The Religious Effect: On Interfaith Week, Dialogue and identity across campus

“The Religious Effect” brings interviews, diverse perspectives and philosophies, ways and means to connect with the various communities mentioned, as well as a sundry of events that occur week after week. We welcome your commentary, your opinion, your faith, and your theories in “The Religious Effect.”

I invite you all to consider something for me. Please set down your phone, or other electronic devices, and join me in a deliberation of sorts. This week, though just as busy as the others, gave us an instance of dialogue and inspection. We were given free reign to ask ourselves the following questions: Who are we? What are we? And most fundamentally, who and what are you? Interfaith week was a juncture that allowed us to address and ask such questions. I write now to continue the discussion about our foundational beliefs. What does it mean to contribute to religious life? Does your religion define your identity? Can you contribute to various religious activities whether you are of faith or not, and should you? What does it mean to be religious? What does it mean to be Atheist? Such things may or may not seem particularly important to you, but they are of relevance to our current campus lifestyle. Religion is a philosophy of life that some may or may not be drawn to, but as liberal arts students it is important for us to continue to debate and discuss our convictions. To believe is a step towards hope, to think is a climb towards understanding, and to doubt is an ascension towards cognizance.

In regards to belief, I had the privilege to witness both the Interfaith Banquet and the Interfaith panel, where students were able to state their personal connections to interfaith as well as their distinctive definitions of what the term “interfaith” means. I was given the opportunity to interview a number of people on campus in regards to their connections with the Interfaith fellows. I asked:

Q: “What does interfaith mean to you?”

Narges Mahdi, student: “If I could sum it up in one, clear, concise word—appreciation. It is truly a blessing that no matter where you are from, there is always that pursuit of knowledge. This is what interfaith is. To be in such a situation where diverse thinking is encouraged and explored, and awareness is spread throughout the entire campus.”

I continued to pass similar questions along to other religious leaders throughout the campus, who graciously responded.

Mahsheed Mahjor ‘17, student of the Muslim faith: “Interfaith is a combination of different religious and non-religious faiths and philosophies. It helps us to have a better mutual understanding. It develops and encourages a dialogue among a diverse group of people. It is beautiful, truly, to be able to explore and gain an understanding of various beliefs and philosophies.”

Q: “How do you define Interfaith? What does that mean for your role at Muhlenberg?”

Chaplain Callista Isabelle, overseer of all religious life on campus: “Interfaith is the coming together of diverse, spiritual and philosophical communities. Interfaith engagement means, to create spaces where people can disagree and concur with one another, to a certain extent, while also retaining a fundamental law of respect. With a campus full of such diverse forms of identities, a consistent dialogue becomes a necessity. My role as Chaplain is to work with students, staff and faculty to create opportunities for interfaith dialogue and connection. We hope to make Muhlenberg an even better place in regards to people feeling open enough to talk or celebrate their philosophy. A place where you are encouraged to ask questions about each other’s ideals. It is a privilege to be able to work here. To be there for those who seek guidance and a willing ear. This is my job, to listen and be their for them when or if they need me.”

Father Kevin Gualano–Roman Catholic Campus Minister:

“Interfaith is diversity. It is diversity in thoughts, beliefs, and values. However, it also the concept of solidarity. That we all are similar in our essential understanding that we recognize there is a god who draws us all together out of love and wants us to see his beauty and his uniqueness in each and everyone of us.”

As I interviewed these various religious leaders and active students, I began to ask myself some questions. During the Interfaith Banquet, a quote was introduced in the the beautiful community mural that was designed by North Carolina guest artist Stephanie Burke, and further painted by some members of Muhlenberg public.

“My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.” This was said by Desmond Tutu, the famed fighter and preacher against the Apartheid in South Africa. From the outside, it is a quote that addresses the concept of togetherness and brotherhood, suggesting that as we are bound to each other by blood we are also bound in spirit and passion.

However, I am drawn to the usage of the word “humanity” in this context. It states, “we can only be human together,” therefore I wonder–what does it mean to be human? Were we created purposefully by an all powerful, all knowing, all good being? Or were we accidents from a chain of evolutionary steps and mishaps that ultimately lead to where we are now? Perhaps it is a combination of both? As it states in the Bible, “12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). President Abraham Lincoln had his own version of religion, saying,“When I do good, I feel good. When I do bad, I feel bad. That’s my religion.” Muhammad Ali drew his interpretation of interfaith as, “Rivers, ponds, lakes and streams – they all have different names, but they all contain water. Just as religions do – they all contain truths.”

Various religions and philosophies all contain truths. My goal with this article is to establish an understanding, a connection. To begin a conversation on campus about our own individual truths and thoughts about what it means to us to be human. From here on out The Weekly will be incorporating Religious Life on campus in the paper. Our goal is to contact, learn, experience, and inform Muhlenberg about the various events you—whether religious or not—can be a part of. The purpose of such a column is to begin a dialogue amongst students and faculty about the philosophy of individuality, understanding, and doubt.

I highly encourage you to contact The Weekly about your own convictions. Let your word be known, let your voice be heard, and let your mind be opened to various opportunities before you. It is time to write, to speak, to record, to explain, to debate, and to doubt—to take action on the passions you hold. Join the dialogue– we want to hear from you.