saying only the holy ones (i.e priests) can enter the church??

 

[msf41]

This is what I've on my NIV bible.

................
and I don't quite get your explanation regarding Mormon parents refuse to attend their son's wedding ceremoney. Are you saying only the holy ones (i.e priests) can enter the church??

I don't know the whole story of your friend, but it is likely that they were not permitted to enter the temple because they were unworthy to do so (that is why they didn't attend the wedding). Any worthy member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints can attend the temple. In fact EVERY member is encouraged to worthily attend the temple regularly.

The answer is that Mormon weddings are performed ONLY in Holy temples. To keep temples holy, Only worthy members get into the temples. Therefore, if you are not a worthy member you don't get in the temple (even if your child, brother, or friend is getting married there). Worthyness is determined by one's faith in christ and the person living that faith.

May sound harsh, but temples are meant to be kept to higher standards. You may recall (from the New Testament) that Jesus himself cleansed the temple in Jerusalem of people who were making a mock of the sacred place (ie: money changers) (John 2:13). He didn't want people desecrating the temple, so he kicked them out. I might add that he kicked them out with anger, which may emphasize the fact that keeping those who did not live the faith out was not only a good idea but an important part of the temple. These evil people in the temple really made him mad enough to get a whip and physically beat the wicked out of the temple.

So it isn't that the church is trying to be mean, they are trying to keep Temples in harmony with the Lord's standards of cleanliness. For further information on this subject of cleansing the temples see the Old Testament. It is full of examples of ancient tem 👍 ples and the MANY rules that applied to keeping them clean.

Temple worhip has always been a part of the followers of Jesus Christ. At the time of Moses gods people worshipped in temples. At the time of christ gods people worshipped in temples, and TODAY they still can. Temples are amazing if you ask me.

 

[RaiderNation]

This is what I've on my NIV bible.

1 Corinthians 15:40-41
There are also heavenly bodies and there are earthly bodies; but the splendor of the heavenly bodies is one kind, and the splendor of the earthly bodies is another. The sun has one kind of splendor, the moon another and the starts another; and star differs from star in splendor.


I don't see this verse really indicates that there are 3 sections of heaven. There are heavenly bodies, but the splendor of the heavenly bodies is ONE kind....Therefore, there wouldn't be any difference. So, I am not sure how you can interpret that hevean has 3 sections, can you enlight me maybe? 🙂

In the King James Version it states, "40. There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestial is another." "41. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory."

You have to remember that the bible has been translated many times by uninspired men. Ergo there are many 'precious truths' that were lost. That's why there is such a discrepancy among Christian churches. Everyone interprets the Bible differently, because it is so easy to do so. It is safe to assume that the truths found within the Bible before its countless translations were simple and easy to understand.

Like msf41 said, we also have to Book of Mormon as a volume of scripture to go along with the Bible. If you read the Bible, the Book of Mormon's existence makes sense. In Ezekiel 37:19 it talks of two sticks, or books, from 2 tribes. The tribe of Judah, which broguht forth the books that we find compiled in the Bible, and the tribe of Joseph. We learn in the Book of Mormon that the first prophet (and all of his descendents) were from the tribe of Joseph. Therefore, we have the two sticks that are spoken of in Ezekiel. The Bible (stick of Judah) and the Book of Mormon (stick of Joseph). Hope that makes sense.

 

[hockeydentist]

Guys need to take your Mormon stuff to the lounge area.

 

[Mandana]

What if you are not Christian! is there any chance to get in?!!!? 😕

 

[Johnson22]

That doesn't mean there are three levels to heaven. And why don't you guys start a mormon thread...this was supposed to be for Loma Linda

 

[Sprgrover]

What if you are not Christian! is there any chance to get in?!!!? 😕

While LLU likes Adventist applicants, I believe that if you are not then what they are interested in is an applicant that shares their philosphies about bodily and mental health, dietary habits, and so forth. Perhaps one of the reasons why LDS students are admitted is because, like the Adventists, they come from a doctrine that promotes abstinence, discourgages tobacco and alcohol use, caffeine consumption, and so on. If anyone is considering applying there, or is in the process, and is not SDA nor is familiar with their beliefs, then I would do some homework. Here is their website http://www.adventist.org/ and I would look things over. If you get a chance to interview I would anticipate them to ask you various questions pertaining to your background as well as your knowledge of them, their religion, and their goals. Best of luck.

 

[Sprgrover]

That doesn't mean there are three levels to heaven. And why don't you guys start a mormon thread...this was supposed to be for Loma Linda

I agree - infact the conversation would perhaps be better suited to a site devoted to exploring the bizarre mysteries, contradictions, and strange belief systems of organized religion and not SDN.

 

[onetoothleft]

That doesn't mean there are three levels to heaven. And why don't you guys start a mormon thread...this was supposed to be for Loma Linda

Plus even the most experienced bible scholars debate what the Bilble means or how it is interpreted. And yes, it has been translated over and over and over. That is why you need faith to believe in it, let alone how to believe in it.

 

[Johnson22]

well said spgrover