America’s pride is freedom. One freedom we cherish is the freedom of religion. Recently, an assistant high school football coach in Seattle was put on leave for praying after games. If we are free to believe or not believe, why was the coach put on leave for praying? Should believers at Kennesaw State University be wary of what they practice? Should our faith be check at the door?
Just 20 to 30 years ago, some claimed that colleges were “a breeding ground for apostasy,” and that education, even Christian education, secularizes. Even more recently, Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum was quoted in 2012 saying, “You know 62 percent of children who enter college with a faith conviction leave without it.” Could we agree that holds true today? Is that the case for KSU?
Last year Gallup reported on some studies done at Princeton showing that three-quarters of Americans identified with being Christian. Additionally, 42 percent believe in a creationist’s view of human origin. Regardless, can this kind of believer be found in college?
One study done by the Social Science Research Council showed that those who did not attend college had more of decline in religious attendance and denouncement in religious affiliations than those that did attend college.
Other studies done by researchers from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, show that there are three divisions of beliefs within colleges. College students either practice a faith or religion, practice spirituality but don’t identify with a faith or consider themselves secular. Could we say that KSU facilitates an environment for a diversity of beliefs?
Nevertheless, I think faith is important. I also believe one of the things that makes the United States the greatest country in the world is the freedom to practice whatever religion or belief one chooses, so long as it does not infringe on the freedom of others. I believe faith, including the belief in no particular religion, is extremely influential in everyone’s life.
Our beliefs guide our decisions, routines and convictions. It is quite a burden for someone to have to completely dismiss their faith in some situations. I would say that requiring those that do believe in a religion to keep their beliefs privately at home and away from work and school is infringing on their freedom, because it requires them to adopt a secular worldview while at work or school. This is not to say that we change school and workplace to be a place of religion, but to facilitate a place where each faith may practiced peacefully.
Thankfully, I have seen that KSU is a place where there is the freedom to believe and practice many beliefs. KSU has multiple faith-based student groups from varying beliefs, as well an atheist group. Each semester, the “FOCUS” event is hosted by Christian groups that unite to pray and sing songs continuously over a period of days. The Muslim Student Association also has a cubicle on the third floor of the student center where Muslims can pray throughout the day. In addition, the Atheists United group hosts multiple events throughout the semester discussing various issues.
KSU seems to host an environment where each faith can be practiced peacefully. The next step might be to have faith, of every kind, be discussed openly.
Discussions could be instrumental in answering questions for some, and even clarifying confusions tied to certain beliefs. They could give students opportunities to question their own beliefs and find truth through others’ experiences.
However, there must be peace in order to have meaningful discussion. Peace is key to achieving full freedom of discussion, especially when it comes to faith and religion.
We need to come to place where it is all right and even healthy for two people to disagree. There is no progress in bickering and arguing. A meaningful discussion involves meaningful conversation with all parties afforded the opportunity to be able to speak, as well as the responsibility to listen to other points of view.
I believe an educated, open and peaceful discussion would enlighten many students of all the different backgrounds we come from, resulting in a more peaceful environment because we better understand each other.
