Religion plays big role for some trying to stay sane during school year
By: Jeanetta Bradley
Issue date: 2/27/08 Section: Features
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Editor's note: This story has been corrected.
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Allah, Jehovah, Yahweh and Adonai.
Despite having many names, God is a powerful force in some people's lives. And it's evident through the different religious student organizations on campus.
Christianity
Junior Anna Van Vleet hosts one of 10 small study groups within the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, a group that tries to live out God's word and follows Jesus as savior, she said.
"We study a piece of scripture and look at three main aspects: observation, interpretations and applications," Van Vleet said. "Applications are the most important part for students because we discuss how they can apply it in their lives."
Everyone is encouraged to ask hard questions, and the group is open and accepting to different religions, she said.
During meetings a passage will stir up a concern such as relationships, homosexuality or dating outside of religion, she said. It's great because there will be 10 different perspectives on the issue.
Sophomore Ryan Penland, fellow InterVarsity member, has relied heavily on the group for support throughout college.
"Sometimes I come into meetings broken, and I come out fulfilled," Penland said. "In the meetings, you get something out of what we talk about and what is important in our lives."
Islam
Also strong in faith is Muslim student Ismah Jawed, a senior.
"I believe in five things," she said. "One God, charity, performing Hodge to Mecca, praying five times a day and fasting."
Faith is a moral guideline in all aspects of life, including decisions, goals and family, Jawed said.
Although the Muslim Student Association is relatively small, there is a large Muslim community on campus, and they are trying to expand the group, she said.
Christian Science
A lesser-known religion is Christian Science. Although the student organization is not active this semester, the religion is still recognized on campus within the Christian Science Organization and the Chico community.
The religion strongly emphasizes placing spirituality as a healer over medicine. Followers use the King James Bible and "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by founder Mary Baker Eddy.
Junior Holly Langdon said the religion is often misunderstood.
"People are usually really confused and think we are Scientologists, which we're not," she said. "Some will even argue with me and question my beliefs."
People get freaked out that she doesn't take pills or get shots, but she is healthy, she said.
Raised her whole life in the religion, Langdon has kept spiritually strong throughout college, she said.
Mormonism
Freshman Anna Proctor, a Mormon, is part of the Latter-day Saints Student Association and said the group is "welcome to anyone searching for religion."
During Tuesday night meetings, students gather to study the scriptures, discuss issues and spend time with friends, she said.
"Anyone can come enjoy a class and hang out," Proctor said.
Although people question her religion, she sees it as a time to tell people what she believes in, she said.
"It is a window of opportunity to let people know who we are," she said
Judaism
Junior Sean Altman is another student who is frequently questioned in his belief, he said.
"I don't really look Jewish, so students are surprised when they find out, because they had no idea," Altman said
Altman is a member of the Hillel/Jewish Student Union, he said.
"We are all about getting together, having a good time and getting to know other Jewish students while in college," he said.
But despite a generally open attitude, students can still be culturally insensitive.
"Sometimes at parties, people will play cruel jokes," Altman said. "They'll throw a dime on the floor to see if you'll pick it up, or use the term 'Jew' as a reference to mean 'cheap.'"
It's sad that the prejudice is there, and it's sad that it's not surprising, he said
Regardless, Altman stays committed in his faith, he said.
"I believe that personally my faith has strengthened since I went to college," Altman said. "Last summer I went to Israel for the first time and it changed my life - it was like I was going back to the place I was from."
Catholicism
Many students don't think their religion distinguishes them from other students.
Catholic Eric Markey, a senior, thinks he lives like the average college student, he said.
"We are no different from other students," he said. "It actually helps a bit because my friends know what I do and know that I am representative of my faith."
Senior Anthony Cortese is president of the Newman Catholic Campus Ministry, which is recognized across college campuses. The organization engages in worship through Mass, community service and even has a few sports teams.
Cortese is comfortable in his faith and incorporates it into his daily life, he said.
"At the beginning and end of each day I try to find time for prayer," he said.
Religious studies
Besides the various religious groups on campus, students have an opportunity to learn about various beliefs and cultures through the Religious Studies Society.
Heather Coons, president of the club, thinks it is a great opportunity for students interested in learning more about religion, she said.
"I think students can get scared about learning and experiencing a different religion," she said. "For example, a Christian might be unfamiliar with visiting a synagogue, but if you're with a group, you feel more comfortable."
Junior Claire Alenhuysen, vice president of the club, said it's for everyone, regardless of personal beliefs.
"We don't endorse specific religions," she said. "We just learn about them."
More information about religious groups on campus can be found at www.csuchico.edu/sac.
Jeanetta Bradley can be reached at
jbradley@theorion.com
Editor's note: This story has been corrected.
---
Allah, Jehovah, Yahweh and Adonai.
Despite having many names, God is a powerful force in some people's lives. And it's evident through the different religious student organizations on campus.
Christianity
Junior Anna Van Vleet hosts one of 10 small study groups within the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, a group that tries to live out God's word and follows Jesus as savior, she said.
"We study a piece of scripture and look at three main aspects: observation, interpretations and applications," Van Vleet said. "Applications are the most important part for students because we discuss how they can apply it in their lives."
Everyone is encouraged to ask hard questions, and the group is open and accepting to different religions, she said.
During meetings a passage will stir up a concern such as relationships, homosexuality or dating outside of religion, she said. It's great because there will be 10 different perspectives on the issue.
Sophomore Ryan Penland, fellow InterVarsity member, has relied heavily on the group for support throughout college.
"Sometimes I come into meetings broken, and I come out fulfilled," Penland said. "In the meetings, you get something out of what we talk about and what is important in our lives."
Islam
Also strong in faith is Muslim student Ismah Jawed, a senior.
"I believe in five things," she said. "One God, charity, performing Hodge to Mecca, praying five times a day and fasting."
Faith is a moral guideline in all aspects of life, including decisions, goals and family, Jawed said.
Although the Muslim Student Association is relatively small, there is a large Muslim community on campus, and they are trying to expand the group, she said.
Christian Science
A lesser-known religion is Christian Science. Although the student organization is not active this semester, the religion is still recognized on campus within the Christian Science Organization and the Chico community.
The religion strongly emphasizes placing spirituality as a healer over medicine. Followers use the King James Bible and "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by founder Mary Baker Eddy.
Junior Holly Langdon said the religion is often misunderstood.
"People are usually really confused and think we are Scientologists, which we're not," she said. "Some will even argue with me and question my beliefs."
People get freaked out that she doesn't take pills or get shots, but she is healthy, she said.
Raised her whole life in the religion, Langdon has kept spiritually strong throughout college, she said.
Mormonism
Freshman Anna Proctor, a Mormon, is part of the Latter-day Saints Student Association and said the group is "welcome to anyone searching for religion."
During Tuesday night meetings, students gather to study the scriptures, discuss issues and spend time with friends, she said.
"Anyone can come enjoy a class and hang out," Proctor said.
Although people question her religion, she sees it as a time to tell people what she believes in, she said.
"It is a window of opportunity to let people know who we are," she said
Judaism
Junior Sean Altman is another student who is frequently questioned in his belief, he said.
"I don't really look Jewish, so students are surprised when they find out, because they had no idea," Altman said
Altman is a member of the Hillel/Jewish Student Union, he said.
"We are all about getting together, having a good time and getting to know other Jewish students while in college," he said.
But despite a generally open attitude, students can still be culturally insensitive.
"Sometimes at parties, people will play cruel jokes," Altman said. "They'll throw a dime on the floor to see if you'll pick it up, or use the term 'Jew' as a reference to mean 'cheap.'"
It's sad that the prejudice is there, and it's sad that it's not surprising, he said
Regardless, Altman stays committed in his faith, he said.
"I believe that personally my faith has strengthened since I went to college," Altman said. "Last summer I went to Israel for the first time and it changed my life - it was like I was going back to the place I was from."
Catholicism
Many students don't think their religion distinguishes them from other students.
Catholic Eric Markey, a senior, thinks he lives like the average college student, he said.
"We are no different from other students," he said. "It actually helps a bit because my friends know what I do and know that I am representative of my faith."
Senior Anthony Cortese is president of the Newman Catholic Campus Ministry, which is recognized across college campuses. The organization engages in worship through Mass, community service and even has a few sports teams.
Cortese is comfortable in his faith and incorporates it into his daily life, he said.
"At the beginning and end of each day I try to find time for prayer," he said.
Religious studies
Besides the various religious groups on campus, students have an opportunity to learn about various beliefs and cultures through the Religious Studies Society.
Heather Coons, president of the club, thinks it is a great opportunity for students interested in learning more about religion, she said.
"I think students can get scared about learning and experiencing a different religion," she said. "For example, a Christian might be unfamiliar with visiting a synagogue, but if you're with a group, you feel more comfortable."
Junior Claire Alenhuysen, vice president of the club, said it's for everyone, regardless of personal beliefs.
"We don't endorse specific religions," she said. "We just learn about them."
More information about religious groups on campus can be found at www.csuchico.edu/sac.
Jeanetta Bradley can be reached at
jbradley@theorion.com
Viewing Comments 1 - 6 of 7
www.Watchtower.org
posted 2/27/08 @ 4:23 AM PST
If you would like more REAL and accurate info about Jehovah's Witnesses on the web be sure to check out the official web site at www.Watchtower.org
Kevin
posted 2/27/08 @ 1:25 PM PST
Jeanetta: I believe the journey to Mecca is a hajj, not a Hodge.
Good article, though!
fred
posted 2/27/08 @ 2:00 PM PST
"Allah, Jehovah, Yahweh and Adonai."
There is only one personal name of GOD and that is Jehovah (Yahweh a different pronounciation same name, is not common. (Continued…)
nichel
posted 2/27/08 @ 5:23 PM PST
Keeping the faith? i think then it is set or rules no big deal. you can become Muslim or jewish and keep ur self sane. concern, responsibility and love could look gud. (Continued…)
D.Bheemeswar
posted 2/27/08 @ 9:14 PM PST
Dear
I have been doing some work on this spirituality and science, being a post graduate in Mechanical Engineering, where we have failed in understanding the statics & dynamics of nature was intriguing me a lot. (Continued…)
D.Bheemeswar
D.Bheemeswar
posted 2/27/08 @ 9:43 PM PST
The article highlights, that those who follow any religion, with their customs and traditions are sane or we can call they are more humanly. Those who are using the religion's name to bulldoze others are inhumans or insane. (Continued…)
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