When asked to explain religion, no two students could agree on the same definition. Students said that faith and spirituality are aspects of life, but there are too many other factors involved to create an acceptable answer. Some students at TCU were reluctant to even speak about religion, because they felt their views were not mainstream enough to be acceptable. The only similarity between responses was that faith, and other aspects of religion, are what people decide for themselves and involve a personal commitment. "It is the individual that makes religion a priority," said Mirian Spencer, a junior criminal justice and psychology major. "For some students, it is a major part of who they are so it impacts what they do and don't participate in." Beliefs provide encouragement and offer escape from everyday stress, not to mention supplying opportunities for social activities, Spencer said. Whether it is regarded as faith or religion, students said spirituality plays a large role in their lives. "(Faith) helps to keep me focused, grounded and gives me a sense of purpose and guidance," said Chad Kingsbury, a junior math major.
Spirituality Students said religion is a much broader, more complex concept than the set of beliefs or practices found in any single religious tradition. Amanda Musterman, a senior religion and sociology major, defined religion as a system of beliefs that provide ultimate meaning and order for a person's life. "Spirituality is different from religion, it is more of an individual's relationship with themselves and with a higher authority - the act of putting belief to work," Musterman said. Religion can be studied as a course to satisfy a three-hour UCR or followed as a way of life. Webster's Dictionary defines religion as a cause, principle or activity pursued with zeal of conscientious devotion. For the most part, students establish their own definitions. "Your faith, my faith, whatever it may be, is leading me in the direction that this is what I want to do with my life and this is where I want to go and this is what is getting me there," said John Kennedy, a junior computer science major. "Organized religion is only good to an extent because it helps you with your belief and growth in your spirituality," Kingsbury said. "I know people who are religious but it means nothing if you don't have faith or spirituality in your life."
Religion on Campus A number of religious groups have offices or contacts on campus through University Ministries. Located in the Student Center, UM links the religious groups on campus. Uniting Campus Ministries, a student organization under University Ministries, sponsors numerous social activities and discussions during the year. Broomball at the Tandy Center and the annual retreat offer students a chance to meet new people while having fun. TCU religious organizations include the Hillel, Muslim Student Association, Campus Crusade for Christ and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. "We try to encourage students to be involved in the life of the campus," said John Butler, university minister. "Folks in the various ministries are also involved in the other ways of expressing community on campus." University Ministries leaders promote faith and fellowship among students, sponsor community service projects and worship services, and provide pastoral care and counseling. "We design programs to ask, 'What are my beliefs and how do they apply to everyday realities?'," Butler said. Uniting Campus Ministries is an ecumenical organization that combines all the different parts of University Ministries. The people who are going to be leaders and successful will not only understand who they are but can help other people across the various traditions, Butler said. Many students want to be exposed to other beliefs and cultures in order to learn how to relate to others and how people can work together as human beings, said Yushau Sodiq, an associate professor of religion. Despite its obvious affiliation with Christianity, the only religious requirement for TCU students is three hours within the religion department, ranging in course topics from understanding the Bible to understanding world religions. "We have to take a religion course but it is a scientific study into religion, not a theological study into why you should choose one over the other," Kingsbury said. "There are groups on campus that encompass every religion ... so rather than feel fenced in or forced, everyone should feel that they have the freedom to go to these organizations and be as spiritual as they want." Diversity in Faith University Ministries provides the occasion for students to experience other faiths twice every semester, Butler said. "We provide opportunities through chapel for the various traditions to be acknowledged and celebrated both for those who are of that particular faith tradition, like Buddhist, Hindu or Unitarian, as well as an opportunity for those of us who are not to have an encounter with that faith tradition, to learn something about it and to appreciate the circumstance for all of us of living in a global community," Butler said.
"Sometimes I feel that because I'm a different religion or race people look at me differently ... I might be going for walk and I'm repeating a prayer in my mouth, they think I'm stupid or something," Rupani said. The diversity of religion on campus is part of the college experience, and it also is a challenge, students said. Rupani said a group of friends might represent several religions, but that doesn't mean you have discussions about different faiths. Even so, on a campus where the majority of students belong to a Christian denomination, many said it can be intimidating to practice other beliefs. "We have a place to go for our prayers, but it's not like we have a church nearby," Rupani said. "Faith is part of who you are and religion is what you were born into - it revolves around your everyday life." Most students think this is a Christian university and therefore they should be more in line with Christian ethics and morals or values, Sodiq said. "Religion provides an identity in a sense of who I am - they learn to identify with a religious belief ... and it provides a sense of belonging and a support system and helps them to relate to one another," Sodiq said.
Kristina Iodice
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"Spirituality is different from religion,
it is more of an individual's relationship with themselves and with a higher
authority - the act of putting belief to work." | The TCU Daily Skiff © 1998, 1999 Credits |