Celebrating Difference

In one of my courses last week we had an interesting conversation about the flaws on focusing primarily on similarities when studying religion. There is a tendency in modern times to lump everything together and only see how all religions pray and seek the Truth. Although it is true and wonderful that all religions have some basic similarities there is a danger in neglecting the unique difference that make each religion beautiful. As my class discussed, sometimes in today’s society interfaith work means everyone pretending that all faiths are similar enough to get along all the time. This overlooks the important fact that every religion is different and each religion has its own traditions and prejudices. If we neglect to these differences we don’t learn about other religions or begin to understand them we simply tolerate them. I love that at Loyola our interfaith programs celebrate religious difference and bring people together to learn about different faiths. Our programming is about working together but also focused on learning about each other. Looking back on last semester we celebrated our work together through the International Day of Peace and the Better Together Photo Booth event, but we also celebrated our differences in the Tour of Sacred Spaces and Interfaith Trivia. Reflecting on the conversation in my class I am proud of the work Loyola Interfaith has done and continues to do. We are truly working toward understanding and celebrating diverse faiths in wonderful ways.  

-Elaina Jo

Interfaith Retreat: Called to Prayer

Interfaith Initiatives started off the year with an amazing retreat. I loved how there was a constant sense of peace and prayer throughout the whole retreat. We began the retreat by having everyone write their name and something they wanted to pray for on a rock. It set the atmosphere of the retreat as a place to reflect and pray. One of the most rewarding parts of the retreat was meeting in small groups to reflect. I was struck by how although everyone in my small group was from a different faith tradition we all had similar experiences and thoughts on prayer. We all find a need within ourselves to be part of a faith-based community that supports us and encourages in our faith. But we also believe it is equally important to have personal prayer experience, to deeply reflect and connect to something beyond ourselves. I was inspired by the students in my group to continue my personal faith journey, with community and in myself. At the end of the retreat we took the rocks that we had written on at the beginning of the retreat and each took the rock of a different person. Now I have someone’s rock sitting on my dresser and every morning I remember to pray for that person. I also know that someone else has my rock, and that they are reminded to pray for me when they see it. It is incredibly beautiful that our retreat has given life to a chain of prayer that will continue throughout the semester. I love knowing and seeing how we are all called to prayer.

-Elaina Jo