Coercion or Conversion Interfaith relationships are complicated on a college campus, because so many religious peoples who want to express and practice their personal religious beliefs. A frequent issue that is often encountered on college campuses is the issue of interfaith cooperation between student groups. An example of this is when a group of students feel that a certain faith is being pushed upon them or they cannot practice their own religion in peace. We encounter this issue in our case study “Coercion or Conversion? Grappling with Religious Difference at UIC”. Our case study illustrates the fear of several students. The students fear that if this particular religious group joins their interfaith organization, that they will be coerced into joining the group’s popular religion and abandoning their own religion. However, this case study allows the opinions of each side of the argument to be explored, so an unbiased observer can articulate a solution which is best for both groups. At the University of Illinois at Chicago, an issue arose when the evangelical Christian group called Campus Crusade for Christ wanted to join their campus’s interfaith organization, the Religious Workers Association (RWA). However, the RWA has certain sets of rules set forward to protect each religious denomination, which includes their Convent. Cru agreed to all of the convent except for a certain phrase, which says “We will… not initiate personal religious opportunities designed to
In this article, David Bornstein talks about F.B.I report about the hate crimes against Muslims reached their highest level since 2001. In New York, hate crimes are one of the most violent crimes against Muslims since last decade. The 2016 election highlighted religious problems in United States as well as all over the world. Donald Trump’s solution to terrorism to ban Muslims from entering the country create nationwide protest. In United States, people from different ethnic backgrounds belief or faith at some point suffered or become victim of hate crime. The victims includes Jews, Christians, and Mormons, alongside Muslims. In the past, Bornstein reported on the Chicago-based interfaith youth core programme, which trains people to build relationships and respect
America is a nation built on the foundation of freedom and equality. Today, America is one of the most religiously diverse countries in the world, but also one of the most religiously dived. Eboo Patel, author of the novel Sacred Ground, is an activist for the integration of pluralism into American culture. Throughout the novel he expresses his ideas for more interfaith programs to broaden the knowledge of the younger generation with the hope of eliminating bigotry amongst various religions. Patel’s crucial message is that many people often misjudge or jump to conclusions, in this case about religions, which they don’t know much about. College is a place to break these barriers because it is a time for self-exploration and new ideas to be formed.
The conversation of assimilation into a discourse community has been a long standing presence in academic conversation. Especially if a religious community is given the title of a discourse community. Typical methods of assimilating new members into a desired religion usually standout. For example, representatives of a religious organization go door to door to give out information about the religion is common practice, it a simply direct. Daniel Olson states in his research that smaller religious groups find more committed members through leaving and joining the group, compared to larger religious groups (359). Although Rahsaan Maxwell and Erik Bleich uses Muslims as his topic, presents relatable assimilation reasoning that Muslims who were
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…” (Bill of Rights Institution). The first amendment not only states Congress cannot prohibit the practice of religion or assembly of it, but also all other organizations and establishment such as Universities cannot either. It may be far fetch to say a nationally known Baptist University like Baylor, who works to educate the young academically and spiritually, is discriminating other religions on campus. However, Baylor is making it difficult for students of non-Baptist religions to form associations. Without these associations, students struggle with loneliness and finding a feeling of belonging.
For the entirety of the United States’ existence, freedom of religion has been a guiding principle for the nation. Despite, or perhaps because of, the deep, varied religious heritage of many Americans, America was the first country in history to abolish religious qualifications for civic engagement. However, paradoxically, the United States also has a history of discrimination based on religion, as seen in historical bigotry towards Catholics, some Protestant sects, Jews, Atheists, Mormons, Muslims, and other marginalized groups. Indeed, a common theme in American history, continuing to this day, is the conflict between America’s secular ideal and its often faith-dominated reality. After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, religious
Introduction Imagine if all over the world everyone was able to practice and believe their own religion freely. It’s 2017, shouldn’t that be a reality? Sadly, it’s not. Religion can either bring the world together and unify, or it can make us turn on each other, and divide the world causing so much hate and terror. Many times, it’s been the cause of division.
Providing students to explore one’s religion or spirituality can begin to bridge the separation that exists between faith traditions in institutions. Dr. Casey mentions repeatedly that “the term religion is problematic,” and although this is true, this perspective can change. Religion is so deeply engrained in individuals and this does not have to form a type of “war zone,” but instead, it can provide us with an opportunity to learn about other citizens, rather than creating a sense fear or anxiety within us. Although we may be living in “an age of chaos today,” building understanding amongst global citizens is the prominence of religion in this
Edwards, Korie L. 2008. “Bring Race To the Center: The Importance of Race in Racially Diverse Religious Organizations.” Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion 47(1):5–9. Retrieved 2015.
Earlier in the semester, we had the opportunity to attend the Interfaith Winston-Salem tour. In just a few hours, we got a glimpse of the incredible amount of religious diversity present in Winston-Salem. Over the past ten years, Forsyth County has become increasingly diverse as businesses flock to the triad, bringing people from all over the country and the world into one community. This population boom has changed the religious landscape of Winston-Salem. As different religions continue to come together, it becomes increasingly necessary for people to understand their neighbors in order to create a cohesive society. Therefore, we propose that the academic study of religion should be offered in the Forsyth County public school
“ That Christian group” that is set on recruiting member to accept their faith and judging them silently. Intervarsity is breaking away from the traditional college Christian group, in that they refuse to judge a campus but would rather analyze themselves. The organization has no problem discussing mass problems on campus, but they refuse to judge people who are going the same struggles they went through and some are still enduring. They are slowly but surely building a connection with their community in order to be the change that they feel led to see on their campus. At a couple meetings I’ve been to, each member will name a problem they see on the campus that they will take action to change. In fact, This is how a couple small groups are formed, Similar
In addition to the areas of ambiguity, there is the problem of religious ignorance (Giess, 2012; Haynes, 2011). There is a marked and dramatic ignorance among Americans about religious traditions including their own (Giess, 2012). Ignorance is no virtue and especially so when the opportunity to harm one’s students through intolerance and ignorance is more prevalent than ever before. The US, the predominance of the Christian religion notwithstanding, is becoming more and more diverse religiously (Gunther & Purinton, 2011). This type of ignorance is a contributor to the escalation of religious intolerance that has manifested itself in increasing numbers of hate crimes (Haynes, 2011).
In this course, I found the connection between religion and politics the most important concept we’ve studied. With engagement and understanding of politics becoming increasingly important, it’s valuable to study the ways people both interact with politics and form their political opinions—and as we’ve seen, religion can play a huge role in both of these aspects. However, the way religious groups engage with politics can perhaps be generalizing when discussing major religions, seeing as these groups are often widely diverse and brimming with unique experiences. Therefore, I believe it is just as important to discuss the political dimension of religion with the social influences of ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and the interrelations between them.
Today there are over 900 religious employee resource groups, according to the International Coalition of Workplace Ministries (Cañas & Sondak, 2010). These affinity groups can help encourage religious understanding by offering panel discussions that educate employees on their beliefs. By allowing open discussion, answering religious questions and creating an open, welcoming religious environment in the workplace employees can better relate to one another through shared religious principles (Cañas & Sondak, 2010). When looking at the business case for diversity, not asking employees to hide their faith at work allows for greater productivity, and time and energy focused on business results (Cañas
One of the avenues of influential learning is in school. The place where students spend half of their life. Going to school aids students in acquiring knowledge, establishing rapport and developing skills. When students attend school, they showcase not only their characters traits and attitudes, but they also carry with them their cultural differences and religious practices. (Green & Oldendorf, 2005). Looking at how diverse our society is, the question of teaching religions and their ideologies at a school-level rise. Whilst the state practices neutrality towards religion, there are still issues and challenges when it comes to accommodating religious diversity and its integration in the education system (Berger, 2013, p.104). Therefore, integrating religion in the education system can lead to
Lastly, since I entered this university, I have developed my religious development level into post-conventional. Because I have lived in a dorm for international students as RA, I can meet people who have different ideas about their religion. For examples, some