In an institution filled with tens of thousands of students all with their own opinions and upbringings, it begs the question — what is the general perception of religion and spirituality in the modern age? Is it looked down upon as an old practice? Or is it looked up to as a system of belief and a way to build community?
Most people regardless of their beliefs tend to have some form of spirituality; the important distinction to find is if their belief is in spirituality alone, or in a type of religion.
Antonietta Tiano, a second-year studying anthropology and criminology, spoke about her upbringing in a small town in Italy where she was told to entrust and follow the church. However, as she’s grown into an adult she’s found more comfort in spirituality, putting her faith into the universe as a connected higher being rather than one entity.
A common thread between Tiano and many other students at NC State is the foundation of a religion in their upbringing but not practicing as an adult. That could be due to lifestyle, culture or more simply what is most logical and connecting to the individual mind.
This pattern proves that regardless of a faith being introduced to you, one must find what you believe in and make that decision for yourself.
Sarah Mahmoud, a third-year studying business, has had this kind of experience.
“I think everyone at the end of the day has to choose their own religion,” Mahmoud said. “I was born and raised Muslim, but I eventually at some point decided to choose Islam and to choose to learn more about it.”
Ahmed Hauter, a first-year studying philosophy, spoke about how his faith affects day-to-day life. He brings a certain practice to their daily goals and interactions with people.
“[Religion is] something that gives you a guide, a pathway to live life upon and to do the best you can in this life,” Hauter said.
Though most of the religious and spiritual students find comfort in their own beliefs and use them as a guide, there are many who simply don’t find connection in one at all.
Michael Whittington, a third-year studying statistics, spoke about how religion was not a major influence in his childhood. He never had a desire to seek it out and considers himself agnostic. Whittington finds a lack of connection to higher powers, whether that be one or many entities.
“I think we went to church once in my whole childhood. I remember we went to church on a random Sunday,” Whittington said. “I guess we were trying it out? I didn’t really enjoy it much, and my mom did not care for it.”
Despite a lack of connection to a specific belief, Whittington certainly doesn’t look down upon it. In fact, none of the agnostic and non-religious students stated any judgment towards religious people. Some of their peers and friends share it, which is something they can respect.
Many students felt that faith became more important to them when met with challenges and sudden life-altering events. There comes a desire to understand the world around them and understand themselves. Dalya Al Obaidi, a third-year studying business, said she finds her faith in community.
“The West is very individualistic … we’re taught to depend on ourselves,” Al Obaidi said. “But in cultures around the world people live in a tight-knit society. I associate religion more with a communal connection — you’re surrendering your logic — being individualistic is not natural; we need community, we need something to lean on.”
Everyone seeks an understanding. Whether it is in science, in the natural universe around us, in a higher being, to gods or one God, people shelter themselves in a community — in a connection with the people around them and their beliefs. So while it may vary, in the eyes of young students it is seen as a guide, regardless of how different that guide is from person to person.
