Well Informed Religion 3.0

Religion 3.0 

This week's discussion in class over religion was easily the most interactive one we have had thus far the semester. Each person that contributed to the conversation did so freely and openly so there was little hesitation and for the most part everyone seemed truly engaged in listening to what the others had to say. What this signaled to me was that individually we have all been through much in our lives, we have all had the chance to reflect on what we put our faith in and why.

Going into class I was somewhat worried that this discussion would turn into an argument. Faith is something that many people set as the zenith of their existence and build the rest of their lives around it.Our class is small but seemed diverse enough and that we could easily all be in polar opposite views. Professor Young was able to guide the discussion in such a way that made clear that despite our relatively young age we have found our own interpretation of religion and faith. I understand that normally well informed posts are designed to push us to research outside of what we know. However, religion is a topic that Is so broad, I could spend the rest of my life researching, learning and debating and never feel complete. The beauty of faith is in our inability to explain it.

I love this topic, because it is infinite. There are many faiths I have studied in my life in religion such as the LDS, Catholic, Jehova's Witnesses, Jewish, Muslim, and many others. Yet my overall takeaway is almost always the individual testimony of the members. I can learn much more from my fellow man, than written text.

Although I am not a member, Once or twice a year (excluding missionary farewells and homecomings) I make my way to the LDS Church on Sunday. However I only ever attend on the first Sunday of the month to the Fast and Testimony meeting. I fondly refer to this as "Open Mike Sunday" due to the nature of the meeting, which is centered around any individual given freedom to bear their experience and testimony of the church. Despite any disagreements I have with the church it is impossible of me to deny the faith that someone else has and the passion with which they implement it in their life. Thursday's class felt very much like this environment, and despite being part of the Millennial generation of skeptics, open discussion is always a learning experience,