Editorial: Religious Debates Spark Increase in Knowledge

Several topics within our Commentary section have received a lot of attention and usually elicit various comments from readers but one article this semester has really done this well. Last week’s, “Arabs and Muslims Are Not Necessarily the Same Thing” by Carolina Medellin received over 3,000 hits online within a day, making it this year’s top read story.

Medellin has written several articles which deal with various aspects of the Islamic faith but this one caused quite a reaction. In her article, she made the distinction between Muslims and Arabs and that they are not the same thing.

The comments varied from praising the article for bringing to light what the rest of the world already knew, to a discussion of culture and comparing various atrocities to Muslims in America with African-Americans in the past and today in some places.

The bottom line is that religion sparks a lot of debate. In college some people have stronger beliefs than others. Some students are actively searching and others are not even paying attention.

A couple of years ago when UT announced the building of the Sykes Center for Faith and Values, The Minaret reported on the announcement and students that read the story were furious and the subtle opposition can still be found on campus today.

Some believe that faith and values have no room here at UT and would rather see a parking lot or academic buildings.

Just to clarify, the money that is being spent for the Center for Faith and Values was given specifically for that purpose and it was not up to UT to make the decision on how it should be spent.

Anything to do with faith, religion and spirituality causes people to stand up and say something about what they believe in and why. UT has helped in the development of this with their Resource Team for Faith, Values and Spirituality. They have hosted book clubs, community conversation groups, movies and a few weeks ago a speaker’s corner on religion.

Various religions, faiths and beliefs were expressed and tempers flared as questions were raised during the event. Yet, what came from the panel of professors at the end was that they enjoyed seeing the discourse between the students.

Although there was good discourse, it was definitely the case that many attendees walked away with their faith strengthened or questioned.

Is it a good idea that we continually debate about these things? Yes, of course it is. In a college setting especially when we have the opportunity to take in several perspectives and be in the place to respect each one. Perhaps students can find a belief that they are comfortable with or at least begin to understand.