Rose Wall, graphics editor

In September of this year, the Carrier published an article investigating the religious demographics across Berry’s campus. Considering the history of the college, it’s not surprising that a majority of its students are religious: after all, not every college has its own chaplain, or was founded by a Christian leader like Martha Berry. Moreover, in one of the most church-dense regions in the entire United States, believers of all creeds can easily find a spiritual community in or around the area. 

For many students, religious opportunities such as the ones offered by Berry give them the opportunity to make meaningful connections, deepen their faith, serve the local community. That said, however, Berry students are a bit of an anomaly when compared to the country as a whole: whereas 70% of Berry students identify as religious, in the United States religious affiliation has been declining for well over a decade, according to the Pew Research Center. For me, this knowledge has left me begging the question: what does Berry’s religious future look like? 

I have always had an interest in religious diversity and religious deconversion in particular, though I would hardly call myself an expert on the topic. On a campus that is generally invested in religious faith, therefore, I’ve come to wonder how other students see religious diversity—that is, how students understand and tolerate people with different religious, nonreligious, and even ex-religious viewpoints. 

On a campus that is increasingly dedicated to promoting diversity, I’d like to propose that students consider a type of diversity that is often overlooked: religious diversity. Though religion isn’t usually as visually evident as skin color or ethnicity, it can be just as significant and multi-faceted in a person’s life as any other aspect of their identity. For some, that means living a life inspired by Christ and spreading compassion to one’s neighbors; for others, their identity and experiences lead them to speak out on abuses exacerbated or caused by religious dogma. Without understanding these varying perspectives on faith, students will inevitably reduce such viewpoints to hurtful overgeneralizations and cliches. 

It can be hard to talk to someone if you find their beliefs offensive, or just plain wrong. However, if Berry is serious in welcoming people from all walks of life, then its students must be willing to listen even when opposing viewpoints make them uncomfortable. The entire principle of a liberal arts education is to expose a student to a variety of ideas and differing viewpoints; therefore, my wish is that students will feel comfortable talking about both the good and bad sides of faith and create a more understanding student body. 

I challenge you to listen the next time someone mentions their faith or lack thereof to you. Rather than becoming uncomfortable or putting them into a box, ask them questions to understand their perspective rather than to debate it. 

To the readers who identify with a faith, keep in mind that many people may have been traumatized by belief systems. For example, many LGBTQ+ people, women and atheists have been bullied, ostracized and even abused due to religion. While this is an uncomfortable realization for many, it is important to face it if you want others to feel heard. To ex-religious readers, I challenge you to observe how faith can help others. Oftentimes in my observations of ex-religious communities online, members end up cynical and close-minded to every aspect of religion, including believers. However, to do this is to miss out on the beauty of religion in the lives of billions of people. Don’t assume you know all religions based on your personal experience: rather, actually talk to people and ask them what they believe, why and how they practice it in their daily lives. 

My main appeal is that students sincerely listen to each other when it comes to religion. While topics concerning faith may have a personal investments, it is important that students examine them honestly if we as a college are serious about diversity on this campus. After all, if your beliefs are true, they can handle being questioned.