Religion is a topic that is either referenced on a daily basis in our society. Turn on your TV set any time during the day and more than likely you will see something on the subject of religion.
Just walking around our campus especially through the Brickyard, you hear individuals shouting religious rhetoric.
But how frequently do students actually come together and have a civil discussion on what each religion actually values and why?
Not often enough.
Presently the Diversity Council holds Diversity Dialogues on Religion, and there are other smaller events around campus. But more events and a greater focus should be given to this important topic.
While the campus has religious events they tend not to be centrally coordinated or well publicized. It’s time for the University and student organizations to unite to begin one large and meaningful series on religion.
The series on religion should include forums, seminars, dinners and other events from all religions to open a discussion on all faiths, whether they’re agnostic, monotheistic or polytheistic.
Even if people don’t agree with the tenets of a particular faith they should still strive to understand where their campus colleagues are coming from in terms of what they believe.
Unlike the current Brickyard preachers, this series should focus neither on trying to sway or converting others to another’s particular religion, nor condemning people because they believe in something different.
This series must not turn a blind eye to any religion, but be all inclusive. Having a semester- or year-long series to concentrate on this important topic would benefit all on this campus. Educating people about other beliefs is key to battling ignorance and stereotyping.
Who knows? You may end up working or living with people who have a religions other than yours, and by being knowledgeable of what they believe, you should be able to avoid stereotyping them and feel comfortable talking about their faith. It all starts with a discussion.
Because religion is such a hot-button issue in America, as well as abroad, we at this University must do all we can to provide a healthy and welcoming environment for people to explore and understand what others, including themselves, believe.
Not only does the University need to pay more attention to this topic, but more importantly the student leaders of religious groups need to stand up, take the lead and begin the conversation.
