The most exciting aspect of college is developing a sense of self-identity. For the first 18 years of one's life, parents heavily influence identity. However, in college there are new degrees of freedom. Self-development isn't something that can be forced upon you; it cannot be measured or even understood at times. However, developing a sense of self-identity is the most rewarding experience one can have. Self-identity influences how you live life.
Faith, or lack thereof, is one of the integral components to self-identity. It is also a component that is formed early in life as we tend to adopt the beliefs of our caretakers. Upon arrival at college, many don't know what to major in, but most already know their beliefs.
However, change is possible. Exploring faith and challenging beliefs can be a very rewarding experience. It will allow you to be more comfortable in your own beliefs and help you develop a strong self-identity. College gives us unique opportunities and venues to grow spiritually.
When I came to college, I was ignorant of the world around me. I had never met an openly gay person, never debated philosophy with an atheist and never eaten dinner with a Muslim. I was raised Catholic and that was the only belief structure I really understood. I was always passionate about the study of theology, but only in regards to my beliefs. This is simply because I had never been exposed to different ideas.
By meeting people from other walks of life, I suddenly realized I had been missing the whole picture. I had countless questions about other beliefs, and even some about my own. I came to the conclusion that I could not be sure of what I believed until I understood all the options.
Meeting new people exposes you to new ideas and beliefs. This allows you to examine how their beliefs impact their actions. Understanding what someone believes is useless unless we can understand how it influences them.
Another unique college opportunity is studying religion academically. The university offers many classes in the field of religious studies. These classes can help you develop a strong understanding behind belief structures. Religious study classes are all handled in an objective manner so as to prevent any religious bias. The class, World Religions (RELG 108), for example, gives an introduction to the various forms of faith.
However, if you can only take one religion class, I recommend Philosophy of Religion (PHIL 265). It breaks down world religions philosophically. The knowledge I took from that class allows me to notice who simply "talks the talk" in their beliefs.
Religious organizations give college students one last unique opportunity to develop spiritually. The university has many religious-based student organizations. Christians, Muslims and even atheists can develop a sense of community with like-minded individuals. They also give another opportunity to interact with people who think differently.
I took time to attend meetings of the various religious groups. Although I had no plans to do so, I told them I was considering converting to their religion. As such, everyone was extremely friendly toward me. It allowed me to ask tough questions about their beliefs while not accidentally insulting them. These meetings can reveal the true application of religion. All the theoretical knowledge about religion is useless unless you can see how it is applied.
Experiences like this will give you a more holistic view of the world. It is very easy to be trapped by religious thinking. We like to look at an issue from one side, but understanding different cultures and beliefs will allow you to objectively analyze the world around you.
Studying the different faiths has given me a better understanding of the human condition as a whole. It has allowed me to be more religiously tolerant and much more respectful toward others' beliefs. We all have different concepts of the world, but at the end of the day, we share this planet as brothers and sisters in humanity.
Understanding and being respectful of others is the most important aspect of coexistence. What we believe isn't important. What is important is how we treat others with different beliefs.
Kevin Moser is a senior psychology major. Reach him at kevinmoser@dailynebraskan.com
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