By Toni-Ann Hall (Staff Writer)
Unfortunately, it’s not an easy feat to bring up the topic of religion, or even just the denominations in a group of people who may be passionate on either ends of the spectrum concerning what is considered right or wrong. There are many other things that people believe in such as basic human rights, continuous education, following a healthy diet, and exercising regularly, yet the belief in religion always seems to become more complicated. With a radical history of Muslims vs. Christians, Christians vs. Jews, polytheistic vs. monotheistic, the hovering duress of the September 11 attacks, and the current scares presented by ISIS, it’s not as simplistic of a subject to delve as the other decisions that are made daily.
Stereotypes play into the outlook that many of us have on religions, and it seems that no matter how progressive the conversations seem to get, there will always be those who are deliberately discriminating against indifference and those who consistently feel attacked. I can effortlessly identify the facial expressions of “I don’t care,” “That’s interesting, ” and the common, “I don’t want to talk about this” when the topic of religion turns into a heated discussion.
It’s unlikely that there would ever be an even plane on the acceptance of all religions, and although that would seem like common knowledge, some people take it upon themselves to disregard the impossibility of equality achieved through the way individuals perceive things, and become defensive over something that they feel is being degraded. If you believe in something, by all means, stand up for it. This doesn’t have to mean irrationally, ignorantly and arrogantly lashing out on others and disrespecting them because they are different, because both parties are attempting to do what they believe is the correct way to be a faithful adherent. To see someone taking pride in their religion, believing that it will benefit everyone, and attempting to respectfully share that with the intention of helping others, isn’t pestering, it is persistence and mere devotion.
There are over 200 registered organizations on campus, and 24 of them fall under the category of spirituality. Even if one were confused or simply didn’t care to engage in the conversation of religion, there’s still a place for them. Having a variety of organizations pertaining to faith might not surprise many students because of the familiar memory many have with being involuntarily approached by an organization asking to join a Bible study, or to come and participate in a debate. Someone might just need the scripture, prayer, or scientific take on religion that is passed on, but there isn’t one way to do this. We all have a right to belief or not believe in anything we choose and to any degree we wish, with a full-throttle approach to proclaim our principles, with legal limitations.
An ABCNEWS/Beliefnet poll questioned Americans about their religious affiliations and 83 percent of them identified as Christians. While that is overwhelmingly different from the world percentage, and surprising because the percent of those who are actually practicing and the different denominations included would conjure up the need for a new poll, it shows that the majority are not the only ones with a voice, because Christians aren’t the only ones trying to spread a particular gospel through countless mediums.
Regardless of what belief, social action, or philosophical idea for or against religion that we identify with, it should be understood that it is not a question of what is right and what is wrong, because there is no one universal answer. Believing and inquiring with confidence is not equivalent to overwhelming others with theories, verses and threats because they believe contrarily. It’s yet another element that makes us all unique and united, yet serves as a dividend and a direct path to conflict. That aspect is inevitable, but if everyone takes time to simmer down, listen, and place of themselves in the position of the attacked and accused, then understanding that it’s a matter of personal choice will come much easier. What one chooses to believe is a personal decision, but that doesn’t mean that it is exempt from the potentiality of being shared. Although there is no one “right” way to believe, meaning that condemnation and disrespect shouldn’t be shifted to differing parties because they’re “wrong,” there is a commonality that in this country, it is a right and that right should be respected.
