COLUMN: Experience the religions of others
I want to try something a little different this week. Rather than talk at you for 700 words I would like to invite you to experience something. The semester will soon be coming to a close, and with it may come a welcome chunk of free time you did not previously have. You will no doubt want to find worthwhile and interesting things to do with this time, and I have just the thing: The exploration of other religions.
For some of you my suggestion may seem dull at a surface level. Your thoughts may have turned to restless and agonizingly dull sermons your mother made you sit through as a child. Perhaps you are perfectly happy with your current religion and see no value in looking into another, but bear with me for a few more paragraphs. I did this last summer and it was one of the most interesting experiences I have had to date.
When I began my exploration of other religions, I too was perfectly comfortable with my religion of choice, and my journey only made me more appreciative of my personal beliefs and the beliefs of others. For example, I had never been deeply exposed to a traditional Christian understanding of the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. I discovered for Christians it wasn’t just the Son of God who died to save the souls of fallen humanity, but God himself in the form of the Son. I gained an understanding of why this act was so significant. In this moment, God came down to show humanity that he suffered with them.
Judaism gave me an understanding of the Sabbath that amounted to more than the day on which I wasn’t allowed to play with friends or go to the store as a child. I learned of the meaning and purpose behind the day from the religion which created it. I understood why disconnect from the things of the world was so important to truly transcend the material world.
The following are two brief introductions to two local religions which I had the pleasure of exploring, along with their websites.
The first local religion I looked into was St. Thomas Aquinas Roman Catholic Church, which I found to be surprisingly close to the Mormonism with which I am familiar, whether they will admit it or not. They no doubt have their differences, but there is at least one similarity for every difference. There is a central figure of authority in both religions. Mormons are led by the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and Roman Catholics by the Pope. Both practice sacramental rituals of great importance to their respective members, they share a reverence for the institutions of family and marriage, and they both claim to be the true church of Jesus Christ. This is a good place to start for those who don’t want to stray too far from home, although even here one is likely to feel they are in a foreign environment at times. For more information about Roman Catholicism from a local source, please visit http://sta.thischurch.org/.
My personal favorite church visit this past year was to St. John’s Episcopal Church in historic downtown Logan. The rector Susan Springer welcomes all individuals with open arms and a kind smile. The chapel is graced with wonderful imagery, including beautiful stained glass windows which add an aesthetic element to the religious experience. The Episcopal Church explains itself as both catholic and protestant in that they view themselves as a part of the larger Christian community, and share practices similar to that of the Roman Catholic Church, but protestant in that they are recognized as such by the Roman Catholic Church. Unlike the LDS and Roman Catholic Churches, the Episcopal Church ordains women to the priesthood, which may be an experience for some in itself to see a woman in a leadership role traditionally held by men. For more information about the Episcopal Church from a local source, please visit http://www.stjohnschurch1.qwestoffice.net/.
These are only two of many religious institutions one can take the time to explore this summer season. Those who will be in areas such as Ogden and Salt Lake City will have even more options than would be found in Cache Valley, such as Cathedrals and Synagogues. Regardless of where you find yourself, I once again encourage you to broaden your horizons and experience something new by seeing just how those with faiths different than yours worship, practice, and view this existence in general. You will likely find unexpected similarities as you go about, as well as a newfound understanding and appreciation for the different theologies and practices you encounter.
Here are the websites of just a few local religions for those of you who will be in Cache Valley this summer:
• First Presbyterian Church of Logan: www.firstpreslogan.org
• Prince of Peace Lutheran Church: www.princeopeace.org/
• Cache Valley Unitarian Universalists: www.cvuu.org/
• Logan Islamic Center: http://www.loganisc.org/
Cam Davis is a senior majoring in political science and religious studies. He can be reached at cam.davis@aggiemail.usu.edu.