Students have come from all over the world to the University of Wyoming not just to seek education and future careers, but to learn from each other as well. As new students discover college life, it will quickly become apparent that everyone is different.
Yet somehow, we all make it work.
One of the most distinct differences in all of us is
not where we come from or our interests, but in our religious beliefs.
I am familiar with that old saying, “The two things that a person should never debate are religion and politics,” but I disagree with that statement.
As a fourth year student in the Religious Studies program, I think religion should not just be discussed every once in a while, it is something people should consider in their everyday lives.
I am not alone in that belief. Dr. Paul V.M. Flesher, professor of Religious Studies and head of the department at the University of Wyoming, believes that religion affects not only those who study it, but everyone else as well.
“What college really is, it’s a moment to learn about the world,” Dr. Flesher said. “If you want to know what motivates humans to act,
what motivates their decisions, it comes down to three things: family, economics, and religion.”
Part of the problem people have with discussing religion is that it is considered a private matter. Yet, it should not be because it shapes one’s life in such a way that nothing else can. Whether you are a devout Christian or an extreme skeptic, one’s view on religion has an impact on the surrounding world.
“Students should learn about religion because of the impact on their lives,” Flesher said. “Politicians will be making decisions based on religion.
We will all be affected by the decisions they make. In particular, we need to think about Islam for the rest of our lives. The Muslim world is going to be a driver for international trade, international politics.”
Religion no doubt plays a vital role
in our lives not just in college, but in our futures as well. Regardless of majors, religion will have an impact on future careers.
This is exactly the reason why we need to discuss and study religion. It is a subject that has always been around and is not going away anytime soon. Understanding who we are as a student
body, as well as a global society, is the key to success in the future.
Do not be afraid.
Start talking about religion.
