‘Faith is a house with many rooms’: Why we decided to talk about religion

Editor-in-Chief Kaitlin Montgomery and Managing Editor Megan Ellisor • Nov 23, 2015

Religion Issue Web 1

We, for quite some time now, have wanted to publish a religion issue, and after the attacks in Paris, we watched as the world started a conversation about religion. Now more than ever, it has become apparent that religion is prominent in every aspect of our lives — politically, socially and economically.

Religion has historically been both a source of unity and division. It can offer explanations and comfort, or it can create conflict and violence. And although the Technician may not cover religion frequently, we realize it is integral to the fabric of many people’s lives.

We refer to this time of year as the holiday season, but we should also recognize that for many religions, their most important holidays are celebrated during times of the year when breaks from school and work are neither offered nor accepted.

The purpose of this issue is to highlight the diversity of religious beliefs within NC State’s student body. We encourage you to have your views challenged by reading about faiths different from your own — not to change your mind, but to open it. Learning about other religions can not only help you understand how others believe but also reaffirm your beliefs, or lack thereof.

We realize that within this issue, we were only able to scratch the surface of covering the myriad religions that are practiced at NC State. We also understand that everyone experiences his or her religions differently. For these reasons, we always welcome suggestions and open our door to anyone who wants to share his or her story. What do you believe?

“But no room for doubt?”

“Oh, plenty on every floor. Doubt is useful, it keeps faith a living thing. After all, you cannot know the strength of your faith until it is tested.”

-Yann Martel’s “Life of Pi”

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