MSJ’s Interfaith Club went to a Baha’i center on Nov. 2 as part of the campus ministry, Interfaith Club where all students are welcome to learn about a variety of faiths including Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Sikh, and Baha’i, among others.
This club is led by Michelle Arnold, Mount alum and the current Assistant Director of Mission and Belonging. Not only do we learn more about the beauty of different faith traditions and have meaningful discussions in this club, but we also visit various houses of worship. When we go on these field trips, we learn about the faith tradition, ask questions, and connect with wonderful people who are happy to teach us about their faith and are respectful of our views.
Recently, we took a trip to the Baha’i Faith center in Westwood. We learned that the Baha’i faith is sort of like a “melting pot religion” in the sense that people who follow this faith respect the major religions – Christianity, Judaism, Sikhism, Islam, Hinduism, Confucianism, Taoism – and even read from the different sacred texts.
We sat among people of all different faith backgrounds as we listened to people from talk about Baha’i beliefs, founders, history, and worship practices. After having an opportunity to ask questions about the Baha’i faith, everyone worked together to move our chairs against the wall while others helped set up tables of food. We were encouraged to talk to each other about our faith traditions and enjoy the delicious food the Baha’i people made for us. I can say with confidence that the food was delicious, and the people were very friendly!
The house of worship was a sizable building and we stayed in a smaller room with about 25 other people. As I looked around the room, there were photos displaying their history, founders, and their name for God written in Arabic. At first glance, the name looks as if it spelled “Evil” in fancy letters, but after asking a Baha’i person, I learned that the letters read “Almighty and All-Glorious One.” This is their name for God since they don’t have one specific name for God, because they believe the God described in other monotheistic (belief that there is one god) faith traditions is the same God just revealing themself in different ways.
Reflecting on this experience, I would I love to go to more Interfaith events with MSJ’s Interfaith Club or on my own to learn more about different religions and cultures! I would highly recommend exploring different cultures and talking to people of different faith traditions whether it be simply for the sake of learning or searching for the truth as you grow stronger in your values and beliefs. It is better to respectfully explore various faiths than stay in a bubble never knowing what else is out there and how the rest of the world worships God.