The term ?full house? isn?t accurate enough to describe the crowd Sept. 15 in Brendle Recital Hall. Stephen Prothero, a professor in the Department of Religion at Boston University and the author of a number of books on religion, including? God Is Not One and A Nation of Religions visited campus to speak about religious literacy as part of the Voices of Our Time series.
Clare Stanton/Old Gold & Black
Prothero?s address began 20 minutes late because of a need to assemble chairs on-stage behind the podium to accommodate for the interest that exceeded the seating capacity of the recital hall. After about 100 chairs were arranged behind the podium and the overflow of audience members made themselves comfortable, Prothero began his captivating speech.
Prothero began his lecture with an explanation of the role of religion around the globe and addressed the general population?s skepticism about religion overall.
?Religion is an inescapable force,? Prothero said, addressing both the positives and negatives that accompany its prevalence. He believes one negative is that people have become ignorant with regard to religion.
This lack of religious awareness is especially recognizable in the United States, supported by a survey assessing Americans? knowledge of basic religious facts; the survey reported a stunningly inadequate grasp of different faiths.
The results of Prothero?s tests were shocking; for example, many believed that Joan of Arc was the wife of Noah.
?Prothero broke it [religious ignorance] down into a problem, its history and he then presented us with a solution,? sophomore Muhammad Siddiqui said.
Prothero?s goal is to encourage the study of the Bible in universities and public schools across the nation. He also contends that public schools should implement a religions curriculum that has a more global focus. Prothero affirmed that his goal isn?t to promote religion, but to promote understanding. According to Prothero, the Bible is not only a useful tool in understanding Christianity but also the foundation for the majority of history, literature and art.
Many students, says Prothero, are unable to connect important aspects of the past to religious importance and, therefore, miss out on a lot of depth in their studies.
Along with the Bible, Prothero encouraged students to familiarize themselves with the Quran. He emphasized the importance of reading this source as well because it is a way to gain an understanding of another culture.
He feels that ?world religion? courses are needed to teach students about varied religious beliefs and practices to develop a more common understanding.
?We were impressed by his knowledge of each religion,? Marlee Goldston and Brittanie Joyner, students from High Point University that traveled to hear Prothero speak, said. ?We were amazed by his open-mindedness.?
Throughout his speech, Prothero pushed boundaries of religious discussion and challenged the crowd to do the same. While individuals are taught to never discuss politics and religion at the dinner table, Prothero thinks that it is something important to address.
Without acknowledging the importance of and the difference among religions, misunderstandings and animosity between groups can occur.
?Prothero expanded the view of the university?s students,? sophomore David Inczauskis said, ?allowing religion to enter the debate about the forces that control modern society.?
The general vibes were positive regarding the content and delivery of the speech, and many felt prepared to advocate for Prothero?s ideas. ?Now people just need to do something about religious literacy,? Siddiqui said, ?and Prothero?s suggestions are simple and very applicable.?
Source: http://oldgoldandblack.com/?p=15188
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