Inter-Faith dialogue brings religious diversity to Wingate

By:Morgan Newman,Staff Writer                   

On Thursday November 14, three religious leaders spoke to Wingate students in the Recital Hall to promote religious diversity. They represented Christianity, Judaism and Buddhism. Students were told to keep their mind open to different religions and practices during the Lyceum and at Wingate University. “I hope sometime before you leave Wingate, you have a faith movement to understand who you are,” said Dane Jordan, Minister of students at Wingate University and representative of Christianity.

According to entrance surveys, Christianity makes up 95 percent of all Wingate students’ religious practices and the other 5 percent makes up a plethora of different religions and beliefs. “Wingate was founded upon the values of Christianity, much like America, but time has shown that the foundation is breaking down and is being remodeled with different ideals and perspectives,” said Jordan.

Other speakers at the Lyceum who represented Judaism and Buddhism gave great insight into these religions and told students about the practices and beliefs of each. “In Judaism, all people are expected to be good; to live out a righteous life and give thanks for everything,” said Mickey Aberman, representative of Judaism.

Where Judaism is the oldest monotheistic religion, “Buddhism may or may not be a religion at all, depending on how you practice it. It can be explained in three simple sentences: avoid all evil, embrace all that is good, and cleanse your mind,” said Helius Wong, representative of Buddhism.

“Buddhism is a soul searching process; it is to separate your spirit self from your human self, while coming to terms with yourself in the long run,” said Wong.

This Lyceum gave good insight into different religions that students can look into. Because in the end “what you believe is up to you to decide,” said Jordan.

Edited by: Curtricia Farmer