Show Students talk religion Discussion teaches acceptance between differing beliefs Lisa Clark Contributing Writer An array of opinions were exl exhibited at last weeks week's Religious Diversity discussion at Redwood Campus The gathering served as a great opportunity opportunity opportunity for participants to come together to discuss their different thoughts and ideas on religion The event which was facilitated by Nancy Filial Fillat International Student Services director was the first of its kind held at and hopefully not the last said Filial Fillat Filial Fillat started the mee meeting ng by establishing ng ground rules which included remembering remember ing you are in a safe environment knowing knowing knowing know know- ing that you can express yourself freely to disagree without being disagreeable and most importantly use I T statements when talking The hour and a half discussion was joined by a group of student panelists including outgoing Student Body President Jeremiah Watson who offered viewpoints on the questions raised Openness and acceptance seemed to bethe bethe be bethe the theme as the discussion progressed Religion is a way two street Watson said You need to understand that someone someone someone some some- one else may have other beliefs All panelists seemed to agree on one thing you should try to be open-minded open and willing to explore and listen to what I 1 0 I others have to say but were not nol so agreeable agreeable agreeable agree agree- able on some other issues One such issue wl which ch seemed to take center stage was Should religions make public statements on poli political cal issues The discussion remained on this topic for quite some time and included varying opinions on the matter Some believed religions should be able to speak their minds on political issues wl while le others disagreed Some felt that religions expressing p political views could possibly endanger members For example one audience member pointed out that the Mormon Monnon Church took a clear position in support of the war in Iraq and President Bush He claimed that this made missionaries in Religious Discussion Cont on Page 2 Religious Discussion Cont from front Europe nervous because Europeans are strongly against the war in Iraq A panelist countered that claim saying the Mormon Church did not say they support the war they said the United States needs to have faith in the politicians we elect Another issue raised was the focus placed on religious differences differences differences differ differ- and whether it was positive positive positive tive or negative Some thought thing It is what makes us unique one audience member said Others saw the differences i in 1 a amore amore amore more negative light In the end Fillat Filial left everyone everyone everyone every every- one with questions to think here about Why were you what wha have you gained and what are the next steps This was followed up with talk of holding additional discussions on the matter and the possibility of adding additional classes to the schedule f- f |