November 5, 2008

Speaking of Faith at Ohio Wesleyan
Faith traditions in a diverse world

Photo by Chris Gong ’11

The University’s early years “were marked by 13 required chapel services a week, religious revivals in the Methodist tradition, and numerous ordained presidents and faculty,” says Chad Johns ’02, associate chaplain for mission, vocation, and servant leadership. “Religious life thrived on campus, part of the very woodwork of the institution.”

In 2008, OWU still maintains an active affiliation with the United Methodist Church (and we have another ordained United Methodist president). “While we no longer have required chapel or required religious involvement of any kind, religion and faith still form an integral part of the woodwork of OWU,” Johns says. “Our campus community encompasses many faith communities: Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, and indigenous spiritualities. Of course, atheists and agnostics are also present and welcome on campus.”

The OWU Statement of Aims quotes our original charter, saying that “the University is forever to be conducted on the most liberal of principles, accessible to all religious denominations, and designed for the benefit of our citizens in general.”

Johns says that statement has proven prophetic. “In the global world we live in, we encounter people of faiths different from our own with surprising regularity, whether those people are of a different religion or even a different branch within our religion. Such interaction serves a valuable function because it teaches us to treat people as people. Religious stereotypes can cause as much harm as other stereotypes. An interfaith community helps us to humanize, rather than demonize, those who are different from us.

“Here at OWU, we take that statement from our charter seriously and support our various faith communities through many programs and student groups,” Johns continues. “For Christians, groups range from Campus Crusade for Christ and Fellowship of Christian Athletes to the Newman Catholic Club and Outdoor Ministry Team. We maintain an ongoing relationship with the Coalition for Christian Outreach and participate in their Jubilee conference each year.”

Christians, however, don’t hold monopoly on the University’s faith programming. “For Jewish students, the local chapter of Hillel provides a place for fellowship and learning,” Johns says. “It also organizes major events such as the annual interfaith Seder meal during Passover. For Muslim students, the Muslim Student Association serves as the primary Muslim presence on campus, organizing Friday Jumma prayers and an annual Eid dinner.

In addition, Johns says, two groups are specifically and intentionally interfaith. “Common Texts is an interfaith study of sacred scripture among the Abrahamic faiths. Jewish, Christian, and Muslim students gather to discuss where their scriptures differ and where they intersect. Also, the annual Baccalaureate Service for seniors serves as a spiritual capstone for the whole community of faith at OWU.”

The above list is certainly not exhaustive, Johns mentions. “It is only a glimpse of the active, vibrant life of faith that still permeates the OWU community.”

If you’d like to know more about faith at OWU, visit the Chaplain’s Office Web site. When it comes to the spiritual journey, all are welcome.

– Gretchen Hirsch