New experiences to start a new semester

As the new semester arrives, we stand in line in the bookstore to buy textbooks, run across campus to make it to class on time, and scramble to meet friends for a quick lunch at The Caf. We may try to reinvent ourselves from the outside in, but do we ever try to go from the inside out?

College is supposed to be about questioning preconceived notions in regard to your world, and beliefs. There are dozens of faith-based organizations on campus, from Hillel and 24-7 Campus Ministries to the Catholic Student Fellowship and the Muslim Students Association.

The faith, or lack thereof, of parents and grandparents will always have an impact on the lives of college students. But shouldn't this time be spent being exposed to a multitude of different people and cultures be used to develop an individual sense of spirituality?

There are many possibilities open to college students. Perhaps for the first time, one can think for themselves and decide what they want to believe. A college campus is one of the best places to experience this new freedom. Most campuses have student faith organizations from Christian, Islamic, and Jewish faiths. Some have organizations representing eastern religions, like Buddhism or Hinduism. New Age, agnostic, and atheistic organizations are beginning to appear across the country.

But organizations are only the tip of the iceberg. Greensboro is home to dozens, if not hundreds, of churches of nearly every faith, including Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Scientology, Baha'i, along with mosques, and synagogues. Many can be reached be either city or HEAT buses.

Take a walk down the hall of the Religious Studies Department in the Foust building. Spend time talking to the great professors and glance at the course offerings. Students need a Philosophy credit anyway so take a course on a religion you aren't familiar with. Start off your college career, or just the semester, by learning something new about how our world views religion. Open your mind to new ideas.

Just because there are so many opportunities to learn about and participate in religious activities on campus doesn't mean you have to take part. Part of having an open mind to religion is accepting that not everyone will partake. Everyone deserves the respect of having his or her decisions honored and that means those who choose to go to religious services, as well as those who decide to stay home.